Transition Resources
It Gets Better Project – LGBTQ+ Youth Local and Global Resources
The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. The It Gets Better Project offers LGBTQ+ youth on- and offline resources that include events, local community service providers that can provide on-the-ground assistance and thousands of stories as told by members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The It Gets Better Project also provides educational materials and resources for teachers and student leaders.
iTaalk Autism Foundation
iTaalk (Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kids) Autism Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, training and assistive technology to help individuals with autism and other disabilities develop greater independence at all stages of life.
iTaalk’s App Facilitator Program provides grants to individuals of all ages and with all disabilities (not just autism) to help them access apps that are key to their communication. Applicants must own the device for which they are requesting apps.
iTaalk also provides a searchable list of grants and resources for families of children with special needs.
For questions, please contact iTaalk.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance.
Job Corps is a comprehensive program that provides essential academics and career skills training. The program helps eligible youth ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment.
For questions, please visit the contact page on Job Corps’ website.
John Wood Community College Services for Students With Disabilities
John Wood Community College (JWCC) offers various support services to help students in Adams and Brown County succeed in the classroom. Students with disabilities can get help exploring career options, finding resources to pay for college, tutoring and more. Other programs include:
- College for Life (CFL) program
- JWCC Disability Services
- Perkins Student Support
- TRiO Student Support Services (TRiO SSS), a federal grant that provides free help to 175 qualifying JWCC students who are first-generation college students, meet income guidelines, or have a disability.
If you have questions, please email Alisa Cameron or call (217) 641-4302.
Junior Achievement USA and Illinois Chapters
Junior Achievement USA (JA) helps young people own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices. The organization offers educational materials for schools and other organizations and hands-on learning experiences for students focusing on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. JA Connect also provides online self-guided activities to help students learn, apply and practice new skills. JA outreach in Illinois also includes:
Know Your Rights: Students & LGBTQ Rights at School
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) provides information on rights as an LGBTQ student in public school and may be able to offer assistance if your rights are being violated by teachers, principals, or other students.
Lake County Center for Independent Living
Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.
LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.
LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education
The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education‘s (LEASE-SPED) website provides quick links, event calendars and resources to help navigate the transition to adulthood, as well as training and educational resources for parents, students, social workers and educational professionals.
The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education provides:
- Parent resources
- The Illinois Valley Transition Planning Committee (IVTPC)
- Upcoming events
- Quick links to MyInfinitec and more
For questions, please call (815) 433-6433 or email lease@lease-sped.org.
Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois
The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Illinois offers resources and supports to empower individuals with learning disabilities throughout their lifespan. It provides people with learning disabilities, their families, teachers and other professionals information on state legislation, learning disabilities, awards and scholarships, and more.
Learn more about LDA of Illinois scholarship opportunities for students, special education teachers, parents and other awards.