Resource Directory /

Transition Resources

  • 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:

    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.

  • LIFE Center for Independent Living

    Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE) Center for Independent Living (LIFE CIL) operates a wide variety of programs to support, mentor and advocate for disability rights and independent living for residents in DeWitt, Ford, Livingston and McLean counties.

    Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are nonprofit, nonresidential organizations that provide advocacy, peer support, information and referral, independent living skills training and transition services. Illinois has 22 CILs across the state. At least 51% of board and staff members at each CIL must be individuals with disabilities who are strong mentors and advocates for disability rights and independent living.

    LIFE CIL has two locations:

    • 2201 Eastland Drive, Suite 1, Bloomington, IL 61704
      Phone: (309) 663-5433 or (888) 543-3245
    • 216 N. Main St., Pontiac, IL 61764
      Phone: (815) 844-1132

  • Life’s Plan Mini Grant for Self-Advocates

    Life’s Plan mini grants provide self-advocates start-up money to build a micro-industry business. A micro-industry is a business run by an adult or adults with a disability to earn money and be more financially independent. The micro-industry mini grant will provide up to $2,000 in funding.

    Individuals may be supported by staff or advocates to run a variety of business such as jewelry making, used book resale, greeting cards, errand running, food cart, shredding, lawn/snow removal services and other ideas. Agencies and service organizations are not eligible for this grant.

    Grant applications are available year-round:

  • Lifespan Disability Clinic in Chicago

     UI Health’s Lifespan Disability Clinic provides one-stop, comprehensive primary care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Lifespan Disability Clinic is a welcoming space that aims to collaborate with each individual to achieve their personal goals, such as obtaining appropriate accommodations, coordinating care and supporting the transition to adulthood.

    The Lifespan Disability Clinic has two locations. Services include:

    • Primary care (routine health exams)
    • Support for the transition to adulthood
    • Care coordination
    • Education and resources

  • Little Friends

    Little Friends, Inc. provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families, to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:

    • Schools, educational and vocational training programs
    • Respite family services
    • Community-based residential living
    • The Center for Autism
    • Inklude Studio
    • The Fun Club
    • Family Support Network

    For questions, visit Little Friend’s Contact Us page or call (630) 355.6533.

  • Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)

    The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:

    • Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
    • Assistive technology equipment loan program
    • Community reintegration
    • Computer literacy
    • Mental health resources
    • Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
    • Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families

    For questions, please contact LINC Inc. at (618) 282-2123 or support@lincinc.org.

  • Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) – City of Chicago

    The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) provides education and training, benefits counseling, information and referral, direct services and more to help foster accessibility, full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

    MOPD services and programs include:

  • Medical Grants Through United Healthcare Children’s Foundation

    United Healthcare Children’s Foundation’s (UHCCF) mission is to help fill the gap between what medical services/items/equipment a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for.

    UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan.

    To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger at the time of application and have a Social Security number. Eligible families must also meet UHCCF’s economic guidelines.

    Families could receive up to $5,000 annually and $10,000 a lifetime per child for eligible medical services, treatment therapies, items and equipment.

    For questions, visit the Contact UHCCF website page, email uhccfcustomerservice@uhc.com, or call 1 (855) 698-4223.