Transition Resources
OutCare aims to be a comprehensive resource for LGBTQ+ healthcare, offering provider and healthcare resource directories.
OutCare’s provider directory provides a list of providers who understand LGBTQ+ needs.
Over the Rainbow (OTR) – Housing for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Over the Rainbow (OTR) is an Illinois non-profit organization providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities that are:
- Affordable
- Accessible
- Barrier-free
- Person-centered
OTR’s apartments are located throughout the Chicago region and Northern Illinois. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and meet OTR apartment communities eligibility requirements.
PACER Center Transition and Employment Resources
PACER Center provides information and resources for families of youth with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, higher education and more.
PACER Center’s Transition Health Plan for Youth with Disabilities and their Families
PACER Center’s Transition Health Plan for Youth with Disabilities and Their Families is designed to help transition-age youth with disabilities and their families assess and plan together the next steps for the youth to take on more responsibility for their own health care.
Parent Guide to Special Education
“A Parent’s Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois” is a guide for parents, teachers, administrators and others to learn about the educational rights of children who receive special education and related services due to disabilities that affect their ability to achieve academically.
Special education laws and procedures are complicated and can be difficult to understand. This guide from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will clarify some of the procedures of special education. It contains information about many of the most common topics related to the broad special education landscape, from identification and evaluation to transition planning and complaint procedures.
Review individual topics and chapters or download a complete copy of “A Parent’s Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois” on ISBE’s website.
Parents Alliance Employment Project
Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) provides training and resources to help people with disabilities find competitive employment in DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties.
PAEP youth training programs provide education, daily living and vocational training. PAEP also provides adult services offering career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, job coaching, support and follow-up services.
In addition, PAEP works closely with employers to understand their recruiting, hiring and retention needs and provides information to help them increase diversity and meet their workforce needs.
Perkins School for the Blind College Readiness Resource Center
Perkins School for the Blind College Readiness Resource Center helps students and the many people involved in assisting them prepare for success. Students, families and education professionals can access helpful planning and assessment tools, checklists and resources for going to college, pre-college training programs or heading straight to work.
The College Readiness Resource Center includes:
- Resources for families to start planning early
- Information on the laws that affect the transition from high school to college
- How to get students ready for life after high school
- The College Readiness Checklist and Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) Toolkit
PFLAG is dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Its website includes support resources, links to local chapters and more.
PKU Organization of Illinois Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship
The PKU Organization of Illinois awards the Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship annually to qualified individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) or allied disorders. Eligible applicants may receive scholarships of up to $2,000. The scholarship applicant requirements include:
- Having PKU or an Allied Disorder diagnosis
- Currently residing in Illinois
- Enrolling to attend an accredited college, university or vocational school for the fall semester of the current calendar year
A student may receive more than one scholarship during their secondary education but not in consecutive years.
Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS)
The Plan to Achieve Self Support or PASS for people with disabilities is a written plan of action for getting a particular kind of job or starting a business offered by the Social Security Administration. The PASS allows you to earn more money to apply towards a work goal, without reducing your SSI benefits.