Transition Resources

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) is a nonprofit organization serving blind individuals and their sighted friends and family of all ages. NFBI provides information, programs and well-trained leaders to help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities, and effect change at the state and national levels. Programs include:

• A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled
• Scholarship and education programs
• Voter resources
• Statewide and local chapters

Visit NFBI’s website to view the complete list of Illinois chapters and contact information.

Please contact the chapter nearest you for more information.

National Resource Center on Supported Decision-Making

National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center

The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center provides technical assistance and resources to support youth and young adults with disabilities and their families during the transition to adulthood. RAISE provides information, toolkits, webinars and support to help individuals:

• Better understand vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs and services
• Communicate more effectively with transition, rehabilitation and other professionals
• Understand the Rehabilitation Act and how it supports employment, supported employment and independent living
• Develop an Individualized Plan for Employment

RAISE’s resources include:

• The RAISE Youth Engagement Toolkit Series
• Parent Centers
• Resources for self-advocates, families, partners and parent centers
• Adult Ally Toolkit and Podcasts – to guide and empower adults in disability advocacy, post-secondary transition, education and beyond

Many of the resources are also available in Spanish.

For questions, email RAISE using the form on the Contact Us page.

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides a wide range of information, training and supports to build and strengthen services and instruction for secondary students and out-of-school youth with disabilities. Its website offers:

• Training and technical assistance.
• Easy-to-find transition topic areas. Each topic includes an additional list of key resources, related topics and training webinars.
• Webinars and toolkits

For any questions, contact NTACT:C online.

Navarro Farm

Navarro Farm in Frankfort, Ill., provides a safe, supportive environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can gain independence and purpose through agricultural experiences. It offers a wide range of hands-on programs and opportunities, including workplace readiness for transition and adult groups, a farmer and farmer trainee program, family-centered events, and seasonal and community celebrations.

Navarro Farm programs include:

• The Farmer and Farmer Trainee Experience, which focuses on helping people with IDD build confidence and life skills through agricultural activities, such as planting and harvesting crops, animal care, farm-to-table cooking lessons, running the farmstand and participating in social and recreational activities.
• The Post-Transition Groups Skill Development and Job Readiness Program, which provides meaningful farm activities that teach responsibility, time management and problem-solving to prepare participants for future employment or volunteer opportunities.
• Family-centered activities where families can come together, share experiences and create lasting memories.
• Carter’s Corner farm stand.
• Community events and open houses.

Navigating Health Insurance and the Health Care System

The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system.

PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics including:

• Finding and Selecting Insurance
• Making the Most of Your Health Insurance
• Engaging with Insurers: Appealing a Denial
• The Insider’s Guide to Drug Formularies & Medication Benefits

The PAF also offers information and resources in Spanish.

PAF is also available by phone on Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (800) 532-5274.

Navigating Social Media: A Teen Wellness Toolkit

The “Navigating Social Media: A Teen Wellness Toolkit” from The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health offers a collection of teen-friendly resources to support mental health and healthier social media use. This toolkit aims to equip teens with the knowledge and skills to talk about and make decisions about social media and youth mental health.

The “Navigating Social Media: A Teen Wellness Toolkit” provides teen perspectives and real experiences. It includes:

• Presentations
• Tip sheets
• A ready-to-use slide deck
• Resources and activities to help teens navigate social media

Northwest Special Recreation Association

Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) provides general recreation therapy programs, day camps, athletics, inclusion, trips, special events, leisure education, community adult day programs, and one-to-one therapy opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. NWSRA serves 17 northwest suburban Chicago communities in partnership with member park districts.

NWSRA partners with the park districts of Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Mt. Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, River Trails, Rolling Meadows, Salt Creek, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Streamwood, and Wheeling.

If you would like more information, you can visit NWSRA’s website for contact information and office hours.

Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living

Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living (OFACIL) is a member of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living serving residents of Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne and White counties. Offices are located in Mt. Vernon, Carmi and Effingham.

Programs include:

• Skills and employment training
• Support groups and advocacy
• Housing referral and community reintegration
• Youth transition and parent training program
• Adaptive equipment

For questions, please contact OFACIL at (618) 244-9212.

OutCare Provider Directory

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.