Transition Resources
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 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 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.