Transition Resources
Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) offers free legal services to people living in poverty, with disabilities, aged 60 and older across 36 counties in Northern and Central Illinois. PSLS provides legal help to protect survivors of domestic violence and help people facing issues impacting financial stability and serious housing issues.
See the PSLS General Services brochure for more details:
PSLS has 11 offices that serve 36 counties in northern Illinois. The resources page also provides references to self-help information. Visit PSLS’ website for more information, office hours and locations.
Preparing For College When You Have Congenital Heart Disease
Going to college is an exciting time filled with new friends and experiences. When you have congenital heart disease (CHD), it can be overwhelming or tempting to put your care on the back burner. It’s very important that you stay in care and are as prepared as possible.
The Adult Congenital Heart Association provides this resource with tips to help you maintain good health while you further your education.
Progress Center for Independent Living Serving Suburban Cook County
The Progress Center for Independent Living serves over 133 municipalities throughout suburban Cook County. It is a community-based, non-profit, non-residential service and advocacy organization operated for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities. Progress Center provides a variety of training and education services, housing assistance, and tools and resources for people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes. These include:
- Youth transition to adulthood program
- Independent living skills training
- Peer counseling
- Housing assistance
- Deaf services
- Braille classes
- Radio Independent Living 24/7
For questions, please call (708) 209-1500 or email info@progresscil.org.
Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of all the freedom of mobility for people with physical disabilities.
Project Mobility also does an Adaptive Bike Giveaway. Please fill out Project Mobility’s Adaptive Bike Giveaway form to receive information and be added to the waitlist.
Protected Tomorrows is an advocacy and financial advisory organization supporting families of individuals with special needs and disabilities. The organization provides compassionate guidance to help individuals and caregivers navigate government benefits, legal considerations, future care planning and financial strategies for a more fulfilling future for everyone. Protected Tomorrows’ resources include:
- Monthly Protected Tomorrows Parent University online classes
- Step-by-step, comprehensive planning tools
- Individual and family services
- A Resource Hub with information, articles and videos
For questions, please contact Protected Tomorrows using the online contact form.
QCA Adaptive Sports Association in Moline
QCA Adaptive Sports Association is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization in the Quad City area offering a safe, accessible and accepting environment for people with physical disabilities to enjoy adaptive sports and recreational opportunities. Sports programs include:
- Wheelchair basketball
- Tennis
- Rowing
- Softball and more
For questions, please use this online form to contact QCA Adaptive Sports Association.
QuestBridge is a nonprofit that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to scholarships, financial aid and other learning opportunities to help them attend top colleges nationwide. QuestBridge also provides a Student Resource Center featuring a student workbook, checklists and tips for preparing, applying and paying for college. Its programs include:
- The College Prep Scholars Program helps high school juniors become strong applicants to top colleges.
- Quest for Excellence Awards provide high school juniors opportunities to receive scholarships, laptops and funding for partner college visits.
- The National College Match is the next step for high school seniors. College Match participants can apply for free to colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship.
- The QuestBridge Regular Decision program provides finalists who do not match an opportunity to be considered for admission and financial aid through a partnering college.
Visit the QuestBridge website for up-to-date program information, application deadlines, and details on other programs.
If you have any questions, please visit QuestBridge’s Contact Us page to find a detailed list of who to contact.
RAMP Disability Resources and Services – Center for Independent Living (CIL)
RAMP (RAMP-CIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). It welcomes anyone with a disability, regardless of the type of disability, age, or economic status. The organization serves Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. RAMP-CIL services for youth and adults include:- Information and referral
- Youth education and advocacy
- Portable ramp loans
- Independent living skills training
- Bus training and public transportation skills
- Employment services
- Fast Track Transition services for youth
- Project SEARCH school-to-work program transition program
For questions, please see RAMP’s website for specific contact information and office hours.
The Ray Graham Association provides individuals with disabilities and their families in DuPage County and the surrounding area with recreational, residential, family support, employment and life skills services.
The Ray Graham Association website also includes links to advocacy and legislative resources. The association’s goal is to empower people to:
- Reach their potential by providing access to therapeutic programs, recreation and family support resources.
- Grow their future through neighborhood living, life-skills training and employment opportunities.
- Achieve their goals by pursuing personalized plans with measurable actions and results.
Regional Transportation Authority’s Accessible Transit Information
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) coordinates the Chicago region’s transportation system. The RTA website’s Accessible Transit page includes information about how the transit system is accessible, how to apply for certification for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit services, and how to learn to use the system and achieve travel independence.
You can also visit the RTA’s Travel Assistance Digital Library to access documents about these programs in English and Spanish.
RTA’s Mobility Outreach Program also works with organizations that serve and offer programs to people with disabilities and older adults to ensure they are aware of their transit options.