Transition Resources
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.
Resources for Voters With Disabilities
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission created this comprehensive list of resources for voters with disabilities, which includes links to voting accessibility laws and regulations and the latest best practices and research pertaining to voters with disabilities.
Rides Mass Transit District in Southern Illinois
Rides Mass Transit District (RMTD) offers clean, comfortable, and cost-effective public transportation in Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Edgar, Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Lawrence, Pope, Richland, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White and Williamson counties. RMTD offers door-to-door and fixed-route services to anyone requiring transportation. RMTD also provides ADA paratransit services for people with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route bus services where available.
RMTD’s ADA paratransit service is by reservation only. For more details or to make a reservation:
- See the RMTD flyer in English
- See the RMTD flyer in Spanish/Folletto en español
For any questions, please call the RMTD Operation Center at (844) 220-1243.
Rising Lights Project is dedicated to creating environments for individuals affected by disability to learn, laugh, thrive and engage with the Fox Valley Community.
Rising Lights Project provides opportunities that engage, encourage, educate and empower people from all areas of the community to change the way disability is viewed and create new opportunities to keep those with disability engaged and connected. The project hosts inclusive events that are accessible and sensory-friendly for all ages.
For questions about events or programs, visit the Rising Lights Project contact us page.
Rockin’ the Spectrum is a non-profit helping families and their loved ones with autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization works to promote autism acceptance and inclusion for all ages, and provides a space where loved one can be themselves and families can learn together in a judgment-free environment.
Located in McHenry County, Rockin The Spectrum provides:
- The Clubhouse, an indoor sensory play area
- Support, resources and advocacy
- A day program for youth 18 and older
For questions, please contact Rockin’ the Spectrum at (224) 538-9736 or rockinthespectrum@yahoo.com.
Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. The program is focused on getting students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”
Recognizing that not all students may feel safe talking to their parents, teachers, coaches or mentors, students can use a free app, text/phone, website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com) and other social media platforms to confidentially report school safety issues and seek help before harming themselves or others.
The Safe2Help website provides guidance, tips and multi-media materials for children, teens, parents and educators on topics including:
- The role and actions of a trusted adult
- Ways to get help
- Encouraging others
- Helping someone online
- Suicide prevention
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has created this free resource to help you and your family save money for the future.
Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)
The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) provides a wide variety of information, videos, fellowship opportunities and events to support and strengthen self-advocacy.
SARTAC resources for individuals and self-advocacy groups include:
- Help for navigating social, economic and personal issues
- Self-advocacy Zoom meetings and webinars
- Tip sheets for self-advocacy groups
- A history of self-advocacy

