Resource Directory /

Transition Resources

  • Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic from Governors State University

    Governors State University’s Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic (GSU-LC) provides free self-help legal assistance and non-legal resources to low-income Illinois residents navigating the court system without legal representation. The clinic’s team of attorneys, social workers and volunteers works under the supervision of a licensed attorney and social worker to increase access to legal services in underrepresented communities. GSU-LC offers pro se and free legal assistance in the areas of family law, immigration, housing and expungement, and can help with:

    • Understanding legal rights and laws
    • Filing depositions, settlement negotiations and court appearances
    • Reviewing and explaining court orders and filings

  • Sensory-Friendly Travel at Chicago’s Airports

    Chicago O’Hare and Midway International airports offer videos, social stories, sensory maps, accessibility guides and other resources to help travelers with sensory sensitivities or who are neurodivergent feel more comfortable and confident throughout their journey.

    Visit the sensory section of FlyChicago.com to find:

    • Short videos that show what to expect at different stages of the airport journey
    • Step-by-step guides with visuals to prepare travelers for the airport experience
    • Visual guides of O’Hare and Midway that highlight high- and low-sensory areas
    • Details about sensory bags available at information desks

  • Sertoma Organization for People Affected by Hearing Loss

    Sertoma provides information and support to people at risk of or affected by hearing loss. National and local chapters across the United States support hearing health through a variety of programs and activities. Sertoma services include annual scholarships, access to amplified hearing devices, teen and college-level service programs, the “Adopt-an-Agency” program and more.

    Sertoma offers two scholarship programs:

    • The Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf is open to students with clinically significant bilateral hearing loss. Graduating high school students or undergraduate students pursuing four-year college degrees in any discipline are eligible for the scholarship.
    • The Communicative Disorders Scholarship is for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in audiology or speech-language pathology from institutions in the United States. The program awards these scholarships in the spring to help offset the cost of tuition, books and fees incurred during the following school year.

    See Sertoma’s website for eligibility requirements. The program accepts applications between Nov. 1 and March 31 each year.

  • Sign Language Interpreter Directory

    The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission maintains a directory of sign language interpreters. You can search the directory by an interpreter’s name or by region/county.

  • SourceAmerica Job Board

    SourceAmerica’s Job Board is a resource for job seekers with disabilities and direct service professionals who help job seekers fulfill their work and career goals. SourceAmerica provides a nationwide network, support and tools to find the job that matches your skills and abilities. Their dedicated job board includes:

    • A job search tool
    • Resume builder
    • Career matching and training resources
    • Mentorship opportunities

  • Special Connections of Grundy County

    Special Connections of Grundy County promotes inclusion, self-determination and learning for people with disabilities in Grundy County. Programs include a wide range of Special Olympics athletics, arts and crafts, movies, games, picnics, parties, dances and family support throughout the year.

    For more information, please call (815) 230-1877 or email info@specialconnections.org.

  • Special Education Helpline

    Equip for Equality has a toll-free Special Education Helpline to help families get appropriate education services for their children. The Helpline can assist by providing:

    • Someone to talk to about your questions and concerns
    • Information sheets on frequently asked questions
    • Sample letters and forms
    • Referrals
    • Other assistance as needed

    Contact the Helpline at 1-866-KIDS-046 (1-866-543-7046) or specialed@equipforequality.org.

  • Special Needs Chicago Transportation Services

    Special Needs Chicago provides individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges throughout Chicago and the suburbs with wheelchair-accessible transportation.

  • Special Olympics School of Strength

    Special Olympics has created a fitness video series in partnership with WWE for Special Olympics athletes, led by Special Olympics athletes. The fitness campaign targets athletes in their teens and late 20s and features four workout videos with varying levels of difficulty in flexibility, strength, balance and endurance exercises encouraging athletes to commit to a lifetime of fitness habits.

  • Special Recreation Associations in Illinois

    The Special Recreation Associations Network of Illinois (SRANI) is a network of therapeutic recreation agencies. Special Recreation Associations provide community-based special recreation services to children and adults with disabilities. You can see a list of special recreation cooperatives available in Illinois.

    For more information, visit the SRANI website.