Transition Resources
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’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
For questions, please use SourceAmerica’s online contact form.
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.
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 (Tootle Transport) provides individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges throughout Chicago and the suburbs with wheelchair-accessible transportation.
Special Olympics School of Strength
Special Olympics, in partnership with WWE and Special Olympics athletes, provides a free fitness School of Strength video series for athletes in their teens and late 20s. The series features workout videos with varying levels of difficulty in flexibility, strength, balance and endurance exercises to encourage athletes to commit to a lifetime of fitness habits.
Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR) in Bloomington-Normal
Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR) is a community-based therapeutic recreation program for individuals with disabilities ages 4 and up. SOAR offers year-round leisure, social and recreational activities to help build skills and community connections.
Check the website for eligibility, transportation options, and the calendar of events.
The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal sponsor S.O.A.R through their Parks and Recreation departments.
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.
Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon
Special Recreation of Joliet & Channahon (SRJC) is a cooperative extension of the Joliet and Channahon Park Districts. SRJC provides year-round social and recreation activities for people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities. Programs offer opportunities to build new skills, create friendships and have fun.
Transportation is available to residents of Joliet and Channahon for some SRJC programs for an additional fee. For non-resident transportation, please contact the SRJC office at (815) 741-7275, ext. 176.
For more information about SRJC or to request a registration form, call the Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center at (815) 741-7275, ext. 160.