Transition Resources
WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community
The WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community site is an online resource destination for the American Job Center network, people with disabilities and employers.
The site is also a resource for all who partner with the workforce system to provide services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. It also provides an opportunity to network with peers interested in addressing disability and employment issues.
YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs in Cass and Clay Counties
Diverse Abilities – YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties provides programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers an opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other special needs to participate in a wide range of classes and activities based on their needs and comfort level. Its programs include:
- Art
- Fitness
- Monthly social hours
- Swimming
YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs in Springfield
Diverse Abilities – YMCA provides a wide variety of programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers an opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other special needs to participate in a wide wide range of classes and activities based on their needs and comfort level.
Diverse Abilities-YMCA programs include:
- SNAP (Special Needs Aquatics Program)
- Gymnastics
- Saturday Strikers providing friends, developing new skills, and learning to navigate the everyday world in a safe and welcoming environment.
- Sports
YMCA Diverse Abilities Swim Lessons in Decatur
Decatur Family YMCA provides swim lessons and aquatics programming for individuals with diverse abilities to ensure participants of all needs and skill levels are able to learn water safety and enjoy the pool. These lessons are tailored towards the skills of each participant. Instructors communicate with parents even more than usual to ensure that each swimmer is working towards an agreed upon goal.
Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to get ready to vote and how to get accommodations when voting.
Youth, Adolescent and Young Adult Suicide Prevention
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has developed a “Youth, Adolescent and Young Adult Suicide Prevention” webpage to help family members and others prevent suicide by knowing:
- The facts about suicide
- Who is at risk
- Warning signs specific to youth, adolescents and young adults
- Protective factors
“Born for Business” Disability Entrepreneurship Toolkit
Entrepreneurship and self-employment can be valuable and viable options for people with disabilities looking to enter the job market on their own terms. RespectAbility’s Born for Business toolkit provides an inventory of existing materials, advice and guides for job seekers with disabilities who are ready to become self-employed, launch a new enterprise or develop their entrepreneurial skills.
This toolkit was developed along with the Born For Business docuseries that focuses on the talents, innovations and impact of entrepreneurs with varying disabilities.