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
For questions, contact GSU-LC at (708) 235-7553 or email legalclinic@govst.edu.
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.
SIP Arts Foundation, Inc. is an Illinois nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. It offers community education on special education laws, disability rights and advocacy. The foundation also offers opportunities to provide a voice and foster healing through creative expression in the arts. SIP Arts Foundation programs include:
- One-on-one person-centered planning that maps each family’s goals and next steps
- Free community meals that reduce isolation and bring families together
- Group advocacy workshops where every family leaves with a personalized binder organizing their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), rights and records
- Pathways to Expression, an inclusive studio arts program in Belleville for children ages 4 to 12 with and without disabilities
- Self-advocacy programming in St. Clair and Madison counties that helps young people find their voice and prepare for the transition to post-secondary education and employment
For questions, please visit SIP Arts Foundation’s “Let’s Connect” page or email info@sipartsfoundation.org.
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.
Southern Illinois Pathways is a grassroots initiative led by individuals with disabilities, family members and professionals to support families navigating disability, special education and mental health systems across metro east Illinois. It offers free, plain-language workshops for families, students, young adults, and individuals with disabilities. It helps make disability rights, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), mental health supports, local services and self-advocacy easier to understand.
Southern Illinois Pathways offers free:
- Resources for families
- A local workshop series on Saturday mornings at libraries in each county. The workshops cover disability rights, IEPs and services in plain language.
- Events
Southern Illinois Pathways is a program of SIP Arts Foundation, Inc., an Illinois nonprofit advancing arts, disability advocacy and education across Madison, St. Clair and Monroe counties in metro east Illinois.
For questions, please contact Southern Illinois Pathways at (618) 816-8834, (618) 623-2423 (direct) or info@southernilpathways.com.
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.
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national, nonprofit organization made up of law firms that provide financial planning and legal help for families with loved ones who have special needs. SNA offers resources, a “Helpful Resources for Families and Individuals with Special Needs” page, and expertise to help families navigate financial planning, disability law and connecting with nearby attorneys who focus their practices on disability law.
For more details, visit the SNA Contact Us page.
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.