Resource Directory /

Transition Resources

  • Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES)

    Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES) provides career and technical education (CTE) courses and oversees a variety of state and federal education improvement grants for schools in DeKalb, LaSalle, Lee, Kane and Kendall counties. Students with disabilities and other special populations in the VALEES region can earn industry credentials and education benefits, participate in skill-building workshops and competitions, and connect with business and industry. Parents, guardians, educators and professionals can visit the VALEES website for resources and programs for special populations.

  • Voting Checklist for People With Disabilities

    Easterseals has a Voting Checklist for People with Disabilities to help people with disabilities make sure their voice is heard at the polls. The checklist explains how to learn about elections in your area, your rights as a voter with a disability,  what to do if your rights are being violated and more. You can also download a voting resource card to take with you to the polls.

  • Western DuPage Special Recreation Association

    Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides recreation and social opportunities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. From ages 3 to their senior years, individuals can enjoy adaptive sports, athletics, camps, social clubs, trips and more. WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts and serves the communities/member districts of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.

    WDSRA programs include:

    • Rec & Roll for individuals ages 22 to 55 with an intellectual disability
    • Adaptive sports and athletic programming
    • Camps
    • Cultural arts
    • Social programs and clubs
    • Trips and special events

  • Will-Grundy Transition Planning Committee

    The Will-Grundy Transition Planning Committee strives to connect families to community-based services and providers for students and adults with disabilities. Made up of schools, agencies and not-for-profit organizations, the group is working together to improve vocational transition from education to jobs for all learners but particularly for individuals with disabilities.

    The Will-Grundy Transition Planning Committee provides:

    • Educational events
    • A resource directory covering Will, Grundy and Kendall counties
    • Recorded videos on a variety of topics
    • Information about community resources and service providers grouped by type (advocacy, assistive technology, etc.)

  • 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