Transition Resources
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 individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other special needs the opportunity to participate in a wide range of classes and activities tailored to their needs and comfort levels.
Diverse Abilities-YMCA programs include:
- SNAP (Special Needs Aquatics Program)
- Gymnastics
- Saturday Strikers providing a safe and welcoming environment for building skills and learning how to navigate the everyday world
- Sports
If you have any questions, please email diverseabilities@springfieldymca.org.
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.