Resource Directory /

Transition Resources

  • 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

    If you have any questions, please see the WDSRA Family Welcome Guide or contact WDSRA at (630) 681-0962 or info@wdsra.com.

  • 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 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.