Transition Resources
Blue Envelope Program in McLean County
The Blue Envelope Program is a free, voluntary statewide initiative offered in partnership with the Normal Police Department in Normal, Ill. The program aims to support safer, less stressful interactions between law enforcement and individuals who may experience communication challenges, disabilities, sensory differences or severe anxiety. Participants can use a Blue Envelope to store identification, vehicle information, emergency contact information and communication preferences.
The envelope also serves as a visual cue to law enforcement that an individual may benefit from additional communication support or accommodations during an interaction.
Visit the Normal Police Department’s Blue Envelope Program page for a list of locations where Blue Envelopes are available.
You can also email Autism McLean at info@autismmclean.org to request an envelope or more information.
Bridgeway provides a wide range of programs for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in west-central and northern Illinois. Bridgeway offers a variety of person-centered programs that focus on greater choice, achieving independence and community participation. Bridgeway programs include:
- Day services
- Adult learning services
- School-based counseling
- Community living and supports
- Employment programs
- Substance use assessments and programs for youth and adults
Brush Up on Your Dental Care Video and Guide
Good oral health and maintaining a healthy smile are important for everyone. Special Olympics offers a Brush Up On Your Dental Care video and guide to help people with disabilities understand and develop good oral hygiene habits, including brushing techniques, preparing for dental visits and common dental problems.
The easy-to-understand video demonstrates, step by step, how to prepare for a dental visit and care for your dental health.
The Brush Up on Your Dental Care Guide offers caregivers and self-advocates information on developing and maintaining a complete oral hygiene program. Information includes:
- Easy-to-follow instructions on proper brushing, rinsing and flossing techniques
- Suggestions for adaptive positions for these activities
- Common dental problems
- Oral health considerations during the growth and development of a child with intellectual disabilities
Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation
The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides financial assistance to people of all ages with spinal cord injury and neurological disorders. It also offers funding for medical research. Financial assistance includes post-high school education scholarships and charitable grants to help pay for items such as van modifications, wheelchairs and ramps.
The foundation awards scholarships annually. It reviews charitable grants quarterly in January, March, June, and September. Wisconsin residents receive priority. Individuals anywhere in the United States may receive financial assistance depending on available funds. For program applications and more information, visit:
RAMP Center for Independent Living (RAMP CIL) helps people with disabilities learn how to use public transportation in Rockford and Belvidere through a cooperative effort with the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD). RAMP CIL can help individuals learn how to navigate fixed-route buses, read schedules and transition from paratransit to regular service.
For more information, contact RAMP CIL at (815) 968-7467. Phone hours are:
- Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
- Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation (C.E.F.S.) is a non-profit that serves residents in the Illinois counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
C.E.F.S. aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged people become more self-sufficient. Its support and services include:
- Summer youth program and college scholarships
- Housing programs
- Employment and training services
- Education services
- Food and utility assistance
For more information, visit the C.E.F.S. website.
You can also call (217) 342-2193 or email cefs@cefseoc.org. Translation services are available.
Career Access Network at Trinity Services
The Career Access Network at Trinity Services assists people with disabilities and mental illness in finding community-based employment with competitive earnings and benefits.
For more information, contact Trinity Serves at (815) 485-6197 or info@trinityservices.org.
Caritas Family Solutions is a non-profit social services agency that works to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of people in southern Illinois.
Services include adoption support, foster care, community integrated living arrangements, counseling, parenting classes, pregnancy care and more.
For questions, please contact Caritas Family Solutions.
Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby
The Center for Accessibility and Neurodiversity (CAN) at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby provides a wide range of supports and services to empower diverse learners. CAN services include:
- Accommodations
- Resources and study skills support
- Success coaching
CAN is on the Oglesby Campus in room C-211. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also make an appointment by contacting Tina Hardy at (815) 224-0284 or tina_hardy@ivcc.edu.
Center for Disability and Elder Law
The Center for Disability and Elder Law (CDEL) provides free legal services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities throughout Cook County. CDEL offers programs and appointments at community sites on matters including:
- Adult guardianship
- Financial and housing stability
- Estate and end-of-life planning
- Divorce
For questions, please call (312) 376-1880 or email info@cdelaw.org.