Resource Directory /

Transition Resources

  • Bridgeway

    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

  • 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:

  • Bus Training from RAMP

    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.

  • 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:

    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.

     

  • Center for Parent Information and Resources (formerly NICHCY)

    The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) is a central “hub” for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities nationwide. Materials on CPIR’s website are user-centered and created for and by Parent Centers across the country to support and provide services to the families they serve. Resources include parent guides, training materials, information on special education and transition planning, webinars and more. CPIR also provides information in Spanish to help parents understand specific disabilities, the special education process, and where to find help.

    CPIR also offers:

    • A family-friendly resource library
    • A monthly e-newsletter featuring new resources, upcoming events, and materials to share
    • Native American resources
    • The Office of Special Education Program (OSEP)’s Glossary of Common Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Terms in Spanish and in Korean
    • An events calendar
    • A Parent Center locator tool

    For questions, please visit CPIR’s contact page.

  • Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities

    The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities offers a wide range of tools to empower youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) ages 12 to 26 to direct their transition from pediatric to adult care. This national site is a one-stop shop where young people and their families, clinicians, and direct care providers can find videos and other resources to understand and navigate the transition to adult health care.

    Site resources include:

  • Central Illinois Public Transit

    Central Illinois Public Transit (CIPT) provides reliable and timely transportation that is wheelchair-accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The program serves Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties.

    For rides or more information, call (855) 755-CIPT (2478) or TTY 7-1-1.

  • Challenged Athletes Foundation

    The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. CAF provides several grant programs, events and support to people with physical challenges who are pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF resources include:

    • Grants to help pay for sports prostheses, adaptive sports equipment, coaching and competition expenses
    • Adaptive sports videos
    • A list of adaptive sports organizations and collegiate programs
    • Information about adaptive sports equipment

    For questions, use the contact page on CAF’s website or call (858) 866-0959.