Transition Resources
Chicagoland Funding Sources for Stairlifts, Ramps and Other Home Accessibility Solutions
Lifeway Mobility offers a comprehensive list of various accessibility funding sources in Chicagoland, northwest Indiana and southeast Wisconsin. The guide provides information on organizations and other resources that may be able to help you pay for a stair lift, ramp or other accessibility solution.
You must contact the individual organizations directly for specific details. Please use the information provided to contact the organization/option listed.
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.
The website includes:
- A search tool for finding local resources and organizations that support people living with paralysis
- A paralysis resource guide
- Comprehensive resources and support for people living with paralysis and their caregivers
- Information on the inclusive “Outdoors for Everyone” initiative
Helps you understand and apply for services from Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services.
College Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Information from College Scholarships.org about college scholarships available to students with disabilities.
Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens
HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) teens information on understanding, supporting and remembering that each child is unique and will have their own experiences and feelings along the way.
“Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens” provides help for parents and children navigating the many aspects of acceptance.
The Secretary of State’s Office offers an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Communication Wallet Card to help notify law enforcement that a person may have difficulty communicating. Applicant’s may request the wallet card at any Illinois Secretary of State Driver’s License Facility.
The wallet card is available to notify law enforcement in advance that a person may require alternative methods of communication in order to respond to and communicate with an officer.
Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL) provides scholarships, including scholarships for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and grants to charitable organizations in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. Visit CFNIL’s scholarship opportunities page to learn more.
Conquering CHD Transition Checklist
Conquering CHD has put together a Conquering CHD Transition Checklist to help youth with congenital heart disease manage their own care as they reach adulthood and move from their pediatric doctor to an Adult Congenital Heart Disease doctor.
Create Your Own Communication Card for People With Hearing Loss
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) provides a template to create a personalized Communication Card for people with hearing loss. The card helps others understand your communication needs and lists your preferred communication provider’s name and contact information. To create a personalized Communication Card, visit the “Create my own Communication Card” page on IDHHC’s website.
For more information, contact the IDHHC:
- Voice: (217) 557-4495
- Video: (217) 303-8010
- TTY: (888) 261-2698
- DHH.Communications@Illinois.gov
Creative Healing for Youth in Pain
Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents.
CHYP resources include:
- Information on the science of pain
- Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
- On-demand webinars for youth and parents
- Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
- Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
- Summer camp