Resource Directory /

Transition Resources

  • Charting the LifeCourse Nexus Training and Technical Resource Center

    Charting the LifeCourse Nexus or LifeCourse Nexus framework was developed by families to help individuals with disabilities at any age or stage of life and their families develop a vision for a good life. LifeCourse Nexus provides free infographics, YouTube videos and step-by-step tip sheets to help people of all ages and abilities with identifying their dreams and desires, thinking about what they need to know and do, identifying how to find or develop supports, and discovering what it takes to live the lives they want to live.

    The LifeCourse Nexus Library features a wide range of downloadable materials to help with the transition from school to community, including:

    • Person-centered tools for exploring your desires and unique needs
    • The family perspective booklet and tip sheets
    • Kits (The Life Domains) focusing on life stages and exploring employment, healthy living, housing options and other areas
    • Videos and step-by-step tip sheets on using the Integrated Supports Star tools to bring everything together

  • Chicago Adaptive Sports

    Chicago Adaptive Sports provides programming, support and advocacy for individuals with physical and visual disabilities of all ages and backgrounds. The organization adapts programming to meet the needs of individuals who use manual or power wheelchairs or have other ambulatory disabilities such as amputation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke and other spinal cord or orthopedic impairments. No prior experience is necessary to participate. Financial assistance is available. Participants will not be turned away due to their ability to pay.

    Chicago Adaptive Sports programs include:

  • 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:

  • Client Assistance Program

    The Illinois Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federally funded program that helps persons with disabilities understand and use rehabilitation services. The program:

    • Informs and advises individuals of the services and benefits available to them through programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act and Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act
    • Advocates and provides assistance for people seeking programs and services provided for within the Rehabilitation Act
    • Helps to identify and resolve problems that may arise during the rehabilitation process
    • Identifies problem areas in providing rehabilitation services and makes suggestions for improving services

    Those eligible for CAP are:

    • Anyone seeking information, applying for services or already receiving services from the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Vocational Rehabilitation and the Centers for Independent Living
    • Persons who are dissatisfied with the services they are receiving, or who have been denied services for which they may be eligible
    • Persons needing intervention or assistance in their relationships with programs providing rehabilitation service

    For more information about CAP, call (855) 452-2725 (1-855-ILCAP-25). TTY and Relay callers can dial 711. You can also email cap@equipforequality.org or visit equipforequality.org/cap for more details.

  • 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.

     

  • Communication Wallet Card

    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 Action Agencies

    Community Action Agencies work with local community organizations and non-profit partners to provide assistance to Illinois families with items including:

    • Rental Assistance
    • Food
    • Energy Utility Bill Assistance
    • Water/Sewer Payment
    • Employment Training/Placement
    • Financial Management
    • Temporary Shelter

    This link provides a local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) search tool that can help you find programs in your area.

  • 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.