Transition Resources
Digital Safety Resources from the Illinois Attorney General
Digital safety encompasses a wide variety of issues related to the use of computers, tablets, cell phones, games, apps and social media. The Illinois Attorney General’s “Online Safe, Online Smart” website provides resources for children, teenagers, parents and educators seeking information about digital safety.
Kids, teens, parents and teachers coping with cyberbullying and internet safety issues may also contact an Internet Safety Specialist at:
Disability Belongs™ is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit focusing on accessibility, inclusion, belonging and empowering people with disabilities. They provide a wide range of resources including training, webinars, networking and fully-accessible leadership and internship opportunities for people with disabilities.
Disability Belongs also provides:
- A variety of toolkits, including a toolkit with steps for making virtual and in-person events accessible.
- A paid, fully accessible National Leadership Program for people with disabilities in the fall and spring.
- A five-month, Disability Belongs™ Virtual Entertainment Lab for creatives with disabilities in development and production, and careers as writers, cinematographers, animators and other roles.
Disability Belongs™ LGBTQ+ Resources for the Disability Community
The LGBTQ+ community and the disability community intersect in significant ways. Disability Belongs, formerly known as RespectAbility, works to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. RespectAbility offers articles, books, and other resources on disability and LGBTQ+ issues.
Disability EmpowHer Network is a non-profit run by and for girls and women with disabilities that connects, motivates, and guides girls and women to learn and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence to lead. The group, based in Rochester, NY, focuses on building skills and community by connecting girls with disabilities with successful women with disabilities to serve as mentors and role models.
Resources and programs include:
- A stories blog
- EmpowHer Camp (a year-long program)
- Letter from a role model
- Get a Mentor
- EmpowHer Expressions, a public speaking and career coaching program
Disability Information and Access Line
The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities connect to local community resources that support independent living. Dial provides information on essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more.
The hotline’s trained staff are available to:
- Help find local vaccination locations
- Set up a vaccination appointment
- Connect with local COVID testing options
- Connect callers to local services, such as accessible transportation, housing support, disability rights and other independent living resources
Call, text or videophone DIAL Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (888) 677-1199.
You can also email the hotline at DIAL@n4a.org or start an online chat with an information specialist.
You can also connect to an agent in American Sign Language.
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities achieve full community participation through employment, education and independent living opportunities.
Use the DORS office locator to find an office near you or call:
- (877) 581-3690 Voice
- (866) 264-2149 TTY
- (312) 957-4881 (Please note this is a video phone number)
You can also apply online for DRS services.
DSCC and Illinois LEND’s Transition Resources for Hispanic Teens in the Chicago Area
The transition to adulthood can be a challenging time for both adolescents and their parents. These challenges can be more difficult when the adolescent has a disability.
Illinois LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) and the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) partnered to provide helpful information about the unique challenges Hispanic families can face during the transition to adulthood. This resource list is aimed at transition-age teenagers and their families in the Chicago area:
DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet
Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs.
DSCC’s Adolescence Changing Roles Tip Sheet
Adolescence is a time of change for the whole family. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families support healthy mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) development, and find ways to cope during this time of change.
DSCC’s Adolescent Development Tip Sheet
As youth with special healthcare needs transition to adulthood, they may undergo many physical, emotional and behavioral changes. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) covers what both teens and parents can expect and how to cope.