Transition: Work 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
Developmental Disabilities Employment
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) seeks to maximize opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work in competitive integrated employment.
The resources on this website provide the latest information on the Division’s efforts toward employment for people with developmental disabilities. It includes a list of DDD Supported Employment providers that also provide employment services funded by the Division of Rehabilitation Services. The list aims to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities understand the option available to them when searching for an employment supports provider.
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:
You can also apply online for DRS services.
DSCC’s Employment Activities: Learning Job Skills Tip Sheet
Would you like to get a job? This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) employment activities tip sheet can help youth with disabilities explore the job skills needed to be ready to go to work. Use this tip sheet to identify the skills you have and what skills you need to build. You will also find helpful information on getting along with co-workers, workplace readiness training resources and more.
DSCC’s Employment Activities: Learning Job Skills Tip Sheet in English
DSCC’s Employment Activities: Learning Job Skills Tip Sheet in Spanish
DSCC’s Find Your Strengths and Talents Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs find their personal strengths and abilities. These talents, strengths and areas of interest can be stepping stones to a career or job.
The tip sheet includes:
- Steps for helping you identify things you are good at
- Ways to have friends and family members help you identify and share your talents
- Resources and worksheets to help you learn more
DSCC’s Gaining Work Experience Tip Sheet
There are many ways to get work experience and find a job you love. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Gaining Work Experience tip sheet was created to help youth with special healthcare needs build skills, explore opportunities, and learn about the many ways you can gain work experience. The tip sheet also includes resources for transition and employment, building a resume and more.
DSCC’s Vocational Training Tip Sheet
It’s never to early to think about the job you want to do after high school. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore career interests, find program and develop work skills.
“What are YOU Going to Be?” Vocational Training tip sheet in English
“What are YOU Going to Be?” Vocational Training tip sheet in Spanish
DSCC’s Work Skills Checklist
The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) Work Skills Checklist is designed to help youth identify work-related skills they have and other areas where they may need more focus. Some of these activities may not apply to everyone.
DuPage County Transition Planning Committee
The DuPage County Transition Planning Committee is a group composed of representatives from the local special education co-ops, school districts, Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services office, adult service providers, vocational coordinators, representatives of the business community, parents and clients. The committee meets to network, educate, learn, share and support services for individuals with disabilitiesEmployment Rights Fact Sheets and Information – Equip for Equality
Equip for Equality has a variety of fact sheets and videos on employment rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employment.
These resources are available in English and Spanish. More information is available on Equip for Equality’s Employment Overview page.