Resource Directory /

Transition: Work Resources

  • Illinois workNet

    Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more.

    Illinois workNet includes Disability Works, which connects and guides individuals with disabilities to benefits, services, training and employment information.

  • IllinoisJobLink.com

    IllinoisJobLink.com is a robust, dynamic and comprehensive, web-based workforce development system for job seekers, employers, training providers and workforce professionals with real-time
    data. For job seekers, it features job matching, resume creation and career management tools and resources.

    See the Job Seekers frequently asked questions page for more details.

  • Instituto del Progreso Latino

     Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto) is a nationally recognized education hub serving over 8,000 participants from across Cook County and low-income communities on Chicago’s southwest side. Instituto programs and services include adult basic education, English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes, workforce development, career pathway and employment support, and wrap-around social services.

    Latino immigrants and their families can also gain skills that foster full participation in society while preserving cultural identity and dignity through citizenship and adult education courses, family literacy, immigration legal aid services, employment training, youth development programs and more. Instituto del Progreso Latino also includes:

    • Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy for high school students seeking to focus on a career in the health sciences field
    • Instituto College, which prioritizes the recruitment and retention of non-traditional, first-generation college students and values the training of bilingual and bi-culturally sensitive nursing professionals.
    • Online and in-person English, citizenship and adult education courses

    For questions, please call Instituto del Progreso Latino at (773) 890-0055.

  • Job Accommodation Network

    The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance.

  • Job Corps

    Job Corps is a comprehensive program that provides essential academics and career skills training. The program helps eligible youth ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment.

    For questions,  please visit the contact page on Job Corps’ website.

  • Junior Achievement USA and Illinois Chapters

    Junior Achievement USA (JA) helps young people own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices. The organization offers educational materials for schools and other organizations and hands-on learning experiences for students focusing on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. JA Connect also provides online self-guided activities to help students learn, apply and practice new skills. JA outreach in Illinois also includes:

  • Lake County Center for Independent Living

    Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.

    LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.

  • Life’s Plan Mini Grant for Self-Advocates

    Life’s Plan mini grants provide self-advocates start-up money to build a micro-industry business. A micro-industry is a business run by an adult or adults with a disability to earn money and be more financially independent. The micro-industry mini grant will provide up to $2,000 in funding.

    Individuals may be supported by staff or advocates to run a variety of business such as jewelry making, used book resale, greeting cards, errand running, food cart, shredding, lawn/snow removal services and other ideas. Agencies and service organizations are not eligible for this grant.

    Grant applications are available year-round:

  • Little City

    Little City serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kane, Will, DeKalb and Kendall counties in northeastern Illinois. Located on a 56-acre campus in Palatine, Little City provides a range of services, including residential, school, recreation, art, horticulture, employment, community day services and foster care and adoption.

    Little City also offers:

    For questions, please visit Little City’s Contact Us page or call (847) 358-5510.

  • Little Friends

    Little Friends, Inc. provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families, to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:

    • Schools, educational and vocational training programs
    • Respite family services
    • Community-based residential living
    • The Center for Autism
    • Inklude Studio
    • The Fun Club
    • Family Support Network

    For questions, visit Little Friend’s Contact Us page or call (630) 355.6533.