Transition: Work Resources
Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) – City of Chicago
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) provides education and training, benefits counseling, information and referral, direct services and more to help foster accessibility, full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
MOPD services and programs include:
- The HomeMod accessibility modifications program
- Independent living supports
- Accessibility requests and compliance
- Youth services
- A career center
- Transportation, emergency preparedness and more
The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center provides technical assistance and resources to support youth and young adults with disabilities and their families during the transition to adulthood. RAISE provides information, toolkits, webinars and support to help individuals:
- Better understand vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs and services
- Communicate more effectively with transition, rehabilitation and other professionals
- Understand the Rehabilitation Act and how it supports employment, supported employment and independent living
- Develop an Individualized Plan for Employment
RAISE’s resources include:
- The RAISE Youth Engagement Toolkit Series
- Parent Centers
- Resources for self-advocates, families, partners and parent centers
- Adult Ally Toolkit and Podcasts – to guide and empower adults in disability advocacy, post-secondary transition, education and beyond
Many of the resources are also available in Spanish.
For questions, email RAISE using the form on the Contact Us page.
Navarro Farm in Frankfort, Ill., provides a safe, supportive environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can gain independence and purpose through agricultural experiences. It offers a wide range of hands-on programs and opportunities, including workplace readiness for transition and adult groups, a farmer and farmer trainee program, family-centered events, and seasonal and community celebrations.
Navarro Farm programs include:
- The Farmer and Farmer Trainee Experience, which focuses on helping people with IDD build confidence and life skills through agricultural activities, such as planting and harvesting crops, animal care, farm-to-table cooking lessons, running the farmstand and participating in social and recreational activities.
- The Post-Transition Groups Skill Development and Job Readiness Program, which provides meaningful farm activities that teach responsibility, time management and problem-solving to prepare participants for future employment or volunteer opportunities.
- Family-centered activities where families can come together, share experiences and create lasting memories.
- Carter’s Corner farm stand.
- Community events and open houses.
Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living
Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living (OFACIL) is a member of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living serving residents of Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne and White counties. Offices are located in Mt. Vernon, Carmi and Effingham.
Programs include:
- Skills and employment training
- Support groups and advocacy
- Housing referral and community reintegration
- Youth transition and parent training program
- Adaptive equipment
For questions, please contact OFACIL at (618) 244-9212.
PACER Center Transition and Employment Resources
PACER Center provides information and resources for families of youth with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, higher education and more.
Parents Alliance Employment Project
Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) provides training and resources to help people with disabilities find competitive employment in DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties.
PAEP youth training programs provide education, daily living and vocational training. PAEP also provides adult services offering career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, job coaching, support and follow-up services.
In addition, PAEP works closely with employers to understand their recruiting, hiring and retention needs and provides information to help them increase diversity and meet their workforce needs.
Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS)
The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) from the Social Security Administration can help people with disabilities create a written plan of action to get a specific job or start a business. The PASS allows you to earn more money toward a work goal without reducing your SSI benefits.
For more information, call (800) 772–1213 (TTY 1–800–325–0778).
RAMP Disability Resources and Services – Center for Independent Living (CIL)
RAMP (RAMP-CIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). It welcomes anyone with a disability, regardless of the type of disability, age, or economic status. The organization serves Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago counties. RAMP-CIL services for youth and adults include:- Information and referral
- Youth education and advocacy
- Portable ramp loans
- Independent living skills training
- Bus training and public transportation skills
- Employment services
- Fast Track Transition services for youth
- Project SEARCH school-to-work program transition program
For questions, please see RAMP’s website for specific contact information and office hours.
SIP Arts Foundation, Inc. is an Illinois nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. It offers community education on special education laws, disability rights and advocacy. The foundation also offers opportunities to provide a voice and foster healing through creative expression in the arts. SIP Arts Foundation programs include:
- One-on-one person-centered planning that maps each family’s goals and next steps
- Free community meals that reduce isolation and bring families together
- Group advocacy workshops where every family leaves with a personalized binder organizing their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), rights and records
- Pathways to Expression, an inclusive studio arts program in Belleville for children ages 4 to 12 with and without disabilities
- Self-advocacy programming in St. Clair and Madison counties that helps young people find their voice and prepare for the transition to post-secondary education and employment
For questions, please visit SIP Arts Foundation’s “Let’s Connect” page or email info@sipartsfoundation.org.
SourceAmerica’s Job Board is a resource for job seekers with disabilities and direct service professionals who help job seekers fulfill their work and career goals. SourceAmerica provides a nationwide network, support and tools to find the job that matches your skills and abilities. Their dedicated job board includes:
- A job search tool
- Resume builder
- Career matching and training resources
- Mentorship opportunities
For questions, please use SourceAmerica’s online contact form.