General Resources
Arab American Family Services (AAFS) provides assistance to over 30 communities in the south suburban Chicagoland area. AAFS is a non-political, non-religious organization that focuses on building respect and understanding between Arab-Americans and the mainstream-American culture. It also serves as a catalyst for social change by actively seeking to confront the myths and taboos that have kept some Arab Americans from obtaining the help they need.
AAFS assists Arab speakers in their native language and dialect and is also recognized by government agencies and other nonprofits as a local resource for cultural exchange and translation services. AAFS programs include case management, mental health assistance, immigration services, disability assistance and more.
Are You Ready? Preparing for Emergencies: Tips for Families
Information from Family Voices on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for emergencies.
Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations (A.B.L.E.)
Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations (A.B.L.E.) creates theatre and film projects for, with and by individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago. A.B.L.E. offers in-person and online ensembles, specialized workshops and outreach programming for individuals ages 13 and up.
A.B.L.E. is a non-profit organization focusing on building participant confidence and skills, changing society’s beliefs about disability, and creating more inclusive communities. Their programs are financially accessible. No one will be turned away because of their ability to pay.
The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund. The fund will provide funds to cover 50 percent of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life.
Assistive Technology Resources
The Illinois State Library provides a list of programs and organizations that can help support assistive technology needs.
Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” This includes devices like wheelchairs, laptop computers and even a grip on a pencil or a special can-opener.
Association for Individual Development (AID)
The Association for Individual Development (AID) serves individuals with developmental, intellectual, physical and/or mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma and those at risk. Operating in the greater Fox Valley area and other western suburban counties, AID provides services to address the unique needs of individuals throughout every stage of their lives.
Programs include:
- Autism programs
- Permanent supportive housing and in-home support
- Developmental and vocational training
- Job placement and on-the-job coaching service
- Crisis intervention and victim services
- Mental health treatment
AID is also a sponsor of the Ride in Kane paratransit program in partnership with RTA, Pace, Kane County, and local municipalities and social service agencies.
Aurora Community Resources for Displaced Residents
The City of Aurora provides information on a wide variety of resources including housing, food, clothing and legal assistance.
Autism McLean Resource Directory
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Autism McLean created an autism resource directory that is available electronically and as a booklet. The directory includes:
- Personal stories
- Local health, education and service providers
- Transportation contacts
- Camps and recreation opportunities
- State and national organizations
- Books, magazines and newsletters
Download the resource directory here. For a hard copy of the directory, please contact Chuck Hartseil at chuck.hartseil@comcast.net.
Autism Support of Central Illinois
Autism Support of Central Illinois aims to improve the lives of those affected by autism in central Illinois by providing access to resources, support, educational opportunities and recreational/social activities for families.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN works to promote a more inclusive society for people with autism and to change the way people think about autism. ASAN provides:
- Information about autism
- Plain English toolkits
- Accessibility resources
- Self-advocacy resources and leadership training