Transition: Independence Resources

DuPage County Transition Planning Committee

• DuPage County TPC’s meeting schedule (meetings are on Zoom)
• Resources for Transition to adulthood planning, work and related topics
• Information on self-advocacy and transition-focused events

For questions, please contact dupagetpc@gmail.com.

Election Engagement Hub for Individuals with Disabilities

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has an Election Engagement Hub that provides information and tools for disabled voters to engage as meaningfully as possible in their state, local and federal elections.

You can find state-by-state voting guides, plain language definitions of voting words and more.

AAPD also has the REV UP Voting Campaign, which aims to build the power of the disability vote through a national network of coalitions and organizations.

Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)

Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) is a four-year, post-secondary certificate program for young adults aged 18-28 with disabilities. Elsa students can live on campus or commute and participate in on-campus activities alongside their degree-seeking peers.

If you have any questions, please call (630) 617-3752 or email elsa@elmhurst.edu.

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with Access and Functional Needs

A guidebook from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that provides preparedness tips for people with visual, cognitive or mobility impairments; people who are deaf or hard of hearing; those who utilize service animals or life support systems; and senior citizens.

EP!C (Empowering People. Inspiring Capabilities.)

Empowering people. Inspiring capabilities. ( EP!C ) serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. EP!C helps individuals with disabilities at all levels achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest by providing a range of programs and services including:

• Educational services
• Community living services
• Employment services
• Harvest horticulture program
• EP!Casso art program

EP!C provides services to individuals in central and some southern Illinois communities.

Every Step of the Way Resource Center for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Every Step of the Way (ESW) takes a hands-on, person-centered approach to providing support, networking opportunities and resources for individuals with mild to profound intellectual disabilities ages 20 and up and their parents/caregivers. ESW seeks to create a community where parents/caregivers in Chicago can:

• Find resources for recreation, education, health (mental and physical), social and daily living skills, and behavioral intervention services
• Network with each other
• Brainstorm and collaborate to create programming and develop opportunities for their adult children
• Advocate and network to accommodate the needs of their adult child and the adult children in the ESW community

Financial Planning for Parents of Children With Disabilities

The PACER Center offers “A Financial Resource for Parents of Children With Disabilities” to help you plan for your child’s financial future and overall well-being. This resource helps walk you through getting organized, life and disability insurance and various aspects of planning for you and your child.

From PUNS Enrollment to DD Waiver Services Flowchart

The Arc of Illinois’ Family Advocate Program (FAP) provides information and outreach to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families who are selected from the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) or notified in advance of a future PUNS selection.

LFAP’s resources include a “Finding Your Way” flowchart roadmap that outlines the steps from PUNS enrollment to developmental disability waiver services.

Guidebook on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications

The Illinois Department of Human Rights and Access Living provide a “Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications: A Guide for Housing Professionals.”

In accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, this book provides guidance and clarification on the accommodations and modifications that must be made in housing for persons with disabilities and their family members.

Healthy Diet: Skills Tips

Healthy Diet for  Children: (English) (Spanish)

Healthy Diet for Preteens:  (English) (Spanish)

Healthy Diet for Teens: (English) (Spanish)