Recreation and Inclusion Resources
Unique Sweets provides delicious treats and a safe space for people with autism and other disabilities to participate in life skills training. Team members participate in event planning, purchasing supplies, baking, decorating and packaging and receive a stipend to cover their expenses to get to the kitchen. Unique Sweets also hosts social events throughout the year to foster peer-relationships, social skills and community support.
Unique Sweets also offers:
- Life skills (virtual or in-person) peer-led cooking classes
- Social events and an annual Party With a Purpose
- Inclusive workshops, information sessions and social events with other organizations
- Referrals to other programs and services as needed
University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics’ Inclusive Healthcare and Policies
The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics is nationally recognized for its inclusive healthcare and policies related to LGBTQ patients, visitors and staff.
UI Health was named an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer” by the Human Rights Campaign’s 2020 Health Equality Index, an annual survey that evaluates health systems on key criteria for non-discrimination policies and practices.
University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center Sensory Friendly Initiatives
The UIS Performing Arts Center is a certified Sensory Inclusive Venue through KultureCity. Most sensory friendly shows are in the UIS Studio Theatre with limited lighting and sound changes. Audience members can also move, speak, sing along, and come and go as needed. Trained staff can also help guests with sensory needs. The UIS Performing Arts Center’s sensory-friendly initiatives also include sensory bags, weighted lap pads, quiet areas, social stories and more.
Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois
Variety of Illinois’ mission is to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities by providing the equipment and experiences needed to reach their highest potential.
Its programs include Variety at Play, which offers inclusive, accessible activities for the whole family; Kids on the Go that provides mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities; and Live to Achieve that encourages participation and excellence in adaptive sports.
Variety – The Children’s Charity of St. Louis
Variety’s St. Louis location serves children and teens with special needs under the age of 21 and their families living in 30 counties in Missouri and Illinois surrounding St. Louis.
The charity aims to help children with disabilities fulfill their potential by providing access to vital medical equipment, therapy and innovative programs. The Illinois counties in Variety’s service area are: Bond, Calhoun, Clay, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington.
Opportunities include:
- Variety family social groups
- Venturing Crew inclusive program for youth ages 14-20
- Adventure Camp
- Performing arts
Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington
Western Avenue Community Center (WACC) offers programs for youth and seniors, interpretation and translation services, and a food program. WACC programs are open to anyone in the community. Its programs include:
- Interpretation and translation services in French and Spanish for medical, legal, educational and other general documents
- Mentoring and after-school programs
- Adult education and GED classes
- The Mamás Hogareñas Group to educate and support all moms in the community
- Food program for the Bloomington-Normal community
- Fitness programs
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides recreation and social opportunities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. From ages 3 to their senior years, individuals can enjoy adaptive sports, athletics, camps, social clubs, trips and more. WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts and serves the communities/member districts of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
WDSRA programs include:
- Rec & Roll for individuals ages 22 to 55 with an intellectual disability
- Adaptive sports and athletic programming
- Camps
- Cultural arts
- Social programs and clubs
- Trips and special events
Without Limits – Team Galaxy in St. Clair County
Without Limits – Team Galaxy provides an inclusive environment where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and free, monthly social events at the Swansea Moose Lodge 1221. The organization provides outreach and advocacy to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn and play in communities in and around St. Clair County. Membership is $50 a year. Financial assistance is available.
Participants can build skills and enjoy activities that include:
- Drama and theater activities
- Cheer team
- Dance classes and company ($5 per class)
- Special Olympics
- Special sports clinics
- Summer camps and more
YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs in Cass and Clay Counties
Diverse Abilities – YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties provides programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers an opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other special needs to participate in a wide range of classes and activities based on their needs and comfort level. Its programs include:
- Art
- Fitness
- Monthly social hours
- Swimming
YMCA of Metro Chicago Camps
YMCA of Metro Chicago provides a wide range of day, overnight, family and winter camping activities for all abilities. YMCA’s Camp MacLean and YMCA Camp Duncan offer campers endless adventures, joy and an opportunity to build confidence, leadership skills and independence. YMCA camps offer activities that challenge both the mind and body, supportive staff and a welcoming community where campers connect and feel empowered. Overnight summer camps registration usually opens in late November. Day camp registration usually opens in early January.
Learn about YMCA of Metro Chicago camps, including: