Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Autism McLean Resource Directory

    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 Society Greater Chicago

    The Autism Society Greater Chicago’s mission is to create connections and empower the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. It provides information and support to individuals with autism and their families.

    The Autism Society Greater Chicago’s website includes sensory-friendly programs and recreation opportunities in Chicago as well as resources focused on health and wellness, employment, housing, legal rights, interventions and therapies.

  • Autism Society Quad Cities

    The Autism Society Quad Cities aims to create connections, empowering everyone in the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. Its programs include educational workshops, grants, support groups for moms, support groups for young adults and the “Friendship Island” group for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who are ages 12 to 18.

    The Autism Society Quad Cities serves Rock Island and Henry counties in Illinois.

  • Autism Society Southern Illinois

    The Autism Society Southern Illinois promotes individual choices and self-determination for those living with autism by providing supportive programs designed to help maximize opportunities and quality of life.

    It is based in Carbondale and provides support groups, education and training on autism-related topics, advocacy and recreation opportunities for families and adults with autism.

  • Autism Speaks

    Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:

    • Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
    • A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
    • Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
    • A list of grants from national organizations offering support to 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

  • Beautiful Lives Project

    Beautiful Lives Project gives people with disabilities the opportunity to actively participate in activities and events that may not have been available to them previously due to physical or facility limitations.

    The project creates immersive events aimed at defeating isolation within the disabled community and sparking deeper conversations about the value of integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. The organization works with companies, sports teams and community organizations to host free community events for individuals with disabilities of all ages throughout Illinois and beyond.

    These events aim to help to defeat isolation today, break down social biases tomorrow and generate long-term actions that will create a better quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs in the future. Each unique event provides the opportunity to experience sports, performing arts, visual arts, nature or wellness in an inclusive environment.

  • Best Buddies in Illinois

    Best Buddies in Illinois offers one-to-one friendship, integrated employment and leadership development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

    Best Buddies offers chapters throughout Illinois. Programs and opportunities include:

    For contact information, visit the Best Buddies in Illinois staff directory page.

  • Boyton Street Community Center

    Boyton Street Community Center in Marion provides children and their families opportunities for fun, learning, development and building self-esteem. The Center collaborates with local social service agencies to provide a variety of programs and services year-round. Programs at the Boyton Street Community Center include:

    • Nutritious meals built around keeping kids fit and healthy
    • An after-school program for children and youth in K-12
    • Summer art, recreation, reading and tutoring programs
    • Special events

    For more information or to learn how to enroll in a program, contact the Boyton Street Community Center at (618) 997-1113.

  • BRIC Foundation

    BRIC Foundation (Break, Reinvent, Impact and Change) is a non-profit company focused on increasing representation in entertainment, gaming, media and tech. BRIC works with leaders across these industries, and government and education partners to create inclusive opportunities for women and underrepresented people to be successful. BRIC Foundation’s student programming includes:

    • Summer Internships
    • Creative academies
    • BRIC Student Communities providing virtual Art Jams and industry speakers