Resource Directory /

Transition: Social Resources

  • Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)


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    This four-year program offers a full-time, post-secondary educational experience to young adults with developmental disabilities. Ages 18-28 high school graduates with disabilities can earn certificates in academics, independent living skills and social/recreational skills.

    190 Prospect Avenue
    Elmhurst, IL 60126-3296
    (630) 617-3752
    elsa@elmhurst.edu

  • Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois’ Camp Roehr

    The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois (EFGSI) hosts an annual, overnight camp for children and teenagers with epilepsy. Camp Roehr provides campers ages 6 to 17 with seven days of fun, building friendships and learning about living with epilepsy. Camp registration typically begins in mid-April. Participant requirements include:

    • Living in Illinois or surrounding states
    • Having a primary diagnosis of epilepsy and well-controlled seizures
    • Being able to care for their own basic needs and ready for an overnight camp experience

  • From PUNS Enrollment to DD Waiver Services Flowchart

    The Arc of Illinois’ Ligas Family Advocate Program (LFAP) 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.

  • Healing Horse Stables

    Healing Horse Stables in Sidney, Ill., is a non-profit organization offering therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated learning for individuals of all ages and abilities. Healing Horse Stables promotes learning and physical, social and emotional well-being through programs that include:

    • Therapeutic riding
    • Riding for relaxation
    • Horsemanship programs
    • Field trips

  • iCan Shine Recreation Programs for Individuals With Disabilities

    iCan Shine collaborates with local charities, parks and recreation departments, schools, and motivated parents to provide recreational programs for people with disabilities who want to learn to ride a bike, swim or dance.

    iCan Shine programs include:

    • iCan Bike and iCan Dance programs for individuals ages 8 and older that are week-long camps or after-school sessions.
    • iCan Swim programs for ages 3 and up that are five-day camps.

    iCan Shine’s after-school programs aim to raise awareness and promote inclusion among students. Typically-developing students serve as volunteers and participate in diversity training sessions focused on learning about different disabilities and the accompanying educational and social challenges their peer students with special needs face.

    Visit their website to find programs near you.

  • Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association

    Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association (IRVSRA) provides recreation and social opportunities for individuals ages 7 and up with a wide range of disabilities. Programs include year-round Special Olympics, sports, camps, social clubs, trips and more.  IRVSRA is part of the Pekin and Fon du Lac park districts serving residents and non-residents in Tazewell County and the surrounding area.

  • Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation

    The Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) is a not-for-profit that issues equipment to provide telephone access to Illinois residents who are hard of hearing, late deafened, deaf-blind or speech-disabled.

    ITAC provides both the Illinois Relay phone service and an equipment program, which are both required by state law. Its equipment is designed specifically for people who are having difficulty hearing on the standard phone system. Information is also available in Spanish.

  • It Gets Better Project – LGBTQ+ Youth Local and Global Resources

    The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. The It Gets Better Project offers LGBTQ+ youth on- and offline resources that include events, local community service providers that can provide on-the-ground assistance and thousands of stories as told by members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The It Gets Better Project also provides educational materials and resources for teachers and student leaders.

  • Kruger’s ATA Martial Arts Programs in Danville

    Kruger’s ATA Black Belt Academy of Danville offers classes that help students of all ages and abilities learn to set goals and challenge themselves mentally and physically. Parents are encouraged to attend classes with their children to encourage bonding and hobby sharing.

  • Lake County Center for Independent Living

    Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.

    LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.