Transition: Social Resources
DSCC’s Importance of Friendships Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs learn about the importance of making friends, sharing ideas and interests, and respecting themselves and others.
DSCC’s It’s Great to be Involved Tip Sheet
There are lots of ways to experience belonging. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore being involved in sports, leisure and other community activities. This tip sheet includes information on exploring your personal interests, funding and scholarships to support your activities, and steps you can take to get involved.
DSCC’s My Body is Changing Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs navigate puberty and learn about the changes they are experiencing.
The tip sheet also includes information for parents on talking to your kids and surviving puberty.
DSCC’s Relationships and Sexuality Development Tip Sheet
Teens with disabilities have the same feelings, needs and desires as people without disabilities. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs understand these feelings and learn about things to consider if they decide to date or have a personal relationship.
Relationships and Sexuality Development tip sheet in English
Relationships and Sexuality Development tip sheet in Spanish
DSCC’s Skills Checklist – Social
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this checklist to help youth gain important social skills and abilities needed to reach their highest level of independence. Youth can use this checklist to identify and build skills in areas such as communication, pet care, safety, socialization and recreation. Some of these activities may not apply to everyone.
DSCC’s Travel Safety Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet for youth with special healthcare needs and their families to encourage travel safety. The tip sheet also provides information about adaptive driver programs and possible resources for vehicle adaptations.
DuPage County Transition Planning Committee
The DuPage County Transition Planning Committee (DuPage County TPC)is a group of representatives from area special education co-ops, school districts, the Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services office, adult service providers, vocational coordinators, self-advocates, parents/caregivers and the business community. The committee meets to network, educate, learn, share and support services for individuals with disabilities.DuPage TPC’s website offers:- 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.
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.
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
Fun4theDisabled is a community created by, for and about people with disabilities to help everyone live their best lives. Fun4theDisabled creates video and content highlighting opportunities for people with disabilities in the community, connecting them with organizations, programs and events that provide accessibility in inclusive and fun ways.
Fun4theDisabled resources include:
- Tools and information on planning for emergencies and disaster
- Video tours of Chicago-area sites, including the National Museum of Mexican Art, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo and more
- Videos featuring disability leaders, health topics and more on their Fun4theDisabled YouTube channel