Resource Directory /

Transition Resources

  • Transition Planning Committee for McLean, Dewitt and Logan Counties

    The Transition Planning Committee (TPC) for McLean, Dewitt and Logan Counties provides a wide range of resources to support students with disabilities and help their families navigate the transition to adulthood and life after high school. The resources are also helpful for educators and community members who are helping students and young adults build skills and explore their options after high school. The committee’s resources include:

    • Education and training programs
    • Support and mental health services
    • Transportation and employment
    • Legal and financial help
    • Recreation and social opportunities
    • Prioritization of Urgent Need for Services (PUNS)
    • Housing and developmental training

  • Transition QuickGuide: Take Charge of Planning and Managing Your Own Health and Career Goals

    The Transition QuickGuide checklist provides information and resources about health insurance coverage, self-care, health care transition, decision-making and career planning and management.

  • Transition to Employment & Adult Services

    The Arc of Illinois Family to Family Health Information and Education Center’s Family Transition Manual provides help for families of young adults with developmental disabilities preparing to transition from school and services for children to the world of work and adult services.

  • TSA Cares

    TSA Cares is a helpline through the Transportation Security Administration that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.

    You can call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Call (855) 787-2227  or fill out the Request for TSA Cares Assistance.

    TSA Cares also provides this video to help individuals on the autism spectrum and those with communication, social interaction and/or sensory sensitivities know what to expect during airport security screening.

  • UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago

    UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago is a charitable not-for-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities in metropolitan Chicago and beyond.

    Its services include employment and community day services for adults, residential services for adults, children’s foster care, assistive technology and accessibility services, and more.

  • UIC Co-Operative Career Experience Program (Co-Op)

    The UIC Co-Operative Career Experience Certificate program (Co-Op Program) from the Department of Disability and Human Development is designed to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may not be able to access post-secondary education in traditional ways. Co-Op students take classes alongside other UIC students as they work towards career opportunities in:

    Arts and culture
    Social justice and advocacy
    Health and care across the lifespan

    To be eligible for the Co-Op Program, applicants must be:

    A high school graduate
    Age 18 or older
    Have an intellectual and/or developmental disability

    Visit the Co-Op Program website for more details.

  • Unique Sweets

    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

  • Urban Autism Solutions

    Urban Autism Solutions (UAS) is a Chicago non-profit organization serving young adults with autism and other learning differences. Their person-centered programming focuses on building life skills, community integration, social interaction, an integrated community life, and social and vocational opportunities. UAS programs include:

    • The West Side Transition Academy
    • Growing Solutions Farm
    • Life Lab
    • Network 1212 social meet-ups and outings for young adults

  • Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES)

    Valley Education for Employment System (VALEES) provides career and technical education (CTE) courses and oversees a variety of state and federal education improvement grants for schools in DeKalb, LaSalle, Lee, Kane and Kendall counties. Students with disabilities and other special populations in the VALEES region can earn industry credentials and education benefits, participate in skill-building workshops and competitions, and connect with business and industry. Parents, guardians, educators and professionals can visit the VALEES website for resources and programs for special populations.

  • Voting Checklist for People With Disabilities

    Easterseals has a Voting Checklist for People with Disabilities to help people with disabilities make sure their voice is heard at the polls. The checklist explains how to learn about elections in your area, your rights as a voter with a disability,  what to do if your rights are being violated and more. You can also download a voting resource card to take with you to the polls.