General Resources
Understood is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with learning and thinking differences thrive in school, at work and throughout life. Understood raises awareness about dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurodiversity by sharing personal stories and providing resources for understanding behaviors, supporting learning, building everyday skills and exploring careers.
Understood’s resources include:
- Fact sheets on myths, ADHD, bullying and more
- Toolkits
- Communication strategies for all stages of life
- Podcasts featuring personal stories and perspectives
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
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) promotes a life of inclusion and provides resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families and communities.
The UCP website has resources on topics including assistive technology, housing and home modification, travel and transportation, education, caregiving and more. You can also find UCP affiliates in the state of Illinois.
The United Spinal Association empowers and advocates for wheelchair users and people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) nationwide. The organization provides local chapters, disability resources, peer support, a manual wheelchair guide and app, a health equity checklist and toolkit and more. Its resources include:
- The United Spinal Association of Illinois
- Peer support groups and mentorship programs (in-person or virtual)
- Equipment or supply closet/loan program
- Regular social events and activities
- Individual grants to members
- The Disability Etiquette Guide to download and share
Universal Telephone Assistance Program
Linkup and Lifeline are two federally funded programs that assist families with paying for telephone installation and monthly service. Eligibility requirements apply.
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.
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
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
Violence Prevention and Support Resources
The Illinois Department of Public Health put together this list of violence prevention and support resources.
Topics covered include mental health and crisis support, violence prevention and intervention support, and report of child abuse or abuse of an older adult or adult with a disability.
Virtual Respite Provider Training Course
The Illinois Respite Coalition provides a free, online Respite Provider Training Program consisting of ten courses for individuals interested in providing respite care. The courses can be taken on your own time and will provide information to meet the Respite Care Professionals Core Competencies.
Following completion, participants will a certificate of completion and have the option of joining the statewide registry to be connected to respite opportunities.
Download the flyer for the Respite Provider Training Course.
