Resource Directory /

Transition: Independence Resources

  • DSCC’s Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions Tip Sheet

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare and their families/caregivers build important problem-solving and decision-making skills. This tip sheet includes suggestions, steps and resources for developing the skills you need to be more independent and responsible as an adult.

    Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in English

    Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in Spanish

  • DSCC’s Staying Healthy Tip Sheet for Teens

    Teens of all ages and abilities can improve their quality of life through regular, moderate physical activity. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help teens learn about the importance of exercising and finding activities that they enjoy doing.

    DSCC’s Staying Healthy tip sheet in English 

    DSCC’s Staying Healthy tip sheet in Spanish 

  • DSCC’s Exploring Home-Based Supports Tip Sheet

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore programs, supports and housing options that best suit their needs.

    This tip sheet provides information on:

    Planning
    Financial help and paying for needed supports
    In-home support and residential living options
    Other resources

    Home-Based Supports, Day Programs and Housing Options tip sheet in English

    Home-Based Supports, Day Programs and Housing Options tip sheet in Spanish

  • DuPage County Transition Planning Committee

    The DuPage County Transition Planning Committee is a group composed of representatives from the local special education co-ops, school districts, Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services office, adult service providers, vocational coordinators, representatives of the business community, parents and clients. The committee meets to network, educate, learn, share and support services for individuals with disabilities

  • Election Engagement Hub for Individuals with Disabilities

    The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has an Election Engagement Hub that provides information and tools for disabled voters to engage as meaningfully as possible in their state, local and federal elections.

    You can find state-by-state voting guides, plain language definitions of voting words and more.

    AAPD also has the REV UP Voting Campaign, which aims to build the power of the disability vote through a national network of coalitions and organizations.

  • Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)

    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

  • Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with Access and Functional Needs

    A guidebook from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that provides preparedness tips for people with visual, cognitive or mobility impairments; people who are deaf or hard of hearing; those who utilize service animals or life support systems; and senior citizens.

  • EP!C (Empowering People. Inspiring Capabilities.)

    Empowering people. Inspiring capabilities. ( EP!C ) serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. EP!C helps individuals with disabilities at all levels achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest by providing a range of programs and services including:

    Educational services
    Community living services
    Employment services
    Harvest horticulture program
    EP!Casso art program

    EP!C provides services to individuals in central and some southern Illinois communities.

  • Every Step of the Way Resource Center for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

    Every Step of the Way (ESW) takes a hands-on, person-centered approach to providing support, networking opportunities and resources for individuals with mild to profound intellectual disabilities ages 20 and up and their parents/caregivers. ESW seeks to create a community where parents/caregivers in Chicago can:

    • Find resources for recreation, education, health (mental and physical), social and daily living skills, and behavioral intervention services
    • Network with each other
    • Brainstorm and collaborate to create programming and develop opportunities for their adult children
    • Advocate and network to accommodate the needs of their adult child and the adult children in the ESW community

  • Financial Planning for Parents of Children With Disabilities

    The PACER Center offers “A Financial Resource for Parents of Children With Disabilities” to help you plan for your child’s financial future and overall well-being. This resource helps walk you through getting organized, life and disability insurance and various aspects of planning for you and your child.