Transition: Independence Resources
The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center provides technical assistance and resources to support youth and young adults with disabilities and their families during the transition to adulthood. RAISE provides information, toolkits, webinars and support to help individuals:
- Better understand vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs and services
- Communicate more effectively with transition, rehabilitation and other professionals
- Understand the Rehabilitation Act and how it supports employment, supported employment and independent living
- Develop an Individualized Plan for Employment
RAISE’s resources include:
- The RAISE Youth Engagement Toolkit Series
- Parent Centers
- Resources for self-advocates, families, partners and parent centers
- Adult Ally Toolkit and Podcasts – to guide and empower adults in disability advocacy, post-secondary transition, education and beyond
Many of the resources are also available in Spanish.
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides a wide range of information, training and supports to build and strengthen services and instruction for secondary students and out-of-school youth with disabilities. Its website offers:
- Training and technical assistance.
- Easy-to-find transition topic areas. Each topic includes an additional list of key resources, related topics and training webinars.
- Webinars and toolkits
Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living
Opportunities for Access – A Center for Independent Living (OFACIL) is a member of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living serving residents of Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne and White counties. Offices are located in Mt. Vernon, Carmi and Effingham.
Programs include:
- Skills and employment training
- Support groups and advocacy
- Housing referral and community reintegration
- Youth transition and parent training program
- Adaptive equipment
Over the Rainbow (OTR) – Housing for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Over the Rainbow (OTR) is an Illinois non-profit organization providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities that are:
- Affordable
- Accessible
- Barrier-free
- Person-centered
OTR’s apartments are located throughout the Chicago region and Northern Illinois. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and meet OTR apartment communities eligibility requirements.
PACER Center Transition and Employment Resources
PACER Center provides information and resources for families of youth with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, higher education and more.
Parents Alliance Employment Project
Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) provides training and resources to help people with disabilities find competitive employment in DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties.
PAEP youth training programs provide education, daily living and vocational training. PAEP also provides adult services offering career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, job coaching, support and follow-up services.
In addition, PAEP works closely with employers to understand their recruiting, hiring and retention needs and provides information to help them increase diversity and meet their workforce needs.
Progress Center for Independent Living Serving Suburban Cook County
The Progress Center for Independent Living serves over 133 municipalities throughout suburban Cook County. It is a community-based, non-profit, non-residential service and advocacy organization operated for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities. Progress Center provides a variety of training and education services, housing assistance, and tools and resources for people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes. These include:
- Youth transition to adulthood program
- Independent living skills training
- Peer counseling
- Housing assistance
- Deaf services
- Braille classes
- Radio Independent Living 24/7
Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of all the freedom of mobility for people with physical disabilities.
Project Mobility also does an Adaptive Bike Giveaway.
RAMP- No Limits Center for Independent Living (CIL)
RAMP (RAMP-CIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). It welcomes anyone with a disability, regardless of their disability, age or economic status. The organization serves Boone, DeKalb Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. RAMP-CIL services for youth and adults include:- Information and referral
- Youth education and advocacy
- Portable ramp loans
- Independent living skills training
- Employment services
- Fast Track Transition services for youth
The Ray Graham Association provides individuals with disabilities and their families in DuPage County and the surrounding area with recreational, residential, family support, employment and life skills services.
The Ray Graham Association website also includes links to advocacy and legislative resources. The association’s goal is to empower people to:
- Reach their potential by providing access to therapeutic programs, recreation and family support resources.
- Grow their future through neighborhood living, life-skills training and employment opportunities.
- Achieve their goals by pursuing personalized plans with measurable actions and results.