Transition: Independence Resources

Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)

The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:

• Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
• Assistive technology equipment loan program
• Community reintegration
• Computer literacy
• Mental health resources
• Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
• Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families

National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people in the United States. NFB helps create a wide range of opportunities for children and adults who are blind in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Programs and services cover a wide range of areas, including advocacy, education, Braille certification, parent support and resources, training, employment, technology and more.

A small sampling of NFB resources includes:

• Braille resources
• Free White Cane Program
• Free Slate and Stylus Program
• Scholarships and awards
• Career mentoring

For more information, contact NFB at (410) 659-9314 or nfb@nfb.org

There is also an Illinois chapter. Visit the National Federation of the Blind in Illinois website, call (312) 343-8396, or email  president@nfbofillinois.org.

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) is a nonprofit organization serving blind individuals and their sighted friends and family of all ages. NFBI provides information, programs and well-trained leaders to help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities, and effect change at the state and national levels. Programs include:

• A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled
• Scholarship and education programs
• Voter resources
• Statewide and local chapters

Visit NFBI’s website to view the complete list of Illinois chapters and contact information.

Please contact the chapter nearest you for more information.

National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center

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