Resource Directory /

Transition: Work Resources

  • Illinois Department of Employment Security Youth Program

    The Hire the Future Program at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is designed to provide youth ages 16 to 24 with employment assistance, job readiness and career development services. You c an find out what careers match your skills and interests by using IDES’ online job resources.

  • Illinois Disability Benefits 101

    Illinois Disability Benefits 101 is a free, user-friendly, Illinois-specific website that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, health care, employment and more. It is a one-stop shop for information, resources, and tools to motivate and support employment and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals.

  • Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide

    The Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide is a comprehensive resource for transition-age students and their families as they plan for the transition from school to adult life. This user-friendly guide provides clear, up-to-date information about the transition process with a focus on the transition from school to work. The guide is designed to be a key resource for Illinois students, parents/guardians, teachers, school administrators, guidance and vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other school-based and adult services providers.

    The guide includes information specific to Illinois for the school-to-work (STW) transition, such as:

    • Key individuals and their roles and responsibilities
    • Important steps and stages in the STW transition process
    • Key terms and definitions
    • Legal aspects
    • Helpful guidelines and resources

  • Illinois workNet

    Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more.

    Illinois workNet includes Disability Works, which connects and guides individuals with disabilities to benefits, services, training and employment information.

  • IllinoisJobLink.com

    IllinoisJobLink.com is a robust, dynamic and comprehensive, web-based workforce development system for job seekers, employers, training providers and workforce professionals with realtime
    data. For job seekers, it features job matching, resume creation and career management tools and resources.

    See the IllinoisJobLink.com brochure for more information.

  • Job Accommodation Network

    The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance.

  • Junior Achievement USA and Illinois Chapters

    Junior Achievement USA (JA) helps young people own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices. The organization offers educational materials for schools and other organizations and hands-on learning experiences for students focusing on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. JA Connect also provides online self-guided activities to help students learn, apply and practice new skills. JA outreach in Illinois also includes:

  • Lake County Center for Independent Living

    Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.

    LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.

  • Little Friends

    Little Friends provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:

    • Schools, educational and vocational training programs
    • Respite family services
    • Community-based residential living
    • The Center for Autism
    • Inklude Studio
    • The Fun Club

  • Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) – City of Chicago

    The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) provides education and training, benefits counseling, information and referral, direct services and more to help foster accessibility, full participation and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

    MOPD services and programs include: