Resource Directory /

Transition: Work Resources

  • 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:

  • McHenry County Workforce Network Young Adult Internship Program

    The McHenry County Workforce Network Young Adult Internship Program provides opportunities for young adults up to age 24, including paid internships, training, certification and more.

    Paid internships at local companies throughout McHenry County including positions in retail, offices, public works departments, not-for-profit organizations and many more.

    Classroom training including resume development, interview preparation, career exploration, job search training, etc.

  • 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:

    Many of the resources are also available in Spanish.

  • 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

  • PACER Center

    PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. It serves families across the nation.

    Parents can find publications, workshops and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment and other services for their children with disabilities.

  • PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment

    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.

  • Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS)

    The Plan to Achieve Self Support or PASS for people with disabilities is a written plan of action for getting a particular kind of job or starting a business offered by the Social Security Administration.  The PASS allows you to earn more money to apply towards a work goal, without reducing your SSI benefits.