OPTIONS
A Transition
Resource Fair
for
Professionals, Individuals with Special Needs,
and
Their Families
Introduction
Welcome to our Options Resource Fair! We’re glad you joined us. In this booklet, we have provided you with a wealth of information. There are many considerations for youth and adults who have disabilities. We have summarized each service and listed organizations in and around the Chicago-land area that offer critical services to all persons with disabilities. Each organization is listed under its primary service category. Remember, most organizations provide multiple services, and you should thoroughly read through the information so that you can become aware of all your Options!
The information presented is accurate as of April, 2013
Advocacy
The information presented is accurate as of April, 2013
Table of Contents
I. Acknowledgements
II. Advocacy
III. Assistive Technology
IV. Educational & Transition Programs
V. Government Services, Financial & Guardianship
VI. Health & Medical
VII. Independent Living & Home-Based Services
VIII. Recreational
IX. Residential
X. Transportation
XI. Vocational
XII. Alphabetical List of Agencies
www.consideroptions.org
Acknowledgements
OPTIONS Committee
Karen AdamsCollege of Lake County
847.543.2454
/ Lyndsay Janura
Barrington High School
847.842.3498
Theresa Buckman
SEDOL
847.548.8470 ext. 2814
/ William Kintz
Waukegan High School
847.599.4216
Cassie Diaz-Bello
SEDOL
847.548.2577 ext. 38
/ Rachel Merke
New Connections Academy/South Campus/Connections Day School
847.359.8690
Shanta Frierson
Lake County Center for Independent Living
847.949.4440 x 27
/
Steve Rochon
Libertyville High School
847.326.7166
Ron Gatchalian
Glenbrook North High School
847.509.2449
/ Julie Smith
Glenbrook South High School
847.486.4661
Stephanie Gordon
Deerfield High School
224.632.3319
/ Terese Sullivan
Stevenson High School
847.415.4868
Lynda Gunther
Stevenson High School and SEDOL
847.415.4824
www.consideroptions.org
Advocacy
We define advocacy as getting your needs and wants met. This means that it is very important that you speak up for yourself. At times, everything falls into place and you receive the services you asked for. At other times, you may have difficulty finding the services you need. You, your family, and friends need to speak up. You have the right to services that meet your particular needs. There are many different kinds of advocacy. Take a look at this section to be aware of all the support you can receive. These agencies may advocate for you, or they may help you learn to advocate for yourself. Please contact that LCCIL (Lake County Center for Independent Living) for further information regarding attorneys for guardianship, special needs trusts and other benefits.
The Arc of Illinois- Illinois Life Span Project
Contact Mike Kaminsky
20901 S. LaGrange Road, Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
Telephone (800) 588-7002
Website www.illinoislifespan.org
Autism Society of Illinois
Contact Libby Wojda
2200 S. Main St.
Suite 205
Lombard, IL 60148
Telephone (866) 691-1270
Website www.autismillinois.org
Additional Services Provided Education & Transition Services
Best Buddies Illinois
Contact Joanna Wagner
740 N. Rush, 2nd Floor South
Chicago, IL 60611
Telephone (312) 828-9313
Website www.bestbuddiesillinois.org
Additional Services Provided Friendship, Job Placement
Equip for Equality
Contact Stacy Yusim
20 N. Michigan
Suite. 300
Chicago, IL 60602
Telephone (312) 341-0022
Website www.equipforequality.org
Additional Service Provided Training & outreach
Family Benefit Solutions, Inc.
Contact Sherri Schneider
1110 W Lake Cook Rd. #150
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Telephone (847) 279-8506
Website www.familybenefitsolutions.com
Additional Service Provided Help with benefits
From Advocacy to Action
Contact Pam Laballarte
231 Bingham Circle
Mundelein, IL 60060
Contact Pam Laballarte
Telephone (847) 401-5053
Website www.fromadvocacy2action.com
Great Lakes ADA Center
Contact Jessica Madrigal
1640 W. Roosevelt
Chicago, IL 60608
Telephone (312) 413-1407
Website www.adagratlakes.org
Additional Services Provided Training & assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act
Illinois Association of Microboards & Cooperatives, Inc.
Contact Terri Steinberg
887 Ridge Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
Telephone (773) 793-4541
Website www.iambc.org
Additional Services Provided Education & Transition Services, Independent Living & Home-Based Services, Vocational, Person Centered Planning
Illinois Spina Bifida Association
Contact Matt Larsen
8765 W. Higgins
Suite 403
Chicago, IL. 60631
Telephone (773) 444-0305
Website www.i-sba.org
Additional Services Provided College Scholarships & Info/Referral Services
The NemoNews.com
Contact Mary Curran Rhodes
670 Brook Stone Road
Grayslake, IL 60030
Telephone (847) 702-2656
Website www.thenemonews.com
Additional Services Provided News & communications
NICASA (Alcohol, Gambling, Substance Abuse)
Contact Amy Pukal
31979 N. Fish Lake Rd.
Round Lake, IL 60073
Telephone (847) 546-6450
Website www.nicasa.org
Assistive Technology
There are exciting developments in technology for persons with disabilities. Computer technology and adaptive equipment have made a world of difference in our lives. Whether you have a physical, emotional, developmental, or learning disability, there are incredible devices to help you. There are organizations that provide information about what is available, and may also assist you to find the financial support to make necessary purchases. Check out these resources, you will be amazed to learn about the latest advances in technology.
DRS Bureau Blind Services- Region 2Division of Rehabilitation Services
Contact Regina Cook-Glanton
107 N. 3rd St.
Rockford, IL 61107
Telephone (815) 967-3725
Website
Additional Services Provided Advocacy, Education & Transition Services, Independent Living & Home-Based Services, Vocational & Employment, Job readiness, job placement, adjustment training
Educational & Transition Programs
What happens after graduation? Where do you go? What will you do? Some students choose to continue their education. Some enroll in transition programs offered by their schools; while other students go to college. Believe it or not, there are institutions that do both. They are designed for youth with disabilities who need a little extra help adjusting to life as an adult. All colleges have a department that works directly with students with disabilities. They help you obtain needed accommodations for class. They may also facilitate the transitional programs previously mentioned.
College is not for everyone and it is not your only opportunity for education. Some organizations offer independent transitional programs. There are a number of technical and vocational skills programs as well. We have provided you a list of colleges, technical and independent transition programs in the Chicago-land area that you may be interested in pursuing.
Arlyn Transition Program
Contact Terri Michaels, Transition Program Manager
3013 Illinois Road
Wilmette, IL. 60091
Telephone (847) 256-7117
Website No web address
Camelot School Mt. Prospect
Contact Cindy Krostal
580 Slawin Court
Mt Prospect, IL 60056
Telephone (847) 391-8036
Website
Elmhurst Learning & Success Academy (ELSA)
Contact Tim Ahlberg
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126-3296
Telephone (630) 617-3752
Website http://public.elmhurst.edu/elsa
Harper College- Career Skills Institute (CSI)
Contact Linda Hoeck
1200 W. Algonquin Rd.
Palatine, IL 60067
Telephone (847) 925-6266
Website www.harpercollege.edu
Illinois Autism Technical Assistance Project (IATTAP)
Contact Lake County: Andrea Damenti
1590 S. Fairfield Ave.
Lombard, IL 60148
Telephone (630) 968-3898
Website www.illinoisautismproject.org
Additional Services Provided Training and resources for parents and educators
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
Contact Jade Bannister
740 N. Waukegan Road, Suite 207
Deerfield, IL 60015
Telephone (847) 914-0771
Website www.lindamoodbell.com
McHenry County College Special Needs Department
Contact Bev Albright
8900 U.S. Highway 14
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Telephone (815) 455-8676
Website www.mchenry.edu/specialneeds
Additional Service Provided Vocational, Advocacy, Assistive Technology
PACE @ National Louis University
Contact Barb Kite
5202 Old Orchard Rd, Suite 300
Skokie, IL 60077
Telephone (224) 233-2670
Website www.nl.edu/pace
Options for College Success
Contact Shoshana Axler
820 Davis Street, Suite 455
Evanston, IL 60201
Telephone (847) 425-4797
Website optionsforcollegesuccess.org
Parent Mentor Project at SEDOL
Contact Joy Bux
18160 Gages Lake Road
Gages Lake, IL 60030
Telephone (847) 548-8470
Website
Additional Services Provided Parent & Educational support
Search, INC.
Contact Ryan Donovan
625 Slawin Court
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Telephone (847) 489-7155
Website www.search-inc.org
Additional Service Provided Health & Medical, Independent Living & Home-Based Services, Residential, Vocational
Shepherds College
Contact Brian Canright
1805 15th Ave.
Union Grove, WI. 53182
Telephone (262) 878-5620
Website www.sheperherdscollege.edu
Government Services, Financial, & Legal/Guardianship
When you get older, there are some important things to think about that you may not have considered. Our government offers a lot of assistance to persons with disabilities, but the programs can be confusing. There are different financial and medical programs that you may qualify for and we recommend you speak with someone to learn more about them. Also, when you turn 18 years-old, you are considered an adult in the eyes of the law. Sometimes we aren’t ready to make adult decisions by ourselves, and may need extra help. Your parents can petition the court to become your legal guardian until you can make that decision. Not everyone needs a guardian, and there are options for those who may only need help with some issues, but not all. We encourage you to explore your options with the legal, financial, and governmental organizations listed below, so you may be prepared to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
Office of State Guardian
Contact Intake
PO Box 7009
Hines, IL 60141
Telephone (708) 338-7500
Website www.gac.state.il.us
Additional Service Provided Advocacy
Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission
Contact Intake
1200 S. First Ave.
Hines, IL 60141-7009
Telephone (708) 338-7500
Website www.gac.state.il.us
Additional Service Provided Advocacy, Financial & Guardianship Planning
Life’s Plan, Inc.
Contact Scott Nixon
901 Warrenville Road, Suite 500
Lisle, IL 60532
Telephone (630) 628-7189
Website www.lifesplaninc.org
Protected Tomorrows
Contact Teri Bodeman
103 Schelter Road
Lincolnshire, IL. 60069
Telephone (847) 522-8086
Website www.protectedtomorrrows.com
Additional Services Provided Advocacy
Health & Medical
Making healthy choices is a big part of growing up. Sometimes our disabilities make this difficult. You should be aware of what your health needs may be. For example, if you require the use of medical equipment, you may want to contact companies that provide such devises. There are also medical assistance programs available to persons with disabilities who do not have medical insurance. See below to find out who can help you.
Courage to Connect Therapeutic Center
Contact Ashlee Colby
2400 Ravine Way, Suite 600
Glenview, IL 60025
Telephone (847) 730-3042
Website www.couragetoconnecttherapy.com
UIC- Division of Specialized Care for Children
Contact Yolanda Peterson, Tresa Gille
4302 N. Main Street, Room 106
Rockford, IL 61103
Telephone (815) 987-7571
Website www.uic.edu/dscc
Email ,
Independent Living & Home-Based Services
Independence is freedom! We must all learn to be as independent as possible. Independence can mean many things. As you grow older, you need to learn how to do things for yourself. You must also know when to ask for help. There are organizations available to provide you with the necessary skills to be independent. There are also companies that provide in-home care for persons who have more complex living situations. They help those who wish to reside in their own home, and need additional assistance. Please review your options. The earlier you start the more independent you will become.
Center for Independent Futures
Contact Margaret Tanenberg
1015 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Telephone (847) 328-2044
Website www. Independentfutures.com
Additional Service Provided Residential
Little City
Contact Julie Rupp
1760 W. Algonquin Rd.
Palatine, IL 60067
Telephone (847) 358-5510
Website www.littlecity.org
Additional Service Provided Residential, Education & Transition Services, Health & Medical, Recreational, Vocational
Recreational
We are listing a number of organizations that provide recreational services. Work is very important, but leisure time is important too. Good personal and social skills are necessary to live successfully in your community. There are several groups in your community that you can join for fun and to make new friends. You can join sports teams, act in plays and musicals, or even start a club of your own. The organizations listed offer activities for youth and adults with disabilities. Check them out; you’ll have a great time.
The Arts of Life
Contact Emily Smith
1963 Johns Drive
Glenview, IL 60025
Telephone (312) 829-2787
Website www.artsoflife.org
Additional Services Provided Advocacy, Vocational
Mundelein Area AYSO Region 371 "Very Important Player" (VIP) Community Soccer Program
Contact Valerie Walker
P.O. Box 783
Mundelein, IL 60060
Telephone (847) 721-9246
Website www.ayso372.org
Camp Red Leaf
Contact Erin Newport, JCYS Camp Red Leaf Director
26710 West Nippersink Road
Ingleside, IL 60041
Telephone (847) 740-5010
Website www.jcys.org
Additional Services Residential, Camp Programs
Center for Enriched Living
Contact Elizabeth Mesjak
280 Saunders Rd.
Riverwoods, IL 60015
Telephone (847) 315-9921
Website www.centerforenrichedliving,org
Additional Service Provided Advocacy, Educational, Independent Living & Home-Based Services, Alternative Day Programming
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA)
Contact Sarah Holcombe
285 Memorial Drive
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Telephone (815) 459-0737
Website www.nisra.org
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)
Contact Blair Prace
3105 MacArthur Boulevard
Northbrook, IL 60062
Telephone (847) 509-9400
Website www.nssra.org
Special Olympics Illinois
Contact Susan Foege
103 Schelter Rd., Suite 25
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Telephone (847) 238-2883
Website
Special Recreation of Central Lake County (SRACLC)
Contact Theresa Walker
290 Oakwood Dr.
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Telephone (847) 816-4866
Website www.sraclc.org
Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County
(SRSNLC)
Contact Julie Schneider
2000 Belvidere St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
Telephone (847) 360-4762
Website
YoungLife Capernaum
Contact Emily Tasha Taylor
100 N. Waukegan
Lake Forest, IL 60089
Telephone (847) 735-9595
Website http://www.lakecountyyounglife.
Residential
Deciding where you are going to live after you graduate is a tough decision. Some students are ready to move out on their own or with friends. Others may need more help. You may be asking yourself,” Where will I live? Will I be able to take care of myself? Will I have people to help me?” Residential services are provided by a variety of agencies. Their purpose is to provide homes for people who need extra help. MOST PROVIDERS OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES HAVE LONG WAITING LISTS. YOU MUST APPLY LONG BEFORE YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO MOVE OUT ON YOUR OWN. Check out these organizations that can help you.
Glenkirk
Contact Shayna Green
3504 Commercial Ave.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Telephone (847) 400-8559
Website www.glenkirk.org
Additional Services Provided Advocacy, Vocational