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Below is a list of adult agencies, their locations, and contacts, as well as services they can provide.
Below is a list of adult agencies, their locations, and contacts, as well as services they can provide.
Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of agencies in Chicagoland. Please feel free to share!
Click on the links below to access contact information for agencies located in Chicago.
Click on the links below to access contact information for agencies located in Chicago.
This is not an exhuastive list of agencies in the City of Chicago. We do not recommend one over the other. Simply identify which agency will suit your students' needs most appropriately.
*Adult Agencies can be any agency that can provide services to the student after they have left high school. Contact ODLSSTransition@cps.edu for a list of agency contacts based on your school's geographical location.
Chicago ISC-agencies (PUNS Funding)
Chicago ISC-agencies (PUNS Funding)
Community Service Options, Inc. promotes access, “choice” of service, options and independence to people with disabilities who reside in the City of Chicago through the provision of information, education, planning and service coordination.
Contact: Noemi Lopez, nlopez@cso1.org
CAU provides services for people who are coping with both the short- and long-term effects of any disabling condition and supporting economically challenged families to improve health and wellness during pregnancy and birth.
Contact: Juan Aponte, japonte@cau.org
Vocational Agencies
Vocational Agencies
America Work’s Ticket to Work Program is a free employment program which assists people who receive SSI and SSDI who are between the ages of 18-64 in finding employment.
Contact: Alissa Rygel, arygel@americaworks.com
CCL’s career advancement training program in Business Support Services provides one-on-one financial and employment coaching, contextualized training, and connection to resources and potential employers.
Contact: Happy Johnson, happy@cclconnect.org
DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.
Contact: Varies by location. Please contact ODLSSTransition@cps.edu for your office's contact.
Check out the Department of Rehabilitation Services page for all related literature.
JVS provides opportunities to job seekers from all walks of life, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and fulfillment through employment.
Contact:
Jamie Sandberg (Integrated Employment Specialist), jamiesandberg@jcfs.org
Luiz Martinez (Employment Specialist), luismartinez@jcfs.org
The LUV Institute strives to inspire hope and empower underserved youth with economic opportunities while building resiliency and social-emotional competencies.
Contact: Luis Carrion, Luis.Carrion@illinois.gov
A free pre-employment training program that helps low-income people with developmental disabilities or mental illness (14 years and up) with interview preparation, resume writing, and assistance with online job applications. They target individuals who are transitioning out of high school or who are ready to work.
Contact: Sherry Moore, sherrymoore@maha-us.org or 312-285-2316
Bridges from School to Work matches youth with disabilities between the ages of 17 and 24 with entry-level job positions in local Chicago area businesses that are seeking workforce diversification solutions.
Contact: Aubree Weiley, aubree.weiley@bridgestowork.org
No Boundaries is an experiential, on-land and on-line training program for transitioning teens and adults with disabilities. No Boundaries builds essential skills for the workplace and for living more independently in today's world.
Contact: Tricia Luzadder, tluzadder@search-inc.org or 847-869-0000
Public Allies is a 10-month paid apprenticeship and leadership development program.
Contact: ajo@publicallies.org or 312-229-1298
Youth Job Center equips young people with the skills and confidence they need to get a job and pursue a career.
Contact: info@youthjobcenter.org or 847-864-5627
Through public speaking opportunities, hands-on project based learning and passionate mentoring, we see our ladies lose their nervousness and become more confident about who they are and what they stand for.
Contact: Contact form or 877-565-7121
Recreation Agencies
Recreation Agencies
Arts of Life advances the creative arts community by providing artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership.
Contact: Catherine Norcott, cnorcott@artsoflife.org or 312-829-2787
Chicago Park District promotes, fosters and encourages physical and mental health through athletic skills development, recreation, and social interactions for youth and adults with disabilities.
Contact: Kristi Miller, Kristi.Miller@chicagoparkdistrict.com
The Bradley Cameron Association (BCA) provides meaningful and enjoyable activities for young adults, ages 16-26 with sensory and physical disabilities, their families, and caregivers.
Contact: Valerie Beavers, bradleycameronassociation@gmail.com
Marwen provides free visual arts and college and career programming for Chicago’s young people from under-resourced communities and schools in middle through young adulthood.
Contact: Akilah Halley, ahalley@marwen.org
Project sWish was developed to use the game of basketball to provoke change and provide resources in the community.
Contact: McKinley Nelson, mckinley@projectswishchicago.com
Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Contact: Melissa Garritano, mgarritano@soill.org
Collegiate Support Agencies
Collegiate Support Agencies
The Disability Access Center provides coordination and supportive services for students with documented disabilities
Contact: Varies by location. Please contact ODLSSTransition@cps.edu for direct DAC contacts.
One Million Degrees provides wrap-around supports to highly motivated community college students to help them succeed in school, in work, and in life. From tutors and coaches to financial assistance and professional development, OMD offers the support that empowers scholars to transform their lives and those around them for generations. OMD works with both students with disabilities, as well as, students who are undocumented.
Contact: Kendall Kennedy, kkennedy@onemilliondegrees.org
Options for College Success' mission is to support young adult with learning challenges and disabilities in developing skills, courage, and confidence necessary to succeed academically, work productively, and live independently!
Contact: info@optionsforcollegesuccess.org or 847- 425-4797 Ext. 202
Disability Specific Agencies
Disability Specific Agencies
The AARTS Center at Rush offers unparalleled expertise in diagnosing and treating children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. AARTS also has a comprehensive Autism Resource Directory to assist individuals with ASD, families, and caretakers with identifying programming to support various independent living need capacities such as social groups, dental care, recreation, mentoring, and so on.
Contact: Holly Lechniak, holly_n_lechniak@rush.edu or 312-563-2765
Ada S. McKinley's Employment & Community Support programs offer a wide range of training and employment opportunities and community living options throughout Chicago.
Contacts:
Timothy Rubens, trubens@adasmckinley.org or 773-995-2900 (6033 S. Wentworth location)
Lisa Tenuto, ltenuto@adasmckinley.org or 312-326-1299 (1863 S. Wabash location)
Aspire’s mission is to support the successes of children and adults with developmental disabilities, strengthen their families and build embracing communities.
Contact: mhassler@aspirechicago.com
Best Buddies Illinois offers One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs – positively impacting nearly 78,170 individuals with and without disabilities in Illinois.
Contacts:
Katherine Waks (Program Manager, Mission Expansion): katherinewaks@bestbuddies.org
Nicolette Cuttell (Supervisor, Job Program): NicoletteCuttell@bestbuddies.org
Caitlyn Pace (Deputy Director, Jobs): CaitlynPace@bestbuddies.org
Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) empowers people who are Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing to communicate and collaborate by providing an array of social services, advocacy, support programs and assistive technology products.
Contact: Michelle Mendiola, MMendiola@anixter.org or 773-904-0155.
The Chicago Lighthouse offers 40 unique programs and services that help our clients optimize remaining vision, meet developmental and educational milestones, find employment and lead more independent lives.
Contact: Martha Younger-White, martha.younger-white@chicagolighthouse.org
Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) CILA is designed to provide support and assistance to individuals who have demonstrated the performance abilities of the day-to-day arts of living in a home-like setting.
Contact: Contact form or 815-725-2194
Envision Unlimited commits to provide persons with disabilities or other special needs quality services which promote choice, independence and community integration.
Contact: Linda Vero, lvero@envisionunlimited.org
Friedman Place is a nonprofit Supportive Living Community for adults (22+) who are blind or visually impaired.
Contact: Alexander Brown, alexander@friedmanplace.org
Have Dreams provides adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder the tools needed to be successful – whether in their day-to-day lives, the classroom, or the workplace.
Contact: Sara LaMontagne, slamontagne@havedreams.org or 847-905-0702
The Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education – Roosevelt (ICRE-R) is a residential school for students with severe physical disabilities and other health impairments .
Illinois Life Span (ILS) is a program of The Arc of Illinois – a statewide advocacy organization committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.
Contact: 1-800-588-7002
The mission of the Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois is to create an environment that supports, informs and empowers individuals with learning disabilities throughout their lifespan.
Contact: Pat Glatz, admin@ldaillinois.org
Misericordia offers a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged.
Contact: Therese Loftus, tloftus@misericordia.com
The first-ever “translational” research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, applying research in real time to physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Contact: Contact form or 312-238-1000
Thresholds provides healthcare, housing, and hope for thousands of persons with mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
Contact:
Central Intake Team, intake@thresholds.org or 773-572-5500
Vicki Hall (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Director), vicki.hall@thresholds.org
Eva Zeidner (Emerging Adults Program), Eva.Zeidner@thresholds.org
Trilogy's mission is to support people in their recovery from mental illness by helping them discover and reclaim their capabilities, life direction and well-being.
Contact: Anabelle Doulas, Adoulas@trilogyinc.org
UCP Seguin provides life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities.
Contact: Laura Gonzalez, lgonzale@seguin.org
Urban Autism Solutions is dedicated to changing outcomes for young adults with autism through an integrated community life that advances social and vocational opportunities.
Contact:
Julie Tracy (Co-Founder), julie@jmtf.org
General, info@urbanautismsolutions.com
Advocacy & Support Agencies
Advocacy & Support Agencies
Access Living is a change agent committed to fostering an inclusive society that enables Chicagoans with disabilities to live fully–engaged and self–directed lives.
Contact: Katie Blank, kblank@accessliving.org
The Arc of Illinois is committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.
Contact: Contact page or 1-800-588-7002
Anixter Center helps more than 6,000 children, teens and adults by providing employment, residential, educational, health and social/recreational services.
Contacts:
Brittney Hyde (Employment Services), bhyde@anixter.org
Barbara Eyres (Adult Day Programs), Beyres@anixter.org
CAPs is committed to making a strong community workforce through customized training and job placement.
Contact: LaTonya Anderson, Landerson@capsinc.org or (773) 568-1782
The Economic Awareness Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to prepare students and families for the economic and financial decisions they will make both today and tomorrow.
Contact: Tracey Frizzell, tfrizzell@econcouncil.org or 773-955-9000
El Valor’s adult programs offer a continuum of services that maximizes personal choices, enrichment, employment, and self-sufficiency for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
Contact: Hector Izaguirre, hizaquirre@elvalor.net or info@elvalor.net
Erie House's programs are designed to meet the entire spectrum of family needs: From nurturing the growth and development of children and youth to empowering adults to build stronger, more vibrant communities, we are committed to the well being of our families.
Contact:
Ignacio Medina, imedina@eriehouse.org
Arthur McGriff (Workforce Development - English), amcgriff@eriehouse.org or (312) 625-2440
IL ABLE “Achieving a Better Life Experience” accounts give people with disabilities and their families greater financial independence while preserving benefits. A high-quality, low-cost IL ABLE savings and investment account can be opened by an eligible individual, or Authorized Individual, at any time, no matter what state you live in.
Contact: Rosemary Laudani, RLaudani@illinoistreasurer.gov
The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) works to make Chicago the most accessible city in the nation on behalf of residents and visitors with disabilities. MOPD offers employment, transportation and parking, and emergency preparedness services for students with disabilities. MOPD also offers a Home Modification Program for individuals from low to moderate incomes to receive funding to make modifications in their homes. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Jerod Lockhart, jerod.lockhart@cityofchicago.org
Certified Community Partner Work Incentives Counselors (CPWICs): Do you have students who receive SSI/SSDI benefits, and are also interesting in working to gain income in addition to their benefits? They can contact Erick or Jocelyn in order to obtain personalized SSI/SSDI benefits training.
Jocelyn Romasanta (CPWICs), Jocelyn.Romasanta@cityofchicago.org
Volunteers of America of Illinois are now able to provide WIPA counseling to students who receive SSI/SSDI disability benefits.
It's important to refer students for benefits counseling, ideally before then begin working, so they can begin planning how work will impact their SSI/SSDI benefits. In Illinois we have three official WIPA projects. Click here for the map of the WIPA territories. Each WIPA project has CWICs (Community Work Incentive Coordinators) and their job is to counsel an individual on the different benefits available as they work. Volunteers of America now has the WIPA contract for Chicago; however, MOPD can still provide benefits counseling as well!
Contact: info@voail.org
Phone for WIPA Assistance: 312-563-2300
SGA helps children, families and communities facing great challenges to realize their potential through specific programming and initiatives throughout the city.
Contact: Andrew Fernandez, afernandez@sga-youth.org
Teamwork Englewood's mission is to build community capacity by collaborating with local and potential stakeholders to create an environment that fosters the tenants for a healthy and vibrant Englewood.
Contact: info@teamworkenglewood.org or 773-488-6600
Assistive Technology Agencies
Assistive Technology Agencies
Devices 4 the Disabled (D4D) collects and redistributes used Durable Medical & Mobility Equipment to those in need in the Chicago area.
Contact: info@Devices4TheDisabled.org or 773-870-1553
This website has been updated within the year. IATP’s mission is to increase access to and the acquisition of Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services for individuals of all ages with disabilities. IATP provides AT information and services in the areas of education, employment, community living, and IT/telecommunications. Our goal is to improve the quality of life of all Illinoisans with disabilities and enable them through greater access to assistive technology devices to fully participate in all aspects of life.
The ICAT project is working to increase statewide capacity to design and develop individualized fabricated assistive technology (AT) devices so that Illinois residents have increased opportunity to obtain the AT that best meets their needs. All Illinois residents with unmet assistive technology needs that could be resolved through individualized fabrication of a device are encouraged to contact the program. The priority focus is to serve low-income Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities, older adults with functional limitations, and/or underserved communities within the state.
ITAC is a Not-for-Profit serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, Deaf-Blind, and Speech-Disabled communities. ITAC provides both the Illinois Relay phone service and an equipment program which are required by State and Federal law.
Contact: Contact page or 800-841-6167
The Orange Effect Foundation covers copay for low-income families. An application must be completed!
Contact: Contact page
The Assistive Technology Fund can provide a $500 grant to those who qualify. Persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities who live in Illinois can apply.
Contact: Contact page
Lori’s Voice may provide financial assistance to children who are: Under 21 years old, with a mobility issue, neuromuscular or degenerative disease, and have a financial need. The program covers equipment that familes can't afford, and aren't covered by insurance
Contact: Contact page
Small Steps in Speech covers equipment if the family income is less than $100K. Those interested must apply.
Contact: Contact page
Aprazia Kids covers iPads for children with apraxia. Applicants must show financial need; those interested must apply.
Contact: Contact page
IL Telecommunications Access Corporation can provide cell phone amplifiers, amplified phones, captioned phones, speech amplifiers, electrolarynx, and TTY.
Contact: Contact page
Health/Wellness Agencies
Health/Wellness Agencies
The IMAN Community Health Center manifests this belief with a mission of providing comprehensive, accessible and culturally-competent health care to its diverse patient population.
Contact: info@imancentral.org or 773-434-4626 extension 207 or 209
Legal Rights Agencies
Legal Rights Agencies
The Center for Disability and Elder law provides legal services to low income residents of Cook County, Illinois who are either elderly or who have permanent disabilities.
Contact: Contact page or 312-376-1880
Equip for Equality advances the Human & Civil Rights of People with Disabilities in Illinois.
Contact: Stacey Aschemann, Stacey@equipforequality.org
Latinos Progresando provides professional, affordable immigration legal services to thousands of families every year, from more than 40 countries around the world.
Contact: Contact Form or 773-542-7077 Ext: 10
NIJC protects human rights and provides access to justice for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Contact: Tovia Siegel, tsiegel@heartlandalliance.org
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