Person with Disabilities
Jobs + Training
Ray Graham Employment Services
901 Warrenville Road, Suite 500, Lisle
630-620-2222
employmentservices@raygrahm.org
Qualifying individuals are served free of charge. Transportation to and from work is available through a partnership with Ride DuPage. Staff will help individuals and their families fill out the necessary paperwork to qualify.
Ray Graham Association partners with about 150 businesses and institutions throughout DuPage and nearby counties to help people with disabilities find a job and find the right fit. On-site coaching services available, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Helping Hands Employment Services
708-352-3580
English and Spanish
Helping Hand Center’s Employment Services team provides Vocational Training, Job Placement Services, and Employment Consultation with the goal of helping individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain jobs in the community based on their career interests and skills.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ Welcoming.
Basic to Advanced Computer Training
DONKA
400 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton
630-665-8169 X 11
intake@donkainc.org
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm
DONKA's student-driven computer training is intensive and individualized. The focus of the training is on using Microsoft products, such as Word, Excel, and Access in conjunction with any needed assistive technology. Students learn while working either one-on-one or two-on-two through realistic business scenarios including working on deadline-driven assignments that teach accountability to students.
Residents of the DuPage Care Center and Veterans receive free services. DONKA is a non-profit their foundation pays for half the cost of all services. DONKA staff will assist clients in getting the other half of their costs subsidized through grant funding, such as WIOA.
Click here for more information.
Education
College of DuPage Developmental Education
425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, Student Resource Room, Room 1110
630-942-2208
English and Spanish
$199 -$399/course
Young adults with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities who can independently, safely, and appropriately manage classroom responsibilities and find their way to classes can continue their education through College of DuPage's Developmental Education Program. These courses will help students continue to increase academic and employment skills and improve overall communication and independence abilities.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Home-based Services
Ray Graham Association Home-based Family Support
901 Warrenville Rd, Suite 500, Lisle
630-620-2222
info@raygraham.org
Ray Graham will assist clients in securing funding from the state.
Our Home-Based Services coordinators are experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to assisting every family establish a personal plan for their loved one with disabilities and identifying services to meet their unique needs.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Assistive Technology
DONKA
400 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton
630-665-8169 X 11
intake@donkainc.org
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm
People with a disability, veterans, and seniors.
DONKA will assist clients in getting the other half of their costs subsidized through grant funding. Veterans and residents of the DuPage Care Center receive free services.
Donka offers a robust selection of services spanning every aspect of assistive technology (AT). DONKA offers customized training to increase computer skills and assistive technology skills for independence. Teacher student ratio is 1:1 or 1:2.
Click here for more information.
Adult Day Programs
Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association
1770 West Centennial Place
630-620-4500
8:30am - 5pm
English and Spanish
Self-pay. Click here for more information on financial assistance.
Ability to maintain 6 foot physical distance from other participants and staff. Ability to properly put on, wear, and take off face covering when necessary, for the duration of the program. Independent personal care (hygiene, toileting, eating). Participate with visual and verbal prompting within a ratio of one staff to four participants, without the need for physical re-direction. Ability to follow NEDSRA Code of Conduct and other pre-determined guidelines. Participant must have a current Annual Information Form on file.
All or partial day program. From field trips to cooking and social recreation, each day is full of excitement.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Ray Graham Day Services for Adults
Day services in Lombard, Elmhurst, and Burr Ridge
630-620-2222 or info@raygraham.org
Monday - Friday, 9am - 2:30pm
Best to contact via phone or email to schedule appointment so staff can evaluate what services are needed.
Ray Graham will assist clients in securing funding from the state.
Community Learning Services provide people with disabilities the opportunity to make the most of their time in the community. Activities explore employment readiness, community integration, recreation, exercise, leisure, and volunteering for local and national charities.
Respite
In-Home Respite - ADULTS AND CHILDREN
Clearbrook
847-385-5335
mbosco@clearbrook.org
The purpose of this program is to provide temporary relief for the primary caregiver.
In order to participate in this program, a staff member must be hired to work as the “In Home Respite SLA.” The family can refer a staff member, or post their position on the Clearbrook job line to try to recruit for staff. The pay rate is $16/hour, and they are paid bi-weekly by Clearbrook as a part time employee.
Clearbrook offers an in-home program that provides each family of a child with disabilities 125 hours a year of respite in their home.
Families must choose between Voucher and In Home Respite – families cannot receive both services. These services are reserved for individuals who are not currently receiving funding through DHS Home Based Services waivers or DRS Home Health Waivers.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Voucher Respite
Clearbrook
847-385-5335
mbosco@clearbrook.org
The purpose of the Voucher Program is to reimburse families for services that provide short-term relief to the caregiver.
Each individual (client) can be reimbursed up to $1,023.45 / fiscal year, which runs from July 1 st, 2022 through June 30th, 2023. In this program, the family pays for the eligible service, submits a timesheet/receipts monthly, and are reimbursed on a monthly basis until they reach their maximum of $1023.45.
Eligible services include payment to a private staff member, hired and paid by the family, to supervise the individual, Special Recreation Programs, and Day Programs.
Families must choose between Voucher and In Home Respite – families cannot receive both services. These services are reserved for individuals who are not currently receiving funding through DHS Home Based Services waivers or DRS Home Health Waivers.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Group Respite - Adults
Clearbrook's Getz Building 746 S Vermont, Palatine
847-385-5335
mbosco@clearbrook.org
Free
This program is for individuals with an intellectual/developmental disability who are 18 years or older.
Held two Saturdays per month from 9:00am-2:30pm. Consists of in program activities and a community outing.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Little Friends - CHILDREN 3-21
27555 Diehl Road, Warrenville
630-355-6533
atinney@lilfriends.com
Free
Little Friends Respite Family Services offers caregivers time for rest and relief from challenges associated with raising a child with special needs. Our program offers multi-week sessions for children with special needs and their siblings featuring indoor and outdoor activities and socialization opportunities. Each session is hosted by a lead instructor, paid staff members, Certified Nursing Assistant, and community volunteers.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
School Break Camp
Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association Camp and School Days Out
1770 West Centennial Place
630-620-4500
8:30am - 5pm
English and Spanish
Self-pay. Click here for more information on financial assistance.
When school is out, come to NEDSA for a day full of FUN! NEDSRA provides weekday full-day programing during school off days. This includes some holiday’s, some in-school training days, winter break and summer break. From field trips, to cooking, games, swimming and social recreation, each day is full of excitement. Your child will be looking forward to their next day at NEDSRA!
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
Housing + Residential Services
Independent Living Services
Illinois Department of Human Services Rehabilitation Services
2901 Finley Road, Suite 109, Downers Grove
630-495-0500
First step for people with disabilities looking for independent living.
Community Living Resources (Residential Services)
Ray Graham Association
630-620-2222
Ray Graham will assist clients in getting Medicaid waiver funding for services.
Adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Over 150 people with disabilities flourish in our 25+ community-based homes that promote independence and foster friendship. Accessible houses are available for people with mobility needs. We provide each person with the chance to be a part of their community and to make every day enjoyable and meaningful. Whether working at their job, volunteering in their community, or learning new life skills in our Community Learning Services, those we support have greater control of their lives.
Click here for more information.
Alden Village Residential Services
267 East Lake Street, Bloomingdale
630-529-3350
Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance.
English, Spanish and Hindi
Alden Village provides 24/7 care for infants, children and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities.
Click here for more information.
Recreation
Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association
1770 West Centennial Place
630-620-4500
8:30am - 5pm
English and Spanish.
Self-pay. Click here for information on financial assistance.
Provides a variety of recreational and social programs for individuals with disabilities. Programs help participants develop social and life skills, as well as eye-hand coordination, balance, fine and gross motor skills and sensory processing.
Click here for more information.
LGBTQ+ welcoming.
DuPage Children's Museum - Adaptive Play Time
301 N. Washington St., Naperville
Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm, Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday - Sunday 9am - 5pm
630-637 - 8000
Families can receive a a discount of $3/person for up to 4 admissions or $25 yearly membership for 2 adults and up to 6 children. Families qualify if they participate in any of the following: WIC, SNAP, TANF, EI/IEP/504, Access DuPage, Early/Head Start, Medicare/All Kids, Section 8, Childcare Subsidy, Foster Care/Guardianship, Refugee/Asylum Status Click here for more information about financial assistance.
Here, kids are the experts from whom we can learn. Watch, and be proud of what they can accomplish – but don’t forget to play along yourself… You’ll be amazed with what you will learn together. Key learning concepts are presented through a variety of fun, interactive exhibit experiences grouped in themed neighborhoods, to encourage kids to make and share connections.
DuPage Children’s Museum is dedicated to being an accessible, inclusive environment for children to thrive through extraordinary learning experiences. Adaptive Play Time provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers. This program is intended for families with disabilities, on the autism spectrum, and/or sensory processing disorders. Click here for more information about adaptive play time.
Click here for more information about the museum.
Sensory Garden Playground
2751 Navistar Dr, Lisle
Everyday, dusk to dawn
630-510-4984
Free
The Sensory Garden Playground is a combination of sensory-integrated playground equipment and amenities along with gardening areas. The 37-acre facility is being developed in phases as funding becomes available.
As of Summer 2022 the Sensory Garden includes: 2-5 year-old Pony Stable; Playground; accessible Tree House; Gravity Rail; Tree Top Swings; Art Along the Way Sculptures; Sound Garden; Fragrance Garden; GT Wave.
Click here for the event calendar.
Click here for more information about the playground.
Addison Center for the Arts
213 N. Lombard Rd - Addison Trail High School
Gallery is open 1- 4pm Tuesday - Saturday
630-458-4500
Free
Click here for current exhibits and events.
Children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
Early Intervention
EasterSeals - START HERE
850 S. Addison Ave., Villa Park
630-620-4433
English, Spanish, Polish, and Korean
Easterseals offers a free online Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) for children birth to age five. The ASQ will showcase your child's developmental milestones while uncovering any potential delays. If developmental issues are found, EasterSeals will connect families with free support from a therapist.
LGBTQ+ Welcoming.
Addison School District 4
650 S. Ardmore Ave.
630-458-3051
English and Spanish
Assessment for children 3 years and older in the areas of speech and language, cognitive development, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social-emotional functioning, and vision and hearing.
1) Must be a resident in Addison School District 4 attendance boundaries 2)Children must go through Preschool Screening and be found eligible for a program. 3) Eligibility is based on academic, financial and at-risk factors.
Click her for more information.
DayOne Pact
English, Spanish, Polish, Urdu
550 Warrenville Road, Suite 100B, Lisle
630-960-9700
Developmental evaluation and services for children birth to 3. Home visiting services to support physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive (learning new skills) areas of child's development. See website for more specific services list.
Evaluations are free; sliding fee scale for ongoing therapy.
Click here for more information.
Transportation
Paratransit
312-663-HELP (4357)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
Applications available in English, Spanish, Braille, or on audiotape. Interpreters available for Spanish and ASL.
ADA Paratransit is a shared ride, advanced reservation, origin-to-destination service for individuals who because of their disability are unable to use CTA or Pace fixed route transit service for some or all of their trips.
People with a disability or health condition. People who are ineligible to use the Chicago Transit Authority or Pace fixed routes for some or all of their travel.
Click here for more information.
Ride DuPage
630-407-6500
Monday - Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Medical trips, DuPage County Health Department and DuPage County Community Services appointments only. Trips restricted to DuPage County Addresses only. Trips outside of the county must be pre-approved by the sponsor.
$4.00 each way to 421 and 111 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. All other destinations are $1.50 for the first 6 miles and $1.50 each mile after that.
Senior: 60 and under 200% of poverty. Disabled: Any age under 200% poverty. Low-Income: 200% of poverty for non seniors/disabled.
If receiving Medicaid/TANF cannot use program for medical trips.
Click here for more information.