Help for families of kids with disabilities: free Early Intervention for babies and toddlers, IEP and special education help, autism and developmental clinics, therapy, adaptive sports and parent support.
Chicago's disability-led independent living center. Youth programs (Pathways, ages 10-25) teach self-advocacy and independent living skills and help plan for college and jobs.
Autism care for young children through teens: evaluations, therapy, parent training, social groups, school consultation and sibling support.
One of the largest developmental centers in Chicagoland, for kids birth to 18: evaluations for autism, behavior and learning concerns, plus parent training for ages 3-17.
Summer day camp for teens and young adults ages 13-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities: outings, pool, cooking and sensory activities. Financial aid available.
Buddy baseball league for kids with physical and mental disabilities, ages 4-18 (to 22 if still in high school). About $50 summer / $20 fall; scholarships available, no family turned away.
Hands-on museum for young kids at Navy Pier. Free "Play For All" mornings for children and families with disabilities (register ahead), plus occasional Kids Free Days.
FREE help for families of Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing kids 0-22: Deaf adult mentors, family sign language classes, youth activities and help at IEP meetings.
City office for residents with disabilities: youth services, benefits counseling, referrals, home accessibility (HomeMod) and independent living help. Second office: 2102 W. Ogden Ave, (312) 746-5773.
Sports, Special Olympics, adaptive sports and deaf/hard-of-hearing programs at 24 parks citywide. One-on-one inclusion aides are available for eligible kids in regular park programs.
PAID summer jobs for ages 16+: lifeguard (free certification and training), day-camp leader, special recreation leader and junior laborer. Apply online, usually in winter or spring.
Rowing programs for youth and adults of all abilities, including adaptive rowing, on the Chicago River.
Parent-run group with monthly parent meetings (Chicago Southside Autism Support Group) plus family outings and events.
Local Early Intervention office for southeast Chicago, for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. Anyone can call to request a FREE evaluation.
Local Early Intervention office for north Chicago ZIP codes, for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. Anyone can call to request a FREE evaluation.
Local Early Intervention office for south suburban Cook County, for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. Anyone can call to request a FREE evaluation.
Local Early Intervention office for north suburban Cook County, for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. Anyone can call to request a FREE evaluation.
Local Early Intervention office for central and west suburban Cook County, for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. Anyone can call to request a FREE evaluation.
Local Early Intervention office for southwest Chicago, for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. Anyone can call to request a FREE evaluation.
Local Early Intervention office for central and west Chicago, for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. Anyone can call to request a FREE evaluation.
State agency for the North Side of Chicago and north/northwest suburbs that enrolls people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (any age) on the PUNS waitlist and helps plan services.
FREE developmental screenings for kids birth to 5 (speech, motor, learning, hearing, vision), held monthly at Chicago Public Libraries with no appointment needed. Can lead to free preschool special education for ages 3-5.
CPS helpline for families of students with disabilities: one-on-one help with IEPs, 504 plans and questions (Mon-Thu 9am-5pm). To get your child evaluated, give the principal a signed, dated written request. The school must answer within 14 school days.
Adaptive swimming, biking and running, from beginner clinics to training camps, for youth and adults with physical disabilities or visual impairments.
School for students ages 3-22 with autism, emotional or intellectual disabilities or developmental delays, with therapy and life skills built into the day. Students are placed through their school district.
Illinois' disability rights legal group. Helps families of kids with disabilities with special education (IEPs, 504 plans) and school rights. Toll-free: 800-537-2632.
No-cut youth baseball and softball house leagues, travel teams and Buddy Baseball for kids with disabilities. Scholarships available.
FREE statewide coaching, workshops and IEP help for families working through special education.
Chicago's parent training center, mostly staffed by parents of kids with disabilities. Workshops, phone help and one-on-one help with special education rights, IEPs, Early Intervention and planning for adulthood.
Special recreation for people with disabilities in Westchester, Countryside, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Oak Brook and nearby communities.
Down syndrome achievement center with FREE tutoring, speech-language, fitness and social programs for all ages, plus a community for families.
30+ FREE programs for people with Down syndrome from infancy to adulthood: literacy, math, speech, fitness and career training.
FREE tutoring, speech-language, fitness, cooking and career programs for people with Down syndrome of all ages and their families.
Adaptive sports and recreation for youth and adults with physical and visual disabilities across Chicagoland.
Counseling, parent education and support groups for families of kids, teens and adults with autism, plus social skills and job training. Park Ridge and Evanston; contact through the website.
Helps people of all ages with disabilities find and try assistive technology like communication devices. FREE guidance, device demos and device lending before you buy.
Call to be connected to your local agency that signs up children and adults with developmental disabilities for the PUNS waitlist for state-funded services. Sign up early; the wait is long.
For babies and toddlers under 3 with a developmental delay or disability. Call to get connected to your local Early Intervention office. Evaluations and service coordination are FREE, and family fees are currently suspended.
Eye care for babies through teens, including special-needs exams, lazy eye and crossed-eye treatment, and vision therapy. Takes Medicaid, CountyCare, YouthCare, Meridian and Blue Cross Community; discounts for uninsured families.
FREE one-on-one support by phone, email or home visit from trained parents who are raising deaf or hard of hearing children themselves.
FREE information and referral line, fact sheets, webinars and a county resource directory for families of people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Emergency Respite grants of up to $500 toward care for a loved one of any age with any disability during a caregiver crisis.
FREE statewide help for parents of deaf and hard of hearing kids birth to 21: trainings, consultations, parent conferences, cochlear implant support and special ed advocacy.
Education advocacy and legal help, including special education, for students in Evanston and Skokie schools and in Chicago's Rogers Park.
Group respite afternoons with activities for kids with intellectual/developmental disabilities, plus vouchers that reimburse families for hiring a respite worker.
Inclusive Jewish programs for kids with disabilities, babies through teens: therapeutic and Sunday schools, sports, arts and family programs.
Inclusive and specialized day and overnight camps for kids and young adults with disabilities (preschool to 21). Every family gets $300/week off, and need-based aid is available.
Children's hospital for kids with disabilities and complex medical needs: developmental and Down syndrome clinics, cerebral palsy care, and physical, occupational and speech therapy. Over 90% of patients use Medicaid; no child turned away for inability to pay.
Legal help for people with limited resources, including special education advocacy and help getting Early Intervention and developmental supports for children.
Evaluations and care plans for infants through teens with autism, developmental delays, Down syndrome and learning or intellectual disabilities. Also at Lurie's Uptown and Austin outpatient centers.
Recreation for kids and adults with disabilities living in Des Plaines, Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Skokie or Lincolnwood.
Support for families of people with Down syndrome from diagnosis through adulthood, including mentor parents and welcome baskets for new parents at Chicago-area hospitals.
Year-round sports and recreation for kids and adults with disabilities in north suburban communities, including Special Olympics.
17 northwest suburban park districts working together to offer year-round recreation for people with disabilities of all ages.
Sports, trips, summer camps and Special Olympics training for preschoolers through adults with disabilities in Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Palos Hills and nearby towns.
State school (with live-on-campus option) for deaf-blind students 3-21. Also gives FREE training and support to families of deaf-blind children anywhere in Illinois.
Rush's autism center for children, teens and adults: diagnostic evaluations, individual and family therapy, parent training, group therapy and medication management.
Year-round recreation for people with disabilities in Broadview, Maywood, Dolton, Riverdale, South Holland, Lansing and nearby towns.
Rehab for kids birth to young adult: therapy, communication devices, wheelchair seating, aquatic therapy, and cerebral palsy and spina bifida clinics. Accepts Illinois Medicaid; financial assistance available.
Year-round adaptive sports for youth and adults with physical disabilities: sled hockey, wheelchair basketball, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing. All skill levels.
Year-round adaptive recreation for any disability, ages 3 to seniors, serving Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Western Springs, Indian Head Park and nearby towns.
Sports, fitness, arts, sensory and social programs for kids and adults with disabilities in Tinley Park, Oak Forest, Homewood-Flossmoor, Matteson, Park Forest and nearby towns.
Year-round recreation and events for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, early childhood through adult. Includes a sensory room.
Year-round sports training and competition for kids and adults with intellectual disabilities across Chicago.
State agency for south and west suburban Cook County that links children and adults with developmental disabilities to services and does PUNS waitlist enrollment in person.
FREE one-on-one help for families of kids under 22 with disabilities or special health needs: Medicaid, SSI, insurance, waivers and special education. Spanish line: (800) 588-7002.
Early intervention for babies and toddlers who are blind or have low vision, plus a Low Vision Clinic.
Year-round, state-approved school for children who are blind or have low vision, including kids with other disabilities. Speech, physical and occupational therapists, nurses and psychologists on staff.
Diagnosis and treatment for kids with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and learning problems, including a Birth to Three diagnostic clinic.
Fully accessible primary care for kids and adults with disabilities like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism, plus help with supplies, equipment and therapy. Bilingual staff. Second site: 2600 S. Michigan Ave, (312) 492-0025.
Autism diagnosis, evaluations, speech, occupational and physical therapy, counseling and social skills groups for kids 3 and up, plus early intervention for babies and toddlers. English and Spanish.
Dental care for infants through teens, including kids with special needs: checkups, cleanings, sealants, fillings and sedation options.
Adaptive recreation, Special Olympics and inclusion help for kids and adults with disabilities in west suburban communities, including Oak Park.
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