Part of the vision of Lake Forest Library is to "enable everyone in the community to fulfill the universal desire to learn, explore, and belong." Our series of Accessibility Resources pages lists local nonprofit organizations that provide resources and services to help you or someone you know succeed and feel welcome in Chicago's North Shore.
The list is not comprehensive and is provided for informational purposes. The Library does not endorse nor sponsor these organizations. Specific questions regarding these groups should be directed to the organization.
For information about the Library's Accessibility Collections, Homebound Services, and other supports, please visit our Accessibility page.
Mission Statement
Anixter Center’s mission is to provide an array of services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and related challenges to live, learn, work, and play in the community. Our leadership team and staff are committed to moving the mission forward.
Adult Services
- Day Services
- Residential Services
- Housing
- Employment Services
- Substance Use Disorder Assistance
- Community Mental Health Services
- Recovery Hub/Safe Space
- Mental Health Outreach
- Works with Chicago Hearing Society for Hearing, Deaf, and DeafBlind Services
Contact
Administration Office
1945 W Wilson Ave
Chicago IL 60640
773-973-7900
Residential Office
6610 N Clark St
Chicago IL 60626
773-973-7900
Mission Statement
The Center for Enriched Living exists so that people with developmental disabilities can be fully included in the community, achieve personal success, and enjoy a good quality of life.
Adult Services
- Social Enrichment
- Recreational Enrichment
- Educational Enrichment
Mission Statement
Providing Communication Access; Hearing and Assistive Technologies; and Support Services for Persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.
Youth & Adult Services
- Hearing Evaluations
- Hearing Aid Selection and Fittings
- Hear the Cheers Program
- Pediatric Hearing Aids
- Cochlear Implants
- Tinnitus Assistance
- Assistive Technology
- Hearing Protection
- Interpreter and Captioning Services
- Audiology Services
- Community Outreach and Advocacy
- ASL Classes for Children, Adults, and Families
Contact
1444 W Willow St
Chicago IL 60642
Main Phone
773-248-9121
Video Phone
773-904-0154
Mission Statement
Offering opportunities for people afflicted with memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease or other related dementia, to maximize their intellectual and social abilities through a supportive day program of supervised fun activities, thereby providing relief for the caregivers.
Adult Services
- Support groups for caregivers and adults with dementia
- Social Activities
- Programs geared towards encouraging mental, physical, and creative abilities.
Mission Statement
We strive to ‘Let No One Sit on the Sidelines’ and operate under a mission to promote and support the optimal development and well-being of youth, adults, and military veterans who have a physical or visual disability through the provision of inclusive recreation, fitness, and competitive sports activities.
Youth & Adult Services
GLASA provides programming to individuals with physical and visual disabilities. Programming can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals who use manual or power wheelchairs, in addition to those with ambulatory disabilities. GLASA serves athletes who have disabilities such as:
- Amputation
- Cerebral Palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Spina Bifida
- Stroke
- Visual Impairment
GLASA believes that health is a lifelong pursuit and offers programs for individuals ages 6–60+. Specialized programming is offered to injured military veterans. Additionally, programming is offered without regard to socioeconomic status. No one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. Recreational and competitive programs are available; no prior experience is necessary to join a GLASA program.
Contact
27864 Irma Lee Circle #101
Lake Forest IL 60045
847-283-0908
Mission Statement
ITAC has been issuing free equipment in Illinois since 1988. ITAC is a Not-for-Profit serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Speech-Disabled communities.
Youth & Adult Services
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Provides applications and free devices for those who qualify. Devices include:
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Amplified Phones, Captioned Phones, and Cell Phone Amplifiers
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Electrolarynx, Speech iPad, and Speech App
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TTY and iPhone loans
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Assistance with phone provider monthly remittance fees
Mission Statement
It is LCCIL's mission to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives as valued members of the community.
We achieve our mission through programs within these core services:
- Information and Referral
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Advocacy
- Peer Mentoring
- Transition
Youth & Adult Services
- Amplified Phones Program
- Assistive Technology and Braille Training
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Adult Employment Readiness
- Youth Employment Readiness
- Peer Mentoring
- Advocacy and Leadership Training
- Community Transition Services
- Pre-employment Transition Services
- Youth Transition Services
Contact
377 N Seymour Ave
Mundelein IL 60060
847-949-4440
Mission Statement
Illinois developed the Supportive Living Program (SLP) as an alternative to nursing home care for low-income older persons and persons with physical disabilities under Medicaid. By offering personal care and other services, residents can live independently and take part in decision-making. Personal choice, dignity, privacy, and individuality are emphasized.
Adult Services
Resources and services vary by location. See the Provider Fact Sheet.
- Intermittent Nursing Services
- Social/Recreational Programming
- Health Promotion & Exercise Programs
- Medication Oversight
- Ancillary Services
- 24-hour Response/Security
- Personal Care
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
- Maintenance
- Meals and snacks
Contact
- Azpira Place in Lake Zurich
- Barton Senior Residences of Zion
- Heritage Woods of Gurnee
- Oak Hill SLF in Round Lake Beach
- Stonebridge of Gurnee
- Victory Centre of Vernon Hills
847-596-8226
Mission Statement
To facilitate the growth, development, and improvement of the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation facilities and offerings to the community.
Partners with Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association for more options. The organization is below.
Youth Services
Buddy Sports offers various programs for players with developmental and/or physical disabilities including:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Dance
- Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing is also offered outside of Buddy Sports.
Mission Statement
Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connect with the human spirit in us all.
Adult Services
- Residential Services
- Vocational Services
- Community Employment Services
- Wellness, Leisure, & Recreational Services
- Home-based Support Facilitation
- Business and Attractions
Contact
14245 W Rockland Rd
Libertyville IL 60048
847-362-4636
Mission Statement
To enrich the lives of people with disabilities in our partner communities through quality recreation services.
Youth & Adult Services
NSSRA runs more than 500 programs every year. Their programs can be challenging or competitive, with integral educational and social components as well as fun.
- Youth and Adult Programs
- Gator Athletics (Special Olympics)
- Day camps
- Overnight trips
- Lead: Leisure Education Awareness and Discovery
- Special events
Contact
1221 County Line Rd
Highland Park IL 60035
847-509-9400
Mission Statement
Riverside Foundation will provide quality services and supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring opportunities for individual choice and with a commitment to providing these supports in a positive caring environment.
Adult Services
- Campus for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Group Homes for Independence and Community
- Work & Activity Center Develops Life-skills
Contact
Foundation
14588 W Highway 22
Lincolnshire IL 60069
847-634-3973
Activity Center in Vernon Hills
847-793-0010
Mission Statement
The Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County provides recreation programs and services to individuals with special needs or disabilities, and their families, who reside within the boundaries of Member Agency communities.
Youth & Adult Services
- Youth and Teen Programs
- Teen/Adult Programs
- Adult Day Programs
- After School Programs
- Outings for Seniors
- Financial Assistance
- Inclusion Assistance
- Special Events
- Special Olympics
- Summer Day Camp
- Vacation/Overnight Trips
- Weekly Programs
Mission Statement
To generate and distribute resources that enrich educational, vocational, and social opportunities for children with disabilities in Lake County.
Youth Services
- Services special needs children and young adults who have mental and physical disabilities
- Hosts outings, fundraisers, and programs to bridge awareness
- Events for special needs kids and teens to attend
- Services 31 school districts in Lake County