Accessibility Resources: Learning & Focus

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.

Learning & Focus

Anixter Center

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


Anixter Center website

Center for Enriched Living

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

Contact

280 Saunders Rd
Riverwoods IL 60015

847-948-7001

The Center for Enriched Living website

 

Extra Care

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.

Contact

18630 W Old Gages Lake Rd
Grayslake IL 60030

847-543-0922

Extra Care website

 

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports (GLASA)

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

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports website

 

Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Mission Statement

The mission of Hadley is to create personalized learning opportunities that empower adults with vision loss or blindness to thrive—at home, at work, and in their communities.

Youth & Adult Services

  • Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired such as Braille, Large Print, and Audio Materials
  • Resources for Caregivers and Organizations Looking to Support Blind and Visually Impaired
  • Programs, Workshops, and Events

Contact

700 Elm St
Winnetka IL 60093

800-323-4238

Hadley website

 

Lake County Center for Independent Living

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

Lake County Center for Independent Living website

Lake County Supportive Living Program

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

Lake County Supportive Living Program website

 

Lake Forest Parks and Rec Adaptive Sports

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.

Contact

400 Hastings Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045

847-234-6700

Adaptive Sports website

 

Lambs Farm

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

info@lambsfarm.org

Lambs Farm website

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association

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

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association website

 

Riverside Foundation

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


Riverside Foundation website

 

Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC)

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

Contact

Administrative Office

290 Oakwood Rd
Vernon Hills IL 60061

847-816-4866

SRACLC website

 

The Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL)

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

Contact

18160 Gages Lake Rd
Gages Lake IL 60030

847-548-7032

SEDOL website

 

Weinberg Community for Senior Living & The Friend Center for Early Alzheimer's Care

Mission Statement

Weinberg Community for Senior Living, managed by an experienced team from CJE SeniorLife, is a premier assisted living campus in Deerfield that provides a warm, supportive environment with engaging life enrichment opportunities to enhance the lives of its residents.

Adult Services

For adults with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses:

  • Day services with activities and socialization
  • Stimulating and structured programs

Contact

847-374-0500


Gidwitz Place for Assisted Living
1551 Lake Cook Rd
Deerfield IL 60015


The Friend Center for Early Alzheimer's Care
1601 Lake Cook Rd
Deerfield, IL 60015


Weinburg Community & The Friends Center website