Family Resources
Helping Parents Turn Questions into Confidence
Raising a child with special needs child can feel like navigating an unfamiliar city without a map. These resources—hand-picked by our clinical team—point you to practical answers, local programs, and national hotlines so you never have to travel the journey alone.
National Resources
Local Resources – Southwest Chicagoland
NWCSRA (Homer Glen / Romeoville / Bolingbrook)
Year‑round adaptive sports, social clubs, camps, and caregiver respite for children & adults with disabilities.
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Village of Orland Park Special Recreation
Therapeutic recreation for ages 3+—fitness, arts, outings, Special Olympics—within the Orland Park Park District.
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SSSRA (Tinley Park & Surrounding)
South Suburban Special Recreation Association offers inclusive programs, Saturday respite, and multiple Special Olympics teams.
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Tinley Park Public Library – Sensory Storytime
Monthly adaptive storytime with visual schedules, fidgets, and sensory play—welcomes kids of all abilities.
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SWSRA (Bridgeview / Palos Hills / Alsip)
Southwest Special Recreation Association delivers inclusive recreation, family events, and seasonal camps for all ages.
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LWSRA (Mokena / Frankfort / New Lenox)
Lincolnway SRA’s 30,000 sq ft facility hosts adaptive sports, ‘Nest’ sensory room, and social programs.
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Autism Parent & Caregiver Connection (New Lenox)
Free parent‑led group meets monthly to share resources, hear guest speakers, and build peer support.
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Heritage Park Inclusive Playground (Homer Glen)
Accessible playground with sensory garden and quiet zones for kids of all abilities to play together.
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AMC Sensory Friendly Films – Orland Park
Lights up, sound down showings twice monthly at AMC Orland Park 14; families can move and talk freely.
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Sensory-Friendly Santa – Orland Square Mall
Reduced‑crowd, low‑sensory photo sessions with trained Santa staff each December; registration required.
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AYSO EPIC Soccer – Bridgeview
Community‑based adaptive soccer pairing buddies with players; focuses on inclusion and fun, ages 4+.
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Moraine Valley FitRec – Palos Hills
Inclusive swim lessons, youth programs, and ADA supports within a community recreation center.
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Will County Center for Community Concerns
Community‑action agency linking families to utility and housing assistance, accessibility repairs, and more practical supports.
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Disability Resource Center – Joliet
Independent‑living center offering peer support, AT phone program, life‑skills classes, and housing navigation.
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Trinity Services Respite Program (Will & Grundy)
Short‑term in‑home or facility‑based respite lets caregivers recharge while loved ones engage in safe activities.
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Catholic Charities Caregiver Support (Will & Grundy)
Counseling, training, and limited financial aid for family caregivers of children or adults with disabilities.
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Autism Society of Illinois
Eight chapters provide parent hotlines, workshops, and community events throughout the state.
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The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)
State‑funded network of clinics and Family Resource Specialists offering screenings, parent training, and annual symposium.
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Early Intervention: Child & Family Connections
Coordinates birth‑to‑three developmental services—speech, OT, PT—through 25 regional offices; self‑referral welcomed.
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Equip for Equality
Provides free legal clinics and advocacy on special‑education rights, Medicaid, and disability discrimination.
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Illinois Life Span – Arc of IL
One‑on‑one navigation, statewide resource database, and free webinars on services across the lifespan.
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Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC)
Matches families to respite providers, trains caregivers, and administers emergency respite grants across Illinois.
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Family Support Network – Arc of IL
Parent advocates guide families to funding, waivers, and community resources; training on PUNS and services.
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Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)
Lends devices and provides demos, reuse, and financing so people statewide can access assistive technology.
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PUNS Enrollment (IDHS DDD)
Illinois database that secures a spot in future waiver services—sign up early through Independent Service Coordination.
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