GENERAL

Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Illinois created DHS in 1997, to provide our state's residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving to move from welfare to work and economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency

AUTISM MCLEAN Community, connections and support for people with autism in McLean County.  This organization shares its resources with CIDSO and often includes CIDSO members in its activities.

Lifelong Access    Adult related services: Day Training (DT), Residential Housing (CILA), Supported Employment, Friends First (possible wait list), High School Transitioning, Fine Arts Community Collaboration (Marc Making); Self Advocacy (CIA)

IDDC (Intellectual and Developmental Disability Collaborative)  IDDC was created to develop an inclusive partnership between agencies, organizations, stakeholders, and community members within McLean County to create a collaborative system of care and development to better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  Email: iddc@mcleancountyil.gov

PEDIATRIC THERAPY/EARLY INTERVENTION 

 EARLY INTERVENTION

Child and Family Connections (CFC).  First place families are to check in to receive Early Intervention services under a state plan.  There are CFC regions all over the state.  McLean Co is: 

Child and Family Connections of Central Illinois Office 16

Chris Johnson, Manager

201 W. Springfield Ave., Suites 508 & 509

Champaign, Illiniois 61820

Toll Free: 800-877-1152

Local: 217-693-7958

Fax: 217-693-7967

Email: cjohnson@cicfc.org

Lifelong Access Early Intervention  Provides a wide variety of Therapy Services for Parent, Infant, and Child.

RESPITE

Ilinois Respite Coalition  Provide in-home respite care to eligible families as well as information and referral services. In-home respite is a chance for caregivers to take a break knowing their loved one is in trained, capable hands.

Emergency Respite Care Program (ERC)  With lead agency IDHS-DDD, coordinated through the Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC), ERC is intended to help caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability. The IRC is able to offer funding to support caregivers in a planned or unplanned emergency. In a crisis or emergency situation, the ERC Program stipend helps to cover the cost of supervision for the caregiver's loved one. 

Programa de Cuidados de Relevo de Emergencia - ERC  El Programa de Cuidados de Relevo de Emergencia (ERC) con la agencia principal IDHSDDD, coordinado por el IRC-Illinois Respite Coalition, está destinado a ayudar a los cuidadores de personas con cualquier discapacidad a lo largo de la vida. El IRC está apto para ofrecer financiación para apoyar a cuidadores en una emergencia planeada o no planeada. En una situación de crisis o emergencia, el sueldo del programa ERC ayuda a cubrir el costo de la supervisión del ser querido del cuidador.

EMPLOYMENT

Bridgeway Bridgeway utilizes the Individual and Placement Support (IPS) model (see webpage for description) to find employment for people with disabilities. Their primary clientele are people with mental illness, but they also work with people with other disabilities.

 Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) - Division of Rehabilitation Services   (DRS- often pronounced DOORS) DHS's Division of Rehabilitation Services is the state's lead agency serving individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.

 EP!C Headquartered in Peoria, IL, EP!C offers a range of programs and services to provide individuals with disabilities educational, residential, employment, and care taking resources.

RESIDENTIAL AND INDEPENDENT LIVING

Bloomington Housing Authority Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) CHSP is a federally funded grant program that aims to prevent the premature institutionalization of persons with developmental disabilities.  The grant currently provides services to 21 residents at the Irvin apartments.

Homes of Hope Homes of Hope Mission: "To serve and support adults with intellectual disabilities in a manner inspired by God's call."  Fullfilling the dream of independent living for adults with intellectual disabilities since 1995

Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) - Division of Rehabilitation Services  (DRS- often pronounced DOORS) DHS's Division of Rehabilitation Services is the state's lead agency serving individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.

Life Center for Independent Living (Life-Cil) Life Cil services include Advocacy, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills, Peer Support and Mentoring

Lifelong Access  Adult related services:Day Training (DT), Residential Housing (CILA), Friends First (possible wait list), High School Transitioning, Fine Arts Community Collaboration (Marc Making); Self Advocacy (CIA)

EP!C Headquartered in Peoria, IL, EP!C offers a range of programs and services to provide individuals with disabilities educational, residential, employment, and care taking resources.

EP!C Host Home Program Expanded to Bloomington, IL . Epic Host Home FAQ's

  FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND FUNDING

Social Security Administration- DHS Benefits Planning Project, Division of Rehabilitation Services- (Go to Supplemental Security Income link on right side of page.) Direct link for Illinois Local Offices and Supplemental Security Income application.. This link provides information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI), application processes, and Illinois Social Security Offices contact information

RECREATION AND LEISURE

Developing Melodies  Developing Melodies is a music therapy center located in Bloomington, IL. Developing Melodies offers quality music therapy services to individuals who may better meet their cognitive, physical, emotional, adaptive and social needs through a creative and structured use of music. The music therapy center offers a wide variety of services within the community including individual services, adapted lessons, and a rotating schedule of group music therapy opportunities. 

 Lifelong Access Friends First- Friendsfirst meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Second Presbyterian Church in downtown Bloomington. The program is open to adults with disabilities who can care for their own needs while at the program.

Lions Cheer Company-Lions Spirit Team  An exhibition cheerleading team for those with special needs called Spirit.  This team is comprised of males and females of all ages and performs at a few of the same competitions as competitive teams, plus a few other local performances.  Many of Lions Cheer all star athletes serve as "buddies" to the athletes on Spirit and assist with practices and performances.  

The Miracle League of Central Illinois The Miracle League of Central Illinois provides physically and mentally challenged children a safe and spirited program in which they can play on a baseball field just like other kids. Miracle League baseball offers a unique and memorable opportunity these children would not otherwise have.

 Penguin Project of McLean County – Ages 10 through 24  The Penguin Project of McLean County (Illinois) provides theatrical opportunities for artists with special needs. The Project pairs artists with special needs with same age peer mentors to create an annual theatrical production that will impress!

Seedling Theatre  Seedling’s mission is provide a fun, creative and educational live theatre experience for children and adults - with and without special needs - through workshops, summer theatre camp and formal productions.

Seedling Encore

Adult actors with disabilities participate in an eight week session to develop, rehearse and perform a theatrical revue. Diane Walker, Artistic Director: encore@ilvoices.org

SOAR (Special Opportunities Available in Recreation)  S.O.A.R. is jointly sponsored by the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal through their Parks & Recreation Departments. The program serves individuals unable to successfully participate in traditional recreation programs. Leisure, social and developmental skills are emphasized to promote the highest level of recreation participation possible. Special Olympics programs are facilitated through SOAR

Special Olympics Illinois- Facilitated through SOAR.  Since 1968, Special Olympics has been offering adults and children with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competitions in Olympic-style sports

Stacy's Dance Factory  Stacy's Dance Factory offers Hip Hop for Special Needs Students on Fridays from 4:45 to 5:15 PM. This is a class taught by Stacy and is only $5 per class. The students perform to rave reviews at  the annual Recital in June and also can participate in state-wide dance competitions in the Spring. 

Tennis Buddies and Pickleball at Evergreen Racquet Club  These  programs provide an opportunity to learn basic tennis/pickleball skills while having fun and building relationships. The programs are held at Evergreen Tennis and Racquet Club in Bloomington, Il.  For more information contact Colleen at Evergreen Racquet Club (309-662-4361).

Healing Rides:A FREE Community Service which looks forward to serving the elderly and disabled with an enjoyable BIKE RIDE on the Constitution Trail!

CONTINUING EDUCATION

College Resources for Students with Disabilities Website sponsored by Affordable College Online offers a wealth of information and links regarding access to postsecondary education opportunities for people with disabilities.  

Heartland Community College: Disability Support Services Equips students having documented disabilities with the resources and accommodations that may help them reach their educational goals.

 Heartland Community College: HALO Program  The Heartland Academy for Learning Opportunities (HALO) Program at Heartland Community College provides access to higher education for students with intellectual disabilities who are interested in continuing their education in a supportive yet challenging learning environment

 Illinois State University: Disability Concerns Illinois State University has supports for Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Visual, Physical, Medical, Psychiatric, Asperger’s, LD, ADHD, CAP, and Traumatic Brain Injury disabilities.

 Lincoln College: Disability Concerns  Lincoln College-Normal is committed to providing equal access to all College programs and services. The College has designated ODS as the office responsible for working with students with documented disabilities to identify and implement appropriate accommodations.

Redbird Readers The mission of this program is to provide an opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome to maintain and build upon their academic skills. The program is available to all persons with Down syndrome who are at least 18 years of age (with priority given to those out of high school) and who live within a thirty (30) mile radius of Bloomington /Normal

TRANSPORTATION

Connect Mobility     A service provided by the Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System, Connect Mobility buses pick-up and drop off passengers at the curb in front of their origin and destination.

Show Bus  Show Bus provides transportation to all rural residents of DeWitt, Ford, Iroquois, Kankakee, Livingston, Macon, and McLean Counties. See Special Service routes.

We Care  Rural Transportation for Woodford County

FAITH AND WORSHIP

Eastview Christian Church Special Needs Services  Promotes inclusion for all individuals and enables them to find their places in the worship, education, fellowship, and ministry at Eastview. We strive to incorporate individuals into all aspects of a Christian life. Children and Students are offered the opportunity to worship with peers, study the Bible, and participate in fun activities that reinforce Bible teachings. Support is provided by trained safety care staff and volunteers.