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Post-Secondary & Community Resources

Day Programming, Recreational & Housing Resources

Tailored to adults with severe physical & behavioral challenges 
Ann Kiley Center (Waukegan) 

Big focus on employment
Full spectrum of care
Avenues to Independence (Wheeling) 

Broad range of services
Center for Enriched Living (Riverwoods) 

Inclusive, No-Turn-Away model
Keshet (Northbrook) 

Lifespan support for autistic peopled
https://havedreams.org/ (Evanston, Park Ridge)

Illinois Transportation Resources

Public Transit Programs (CTA, Metra, Pace)

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) manages programs across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. 

  • Ride Free Program: Residents with disabilities enrolled in the Benefit Access Program through the Illinois Department on Aging can ride free on all CTA, Metra, and Pace fixed routes.
  • Reduced Fare Permits: Individuals with qualifying disabilities not in the Benefit Access Program can apply for an RTA permit to ride at approximately half-price.
  • Travel Training: The RTA offers free one-on-one training to help individuals with disabilities learn how to navigate the bus and train systems independently. 
     
ADA Paratransit & Specialized Services
For those whose disability prevents them from using standard fixed-route transit, Pace Suburban Bus operates specialized services. 
 
  • ADA Paratransit: A shared-ride, origin-to-destination service. You must be RTA-certified and typically reserve rides one day in advance.
  • Taxi Access Program (TAP): Certified ADA paratransit riders can use Chicago taxis for a flat $2 or $3 fee for rides up to $30, offering more flexibility than scheduled paratransit.
  • Rideshare Access Program (RAP): Provides a similar subsidy for rides booked via Uber or UZURV within the Pace service area.
  • Dial-a-Ride: Localized, reservation-based services often run in partnership with specific townships or cities (e.g., Ride DuPage). 

Private & Non-Profit Providers 
Several private companies specialize in accessible transport for students and adults:
 
  • Special Needs Chicago: (630) 668-9999 — Personalized travel assistance for physical or cognitive challenges.
  • All-Ways Medical Carriers: (800) 709-0700 — Serves Wheeling and Northwest suburbs for school, medical, and airport trips.
  • 303 Taxi: (847) 303-0303 — Offers wheelchair-accessible vans between Chicago and suburbs.

Primary Public Paratransit
  • Ride Lake County: A borderless, countywide curb-to-curb service for seniors (60+) and individuals with disabilities.
  • Cost: $2.00 to $6.00 per one-way trip depending on distance.
  • Registration: Must call the Pace Call Center at (800) 201-6446 to register before booking.
  • Pace ADA Paratransit: Specifically for individuals whose disability prevents them from using fixed-route buses. Call (800) 554-7599 for eligibility and scheduling.
     

Lake County Transportation Services

Localized "Dial-a-Ride" Programs
Many Lake County townships offer their own localized shuttle services with slightly different rules and lower fares: 
 
  • Barrington Dial-a-Ride: Serves the Village of Barrington, Lake Barrington, and Barrington/Cuba Townships for those 65+ or with disabilities. Call (800) 451-4599.
  • Central Lake Partners: Covers Fremont, Libertyville, and Shields townships, including Mundelein and Libertyville villages. Call (800) 201-6446.
  • Fremont Township: Offers a dedicated transportation grant for seniors (60+) for medical appointments. Call (847) 740-6734. 

Private & Medical Transport Providers 
These providers offer specialized door-to-door or room-to-room assistance, often accommodating stretchers or specialized wheelchairs. 
 
  • We Simply Care Transport: Based in Lake County, providing NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) for ambulatory and wheelchair-bound passengers. Phone: (888) 887-9322.
  • Murphy Ambulance: Family-owned provider in Lake County offering wheelchair van and medical transportation between facilities or for personal appointments.
  • All-Ways Medical Carriers: Serves the northern suburbs with ADA-compliant vans and buses. Phone: (800) 709-0700.
  • riteLift: Specialized wheelchair-accessible transportation throughout the Chicagoland area, including Lake County. Phone: (847) 792-1212.
  • All En Transit: Located in Waukegan, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles for NEMT and group outings. Phone: (224) 331-4445.

 

Employment Resources

Not designed for those with significant mental health or behavior challenges
Best Buddies (Chicago) 

Comprehensive resource for understanding and receiving workplace accommodations Part of the Illinois Department of Labor
Job Accommodation Network (Illinois) 

Known for holistic approach and specialized programming for seniors with disabilities
Helping Hands (Hodgkins) 

Recreation
  • NISRA: Serves 13 communities in McHenry County and surrounding areas, offering weekly programs, Special Olympics training, trips, and the LIFE Program for young adults.
  • NSSRA: Provides year-round programs, including the Enriched Lifestyles for Adults (ELA) day program for those 22 and older.
  • NWCSRA: Offers adult day programs, Special Olympics, and, in partnership with Bolingbrook Park District, inclusion services for people with disabilities.
  • FVSRA: Offers Therapeutic Recreation (TR) to build physical, emotional, and life skills.
  • Opportunity House: Based in DeKalb County, offers recreational activities and Special Olympics for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: Provides adaptive sports for adults with physical disabilities in Chicago and surrounding areas.