Community Living & Participation
Community living and participation is all about helping your young adult be an active part of your neighborhood and community. It means finding ways for them to make friends, try new activities, volunteer, and be involved in everyday life; things that build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
As a family, you can support this by exploring local clubs, recreation programs, volunteer opportunities, or community groups that match your young adult’s interests. These experiences aren’t just fun, they also help them practice important life skills, communicate with others, and feel more confident in the world around them.
Finding the right living situation is another big part of community participation. Whether your young adult chooses to live independently, continues living at home, shares an apartment with support, or moves into a supported living program, the goal is to help them be independent while staying safe and connected to people and resources they need.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Local agencies, mentors, volunteers, and neighbors can all help your young adult get involved, build relationships, and feel like a valued member of the community. By connecting with these resources, you can help them explore their interests and create a life full of opportunities and connections.
Community Connections
The TPC meets monthly throughout the school year. The St. Clair, Randolph, and Monroe Counties Transition Planning Committee’s mission is to work with businesses, community leaders, schools, individuals, families, and advocates to better empower those with disabilities and to promote an environment which will support those with a disability in their attempt to achieve personal success in all aspects of community living.
The Abundant Living For All Foundation (ALFA) is an all-volunteer non-profit 501c3 made up of families and friends of people with autism and developmental disabilities in Southwest Illinois. ALFA founders joined together in 2006 to meet a critical need: Improving services for adults with special needs in Southwest Illinois. ALFA invited Trinity Services, Inc., a non-profit of New Lenox, IL to help achieve this goal by extending services to the Metro East. ALFA assisted as Trinity began adult residential and learning programs in St. Clair County in 2007. In gratitude, ALFA remains Trinity’s all-volunteer partner in Southwest Illinois. With ALFA’s help, Trinity continues to offer and expand life-enhancing programs not afforded by state funding.
Community Link provides a variety of services to more than 300 children and adults with developmental disabilities. They are located in Clinton County, IL. They provide home-based infant stimulation programs, small group homes in neighborhood settings, day programming, supported employment, and job placement and are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
OIPE is a post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18 through 25 years. Program participants can participate in SUCCEED, SUCCEED + and/or Link (degree or certificate). They also offer a summer enrichment camp.
For those students with need for academic adjustments or accommodations who have had few inclusive experiences in high school or who choose not to seek a college credential, the College for Life program not only provides courses that continue the educational experience, but it also provides inclusive social growth opportunities on a college campus. This program is offered at their Godfrey campus as well as their Edwardsville satellite campus.
The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) was created in 1981 under the Illinois Mass Transit District Act. It provides and manages transportation services in 15 townships including Belleville, Canteen, Caseyville, Centreville, East St. Louis, Engelmann, Lebanon, Mascoutah, O’Fallon, St. Clair, Shiloh Valley, Smithton, Stites, Stookey, and Sugarloaf.
SCCTD Flyer
SCCTD Flyer in Mascoutah/Lebanon/Summerfield/O’Fallon (Formerly VanGo) works like a smart bus — book a trip using the app (or call in) and you’ll get picked up in minutes at a corner a short walk from the address you entered. You’ll then be matched with other passengers heading in the same direction. Rides may be shared, but the maximum number of passengers per vehicle will be limited to allow for safe in-vehicle social distancing. The best way to use this service is through the Via SCCTD Flyer app. Rides cost $3.00 each. Rides from the Shiloh-Scott MetroLink Station will only cost $1.00. They accept card or cash payments. You can book rides between 5am and 6pm Monday through Friday anywhere in the service zone.
Reduced Fare
Metro offers disability-based reduced fare programs for MetroBus, MetroLink and Metro Call-A-Ride. You will need to fill out the application above and mail it (with a color photo) to the address listed.
If you are unable to ride the MetroBus or MetroLink due to a disability, you can apply for paratransit service (Call-A-Ride).
There is a new program called On the Way with ADA. This program offers free MetroBus and MetroLink rides to qualified ADA paratransit customers.
Travel Training
314-982-1554
Metro offers travel training to individuals with disabilities who want to use MetroBus and MetroLink, but would like help getting familiar with the system so they can be more comfortable before they start using the bus or train. Travel training can help you gain more independence, with better access to employment opportunities and community activities. Their trainers will guide you through your options for travel and teach you necessary skills including: purchasing/paying for your fare, proper street crossing skills, landmark identification, recognizing bus numbers, emergency procedures, proper boarding and departure procedures, determining appropriate routes and community safety skills. Call the phone number above for more information.
The United Way of Greater St. Louis helps families in our community get the support they need to thrive. Through local programs and the 211 helpline, they connect people to services for health, education, jobs, and everyday needs.
The St. Clair County Housing Authority helps families and individuals find affordable housing through programs like Public Housing and Section 8 vouchers. Families can apply online or by appointment, though there may be waiting lists due to high demand.
The Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children (PTOEC) in the Metro-East area offers sports, recreation, and social activities for children with intellectual disabilities. Families can join by paying membership dues and keeping physicals current, giving their child opportunities to participate in fun, supportive programs like Special Olympics and other community events.
Without Limits – Team Galaxy is a nonprofit in the Metro-East area offering inclusive programs like Special Olympics sports, dance, cheerleading, and drama for individuals with disabilities. Families can join for a $50 annual membership, providing a supportive community to build skills, confidence, and friendships.