Independent Living & Advocacy
Independent Living and Advocacy are all about helping your young adult gain the skills and confidence they need to live as independently as possible. This includes everyday skills like managing money, cooking meals, getting around town, and keeping track of important personal information. Building these skills step by step gives your child the confidence to handle life’s challenges while still having the support they need.
Advocacy is just as important as daily living skills. Your young adult will need to practice speaking up for themselves, asking for help, and making decisions about their goals and needs. As a parent, you play a key role by guiding, modeling, and practicing these skills together, helping your child feel confident in expressing themselves and accessing the services or opportunities that are right for them.
Our community offers many resources to support both independence and self-advocacy. Local agencies, workshops, peer groups, and mentors can provide guidance, hands-on skill-building, and encouragement. By connecting with these programs, you can learn about planning tools, legal options, and ways to support your child’s transition into adulthood.
Focusing on both practical life skills and advocacy helps your young adult step into adulthood feeling capable, confident, and empowered. This section of the directory is here to help you discover local programs and supports that make the transition smoother and more manageable for your family.
Community Connections
Use the online Rehabilitation Services Web Referral to refer yourself for services. The Home Services Program (HSP) provides services to individuals with severe disabilities so they can remain in their homes and be as independent as possible. They serve people with severe disabilities under age 60 who need help with daily living activities in their homes.
Specialized Services for Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired. The Illinois Department of Human Services of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS/DRS) is the state’s lead agency serving people with disabilities. Staff work one-on-one with individuals who have disabilities and their families to empower them to reach their employment, education and independent living goals. BBS services are available to Illinois residents who have a vision impairment.
The transition to adulthood is a significant and exciting time in a person’s life. For youth with special needs and their families, this journey is no less rewarding but requires careful planning and knowledge of valuable resources to assist in the transition.
Residential Options, Inc. is an affiliate company of Challenge Unlimited, Inc. Their mission is to provide support and services to individuals with disabilities which assist them to live, work and participate in the community. They serve over 100 residents with dozens of locations throughout the Illinois-Metro East area. With a team of highly trained and dedicated care professionals, Residential Options offers 24/7 services and choice of the model home that best meets a person’s preference.
LINC is a center for independent living. They serve St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC serves everyone with a disability regardless of disability or age. They provide information on referral, peer support, advocacy, independent living skills training and transition (two areas). Transition services include high school to adult living planning and nursing home to community living. They also have durable medical equipment (DME) for rent. They also have youth and family advocacy services as well as support groups for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Equip for Equality is Illinois' federally designated Protection & Advocacy System, offering free legal assistance to individuals with disabilities. They provide support in areas such as special education, housing, employment, and guardianship, aiming to ensure fair treatment and access to services.
Illinois Life Span (a program of The Arc of Illinois) offers statewide advocacy, information, and tools focused on services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
The I’m Determined project, a state-directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior. This project facilitates youth, especially those with disabilities to undertake a measure of control in their lives, helping to set and steer the course rather than remaining the silent passenger.
Peer Mentors/Friends
Friends and peer mentors can be a great support for your young adult, offering guidance, encouragement, and real-life tips for daily living and gaining independence. They can also help your child feel confident speaking up for themselves and advocating for their needs at school, work, and in the community.
Neighbors and Community Members
Neighbors and community members can be a valuable support for your family, providing extra oversight and guidance as your young adult practices daily living skills and gains independence. They can help your child stay connected and included in the community while adding an extra layer of safety and support.