Community Partnerships

Access Living, the Chicago Center for Independent Living, is a disability advocacy organization that is run by people with disabilities. They provide peer support and resources to people with a variety of disabilities and engage in disability advocacy.

Arc of Illinois offers information and resources to support the community participation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Notable activities include public policy advocacy, information and referral, and convening networks of stakeholders including self-advocates, family members, and professionals.

Bonaventure House is a transitional living facility for adults with HIV or AIDS, and who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It serves as a resource center to assist up to 35 residents in transitioning to independent living. Many residents are in recovery and have a history of addiction.

Chinese American Service League connects families and individuals in the greater Chicago Chinese community with the vital support they need, such as ensuring our seniors live full and independent lives with dignity.

El Valor serves adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities in community group homes and a day program. The day program includes activity groups as well as a computer lab and fitness activities. There is also a healthy lifestyles program run by the UIC OT department.

Easterseals Academy Chicago is a school and day program just south of the UIC campus. It provides educational programs for children with an autism spectrum disorder, emotional disability, developmental delay or intellectual disability.

Esperanza Community Services is a community center for children and adults with disabilities. It includes a day program for adults and a school serving children and young adults with a variety of moderate to severe developmental disabilities, primarily autism, as well as behavior needs.  The school is a private, therapeutic day school and provides a bilingual Spanish-English environment.

Eyas Landing is an evidence-based and family centered therapeutic clinic for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Eyas Landing is affiliated with Bluebird Day School, which is an intensive pediatric therapeutic preschool and kindergarten setting.

Family Rescue is dedicated to eliminating domestic violence in the Chicago community by providing comprehensive support services and shelter to victims of domestic violence, particularly abused women and their children, engaging in advocacy to promote future system change, and encouraging prevention through community education.

Gigi’s Playhouse supports both children and adults with Down syndrome. GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago offers a variety of educational and therapeutic programs to meet the needs and provide foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

Grupo SALTO is a non-profit organization that supports Spanish-speaking families who have children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Resources offered include training, education, information, and family support groups.

Just Roots Chicago works in collaboration with communities to develop access to local, sustainably grown food through education, farming and community building. They work with local communities to grow culturally relevant food with and for the community through sustainable practices. Educational programming aims to equip participants with the skills and resources to grow food sustainably and work towards leading a healthier life.

MADO Healthcare provides residential care and evidence-based services for adults who live with a serious mental illness. MADO provides support for individuals to enhance independent living skills, facilitate community integration, and transition to community living.

Marjorie Kovler Center helps transform the lives of refugees recovering from the complex consequences of politically-sanctioned torture. Kovler Center provides medical, mental health, and social services as well as a bi-monthly cooking group for survivors, gardening, and computer and English classes.

Mary Crane Center is dedicated to the comprehensive early development of children and to supporting their families through a variety of programs. Our goal is to provide quality education in a safe and diverse environment and to strengthen the bonds between children and their families.

Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse (MBIC) provides lifelong community based rehabilitative support to persons affected by brain injury and stroke. MBIC is a unique place where individuals can come to relearn skills through the work of the day. For many, the Clubhouse is the next step in transitioning from a brain-injured patient back into the real world.

ReVive Center for Housing and Healing is committed to end homelessness and provide affordable housing for a better Chicago. They provide supportive housing and services for those chronically homeless individuals and families who also have a HUD-defined disability.

Thresholds is a community mental health agency that fights to transform the lives of people living with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. They offer opportunities for housing, employment, and recovery.

UIC Child and Family Development Center (CFDC) Early Intervention Program offers coordinated interdisciplinary services in early intervention and early education. CFDC promotes positive outcomes for young children and their families through play-based evaluation and therapy services; routine-based interventions; and family support, education and training.

University of Chicago Medicine, Occupational Therapy  provides occupational therapy services as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive rehabilitation and support services in a patient-centered environment with individualized therapy treatment for the following services: rehabilitative acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services, and home care therapy & rehabilitation