Disability Support Information Resources
Enhance Learning
At STAR NET, we believe that access to high-quality resources empowers educators, caregivers, and families to support young children in reaching their fullest potential. Search our Recommended Resources for more.
SRA Network of Illinois
Special Recreation Associations (SRAs) are cooperatives formed by 2 or more park districts or municipalities who have joined together to provide recreation for their residents with disabilities. Most SRAs serve individuals of all ages and abilities. To find the SRA in your area contact your local park district, or visit the SRANI website for an alphabetical listing of towns and their corresponding SRA. Click on Find My Services on the left side bar.
Star Institute (for sensory processing disorder)
Formed in 2016 from a merger of two longstanding organizations: SPD Foundation and STAR Center. STAR Institute provides treatment, education, and research for children, adolescents, and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), including feeding disorders and other disorders with sensory issues such as autism and ADHD.
Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters (SIBS)
S.I.B.S. champions siblings of people with disabilities in Illinois, through Sibshops, sibling support groups, and relevant resources to enhance the quality of life for siblings and families alike.
Teaching for Change
Teaching for Change provides teachers and parents with the tools to create schools where students learn to read, write, and change the world.
By drawing direct connections to real world issues, Teaching for Change encourages teachers and students to question and re-think the world inside and outside their classrooms, build a more equitable, multicultural society, and become active global citizens. Our professional development, publications, and parent organizing programs serve teachers, other school staff, and parents. Our main focus is national and we have dedicated programs in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The Arc of Illinois
The Arc of Illinois advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and community organizations to ensure that people with disabilities can live, work, learn, and play in communities across the state. The Arc of Illinois has various programs that provide resources and information, and training, as well as support to families in their individual advocacy efforts.
The Parent Guide- Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois
This guide is written for parents of children who receive or are suspected of needing special education and related services, teachers, education administrators and professionals, and service providers. Special education and related services are supports and services provided to children with disabilities. Certain procedures must be followed to determine if a child is eligible to receive special education services. Those procedures are written in federal and state laws. Special education laws and procedures can be complicated. This guide explains the requirements in a way that relates to all groups—parents, school professionals, and others.
Searchable online by chapter. Available in English and Spanish
Tourette Association of America
Offers extensive information for individuals, families and professionals. Also in Spanish.
Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Education
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) website provides information and resources on this transition from early intervention services to early childhood education. ISBE transition information is found on their website under Indicator 12-Early Childhood Transition. Resources for families and professionals can be found on this page. All children who have been receiving services through Early Intervention and referred to an Local Education Agency (school district) for Early Childhood Special Education must have eligibility for services determined by their third birthday, and if found eligible, have an Individualized Education Program developed to provide special education services by their third birthday.