RESOURCES

 

GUARDIANSHIP

 

The law presumes that an adult eighteen years of age or older is capable of handling his/her own affairs. A guardian may be appointed to serve as a substitute decision maker if a person is disabled because of (1) mental deterioration, (2) physical incapacity, (3) mental illness, or (4) developmental disability.

Guardianship in Illinois http://www.illinois.gov/sites/gac/Pages/default.aspx#9

SOCIAL SECURITY

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

MEDICAID

Medicaid provides health coverage to over 8.8 million non-elderly individuals with disabilities, including those who are working or who want to work. Federal statute provides for both mandatory and optional coverage for individuals with disabilities.

Federal Website: Medicaid for Individuals with Disabilities Medicaid.gov

State Website: How to Apply for Medicaid http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/medical/apply.html

FINANCIAL PLANNING

People with disabilities and their families face a unique set of challenges.  Wise financial planning (Ex: trusts, wills, S.S.I. And other money) is needed to be sure the person with a disability can be supported adequately.  Not for profit and private agencies can offer this type of service.

Special Needs Alliance http://www.specialneedsalliance.org/

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES / DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES

Rehabilitation Services

DHS's Division of Rehabilitation Services is the state's lead agency serving individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living
opportunities.

How do I get aid for a person with disabilities?
The Office of Rehabilitation Services supervises the State of Illinois' Disability Determination Services Program. This program determines which Illinois citizens are eligible for benefits through Social Security's disability programs. To apply for benefits or for more information, contact your local Social Security office or call 800-772-1213.

How do I find out about centers and schools for disabled persons?
The State of Illinois offers three residential education programs for Illinois children with disabilities. For detailed information about these programs visit their site or call 800-843-6154.

How do I get help finding a job that will accommodate my disabilities?
The Office of Rehabilitation Services offers a Vocational Rehabilitation Program that helps individuals find and keep quality jobs. Services are provided in 51 offices located throughout Illinois.

How do I sign up for an independent living program?
The State of Illinois' Independent Living Program offers Centers for Independent Living in more than 20 communities throughout Illinois. The centers provide counseling, housing services, job training, living skills training, and much more. Check out the Independent Living Program for more detailed information or call 800-843-6454 to find the nearest center.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

What is the purpose of this service?
DHS helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. Their goal is to help our customers find quality employment that pays a living wage and offers a chance for advancement.

What services are offered?
DHS staff talk to people about their employment needs and help them find a job or get ready to go to work. They also make sure that people have the supports they need to stay on the job. DHS helps high school students who have disabilities plan for their futures after high school graduation through our Transition and STEP programs. The Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program helps people who receive SSDI/SSI benefits understand how working will affect their benefits. Their Supported Employment Program (SEP) serves eligible people with significant disabilities who want to go to work and need on-going support services to succeed on the job.

For more information, visit their website at www.dhs.state.il.us

Department of Human Services/Department of Rehabilitation Services
1010 Dixie Highway, 4^th Floor
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
708-709-3333

As a courtesy, Thornton Fractional High School District 215 will create a referral to the Department of Rehabilitation Services for students receiving special services during their senior year annual review Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting.

TRANSPORTATION:

PACE
Pace is the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). They've been operating paratransit services and accessible fixed route public transportation for more than twenty years.

Pace is the 13th largest public transit provider in the country, and one of the largest providers of paratransit and vanpool services. Their agency is a leader in the use of technology, above peers in efficiency standards and they work with a network of partners to provide innovative services to nearly 140 million people a year. They're committed to creating a premier transit system for all residents of the six counties of northeastern Illinois.

PACE PARATRANSIT
Pre-arranged curb-to-curb service for persons with disabilities whose eligibility has been determined by the regional certification process. Pace's ADA Paratransit Services operate in all suburban areas that are within 3/4 mile of Pace's regular fixed routes and during the same days and hours as the regular fixed route service.

Pace Dial-a-Ride
Non-fixed route (paratransit) service utilizing vans and small buses to provide pre-arranged trips to and from specific locations within the Dial-a-Ride service area to individuals deemed eligible based on local requirements, usually elderly and/or disabled.

Accessible Fixed Route Bus Service
All Pace routes are accessible for persons who use mobility aids.

To learn more about Pace ADA Paratransit services, call the RTA Travel Information Center at 836-7000, TTY number 312-836-4949 or visit their website at http://www.pacebus.com

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) gets you where you’re going with their three transit operators: the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and rail system, Metra commuter rail, and Pace suburban bus service. As the second largest public transportation system in North America, you’ll have a safe and comfortable ride around Chicago and all over northeastern Illinois.

Reduced Fare Program
Are you eligible for our Reduced Fare Program? If you meet our qualifications, you could reduce your fare by half while still enjoying all of the convenience of public transportation.

People With Disabilities Ride Free Program
Disabled individuals who qualify through the Illinois Circuit Breaker program can now ride transit for free. RTA makes it easy to register and ride.

ACCESSABILITY

The RTA has always been committed to ensuring that everyone is able to ride our transit services. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) gives people with disabilities broader rights and protections, including access to public transportation. In accordance with the ADA, the RTA has taken specific steps to offer services for people with disabilities.

Travel Training
If you are eligible for ADA Paratransit, find out how you can participate in travel training to learn how to travel on CTA or Pace fixed route transportation, or on Metra commuter rail service.

For more information on the RTA and their programs, visit the RTA website http://www.rtachicago.com