Association for Positive Behavior Support

The Association for Positive Behavior Support is a multidisciplinary organization made up of professionals (teachers, researchers, university professors, and administrators), family members, and consumers who are committed to the application of positive behavior support within the context of the school, family, and community including across systems (e.g., entire schools, organizations), for small groups, and for individuals with complex needs for support.

UIC Developmental Disabilities Clinic

As part of the University of Illinois at Chicago and the state of Illinois’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities​, the Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic has access to innovative research centers and renowned leaders in the field of disabilities​ to connect you to the latest research and practices in consultation, support, and education for the disability community. They provide family-centered, culturally competent comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. They aim to maximize potential with a focus on quality of life. Its clinical staff takes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to providing services for individuals (ages 3+) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Services transcend their physical space and extend into the community, collaborating with and serving as a resource for community-based agencies, schools, and organizations. Its licensed and credentialed team includes social workers, speech-language pathologists, licensed professional counselors, physicians, and clinical psychologists.

Their team offers support in the following areas and more.
Autism Clinic and The Autism Program (TAP) Training Center
Coalition for Autistic and ND Students
Child and Family Development Center
Sibling Leadership Network
Chicagoland Disables People of Color Coalition
Individualized Support related to autism, transition to adulthood services and future planning, early intervention, emotional and behavioral consultation, dual diagnosis, social skills and relationships, and trauma.

IntellectAbility

IntellectAbility helps agencies and supporters to better assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). IntellectAbility provides information and support for the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST), a web-based tool that identifies health risks and provides actionable steps to mitigate those risks. Supporters can work proactively, utilizing decisions based on 22 crucial risk areas. The HRST is the most widely used and validated health risk screening tool for those with I/DD.

In addition, IntellectAbility offers a library of training focusing on the health and safety of people with I/DD, including resources for those supporting people with I/DD. The library includes e-learning courses, webinars, and materials for in-depth courses on relevant topics such as the Fatal Five, nutrition, and person-centered planning.

Council on Quality and Leadership

Since 1969, the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to define, measure, and improve the quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with I/DD or psychiatric disabilities. CQL believes that investing in the professional development of employees builds internal expertise that has a direct impact on people receiving supports, in very practical ways. They offer numerous workshops, trainings, and other events – both in-person and virtual – where attendees receive in-depth information about a wide range of topics to transform services. Their training options focus on equipping staff and organizations with tools to deliver the highest quality of services possible. Staff development is a clear statement that people matter, employees are important, and the quality of supports being provided make a difference.

Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities. The Commission is an executive state agency created to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. By providing legal representation, investigating complaints of rights violations, and providing state guardianship for Illinois’ population with disabilities, the Commission has given voice to those who have previously gone unheard.

Visit the website above for contact information and guardianship-focused details related to the Office of State Guardian (such as guardianship training and OSG forms), the Human Rights Authority (guardianship fact sheet, sexual education, and sexual rights), the Legal Advocacy Service (clients facing judicial proceedings, advanced directive forms), and the Special Education Initiative (SPED FAQs, supported decision-making).

Illinois ABLE

IL ABLE is a savings and investment plan that makes it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest their money for expenses related to living with a disability. ABLE Accounts can help solve a long-time predicament that many people with disabilities face: how to build financial wellness without risking much-needed federal government benefits. IL ABLE is sponsored by the State of Illinois and administered by the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer.