Resources

For more information about anything on this page, contact the Inclusive Services Librarian at (630) 279-8696 or email outreach@elmlib.org.

Individuals with Visual Impairments & Other Disabilities

• Chicago Lighthouse: In addition to being the home of CRIS radio, the Chicago Lighthouse is a not-for-profit agency committed to providing the highest quality educational, clinical, vocational and rehabilitation services for children, youth and adults who are blind or visually impaired, including deaf-blind and multi-disabled.
• Spectrios Institute for Low Vision: Spectrios provides a comprehensive visual rehabilitation program that includes a low vision evaluation, counseling, and teaching the skills of daily living and the use of technology.
• Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center: Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center is one of four subregional libraries working with the Illinois State Library in Springfield to serve readers throughout Illinois.
• Second Sense: Second Sense offers alternative perspectives for living with vision loss. Working together, we tailor our training and support to help every person realize their potential.
• Ask us about the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. If you are eligible, we can help you register for this service, which provides digital audiobooks and players, Braille books and other assistive devices to its members. For more information contact the Inclusive Services Librarian at (630) 279-8696 or email outreach@elmlib.org.

Websites for Caregivers of Children and Adults with Disabilities

• The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP): The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is the largest comprehensive statewide provider of autism services in the country. A collaboration of 17 agencies operate 19 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, day care providers, and medical professionals.
• Targeting Autism: Links from the Resource page of the Illinois State Library Targeting Autism Web site. Includes information about how to find local agencies, apply for benefits, and other information resources for parents and caregivers of children and adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities.
• Easter Seals DuPage: This site outlines the services offered by Easter Seals and provides links to information on resources, legislative action, locations, etc. On this site you can also subscribe to a monthly e-mail newsletter from Easter Seals.
• Ray Graham Association for people with disabilities: Here you will find information on the services provided by this organization, including family support, recreational activities, employment, community learning centers, and their supported living program.
• NEDSRA: Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association: Each year NEDSRA offers quality recreation programs and services for children with disabilities. This site offers a complete listing and calendar of their programs and services.
• Center for Parent Information and Resources: Access a clearinghouse of information and resources for families with disabilities, including contacts for your local Parent Training and Information Center (PTI).
• Common Sense Media’s Learning Differences and Special Needs Apps Guide

Resources for Seniors

• DuPage Co. Senior Citizen Services
  Information and referral for eldercare, housing, legal, financial, public aid, transportation, healthcare and more.
• Metropolitan Family Services
  Counseling for seniors 60 and older; caregiver support; support groups.
• Prairie State Legal Services
  Free legal services for older adults. Call toll-free (888) 965-7757
• Elmhurst University Senior Friends – (630) 617-6146
  Program allows 55+ adults library borrowing privileges, discounts on theater, art, athletic events, reduced-fee course audits and more.
• Senior Resources Phone List
  Numbers for Meals on Wheels, home repair, recreation, etc.