Business Details
5 Years
experience
Empowering Independence for Individuals with Disabilities in Joliet
At Will-Grundy Center For Independent Living, we are dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through comprehensive advocacy, education, and support services. Our mission focuses on promoting equality and independence for residents of Will and Grundy County. With programs like peer counseling, independent living skills training, and transition services, we help individuals navigate challenges and achieve personal goals. Our team specializes in disability rights education, community awareness initiatives, and accessibility advocacy. We operate specialized programs including assistive technology support for children, personal assistant training, and housing referral services.Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our locally-focused approach to disability support, which includes public transportation training, voter registration assistance, and sign language interpreter referrals. As a community-driven organization, we maintain strong partnerships with local agencies to expand our impact. Our staff combines professional expertise with lived experience to deliver meaningful support that addresses real-world challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Services
Advocacy
Peer Counseling
Independent Living Skills
Transition Services
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services
Personal Assistant Program
Assistive Technology
Housing Referral
Public Transportation Training
Voter Registration
Details
- Year established: 2021
Highlights and features
- We specialize in disability rights education and community integration support
- Our team combines professional expertise with lived experience
- We offer specialized assistive technology programs for children
- We provide comprehensive personal assistant recruitment and training
- Our local focus addresses specific accessibility challenges in Joliet
Services
Advocacy Services
Our advocacy services empower individuals with disabilities to understand and exercise their rights. We provide guidance on accessibility issues, discrimination prevention, and legal protections. Our team works directly with community members to address barriers in public spaces, employment, and government services while promoting inclusive policies that benefit the disability community.
Peer Counseling
Peer counseling connects individuals with disabilities to trained counselors who share similar life experiences. Our program fosters mutual support through group sessions and one-on-one mentoring. Participants develop coping strategies, build confidence, and learn practical solutions for daily challenges while creating valuable social connections within the disability community.
Independent Living Skills
This program teaches essential independent living skills to individuals with disabilities through personalized instruction. We cover mobility training, personal care management, home safety, and community navigation. Our goal is to enhance self-sufficiency by equipping participants with practical tools and confidence to manage daily activities independently in their chosen living environment.
Transition Services
Our transition services support youth with disabilities preparing for adulthood. The program includes career exploration, educational planning, and independent living preparation. We help students develop self-advocacy skills, connect with vocational resources, and navigate the shift from school to work or higher education while maintaining community support networks.
Assistive Technology
The assistive technology program provides access to specialized equipment that enhances independence for individuals with disabilities. We offer amplified phone selection, adaptive computer interfaces, and mobility aids. Our experts help clients identify appropriate technology solutions, provide training on device usage, and maintain equipment to ensure continued accessibility and functionality.
Questions
What services does Disability Resource Center offer?
We provide advocacy, peer counseling, independent living skills training, transition services for youth, assistive technology support, personal assistant programs, and disability awareness training.
Do you serve areas outside Joliet?
Yes, we serve all of Will County and Grundy County, providing accessibility solutions and disability support throughout the region.
How can I get assistive technology assistance?
Visit our ITAC Amplified Phone Selection Center to explore available technology and receive personalized recommendations from our specialists.
Are your services free?
Many of our core services are provided at no cost through community partnerships and grant funding.
