Resource Toolbox
Advocacy information specific to available disability services and supports in Illinois, arranged by topic.
Illinois Life Span (ILS) is a program of The Arc of Illinois – a statewide advocacy organization committed to empowering people with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.
The search buttons below will take you to frequently requested resources in your County and Statewide. If you can’t find what you need or just want additional help, please call us at 1-800-588-7002.
Advocacy information specific to available disability services and supports in Illinois, arranged by topic.
An extensive list of links to helpful resources, organized by category.
Discover upcoming programming, conferences, and trainings.
Documents and information created by The Arc of Illinois and Programs of The Arc of Illinois
Where to go to find information about recorded Monthly Webinars
Advocacy information specific to available disability services and supports in Illinois, arranged by topic.
View Resource ToolboxDocuments and information created by The Arc of Illinois and Programs of The Arc of Illinois
View Fact Sheets from The ArcWhere to go to find information about recorded Monthly Webinars
View WebinarsThe Illinois Life Span Program has been in existence since 2001, providing information and resources on advocacy, supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, their family members, and others statewide.
Deb is Director of the Illinois Life Span Program. She lives in central Illinois with her husband and their son, Brad, who has Down syndrome. Deb has an MS in Education and her career background includes working in public and higher education, in Early Intervention, and with the Family Support Network.
I am married and the parent of two young adults. My oldest has a developmental disability. I am bilingual (English/Spanish) and a social worker. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Soy casada con dos hijos. El mayor tiene una discapacidad intelectual. Hablo íngles y español. Mi carrera es trabajadora social. Vivio en los suburbios de oeste de Chicago.
Cindi Swanson has been a resource and information specialist for the Illinois Life Span Program from its beginning. She is a strong and active advocate for people with disabilities in her own community as well as reaching out to state and federal lawmakers on behalf of legislation that supports safe and robust community life for people with disabilities. Cindi, who lives with blindness, is a licensed school social worker. Her middle son, Adam, has Down Syndrome.
Missy is employed by the Illinois Life Span Program as an Outreach Coordinator for southern Illinois. She worked as a Ligas Family Advocate when the program was initially funded. Prior to this, Missy worked for IMPACT CIL for 22 years. Missy holds a Master of Arts in Teaching. Most importantly, she has an adult daughter who is supported using Home and Community Based Waiver services.
If you need additional assistance, call our toll-free line at 1-800-588-7022 or send us a message.
Resources listed on this website do not constitute an endorsement by the Illinois Life Span Project, The Arc of Illinois, or the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities. The Illinois Life Span mission is to provide comprehensive resources and information on advocacy, supports and services to people with disabilities, families and professionals statewide. Please contact us if you find incorrect/outdated information or are aware of resources not currently included. Thank you.