Living in Evanston

Browse by topic below.  An Alphabetical Listing is also available. Looking for volunteer opportunities in Evanston?  Try VolunteerEvanston.org

Access Living
Address: 115 West Chicago Avenue,Chicago, IL 60654
E-mail: E-mail through web site.
Phone: 800-613-8549 (toll free), 888-253-7003 (toll free tty)
Fax: 312- 640-2101
Description: Access Living is a cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities.

Access Living fosters the dignity, pride and self-esteem of people with disabilities and enhances the options available to them so they may choose and maintain individualized and satisfying lifestyles.

To this end, Access Living offers peer-oriented independent living services; public education, awareness and development; individualized and systemic advocacy; and enforcement of civil rights on behalf of people with disabilities.
Updated 9/18/2011
 
ADA Paratransit Service and Pace Dial-a-Ride
Address: 547 W. Jackson Blvd., 10th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661
Mailing Address: Pace Suburban Bus Service, Customer Services, 550 W. Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
E-mail: passenger.services@pacebus.com
Phone: 1-800-606-1282; TTY 1-888-847-0093
Parent Org.: Pace Bus
Description: ADA Paratransit Service is an origin to destination service for persons with disabilities. Customers must apply for eligibility with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Pace's ADA Paratransit Services operate in all suburban areas that are within 3/4 of a mile of Pace's regular fixed routes and during the same days and hours as the regular fixed route service.
Suburban Chicago Paratransit Guide.
Updated 11/28/2012
 
Anixter Center
Address: 6248 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626-4062 (Residential Services)
Mailing Address: 6610 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626-4062 (Administrative Office)
E-mail: AskAnixter@anixter.org
Phone: 773- 973-7900 (Admin), 773- 973-2180 (TDD) , or 773-761-1501 (Res)
Fax: 773-973-5268 (Admin)
Description: Provides services to people with disabilities throughout the Chicago area. Job training and counseling, legal services, residential communities, and health care.
Updated 10/10/2011
 
ASK-Answers for Special Kids
Address: 1111 Forest, Evanston, IL 60202
Contact: Marian Casey
E-mail: answersforspecialkids@comcast.net
Phone: 847-607-1612
Description: ASK provides resources and a support network for families of children with special needs in Evanston and neighboring communities, whether they attend public, private or home school.
Notes: This organization sponsors workshops, refers parents to local resources, educates parents on their rights, and works with District 65 to support special education.
Updated 2/14/2013
 
Best Buddies Illinois
Mailing Address: 740 North Rush Street,, Second Floor South, Chicago, IL 60611
Contact: Eileen Murphy, State Director
E-mail: shannonhautman@bestbuddies.org
Phone: 312-828-9313 or 1-877-60-BUDDY
Fax: 312-828-9421
Parent Org.: Best Buddies International
Description: Best Buddies Illinois is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. Program links disabled and non-disabled friends at the middle school, high school, college and adult level.
Updated 3/11/2013
 
Center for Independent Futures
Address: 1015 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Contact: Jane C. Doyle, Executive Director
E-mail: center@independentfutures.com
Phone: 847-328-2044
Fax: 847-328-2665
Description: A not-for-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and their families develop the "skills and opportunities to realize full lives." Services include Community Living Option (CLO) Residences , Life Tools Camp and Training and Consultation for families, teachers and agencies.
Maintains Evanston Township High School's Transition House which helps students who have credits to graduate acquire life-skills.
Updated 5/21/2013
 
Chicago Hearing Society
Address: 2001 North Clybourn Avenue Chicago, IL 60614
E-mail: AskCHS@anixter.org
Phone: 773-248-9121 TTY: 773-248-9174
Fax: 773-248-9176
Parent Org.: Anixter Center
Description: Offering a wide array of programs and services to the Chicago metropolitan area's deaf and hard of hearing community: hearing aid bank, calendar of social and cultural events, counseling, interpreter referral, youth programs.
Updated 10/10/2011
 
City of Evanston Disability Services
Address: 2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston IL 60201
E-mail: disabledsvcs@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847- 448-8054; TTY: 847- 448-8064; 847-448-4311
Fax: 847- 448-8051
Parent Org.: City of Evanston Parks, Recreation and Community Services Dept.
Description: Provides information and referral for citizens with disabilities; enforces city compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Anyone needing mobility or communication access assistance should contact the Disabled Services Specialist or the Office of Facilities Management 48 hours in advance of the meeting or event; the numbers to call are: (847) 448-8054 or (847) 866-2916.
Updated 10/10/2011
 
Compuplay
Address: Lekotek of Skokie / Shore Community Services, 4125 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076
Contact: Kerry Bauer, Family Play Specialist, kbauer@lekotek.org
E-mail: domahen@lekotek.org
Phone: 847-674-0839 extension 11
Fax: 847-674-1254
Parent Org.: National Lekotek Center Lekotek is a toy-lending library for children with disabilities and their families. Also offers family play sessions and general support for families with special needs children.
Description: For children with disabilities, the computer provides endless opportunities for expression, skill development and independence.

In addition to motivating software programs, Lekotek uses adapted equipment such as enlarged keypads and track balls, toys and other props.

Many Lekotek centers offer software lending libraries, which allow families to borrow pieces of interactive software for use on their home computers.



Notes: Both the Lekotek and Compuplay programs are housed in the National Lekotek Center in the Shore Community Service, Early Intervention Center. Services at the center and in the home are provided for enrolled families. Services include monthly play sessions for families of children with disabilities ages 0-6. Annual fee is $200 and a sliding scale is available.

Updated 10/10/2011
 
Equip for Equality
Address: 20 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602
E-mail: contactus@equipforequality.org
Phone: 312-341-0022, 800-537-2632; TTY: 800- 610-2779
Fax: 312-341-0295
Description: Equip for Equality is the only comprehensive statewide advocacy organization for people with disabilities and their families. Equip for Equality is a private not-for-profit legal advocacy organization which safeguards the rights of people with physical and mental disabilities, including developmental disabilities and mental illnesses.
Updated 10/18/2011
 
Evanston Skokie Valley Senior Services (ESVSS)
Address: 840 Dodge Evanston IL 60202
Contact: Elizabeth Gordon, Director
E-mail: SeniorServices@nssc.org
Phone: 847-864-3721
Fax: 847-864-4601
Parent Org.: North Shore Senior Center Offers classes, special programs, fitness center, and a variety of social services to support the independence and well-being of older adults, enhance their dignity and self respect, and promote their participation in all aspects of community life.
Description: Evanston/Skokie Valley Senior Services provides a broad range of social services to older adults and their families at no charge or very low cost. Clients may be seen in their homes by a professional staff of case managers and counselors. Staff are also based at Evanston Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, Rush North Shore Hospital, Evanston's Levy Activity Center, Evanston's Fleetwood-Jourdain Nutrition Site, and Evanston's Ebenezer-Primm Towers. The agency serves Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, and Niles east of Harlem Avenue.
Notes: Support Services for Seniors.
Updated 3/12/2013
 
Grove of Evanston, The
Address: 500 Asbury Street, Evanston, IL 60202
Contact: Colleen Rodney, Administrator; Yair Zuckerman, Executive Director
E-mail: infogve@thegroveofevanston
Phone: 847-316-3320
Fax: 847-316-2915
Description: 124-bed, sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled care facility; offers speech, physical and occupational therapies. Short term care following hospital stay.
Updated 8/27/2012
 
Have Dreams
Address: 2020 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60202
Contact: Dana Fenceroy, Director
E-mail: Contact Form
Phone: 847-905-0702
Fax: 847-905-0684
Parent Org.: Have Dreams Have Dreams, 515 Busse Highway, Suite 150, Park Ridge, IL 60068 847-685-0250
Description: Not-for-profit organization helps children with autism improve their abilities to learn, function independently and socialize via after-school programs, family and professional services and a vocational program.
Notes: After School and Weekend Programs, Wee Dream Preschool Program, Teen and Young Adult Program, and Special Olympics training
Updated 8/27/2012
 
Hearing Loss Association of America - Northshore Chapter
Address: North Shore Senior Center, 161 Northfield Road, Northfield IL 60093
Phone: 847-784-6040
Parent Org.: Hearing Loss Association of America
Description: Offers advice to deaf and hard of hearing people; sponsors social activities and parties.
Social service Director - Mary Blummer-Reed (847-784-6907)
Notes: Meets at North Shore Senior Center, 7 Happ Rd., Northfield, IL every Monday of the month at 10 a.m. -12 p.m. (Note: Does not meet in August)

Interested persons are strongly encouraged to come, no appointment or signup needed.

Formerly known as Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing
Updated 1/14/2013
 
Illinois Assistive Technology Project
Address: Hiawatha DRS Office, Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address: 6200 N Hiawatha Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
E-mail: iatp@iltech.org
Phone: 773-794-4800; TTY: 888-440-8997
Fax: 773-794-4833
Description: Helps people with disabilities locate products and services to help with daily living activities; tuition assistance for qualified applicants to attend community college to obtain an an associate's degree or a technical certificate. Home ownership support for eligible homebuyers.
Updated 11/7/2011
 
Illinois Blind Services
Mailing Address: 100 South Grand Avenue East, Springfield, Illinois 62762
Phone: 800-843-6154; TDD/TTY: (800) 447-6404; 217-785-3887 (V/TTY) (DHS/DRS' Bureau of Blind Services Central Office)
Fax: 217-524-1235 (DHS/DRS' Bureau
Parent Org.: Illinois Department of Human Services
Description: Offers programs for adults with visual impairments to enable them to work and participate fully in family and community life. Includes vocational rehabiltiation, independent living skills instruction, and a business enterprise program.
Updated 6/23/2009
 
Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped
Mailing Address: PO Box 211, Northbrook, IL 60065
Contact: Helen Peters
E-mail: hpeters@nfdh.org
Phone: (847) 498-0385 or (800) 893-1685
Fax: 847-498-0394
Parent Org.: National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped
Description: Matches patients with volunteer dentists and those who will make house calls. For the homeless, low income, elderly and those with mental, medical or physical disability.



Updated 4/16/2013
 
Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
Address: 1 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 501, Springfield, IL 62701
Contact: Ann Ford, Executive Director
E-mail: annford@incil.org
Phone: (800) 587-1227 or (217) 525-1308. Both numbers are TTY compatible.
Fax: (217) 525-1312
Description: The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living is the statewide association representing the 23 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in Illinois. INCIL is an authoritative source of information about the accomplishments and needs of Illinois CILs and about issues most critical to promote independent living for all persons with disabilities.
Updated 5/3/2010
 
Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS)
Address: Joy Faith Knapp Center
Mailing Address: 3145 W. Pratt Blvd., Chicago, IL 60645
Phone: 773-467-3700; Disability Helpline: 773-467-3838
Description: Offers a wide range of services to children, youth and adults who have disabilities as well as their families and extended circles of support. Services include: support groups, counseling, community and professional education, Glick Family Camp, respite and more.
Winter 2011 Newsletter
Notes: JCFS offers Services for People with Disabilties at these north suburban locations:
Goldie Bachmann Luftig Building
5150 W. Golf Rd.
Skokie, 60077
847-568-5200
Elaine Kersten Children's Center
255 Revere, Suite 200
Northbrook, 60062
847-412-4350
Updated 1/3/2011
 
Jewish Vocational Service
Address: Goldie Bachmann Luftig Building, 5150 Golf Rd., Skokie, IL 60077
Contact: Melissa Fickling
E-mail: jvsskoki@jvschicago.org
Phone: 847-568-5150; TTY: 847-568-5185
Fax: 312-553-5525
Description: Counselors and coaches help professionals, career changers and mature workers with career services. A wide range of employment services open to job seekers who are disabled, low income, homeless, ex offenders and high school dropouts. Offers training and education opportunities to job seekers and small business services to start ups and existing small businesses. Employer services include recruiting at no charge.
Updated 6/26/2012
 
JJsList
Mailing Address: 1187 Wilmette Avenue, #136, Wilmette IL 60091
Contact: J.J. Hanley
E-mail: info@jjslist.com
Phone: 847-869-0000
Fax: 847-869-0002
Description: Not-for-profit maintains a Disability Aware Business Directory, holds Essential Communication Skills Training Workshops and Disability Awareness Training for Businesses.
Updated 4/23/2013
 
Lekotek of Skokie / Shore Community Services
Address: 2001 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
E-mail: lekotek@lekotek.org
Phone: 773-528-5766
Fax: 773-537-2992
Parent Org.: National Lekotek Center, 2001 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
Description: Services at the center and in the home are provided for enrolled families. Services include monthly play sessions for families of children with disabilities ages 0-6. Annual fee is $200 and a sliding scale is available. Also offers a toy-lending library for children with disabilities and their families.
Notes: AblePlay offers parents and educators ratings and reviews of toys for special needs children.
Updated 3/18/2013
 
Lifeline Emergency Response System
Address: 3200 Grant Street, Evanston, IL 60201-1903
E-mail: The request form for the program is linked on the web site.
Phone: (847) 492-2950
Parent Org.: Presbyterian Homes
Description: Personal emergency response system intended for the elderly and disabled. This affordable program is available on Presbyterian Homes campuses, as well as parts of Cook and Lake Counties.
Updated 5/3/2010
 
Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Inc.
Address: 7541 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645
Contact: Saim Na
E-mail: promilam@mafsinc.com
Phone: 773-465-3105
Fax: 773-465-0158
Description: Provides: community care program, hot meal program, senior opportunities and services, citizenship and immigration help, computer training, outreach and interpretation, light and heat energy assistance, English as a second language, youth program, and a summer youth program.
Updated 10/17/2009
 
National Association for Home Care and Hospice
Mailing Address: 228 Seventh Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
E-mail: List of emails on site.
Phone: (202) 547-7424
Fax: (202) 547-3540
Description: Trade association for homecare, hospice and home health agencies. Home Care/Hospice Agency Locator is a comprehensive database of more than 20,000 home care and hospice agencies, searchable by zip code.
Updated 5/3/2010
 
Neighborhood Services
Address: 1837 North California ,Chicago, IL 60647
E-mail: siteinfo@neighborhood-services.org
Phone: 773-486 - 6070
Description: Private non-profit organization in Chicago which provides residential support services for adults with developmental disabilities so that they may successfully live independently in their communities. Neighborhood Services provides 24-hour support for most of the individuals served, and intermittent support for those who live in their own homes.
Currently, Neighborhood Services assists individuals in northern and near west Cook County and Waukegan.
Updated 2/13/2012
 
New Foundation Center
Address: 444 W. Frontage Rd., Northfield, IL 60093-3009
E-mail: E-mail on web site
Phone: (847) 501-2939
Fax: (847) 716-4803
Description: Not-for-profit organization providing recovery programs, supported housing, supported employment and a holistic program for health and wellness for people disabled by chronic mental illnesses in north and northwest metropolitan Chicago. Persons served are "members" who participate fully in their recovery.
Updated 2/13/2012
 
North Shore University Health Systems: Bridges
Address: 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
Contact: Nancy Zinamon
E-mail: nzinaman@northshore.org
Phone: 847.570.2500 (the Access Center)
Parent Org.: Northwestern University Health System
Description: The Bridges Early Childhood and Adolescent Program serves the needs of children and adolescents, insured and uninsured children between the ages of 3 and 17 who have been diagnosed with, or are at risk for mental illness, or emotional, behavioral and/or developmental delay.
Updated 6/18/2012
 
Orchard Village
Address: 7670 Marmora Ave., Skokie, IL 60077
Contact: Sally Ruecking
E-mail: sally_ruecking@orchardvillage.org
Phone: 847-967-1800
Fax: 847-967-9543
Description: Orchard Village partners with families and communities to optimize personal outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities with a community integrated approach.
Updated 2/13/2012
 
Over the Rainbow Corporation, The
Address: 2040 Brown Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
E-mail: Contact Form
Phone: 847-328-6633
Fax: 847-328-1404
Description: In Evanston maintains the Hill Arboretum Apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. The Business Resource Center is open to residents who wish to become employable and paid positions are offered throught the Workforce Development Program.
Updated 6/26/2012
 
Resources for Living, Inc.
Mailing Address: 1555 Sherman Ave., no. 352, Evanston, IL 60201
E-mail: resourcesforliving@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (847) 864-4051 or (800) 693-7672
Description: Not for profit community organization serving disabled persons and their families.
Updated 5/3/2010
 
Rimland Servies NFP
Address: 1265 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202
Contact: Carolyn Zak, Executive Director
E-mail: Contact Form
Phone: 847-328-4090 x 227
Fax: 847-328-8364
Description: Rimland is the oldest agency in the State of Illinois serving the functional, vocational, and residential needs of individuals, 18 and over, with autism. Since its beginnings in 1970, Rimland has continued to pioneer Residential Living Programs , Health and Wellness Programs and a Developmental Training Center. that support adults with autism as they achieve their full potential, and actively participate in the communities of their choice. Rimland currently operates 16 group residences in the Chicago area, including one in Evanston.

Updated 2/25/2013
 
RTA Accessiblity Services (Regional Transportation Authority)
Address: RTA Customer Service
Mailing Address: 165 N. Jefferson St., Chicago, IL 60661
E-mail: communications@rtachicago
Phone: 312-663-HELP (4357 voice); TTY: 312-913-3122
Parent Org.: RTA (Regional Transportation Authority)
Description: CTA and Pace fixed route buses, the CTA "L" trains and Metra commuter rail service accomodations allow safe and easy travel for people with disabilities. ADA Paratransit is shared-ride, origin-to-destination transportation provided in the RTA region by Pace (the suburban bus division)for eligible persons. The RTA offers travel training to individuals who are eligible for ADA Paratransit and want to learn how to use fixed route or commuter rail services.
Updated 7/18/2011
 
SHORE Community Services
Address: Regenstein Center, 4232 Dempster St., Skokie, IL 60076
Contact: Debora Braun, Executive Director
E-mail: shorecom@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 847-982-2030; TDD: 847-581-0076
Fax: 847-982-2039
Description: Provides educational, residential, vocational and a range of support services to children and adults with developmental disabilities in north Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Adult Services are located at the Lois Lloyd Center, 2525 Church Street, Evanston. Two residential adult homes are SHORE Homes East-Buehler House, located in Evanston, an Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF-DD) and SHORE Homes West, located in Skokie, a Community Living Facility (CLF). Several Supported Living Arrangements (SLA) sites are located in Evanston and Skokie.
Updated 5/6/2013
 
Spina Bifida Association of Illinois
Address: 8765 W. Higgins Road #403, Chicago, IL 60631
Contact: Amy Maggio, Executive Director
E-mail: sbail@sbail.org
Phone: 773-444-0305
Parent Org.: Spina Bifida Association of America
Description: The Spina Bifida Association of Illinois (SBAIL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with Spina Bifida through direct services, information, referral, research, and public awareness.
Notes: Spina Bifida is the failure of the spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy and results in varying degrees of paralysis, loss of sensation in the lower limbs, difficulty with bowel and bladder management, hydrocephalus, and learning disabilities. It takes a team of parents, doctors, therapists, teachers, and others to help a person with Spina Bifida achieve their maximum potential.
Updated 9/23/2012
 
St. Francis Hospital Comprehensive Mental Health Center
Address: 355 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: (847) 316-6250
Parent Org.: St. Francis Hospital
Description: The Comprehensive Mental Health Center provides outpatient therapy for individuals of all ages.
Updated 12/21/2009
 
Thresholds: Transitions
Address: 8050 Monticello, Skokie, IL 60076
E-mail: thresholds@thresholds.org
Phone: 773-572-5200, TTY (773) 880-6263
Description: Provides rehabilitation, employment opportunities and sheltered workshops to those with mental illness.
Updated 4/17/2013
 
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