Local Agencies & Nonprofit Organizations serving McLean County (Illinois)
For local supports, guest speakers, and information about autism
- Autism McLean
- Marcfirst
- LIFE-Center for Independent Living (LIFE-CIL)
- Easter Seals of Central Illinois (for diagnosis)
Welcome me! Autism Awareness & Inclusion
- Environmental sensitivities: Simulations to Help You Understand Sensory Overload
- Transition Strategies (from school to adult life)
- Ideas to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month
- CDC definition of Autism
Training and Employment
Local agencies can refer candidates that meet your employment needs and provide job coaches to work with the individual.
- Marcfirst – phone 309-451-8888
- United Cerebral Palsy of Lincolnland (UCP) – phone 309-585-0629
- Autism and Job Accommodations
- Understanding Autism – An Employers Guide (pdf)
- Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS): 207 S Prospect Rd, #4, Bloomington, IL 61704; Phone 309-662-1347
Creating natural supports in the workplace facilitates an inclusive culture where employees understand and respect the strengths and challenges of their co-workers with autism.
- Sustaining Long Term Employment of Autistic Adults (from Autism after 16)
- “Creating Natural Supports,” Psychology Today
Job Accommodations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Supported and Customized Employment programs at Marcfirst
- Integrated Employment Toolkit (U.S. Dept. of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy)
- Employer Assistance and Resource Network
Leisure and Civic Engagement
Support and collaborate with local agencies and support groups that serve people with autism:
- Autism McLean
- Best Buddies of Illinois State University
- Kiwanis Aktion Club
- Marcfirst
- S.O.A.R. — Special Opportunities Available in Recreation:
- Special Olympics Illinois
- The Miracle League of Central Illinois
- United Cerebral Palsy
A Place for Me
Residential services, transportation and safe neighborhoods
- Residential Programs serving McLean County:
- Marcfirst:
- Homes of Hope
- SPARC (Springfield)
- Bloomington Housing Authority CHSP
- Residential Directory: Autism Housing Network
- Transportation in Bloomington-Normal: Connect Mobility
- Safety: Early Notification program, Bloomington & Normal Police Departments