Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural Disabilities Resource & Job Placement Expo, State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett), along with State Representatives Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) and Amy Grant (R-Wheaton), is bringing the event back on August 20 with even more exhibitors, resources, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.
“I was proud to support the Dignity of Pay Act, which was passed in November 2024. The Legislature has until December 2029 to fully implement the provisions of the Act,” said Lewis, a leading voice for the intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community in Illinois. “At the time of the Act’s passage, I pledged to do everything in my power to create opportunities and promote fair wages for the IDD community, and this expo is an extension of that commitment.”
The expo will feature more than 60 agencies, nonprofit organizations, and service providers dedicated to supporting the IDD community, including more than a dozen employers and organizations offering employment opportunities or job placement assistance.
“Our communities are strongest when everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This expo makes it easier for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers to connect with organizations that provide meaningful support, guidance, and opportunities,” Lewis added. “From employment and education to therapy, advocacy, and legal services, this event brings together a wealth of resources in one convenient location. I encourage anyone who may benefit to attend and learn more about the programs and services available.”
Disability Resource & Job Placement Expo
Thursday, August 20
9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Carol Stream Park District
Fountain View Recreation Center
910 N. Gary Avenue
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Participants (Subject to Change)
a.c.e. Therapies, AIM Center for Independent Living, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medicare Disability Advocates, Aspire Chicago, Association for Individual Development, Autonomy Works, Carol Stream Public Library, ClearCaptions Disability Services America, DONKA, Inc., DuPage County Community Services, DuPage County Health Department, Efficiency Reporting, Elgin Community College, Giant Steps, GiGi’s Playhouse, Goodwill Industries, Great Lake ADA Center, Helping Hand Illinois, Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies, IL Assistive Technology Program, IL Central Management Services, IL Department of Human Services, IL Department of Public Health, IL Department of Revenue, IL Department of Veterans Affairs, Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission, Life’s Plan, Inc., Lions Panzek Martial Arts, Little Friends, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Meridian Health, Metropolitan Family Services, NAMI DuPage, National Ability Basketball League, NEDSRA, Northeast DuPage County Special Education Association, Office of the IL Attorney General Office of the IL Secretary of State, Office of the IL Treasurer, PACE, Parents Alliance Employment Project, PAWS Giving Independence, Protected Tomorrows, Inc., Ray Graham Association, Regional Transit Authority, Search 360, Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, Synapse House, Xilin Association, The Arc of Illinois, The Place for Children with Autism, Thrivent, Trinity Services, Inc., Valley Sheltered Workshop, Vine Counseling Center, Visionsm LLC, We Will Work, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, Winning Systems, and WorkNet Dupage.
Agencies/non-profits/organizations in bold type can assist with job placement.
Additional Information Available
Homebound I.D. Program, Speech/Physical/Occupational Therapy, Job Coaching, Legal Services, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Resume Building, Paratransit Services, Adult Transition Services, Healthcare Information, Housing Assistance, Illinois ABLE Program, Technology Assistance, Community Day Services, and more.
On-Site Workshops
9:00 AM: “Ability in Action: Tech & Workplace Accommodations” Presented by DONKA, Inc.
10:00 AM: “RIDE DuPage & RTA Reducing Fare” Presented by RTA & PACE.
11:00 AM: “Workforce Success Programs within the State of Illinois” Presented by Illinois Central Management Services.
For additional information about this free event tailored to the IDD community, please call Senator Lewis’ legislative office at (630) 349-0645, or email Julie at jlmceinc@aol.com.
Please click here to access a printable version of the flyer.