Who do I call first for disability services in Cook County, Illinois?

Start with early intervention (children under 3), your school district's special education office (ages 3–21), and Illinois vocational rehabilitation for employment. This guide points to the right front door for Cook County.

Is help available in Spanish in Cook County?

Yes. This Cook County guide includes Spanish-language support, and most Illinois agencies provide interpretation on request.

What should I do in a disability-related crisis in Cook County?

For an immediate emergency call 911. For mental health crisis support call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7. This page also lists local crisis resources where available.

Disability Services in Cook County, Illinois

A free, plain-language guide to disability services in Cook County, Illinois. Find who to call first for early intervention, special education, Medicaid waivers, transition planning, employment supports, and crisis help, with Spanish-language support. Always call to confirm details, which can change.

Services covered in Cook County

Early intervention (under 3) and special education / IEPs (ages 3–21)
Medicaid waivers and home- and community-based services
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment
Transition planning, guardianship, and benefits
Crisis support: 911 for emergencies, 988 for mental health crisis

Local organizations in Cook County

Disability-related organizations on file with an address in Cook County. Details change, so always call to confirm before you visit.

Access Living ((312) 640-2100, Chicago)
Progress Center for Independent Living ((708) 209-1500, Forest Park)
Project SEARCH — UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange (LaGrange). One-year school-to-work transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted at
Easterseals Child and Family Connections #8, Chicago (Evergreen Park). Easterseals affiliate — disability services (varies by location: early intervention, employment, day programs, respite).
Easterseals Child \u0026amp; Family Connection Program #12 (Tinley Park). Easterseals affiliate — disability services (varies by location: early intervention, employment, day programs, respite).
Easterseals Gilchrist Marchman Child Development Center (Chicago). Easterseals affiliate — disability services (varies by location: early intervention, employment, day programs, respite).
Easterseals Serving Chicagoland \u0026amp; Greater Rockford (Chicago). Easterseals affiliate — disability services (varies by location: early intervention, employment, day programs, respite).
2nd Story Counseling (773-528-1777, Chicago)
A Safe Haven (312-372-6707, Chicago)
Access Behavioral Health — CTF Illinois (708-429-1260 x3274, South Holland)
Access Northwest Health Center (847-342-1554, Arlington Heights)
10225 Grand Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131 (844-599-3700, Franklin Park)
135 Irving Park Road (844-599-3700, Streamwood)
1515 Lee St Des Plaines (844-599-3700, Des Plaines)
300 McHenry Rd (844-599-3700, Wheeling)
A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center (Burbank)
ABLE Program (South Holland)
Acacia Academy (BURR RIDGE)
Acad for Lifelong Learning (Chicago Heights)
1 Stop Homemaker Services, Llc. (847-644-4336, SKOKIE). In-home support
1-2-Speak P.C. (708-983-3054, ORLAND PARK). Hearing & speech services
1863fwd Care 2 Care Nfp (708-491-3303, CHICAGO). Behavioral health agency
1938 Homecare Services (708-303-8349, CHICAGO). In-home support
1st Advantage Home Health Agency (224-500-3986, DES PLAINES)

Statewide programs serving Cook County

These serve every county in Illinois, including Cook County.

Institute on Disability and Human Development. University center on disabilities (UCEDD)
Equip for Equality (800-537-2632). Protection & Advocacy: free disability rights legal help
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities ((312) 814-2080). State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Illinois Assistive Technology Program ((217) 522-7985). State assistive technology program: device loans, demos & reuse
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (217-717-8016). Parent center: free special-education help for families
Family Resource Center on Disabilities (312-939-3513). Parent center: free special-education help for families

Other counties in Illinois

Browse every county from the Illinois disability resources portal, choose a different state on the state portals index, or read more about PathAble AI.