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Autism Training Center at Giant Steps Illinois
Life Skills Vocational Program
Mary Jo Conway
2500 Cabot Drive
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 864-3800
DuPage County
Program's goal is to provide an opportunity for 10 adults who have the primary diagnosis of autism, to learn life skills and have meaningful employment. Program will offer two tracks: (1) supported track where individuals work in a sheltered environment within the Autism Training Center; (2) independent track that will offer opportunities for employment in workplace settings with the use of a job coach. Includes community outings to give participants opportunities to develop appropriate recreational and social skills.
Ages: 22 and up.
Private insurance accepted. 
Cost: Please call Giant Steps for more information.
No wait list.

Blue Cap
Adult Day Services
Marge Pyzac
2155 Broadway
Blue Island, IL 60406
(708) 389-6578
Cook County
Offers individualized support and education to persons with developmental disabilities with an emphasis on vocational training and the teaching of daily living skills. Workshop provides a supervised work environment in which adults are trained to do a variety of jobs contracted from local industries. Supported employment offers individualized support to adults who are interested in community job placement, while providing local businesses with quality employees.
Ages: 18 and up.
Cost: state funded.

PACTT Learning Center
Adult Vocational Services
Lisa Fergert, vocational services coordinator
7101 N. Greenview Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 465-5469
Cook County
email: learningcenter@pactt.org
PACTT vocational services works to place people with autism in jobs that allow them to use their skills and take their place in the working world. Once a client is placed in a new position, a PACTT on-site job coach is there to help foster success. Currently, 23 teenagers and young adults in the vocational services division are employed, working in a variety of jobs out in the community (e.g. food pantries, restaurants, nursing homes, thrift stores, etc.) -- and getting great performance reviews from their employers and co-workers.
Ages: 17 and up.
Cost: funded by state.

Sertoma Centre, Inc.
Autism Services Program
Nicole Todd-Melquist, Program Manager
4343 W. 123rd St.
Alsip, IL 60803-1807
(708) 371-9700, ext. 266
Cook County
e-mail: ntodd@sertomacentre.org
This program provides opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to participate in functional and meaningful activities within a structured environment. The program offers alternatives to production work with an emphasis on communication skills and functional life skills. Some of the components of the program include: functional life skills (e.g., communication, self-care, social skills, self-advocacy, cooking, money and safety skills, fitness, recreation), vocational skills (e.g., production work, recycling, janitorial, shredding, mailings, card company) and community integration (e.g., grocery shopping, restaurants, bowling, zoo, library, park/picnics, recreation center).
Ages: 19-50.
Cost: call to inquire about rates.

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Using the Autism Resource Center's Web Site

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Although our Web site includes links providing direct access to other Internet sites, the Autism Resource Center at Rush University takes no responsibility for the content or information contained on those other sites, and does not exert any editorial or other control over those other sites.

The information on this Web site is provided for general reference purposes. It does not constitute medical or other professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your child and adolescent psychiatrist or other physician. Only a qualified, licensed physician can determine the individual treatment that is appropriate for your particular circumstances. All decisions about clinical care should be made in consultation with a physician. Inclusion of information on this Web site does not constitute an endorsement of views, persons, methodologies or products. The health care providers whose information is available on the Web site are not necessarily the agents or employees of Rush University Medical Center. In consideration for use of this Web site, Rush University Medical Center or any other party involved in producing or delivering this Web site will not be liable to you for any action or nonaction that you take in reliance upon the information provided on this Web site.
 

Autism is a complex disorder. Our Web site provides information and resources for families with a child with autism. If you feel your child is experiencing behavior and/or symptoms that may be associated with autistic spectrum disorders, please contact your pediatrician or a licensed physician. A comprehensive evaluation may be needed from a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist and other professionals.
 

The Autism Resource Center's referral and resource list is not an all-inclusive list and is subject to change. Each day the team will be adding new resources and building to our Web site. If you have trouble finding a referral within your area, we encourage you to call (312) 563-2272 for further information. We hope that you visit our Web site again for any future referrals.