2026 Resource Showcase
Art Academy CU, The
http://art-academy-cu.square.site
At The Art Academy CU we believe anyone can learn to draw and paint regardless of age and previous experience. Classes are built on structure and positive encouragement in a small group or private lesson format and are highly individualized for the student. We offer classes to people from age 7 up. If you or your loved one want to improve on drawing and painting technique please check us out!
Champaign Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR)
https://cuspecialrecreation.com/
CUSR was formed by the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts to provide recreation programs and leisure services for residents with disabilities. We ensure program safety and success by providing quality staff training, proper staff ratios, and adapting programs and equipment to the needs of the participants.
CU Able
Cuable.org
We connect families in East Central Illinois with disability resources, host inclusive community events and resource giveaways, and build online networks where every person feels valued, heard and supported. Reach us at www.cuable.org, Info@cuable.org, or join our Facebook group at https://m.facebook.com/groups/CUAble.
DSC
http://www.dsc-illinois.org/
We are an agency that serves individuals with intellectual disabilities to live their best lives in the community by providing Case Management, community Day Services, Employment Services and residential services.
Illinois Miss Amazing, Inc.
http://Il.missamazing.org
Miss Amazing creates spaces where girls and women with disabilities can define who they are and who they want to be – on their own terms. Through programs that build confidence, community, and self- advocacy, participants explore their passions and define their futures with pride, purpose, and power.
Penguin Project
https://www.cutheatreco.org/penguin-project
Community theater for young artists with special needs.
Thrivent
thrivent.com
Lia Hege, Financial Advisor and Chartered Special Needs Consultant (CHSNC), offers a simplified approach to special needs planning - one that’s personalized to accommodate your financial situation and the goals you have for your child. In addition, she can help you explore the considerations of planning for a child with special needs so you can feel confident your plan will continue to meet your child’s needs—while you’re alive and after you’ve passed away.
TNT Firecrackers
https://sites.google.com/view/tntfirecrackers/home
Special Olympics team in Champaign County that offers 9 sports all year round.
The Learning Tree, fueled by The Silver Peanut Inn
http://www.instagram.com/thesiverpeanutinn/
The Learning Tree, fueled by The Silver Peanut Inn, offers personalized strength training and coaching to help people build strength, confidence, and healthy habits. The Silver Peanut Inn is Coach Joe’s private home gym in Urbana, where training is adapted to each person’s abilities, experience, and goals. Coach Joe offers one-on-one coaching, general fitness, powerlifting, and strongman training. His approach focuses on proper technique, patience, clear instruction, and making training enjoyable. Coach Joe’s experiences as a special education teaching assistant and four year coaching the TNT Firecrackers Special Olympics powerlifting team help him adapt instruction, encourage independence, and celebrate each person’s progress. The Learning Tree’s motto is “No Gimmicks, Just Results.” Those results include getting stronger, learning new skills, building confidence, and feeling proud of what you can accomplish.
Tom Jones Challenger League
http://tomjonesleague.org
Our league focuses on children, ages 6-21, with physical and/or intellectual disabilities which would prevent them from playing on a typical Little League team. We provide them with a safe, enjoyable environment and experience. They experience the joy of teamwork, the thrill of the crowd cheering them towards home plate and the pride that comes with a job well done.
UIUC Speech and Hearing Sciences
https://idclresearch.web.illinois.edu/
Led by Dr. Marie Channell, the IDCL aims to better understand how individuals with intellectual disability, including people with Down Syndrome, learn to communicate. Our overarching goal is to characterize the development of skills that support everyday communication in these individuals so that we can identify optimal strategies for supporting their social and academic success.