A Guide to Community Resources for Adults with Disabilities in Illinois

Finding the right support system for yourself or a loved one with disabilities can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. At Rolling Hills Progress Center, we’ve spent nearly 50 years walking alongside adults with developmental, physical, and mental disabilities, helping them build confidence, independence, and purpose.

We don’t just offer services—we help people navigate the whole system.

While we provide comprehensive on-site programs like job training, life skills education, transportation support, and community engagement, we also connect individuals and families with trusted resources throughout Illinois that can expand on our work.

Below is a guide to help you understand what’s available—and how Rolling Hills can help you access it all.

Start Here: Rolling Hills Progress Center

We are a private, nonprofit organization based in Lanark, Illinois, offering:

• Vocational and job skills training

• Daily living and life skills coaching

• Transportation assistance

• On-site employment through local small businesses

• Recreation, Special Olympics, and community outings

• Ongoing support for mental and emotional well-being
  

We take a person-centered approach, meaning every individual’s path is different—and we’ll help you find the supports that fit your goals.

Additional Community Resources We May Recommend

These organizations complement what we do at Rolling Hills. In many cases, we work directly with them to ensure participants have what they need—whether that’s specialized housing, legal advocacy, or statewide transportation support.

Employment: Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

We often refer individuals to DRS for assistance with employment beyond our on-site opportunities.

They offer:

• Job placement and coaching

• Support for adaptive work tools

• Connections to employers across the state

• Funding for vocational certifications

We’ll help you start your application and coordinate with their team.

Independent Living: Centers for Independent Living (CILs)

Rolling Hills teaches life skills like budgeting, cooking, and communication—but for individuals living on their own or looking to transition out of group settings, CILs offer an extra layer of training and peer support.

We'll gladly coordinate with your local CIL to enhance what you're learning with us.

Mental Health & Behavioral Services

While we provide social support and structured daily routines to support emotional health, some participants benefit from specialized therapy, psychiatric care, or medication management. We refer to:

• DHS Mental Health Centers

• Community counseling programs

• Crisis response networks for after-hours needs
  

Our staff will guide families through finding and funding the right care.

Transportation Services

Rolling Hills offers daily transportation to and from our center and events. For those traveling beyond our routes or needing long-term independence, we help connect you with:

• PACE Paratransit (if in Northeastern IL)

• County transportation offices for rural access

• Ride-sharing assistance and training

  
  

Our goal is to help every participant access the world safely and confidently.

Advocacy & Legal Rights: Equip for Equality

In some situations, families may need legal guidance around education rights, discrimination, guardianship, or service access. Equip for Equality is a strong partner in protecting those rights.

We’re always available to help you understand when and how to involve legal support—and what options may be available before it’s needed.

We’re More Than a Resource—We’re a Starting Point

You don’t have to chase down all these agencies on your own. Rolling Hills Progress Center is your first call. We’ll walk with you, help you identify what services are truly needed, and take care of referrals or planning whenever possible.

Our mission is to remove barriers and create real, reachable pathways toward independence and belonging—for every adult we serve.

FAQ: Disability Resources & Rolling Hills

Where should I start if I’m new to the disability system? Start with Rolling Hills. We offer direct services and can guide you toward any additional programs you may need based on your goals.

Can you help me apply to these programs? Yes. Our team helps participants and families complete applications, gather documentation, and communicate with other agencies.

What if I live outside Carroll County? We primarily serve Carroll County and nearby areas but can refer you to equivalent programs in your region of Illinois.

Does Rolling Hills work with other organizations? Absolutely. We believe in collaborative care, and our team has longstanding relationships with agencies across the state.