As the local municipal government, the Village of Oak Park ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Activities include reviewing building permits for compliance with all local, state and federal laws and promoting voluntary property upgrades to make them accessible. The Village also investigates complaints about inaccessible locations and services, manages an emergency community notification system and maintains a registry of residents with special needs that first responders can access in response to a 911 call.
Ensuring participation
The Village also strives to ensure full participation by persons with special needs in all Village-sponsored events and meetings. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact the ADA Coordinator for assistance at least 48 hours prior to the event or meeting. The ADA Coordinator also responds to complaints about an inaccessible location or service.
Safety notifications
The Village of Oak Park can deliver important public safety information directly to residents via telephone, email and text message. To sign up for the service, complete the form at www.oak-park.us/notifyme and follow the instructions you will receive via email to complete registration. Residents who don’t have access to email can call 708.358.5480 to sign up for telephone notification only.
Emergency needs registry
Oak Park residents with special needs that should be considered in an emergency situation can register with the Village to ensure first responders are aware when dispatched via a 911 call. Knowing that they are being sent to a home where someone may have a hearing or visual impairment, mobility limitation, cognitive impairment or uses an electrically powered medical device could prove vital to emergency medical personnel. Residents or their caregivers can register online at www.oak-park.us/911registry. A form also is available via email to prepare@oak-park.us or by calling 708.358.5489. All information is kept confidential and should be updated annually.
Oak Park Township
105 S. Oak Park Ave. (main office)
130 S. Oak Park Ave. (senior center)
Oak Park, IL 60302
General inquiries 708.383.8005 – town@oakparktownship.org
Senior citizen inquiries 708-383-8060 – seniors@oakparktownship.org
www.oakparktownship.org/services/persons-disabilities
Oak Park Township provides a variety of governmental services and resources with special emphasis on advocacy and partnerships in human services that benefit at-risk youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, the mentally ill and individuals struggling financially. Assistance for persons with disabilities is for those 18 years or older. Programs for senior citizens are for individuals 60 years and older.
Services for Adults and Senior Citizens
- Curb-to-curb transportation on lift-equipped buses in Oak Park and River Forest
- Coupons for taxis, reduced-fare applications for CTA, RTA and Metra
- Key box for quick entry by emergency personnel
- Investigations into abuse complaints
- Assistance with benefit application, health insurance forms, home energy programs and counseling on options that allow an individual to remain in his or her home and still access available service
- Information and referral services
Services for Senior Citizens
- Case management help getting all needed services
- Meal programs
- Caregiver support, including respite and daily activity assistance
- Affordable will preparation
- Assistance with federal, state and local benefits
- In-home chore services
- Money management services
The Township also offers special services for individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities, including taxi coupons, temporary handicapped parking placards and referrals.
Park District of Oak Park
218 Madison, Oak Park, IL 60302
www.pdop.org
708.725-2000
The Park District of Oak Park offers nearly 3,000 recreation programs and special events annually with two outdoor pools, an indoor ice rink, gymnastics center, seven recreation centers and 84 acres of parkland. The Park District provides aid to allow persons with disabilities to participate in its many programs as well as special accommodations to contribute in public meetings. Information about special needs requests is available at www.pdop.org/registration/special-needs-requests.
The Park District also works with the West Suburban Special Recreation Association to provide programs to adults and children with physical, mental and other types of disabilities.
Progress Center for Independent Living
7521 W. Madison St.
Forest Park, IL 60130
708.209.1500
TTY 708.209.1826
info@progresscil.org
progresscil.org
The federally funded Progress Center for Independent Living helps persons with disabilities of all ages establish lives in the community and increase and maintain independence. Free services include the following:
- Information and referral about any disability related topic, including legal resources
- Disability rights advocacy
- Training in how to live independently
- Sharing and problem solving in everyday issues
- Personal assistance services
- Medicare
- Moving from a nursing home back into the community, including locating accessible housing
- Services for the deaf, including TTY distribution and training
- Services to the Latino disability community
Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services
2215 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1502
Westchester, IL 60154
708.409.8800
Video Phone 708.223.7390
Fax 708.409.8831
dhs.drs@illinois.gov
www.dhs.state.il.us
Field Services… assists individuals with preparing for, obtaining and maintaining quality competitive employment. Services include evaluation, guidance and counseling, education, training, physical and mental restoration, assistive devices, job development, job placement and post-employment services.
Blind Services… helps adults who are blind or visually impaired rediscover their independence and achieve their employment, education, training and independent living goals. Services include specialized vocational rehabilitation services, short-term residential program for adults who are newly blind or visually impaired and independent living services for older individuals who are blind. The Bureau also manages the Illinois Business Enterprise Program for the Blind, which offers professional food services through a network of small business operators.
Home Services… provides a wide range of services to individuals with the most significant disabilities, helping them to remain in their homes and live as independently as possible. Services include specialized support for people with HIV/AIDS or brain injuries.
Disability Determination Services… determines the eligibility of people to receive benefits under Social Security's disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
