Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities - Do you live in Illinois and have a teen or adult child with a developmental disability -- autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, Down Syndrome or other?

Many of us have worked and continue to work toward a broader, more comprehensive menu of services, supports and funding strategies in Illinois. But IN THE MEANTIME, our children get older and age out of the public school systems. We need to be empowered, as families, to forge collaborative ventures with other families and interested civic, business or professional leaders in our local areas…to make real, positive changes in our local communities so that our young people do not exit special education with nothing to do.

IPADD's purpose is to give Illinois parents, self-advocates, adult sibs and others who care about adults with developmental disabilities a dedicated online platform for networking, advocacy and information-sharing so that we know what's happening around the state. Our primary focus areas are: Employment, Community Service, and Rec/Leisure opportunities; Effective Transition Planning; Transportation; Housing; and how to pay for all of it.

Membership Features:

*Daily information exchange between families and professionals from around the state.

*Question of the Month: Propose a topic to the moderator & we'll target it for an entire month's discussion.

*Ask the Experts!: Can feature a guest 'expert' addressing specified topics for an online Q&A session with IPADD members.

*Files and Links sections where members can upload information they’ve found useful.

*Online statewide Parent Directory (optional)for additional networking or social opportunities for you and/or your adult with a DD.