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Empowering People with Disabilities
The Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS/ DRS) is the state's lead agency serving persons with disabilities. Our staff work one-on-one with individuals who have disabilities and their families to empower them to reach their employment, education, and independent living goals.
We share information and options with our customers that empower them to select their services, service providers, and service outcomes.
We value our many business and community partners and recognize that these partnerships are the key to continually enhancing services to our customers.
Every day, our experienced, professional staff make a real difference in the lives of countless Illinoisans with disabilities by tailoring services to meet their unique needs. With 48local offices located throughout Illinois, our quality services are easily accessible to all Illinois residents.
Empowering People with Disabilities
Through:
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
We assist people with disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining quality employment that pays a living wage and offers opportunities for advancement. Our staff work closely with state, regional, and local employers, offering individualized placement services that bring employers and qualified employees together.
Home Services
We provide services to individuals with the most significant disabilities so they can remain in their homes and live as independently as possible. Our customers are empowered to live self-directed lives, be actively involved in their communities, and retain control over the services they receive.
Educational Services
- DRS operates three residential schools for children with disabilities:
- Illinois School for the Deaf (Jacksonville)
- Illinois School for the Visually Impaire (Jacksonville
- Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Roosevelt (Chicago)
- We offer information and referral along with training services to parents of children with disabilities and professionals through our NEXT STEPS program.
- Our staff work closely with high school students with disabilities, empowering them to successfully transition from high school to post- secondary education and employment.
Specialized Services
Our specialized services are designed for:
Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired. We empower adults who are blind or visually impaired to rediscover their independence and freedom. Our customers find and maintain employment and achieve their education, training, and independent living goals.
The Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Wood in Chicago also offers a 12-week residential vocational and independent skills training program.
- Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We help people who are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, or deaf/blind find employment, attend education and training programs, and learn about other community resources.
- Persons with disabilities who are Hispanic/ Latino. Our bilingual staff assist Hispanic/ Latino people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment, applying for DHS/ DRS programs, and connecting with community services
Independent Living Services
We empower people with disabilities to make informed choices by funding Centers for Independent Living (CILs) throughout Illinois. These CILs offer advocacy, peer counseling, independent living skills training, and information & referral.
Disability Determination Services
We determine the eligibility of people to receive benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Client Assistance Program
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) helps people with disabilities who have questions or problems with DRS services. For more information, call
1-800-641-3929 (Voice/TTY).
Information and Referral Services
Our staff share information about programs and services available through DHS/DRS and other state agencies. We also connect individuals and their families with services they need in the community. Contact your local DRS
office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except state holidays).
Improving the independence of our customers is our only reason for existing.
Brochures in English
