Creating pathways to joyful, independent living for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities.

Helping people with I/DD live meaningful lives, work towards financial independence, and advocate for themselves and their goals.

Everyone deserves to live an independent lifestyle full of joy and a sense of community. 

But for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their path is often one of barriers and limited choices.  At CTF Illinois, we believe that people with I/DD deserve independence, dignity, and community.  And we believe that their caretakers deserve support in helping their loved ones thrive.

Individualized home-and community-based services (HCBS) for all ages and abilities.

No matter your ability level, we help you work towards an independent and productive lifestyle: from daily life skills to landing the job of your dreams.

  1. Residential Care Services

    Live among peers in one of our 40 Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes. With 24 hour support from staff, residents collaborate to run their households and build skills like cooking, hygiene care, and financial responsibility.

    Or, they can live independently in a home or apartment, with as-needed support with cooking, cleaning, transportation, medical needs, making appointments, grocery shopping, paying bills, and more.

    RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
  2. Community Day Services

    Spend time in your community building social skills, engaging with your neighbors, and having fun! Our day programming runs from 9am-3pm every weekday and is specialized for people of all abilities.

    We go out into the community in groups to learn and practice real-life skills like ordering at restaurants, volunteering, banking, getting around town, cooking, and more.

    COMMUNITY DAY SERVICES
  3. Employment Services

    Many adults with I/DD dream of finding a job they love and achieving financial independence. We work to make those dreams a reality.

    We provide people of all ability levels with support and training to find a job they love in their own community.

    Our expert job coaches can help with important skills like resume writing, interviewing, and navigating public transportation to work.

    EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
  4. Caregiver Support Services

    You don’t have to care for your loved one alone! We’re here to support family and guardians with home-based services, case management, and behavioral health support.

    We also offer support groups, advocacy opportunities, play and social groups, and family nights to give you plenty of ways to feel supported and find a community of people on the same journey as you.

    GET SUPPORT

Individualized home- and community-based services (HCBS) for all ages and abilities.

No matter your ability level, we help you work towards an independent and productive lifestyle: from daily life skills to landing the job of your dreams.

  • Residential Care Services

    Live among peers in one of our 40 Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes. With 24 hour support from staff, residents collaborate to run their households and build skills like cooking, hygiene care, and financial responsibility. Or, they can live independently in a home or apartment, with as-needed support with cooking, cleaning, transportation, medical needs, making appointments, grocery shopping, paying bills, and more.

    RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
  • Community Day Services

    Spend time in your community building social skills, engaging with your neighbors, and having fun! Our day programming runs from 9am-3pm every weekday and is specialized for people of all abilities.

    We go out into the community in groups to learn and practice real-life skills like ordering at restaurants, volunteering, banking, getting around town, cooking, and more.

    COMMUNITY DAY SERVICES
  • Employment Services

    Many adults with I/DD dream of finding a job they love and achieving financial independence. We work to make those dreams a reality,

    We provide people of all ability levels with support and training to find a job they love in their own community.

    Our expert job coaches can help with important skills like resume writing, interviewing, and navigating public transportation to work.

    EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
  • Caregiver Support Services

    You don’t have to care for your loved one alone! We’re here to support family and guardians with home-based services, case management, and behavioral health support.

    We also offer support groups, advocacy opportunities, play and social groups, and family nights to give you plenty of ways to feel supported and find a community of people on the same journey as you.

    GET HELP
    • Joyful lives.

      Meaningful work.
      Empowering advocacy.

      Mega sports fans, Michael, Jerry, Scott, Danny, and Greg never miss a Lincoln Community High School Railsplitters football or basketball game. In fact, their dedication was featured in a local news article. 

      When the boys’ basketball team qualified for sectional, and the girls’ team headed to state, we even stayed overnight at local hotels to help cheer them on!

    • Joyful lives.

      Meaningful work.

      Empowering advocacy.

      With support from our personalized job coaching and training, many people have started successful, fulfilling careers: like Michael who has worked at a local Dollar Tree for nearly a year stocking shelves and assisting customers.

    • Joyful lives.
      Meaningful work.

      Empowering advocacy.

      Terry couldn’t safely travel in his neighborhood due to a lack of sidewalks. In June 2016, Terry invited Curt Buescher from Charleston’s Public Works Department to CTF’s Advocacy program to plan city sidewalk renovations. 

      For the next three years, he regularly followed up on the sidewalk’s status, and finally, in April 2019, construction began! The project finished in February 2022, and for the first time in two decades, Terry enjoyed a trip around his block.

    Why choose CTF Illinois?

    • We are creative.

      We find every possible opportunity to get people plugged in to their community.

    • We are empowering.

      We treat adults like adults, with dignity and respect.

    • We are flexible.

      We have flexible residential care services, day programming, and in-home support for all ability levels.

    • We are ambitious.

      You tell us what you want to achieve, and we'll do whatever it takes to get you there.

    Need some help supporting your loved one with I/DD?

    Here's how you can get started:

    About CTF Illinois

    Since 1971, we’ve been creating pathways towards independence, a higher quality of life, and economic prosperity for people with (I/DD) intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois.

    We understand what it’s like to be a parent or a family member of someone with I/DD. Every one of our staff members has dedicated their lives to helping people with I/DD live meaningful, joyful, independent lives. We truly respect and care about each person, making them feel secure and valued.

    Our goal is to provide the ideal amount of support so your loved one can gain the highest level of independence according to their ability.

    GET TO KNOW CTF

    Our Impact

    Join our community of supporters & volunteers.

    Our supportive community is the backbone that upholds hope and dignity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are often overlooked in society.

    Donate or apply to volunteer with us, and help us continue providing life-changing support to everyone we serve.

    SUPPORT CTF
    Group of Volunteers at a local 5K in Orland Park holding various signs to cheer on racers.