Residential Services

VISIONS offers house or apartment living in residential neighborhoods in the Chicago area for persons who have developmental disabilities. Between one and eight residents live in each CILA (Community-Integrated Living Arrangements).

Independent Living Counselors support each person to maintain their home and participate in the life of their community. This means that household duties are shared (to the extent possible and appropriate) among residents. And, the person receives support to participate regularly in social activities and meaningful work. The goal is to assist the individual to become as capable and independent as possible in a learningful environment.

Life Skills Development

Life skills development ranges from learning basic skills for independent living, such as maintaining health and safety, to more advanced skills. These might include skills needed to find a job, maintain personal finances, and achieve self-reliance.

Career Services

VISIONS offers career services through its Career Connections program for adults with autism. With the right opportunities and necessary supports, a person who has autism can find work that fits his/her skills and adds meaning and purpose to life.

Career Connections works with companies in the community to find employment for program participants. The goal is to find or develop a job that is compatible with the strengths and needs of that person. The VISIONS job coach teaches and practices with the participant the social, workplace-related and task-related skills needed for success. This occurs both before and during employment.