Avenues and other organizations provide a variety of day, employment and residential support services for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Services can be provided as part of a transition program from school to adult-based services, or as part of a general need for services for anyone with a developmental disability who is over the age of 21.

Programs will vary depending upon the needs of the individual and the type of services (day training, employment support or residential) required.

Depending upon the level of behavioral, social, medical, daily living and other support services required, some individual support costs in a 24 hour, 7 day per week residential program can easily exceed $40,000 per year. Depending upon transportation and other individual requirements, day training begins around $9,500 per year. Employment placement and support averages $3,000 for the first 120 days and will require additional funding if continued supported employment is needed.

If you do not require state support to pay for services, you can contact Avenues or another agency directly to begin the enrollment process.

However, the average individual or his/her family generally has a limited ability to pay for the cost of these support services. This is where government funding has been a benefit to those families in need. Through these subsidies, individuals have been able to access high quality services at an affordable cost. Unfortunately, access to this funding is extremely limited due to the state's on-going budget problems.

Despite the funding limitations, the State of Illinois has established a process for individuals/families to obtain these needed services. You can click on the link below to obtain information and to begin the state application procedure.