Search for organizations that train, place and support job seekers with disabilities, and search for disability owned businesses. Learn more.
ITKAN
ITKAN is a member-driven professional networking and growth organization with a focus on professionals and aspiring professionals with disabilities within the technology field!
ITKAN is affiliated with the Illinois Technology Foundation – the not-for-profit academic arm of the Illinois Technology Association. We meet face-to-face on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5-7PM CST at the Microsoft Technology Center in Chicago. Contact Pat Maher at for more information.
Mission: Developing Professionals with Disabilities into Passionate Technology Leaders to Support the Aggressive Adoption of Deep Diversity™
Commitment: Our Members Commit to Support the Mission of ITKAN through their active Participation in monthly meetings, Service on one of our Core Committees (Membership, Communications, Development), and Active Evangelism of Deep Diversity – the Adoption by the Business Community of a Culture of Support for Disability as a Strategic Factor of Diversity in the Workplace.
Aspiration: ITKAN will become the Provider of Choice to the Technology Community for Leading Professionals with Disabilities into focused, high-demand technology support skill sets. Further, ITKAN will be respected as an expert on the interface of Assistive Technology with traditional and evolving UI’s such as mobile devices.
Follow us on Twitter @ITKAN_Chicago and join our LinkedIn group!
The Diversity Movement
At The Diversity Movement, we’re business strategists with an employee-centered lens. As diversity experts, we know that inclusive organizations generate 19-33% more revenue than their peers. Yet most organizations don’t know how to retrofit their processes and fix their cultures to reap these benefits. We work with you to drive business transformation by helping you create world-class employee experiences. Unlocking workplace excellence is hard; we make it easier.
Our people, products, and perspectives make the difference. We’re a company of business executives, PhDs, MBAs, writers, designers, marketers, historians, and computer scientists. Our diverse skill sets help us understand our clients then create faster time to value using tech-based tools that deliver DEI learning and foster behavior change at scale. We use data analytics to derive real-time, ongoing insights and make the best informed decisions. We scale what’s working in your organization and add expert perspective from across our client spectrum.
BufferSprings
BufferSprings is a Boston-based consulting and training firm founded in 2021. We are proud to be 100% service-disabled veteran-owned and operated.
Our team is passionate about connecting our corporate partners with the top talent in the greater veteran-connected community. But, more importantly, we are a mission-driven company with big goals to shake up a very stagnant industry.
Partner Collaboration:
We are your long-term partner in veteran hiring. We want to help you design and implement effective and sustainable military programs focused on retention and community engagement.
Community Engagement:
We partner with local and national organizations obsessed with empowering the military-connected community. These community partners are the backbone of our Community Immersion Program.
Veteran Community Building:
Whether you’re still on active duty, just transitioned, or have been out for many years, we’re in your corner. Our community offers you training, mentorship, industry connections, and employment opportunities.
Market Innovation:
The conversation around veteran hiring shouldn’t be limited to attending job fairs and ad impressions. Instead, we create innovative and comprehensive solutions designed to truly move the needle in veteran recruiting and retention.
Donka, Inc.
Donka, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides computer training and job readiness services to persons with physical, visual and limited learning disabilities. Through use of computers and assistive technology, our clients become more self-sufficient and independent members of the community.
Computer Training
Donka’s signature computer training program uses cutting-edge assistive technology to train students in Microsoft Office and other business applications that will help them meet their individualized goals of help with school work, employment and/or independent computer usage.
Donka was founded in 1987 by Don Van Haveren, a retired Wheaton businessman, who became friends with residents of the DuPage Convalescent Center where he volunteered. He believed that computer training was the way to increase opportunities for people limited by disabilities. Don’s vision has grown into the only program in the Chicago area that provides free computer training as a means of education leading to employment, and human service leading to more independent living. Many Donka clients are reaching goals they never thought possible.
“I named it DONKA (thank you in Dutch and German) in honor of the thanks I give for Don-Williethe opportunity to work with these extraordinary people who teach me so much each day.”
Founder Don Van Haveren
(1924-1993)
Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans
Vision: To end veteran homelessness so that no person who has defended our homes goes without a home.
Values: Compassion, Dedication, Integrity, Responsibility, Welcoming, "Can-Do" Attitude, and Individualized Care
Our Mission
To empower at-risk veterans, and their families, to become self-sufficient, productive members of their communities.
Job Accommodation Network
Ask JAN – We Can Help
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. JAN provides individualized consultation to assist:
- Employers and their representatives seeking guidance on practical ways to engage in the interactive process, provide job accommodation solutions, and comply with Title I of the ADA;
- Individuals with medical conditions and disabilities seeking information about job accommodation solutions, employment rights under the ADA, and self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities; and
- Family members and rehabilitation, medical, educational, and other professionals in their effort to support successful employment outcomes for individuals with medical conditions and disabilities.
Ask JAN! We can help. JAN consultants and employment specialists are highly qualified and experienced thought leaders and innovators on disability employment issues. By providing trusted guidance on the ADA and practical accommodation solutions that benefit employers and individuals with medical conditions and disabilities, JAN helps everyone recognize the value and talents that qualified workers with disabilities add to the workforce.
For detailed information about the services JAN provides, see our Frequently Asked Questions and view JAN is here for YOU!
JAN services are available 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday.
Please direct general inquiries to [email protected] or use the JAN on Demand option to receive practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation. Inquiries are routed to JAN staff who will respond in a timely manner.
To receive the JAN Newsletter & Updates, email [email protected].
JAN Social Networks
Synapse House
Synapse House is a Clubhouse model program for survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury and stroke. We offer cognitive, social, psychosocial and vocational rehabilitation services with a focus on wellness, acceptance and commitment to being the best that we can be. Our mission is engage, empower and employ.
We have a social enterprise business, Flour to Empower, which is a bakery and candy making business that employs members and allows them to obtain a food handler card and work together with skill and dedication. We are one of the few programs serving this population and have recently acquired a contract with the Division of Rehabilitation Services to provide Supported Employment Program services.
Clearbrook
Clearbrook is committed to being a leader in creating innovative opportunities, services and supports for people with disabilities. With a staff of 900+ and more than 50 locations across Chicagoland, Clearbrook is proud to report that 92 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into our programs and services.
What began modestly as a small group of parents in Rolling Meadows hoping to establish a “school for their special needs children” has expanded significantly to reflect the current needs of families with children diagnosed with developmental delays, as well as adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, most notably those with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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CLEARBROOK TODAY
We serve people over a range of ages and disabilities from children diagnosed with developmental delays at birth to the unique needs of seniors with disabilities and all ages in between.
Quick Facts
- Supports over 8,000 individuals and their families annually
- Serves 15 counties in over 160 communities in Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Illinois.
- Provides services at over 50 locations.
- Employs over 900 full-and part-time staff.
- Is the largest provider in the state of Illinois of home-based services.
- Has an administrative overhead of 8% – well below the industry standard of 15-25%.
- Is licensed, certified and/or accredited by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Illinois Department of Public Health, SourceAmerica and the US Department of Labor.
- Receives approximately 70% of our funding from the government.
DONKA, INC.
COMPUTER TRAINING: Donka, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides computer training, assistive technology training and job readiness services to persons with physical, visual, and limited learning disabilities. By learning to access and operate a computer with assistive technology, our students become more independent and self-sufficient at work, school, and home.
JOB PLACEMENT: We work with candidates to identify skills and capabilities, define job search, discover employment interest. Donka helps job seekers overcome the barriers to employment – connecting to transportation resources, housing resources, mental health resources, and provides weekly meetings to address all issues.
The Chicago Lighthouse
The Chicago Lighthouse is a world-renowned social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities. Recognized as a pioneer in innovation since 1906, The Chicago Lighthouse provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages.
We help our clients build valuable skills, reach professional goals and develop strategies for career advancement, while helping employers implement practices that are inclusive of people with disabilities.
Our social enterprises provide meaningful career opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment, while earning revenues to supplement Chicago Lighthouse programs and services.
Our education programs help children and students learn to meet developmental and educational milestones, build supportive relationships, and fully participate in their communities.
We help our clients maximize independent functioning through programs that build confidence, provide social interaction and teach lessons in daily living.
Our team of specialists provides access to cutting-edge technology, assistive devices and independent living aids to help individuals with visual impairments live life to the fullest.
Our vision care services are designed to nurture and empower patients at every stage of vision loss. We strive to create a warm therapeutic relationship between our patients and practitioners.
