MOPD Summer Interns get a tour of City Hall and City Council chambers with Commissioner Arfa in the summer of 2023.

On this page we will share resources targeted at youth and young adults. Many programs for people with people with disabilities are age-inclusive. If you have a question about whether one of our ongoing programs or events is suitable for youth, please call (312) 744-7050. For external (non-municipal) resources, please click this link: External Youth Resources

• The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities offers paid internships during the school year and over the summer. Visit chi.gov/mopdjobs to access the latest job and internship posts.
• Substance Use Prevention Program for the Deaf/ hard of Hearing (SUPPD) is currently booking training sessions for Chicago schools with a population of youth in grades 6-12 who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. 
• The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities is a proud partner of One Summer Chicago, connecting Chicago youth with meaningful employment opportunities and career development. 

External Resources

Access Living, accessliving.org

Access Living offers 3 in-school programs for students with disabilities, promoting self-advocacy, goal-setting and social emotional learning. 

Chicago Public Library: The 81 Club chipublib.org

Chicago Public School students have automatic access to resources at every library in the city through The 81 Club card.

Chicago Public Library: YOUMedia chipublib.org

YOUmedia Chicago is an innovative, 21st century teen digital learning space at 29 Chicago Public Library locations.

Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Roosevelt icre-roosevelt.org

ICRE-Roosevelt is a pre-employment program for young adults with disabilities or health impairments, part of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) keenchicago.org

Inclusive fitness, sports and recreational programs allow students with disabilities the opportunity to support their health and well-being while enjoying their participation in group activities.

UIC Entrepreneurship for Youth wih Disabilities eyd.ahs.uic.edu

This small business education program incubator teaches business skills for self-employment or entrepreneurship. 

Media Resources

Youth Disability Advocacy Services (YouTube)

#DisabilitiesOnYT playlist (YouTube)

Disability Awareness Month Books for Kids (Chicago Public Library)

Disability Awareness Month Books for Teens (Chicago Public Library)

Representation Matters: Kids Books that Embrace Disability and Difference (NY Public Library)