On this page, find resources, services, and programs designed specifically to support disabled people and available to all. Related, please know library buildings are accessible and ADA compliant. More about facilities and equipment »
What’s new
Find the latest book lists, on-demand videos and tutorials, at-home activities, interactive programming, and more below!
Meet Shelley
Shelley is a neurodivergent children’s librarian with a passion for early literacy, serving and celebrating the disability community, and exploring technology. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science, has a brother who has used augmentative and alternative communication for 30 years, and has worked in western suburban Chicago schools as a para-educator for deaf and autistic children.
Collection suggestions
Explore librarian-curated titles, book lists, and a kit to check out and take with you below.
Check out titles
- More books for kids: Disability Reads »
- Films: Stream now on Kanopy »
- Dystinct Magazine: Check it out on Media on Demand/Libby »
For kids: Borrow a supported kit, book bundle
- Social-Emotional Learning Kits: Unique, one-of-a-kind resource combining books, open-ended questions, and more based on a theme, designed for caregivers to share with early learners and grade schoolers. Borrow the Supported Gardening Kit »
- Book Bundles: Themed groups of books that come in a handy carrying case. Check out the Disability Pride book bundle »
For kids: Upcoming supported events
Designed especially for kids with disabilities, these programs include visual schedules and sensory supports. See a full list of upcoming supported programming for kids »
For early learners & caregivers: On-demand supported storytimes & activity videos
Explore supported videos for early learners—hosted by some of your favorite librarians and storytime friends—and caregivers. See a few of our favorite recent videos below.
Request home delivery
Get library materials delivered: For Oak Park cardholders 60+, residents who have limited mobility, or families with children under the age of 5. Request Home Delivery »
Local & digital resources
Below find local organizations and resources from around the web.
Library resources
- Social narrative: Visiting the Main Library Children's Services area for the first time? Check out this virtual tutorial »
Local resources
- Collaboration for Early Childhood Resources for Children With Disabilities: A list of organizations and resources that families with children with disabilities or developmental delays may find useful.
- Easterseals Head Start and Early Head Start: Inclusive, high-quality learning for children ages 0-5 and pregnant women/expectant families.
- Family Resource Center on Disabilities: Chicago metropolitan area’s parent training and information center.
- Oak Leyden: Services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
- Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Early Childhood Education: Learn about the school district's special education supports, including the Early Childhood Education program for local children ages 3-5.
- West Suburban Special Recreation Association: Offering a wide variety of recreational programs for persons of all ages with disabilities.
- West Suburban Special Recreation Association/Park District of Oak Park partnership: Offering a variety of weekly programs each season at 8 park districts and four village recreation departments, including the Park District of Oak Park.
State resources
- The Arc of Illinois: Advocating with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering training, funds, and supports.
- Disability Resources from the Illinois State Library: A list of Illinois and national organizations, state publications and forms, and more.
- Equip for Equality: Protecting the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
- Illinois Starnet: Assistance, webinars, and support for early childhood education professionals and parents of young children with disabilities.
- Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois: Sponsoring public hearings and other educational and outreach efforts; providing information to public officials, state agencies, and local organizations and individuals; and conducting studies, training, and research.
National resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Not-for-profit statewide organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
- National Council on Independent Living: Works to advance independent living and the rights of people with disabilities; longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities.
- National Disability Rights Network: Works in Washington, DC on behalf of the Protection and Advocacy Systems and Client Assistance Programs, the nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities.
Digital resources from around the web
