Adult Services

Adult Programs at El Valor: Services for Adults with Disabilities in Chicago

For more than 50 years, El Valor has helped adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full, meaningful lives. We help people build a life that feels like their own, with the support, patience, and respect they deserve at every step.

Adult in an El Valor classroom on a computer
Adult in an El Valor sweater swinging a baseball bat
Adults sitting together at a table sharing a meal
El Valor adult rolling dough
El valor baseball team picture
Two adults cheering

Programs Built Around Individual Goals

Every person who comes to El Valor is unique, with their own goals, strengths, and needs. That is why we do not offer one-size-fits-all programs. We start by listening, then build a plan around the person. Each plan is created by a team of professionals, family members, and the participant, and it is reviewed and adjusted as skills grow.

Our group homes offer 24/7 care for adults with disabilities in a setting that feels like home, where residents build independence, form friendships, and live in a community designed around their needs and preferences.

A cooking class group in El Valor T-shirts and aprons standing behind a counter of finished dishes.

Community Day Services

A daytime program where adults build life skills, explore their interests, and connect with their community through structured activities, classes, and outings. 

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Adult woman making a bed

Residential Housing

Residential housing at El Valor provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a safe, supportive home where they are cared for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Adults raising their hands in an El Valor classroom

Workforce Development

For participants whose goal is to find and keep a job, our employment program provides individualized job training, placement support, and ongoing coaching. El Valor also works with employers to make the entire experience positive for everyone.

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Adult washing dishes

Individual and Family Support

El Valor provides two additional programs for adults and families in the Chicago area: acquired brain injury case management and respite services.

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Our Adult Services Location

El-Office
  • El Valor Main Office & Life Skills Center

1850 W. 21st Street
Chicago, Illinois 60608
Main Office: (312) 997-2021
Fax: (312) 432-9849

What Makes El Valor Different

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Adults with disabilities served
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meals provided
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community outings
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music and drama classes
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cooking classes
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Special Olympics medals earned
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medical appointments and 100 dental appointments coordinated
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of adult program participants receive behavioral health services

How to Get Started

Adults with disabilities generally need a Medicaid waiver to receive our services.

If your family member does not yet have one, we can help point you in the right direction.

 

Here is what to know:

If your loved one already has a Medicaid waiver/has been selected from the PUNS list:

Contact us directly. We will walk you through our intake process and help identify which programs are the best fit. 

If your loved one does not have a waiver yet/has not been selected from the PUNS list:

The State of Illinois determines eligibility and manages a waiting list. We can help you understand the process and get started.

If your loved one is under 18:

Start planning early. The State waiting list is long, often seven years or more. The sooner you begin, the better positioned your family will be when adult services are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Valor offers residential housing, community day services, employment services, acquired brain injury case management, and respite care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All programs are individualized and bilingual.

Adults generally need a Medicaid waiver to receive services. If your family member already has a waiver, contact us to begin the intake process. If not, we can help guide you to the right state agency.

There is a waiting list, but the list is prioritized by need. If you are in need of services, reach out and our team can help guide you through the process.   

Yes. El Valor is the only truly bilingual provider for adults with intellectual disabilities in the entire state of Illinois. Our staff, programs, and communications serve English- and Spanish-speaking families.

Yes. Many participants are enrolled in multiple programs based on their individualized service plan. For example, someone may live in one of our group homes and also attend community day services or the employment program.