29,000 Neighbors. One Community. A Gap We Can Close Together

Adults with disabilities and their families face real barriers to belonging, independence, and opportunity in Kane County. Rising Lights exists to change that.

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The Challenge.

Disability is a daily reality for approximately 29,000 individuals in our community. Yet too many adults with cognitive & intellectual disabilities — and their families — feel disconnected from the fabric of community life. Their challenges are often overlooked, misunderstood, or left unaddressed

Isolatation, Belonging and Community Gaps

Adults with disabilities and their caregivers both face deep isolation and a lack of belonging. Community life often isn’t built with them in mind, leaving individuals disconnected and families carrying the weight alone.

Adults With Cognitive & Intellectual Disabilities.

The reality for adults with disabilities in Kane County

1. Limited Social Connection

  • Few age‑appropriate social opportunities

  • Isolation at home

  • Difficulty forming and maintaining friendships

2. Lack of Skill‑Building Opportunities

  • Minimal access to vocational training

  • Limited opportunities to continue educational growth

  • Few hands‑on learning environments

3. Barriers to Community Participation

  • Transportation challenges

  • Programs that fill too quickly

  • Limited inclusive spaces for adults

  • Lack of vocational opportunities for disabled adults

  • Expensive programing

Parents & Caregivers

Caregivers of adults with disabilities face isolation, limited respite, overwhelming coordination responsibilities, and a lack of community support

1. Isolation & Emotional Strain

Feel alone in navigating childhood & adulthood services

Lack spaces where they feel understood

Carry emotional weight without community support

2. Limited Respite & Reliable Support

Few safe, trusted programs they can depend on

Difficulty working, resting, or managing daily life without care coverage

Programs fill quickly, leaving families without predictable routines

Constant worry about safety, supervision, and meaningful engagement

3. Overwhelming Coordination & Advocacy Burden

Responsible for transportation, scheduling, and planning

Filling gaps in vocational, social, and communication support

Managing health, safety, and behavioral needs alone

Navigating systems that offer limited adult‑focused resources

  • 4. Fear About the Future: Will My Child Live a Meaningful Life When I’m Gone?

    • Worry that their adult child won’t have friends, purpose, or community

    • Fear that no one else will understand their child’s needs

    • Anxiety about whether their child will be safe, supported, and valued

    • Deep concern about whether their child will have a full, joyful, independent life without them

    • The emotional weight of planning for a future they may not be here to seea

Our Services

Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.

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Meet the Team

  • "Their attention to detail and commitment" to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.

    —Former Customer

  • "Creative, reliable, and genuinely passionate about what they do."

    —Former Customer

  • "A professional team that delivers on their promises."

    —Former Customer

  • "Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome."

    —Former Customer

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