Thornton Township continues to serve as a leader in offering programs and services for our residents with disabilities. The Special Services Department oversees that responsibility in addition to continuing to promote equal access to events and programs for all residents. In addition, Special Services also provides quality health and education programs for local residents of all ages. We network with, and provide programs for, local schools, community, and non-profit organizations. For further information or to register for Special Services classes, call 708-596-6040, Ext. 3163. Most services are available free of charge or for a minimal fee. The following is a list of our current programs and services.

Thornton Township has joined forces with Heartland Blood Center to sponsor blood drives to help with the need for blood in our community. There are three blood drives held at the township every year: April, August, and December. The blood collected from these drives is used in local hospitals in the community and can benefit as many as three patients. Please share your good health and give the gift of life.

● Blood Pressure Control Course

“Don’t Let Your Blood Pressure Get You Down” is a 3 session instructional course for persons with hypertension (high blood pressure). Each class will focus on a different topic. Topics discussed include: medications, salt restricted diets, dietary facts and cholesterol, stress management, weight control and exercise.

The goal of the course is to educate residents on the proper techniques for managing high blood pressure. Classes are offered both day and evening but due to a limit in class size, reservations must be made in advance.

● CPR Course

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation courses are available to residents of all ages. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive an American Red Cross certification card. This course has a minimal fee for both residents and nonresidents. Registration is required.

● CPR for the Professional Rescuer

A comprehensive CPR class for nurses, doctors, lifeguards and other health professionals. In addition to adult, child, and infant CPR, this class covers two-man CPR, air bags and pocket masks. There is a minimal fee to cover the cost of the book, a pocket mask and the rental of other equipment. Registration is required.

● Diabetes Education Workshop

This workshop focuses on the types of treatments available and the proper diet needed for controlling Diabetes. Proper treatment is critically important to avoid serious complications. Registration is required.

● First Aid

In conjunction with the American Red Cross, this course is a progression course for CPR. You must have completed either an adult or community CPR course before taking the first aid segment. There is a nominal fee for this class. Registration is required.

● Home Modification Program

The Home Modification Program provides mini-grants to people with disabilities residing in Thornton Township. These mini-grants are used to purchase equipment that would improve one’s quality of life. Such equipment would include, but is not limited to, the following: wheelchair ramps, special medical equipment, and minor home repairs. This equipment is often necessary to help improve the individual’s everyday living skills, accessibility, and independence in their homes, which in turn, will help them function in society.

The township works jointly with the following organizations representing people with disabilities:

   ● Illinois Attorney General’s Office;
   ● Disability Rights Council;
   ● Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois; and
   ● Progress Center for Independent Living.

● Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

According to 28 C.F.R. 35.107 (a) any municipality that has more than fifty employees must have an ADA Coordinator. Each municipality in the township has been contacted requesting the name and phone number of their designated coordinators. The township continues to work on compiling a list of all the public and private buildings in each municipality to determine their degree of accessibility, and what can be done to bring them into ADA compliance.

  • Dances
    Nine Special Recreation Dances are planned each year.
    These fun-filled evenings include dining and dancing for people with disabilities and their families.
  • Special Olympic Competitions
    The township also participates in Special Olympic Competitions for bowling, and track and field.
  • Special Recreation Bowling
    Special Recreation Bowling is held every Monday and Tuesday all year round. There is a nominal fee for this program.

● Operation Access

In conjunction with the Cook County Board of Elections, assures that all polling places in Thornton Township are accessible.