Association for Individual Development

Association for Individual Development AID provides customized services for individuals with developmental, behavioral and crisis needs.

Operating in the greater Fox Valley area and other western suburban counties, AID is a leading provider of services that address the unique needs of individuals throughout every stage of their lives. Serving over 5,700 children and adults, AID operates community day centers in Elgin, Aurora, Batavia and Yorkville; mental health outpatient clinics throughout the Fox Valley; supports over 500 individuals living in their own apartments; and more than 200 individuals in group homes scattered throughout the greater Fox Valley. AID is also a sponsor of the Ride in Kane paratransit program in partnership with RTA, Pace, Kane County, and local municipalities and social service agencies.

👻🎃Earlier today at the O'Shea Center Halloween party, clients and staff were trick-or-treated to a spooky surpirse: Ghos...
10/31/2025

👻🎃Earlier today at the O'Shea Center Halloween party, clients and staff were trick-or-treated to a spooky surpirse: Ghost Portraits!🦇🧟

These eerie snaps are done completely without editing- just camera tricks! During a long exposure shot, the subjects of each portrait held a pose for a few seconds before slipping off camera, leaving behind a ghostly apparition of themselves! The technical magic of these pictures added another layer of fun and wonder to what was already an amazing party. We already can't wait until next year!

Happy Halloween to all, and to all a good night! 🦇🌘🎃

💜During the last full week of September, AID Highland Behavioral Health staff raised awareness for Su***de Prevention wi...
10/30/2025

💜During the last full week of September, AID Highland Behavioral Health staff raised awareness for Su***de Prevention with a Spirit Week🩵

Karla Santillan, a Manager at Highland, had this to share:

"While su***de can feel like a difficult topic, its one that deeply impacts the clients and communities we serve. Every conversation, every intervention, and every moment of connection we create has the potential to save a life. The month reminds us that:

💜Su***de is preventable: By listening without judgement, providing resources and fostering hope, we can help interrupt cycles of despair.

🩵Awareness reduces stigma. Open conversations about su***de and mental health create a safer environment for our clients and colleagues.

❤️‍🩹Self-care is essential. The work we do is meaningful but also emotionally heavy. Supporting ourselves and one another helps us remain present and effective."

📅Each day had a deeply important theme to remind everyone why Su***de Prevention Month is so crucial to those we serve:
🌈Monday - Colorful Day! Wear bright colors to represent expressing emotions and embracing uniqueness!
🫂Tuesday - Be Kind Day! Wear either a motivating quote or your favorite comfort shirt.
🤠Wednesday - Hat/wig day! Bring humor and a smile to Highland, wear a hat or wig!
💜🩵Thursday - Purple or Teal Day! Wear purple or teal, as the official ribbon for Su***de Prevention Awareness is purple and teal: Purple for remembrance and Teal for both hope and prevention.
🏅Friday - Team Day! Wear a sports jersey to show teamwork and community support. We’re stronger together!

💜🫂Together, we can work together to spread awareness and save lives.💪🩵

***dePrevention

🎃Halloween Treat Bags!🍬Last week, with the help of Culinary Specialist Anna Barnes, Amy and Jenny mixed up a cauldron-fu...
10/29/2025

🎃Halloween Treat Bags!🍬

Last week, with the help of Culinary Specialist Anna Barnes, Amy and Jenny mixed up a cauldron-ful of spooky goodies! By combining candy apple cereal, Chicago mix and chocolate-drizzled popcorn, candy corn marshmallows, peanut butter M&Ms, pretzels, and peanuts, they created a tasty treat mix for all to enjoy- all tied up in creepy-cute bags! 🧛🥨🥜🍿

What a wonderful- and tasty- time for confidence and creativity to be cultivated in our kitchen.💪🎨

10/29/2025

Millions of people with disabilities, like Sam, rely on food assistance to get by. But right now, that help is at risk. No one should have to choose between food, medicine, rent, or heat. Tell Congress to act now to prevent people from going hungry: https://bit.ly/4huQXn0

💙 October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month — a time to celebrate the abilities, achievements, and individuality of peopl...
10/28/2025

💙 October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month — a time to celebrate the abilities, achievements, and individuality of people with Down syndrome. 💛

At AID, we’re proud to support individuals with Down syndrome as they pursue their goals, build independence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Every person deserves to be seen for their strengths, supported in their growth, and included in every part of life. 💪🌱🤝

Let’s continue to champion inclusion, understanding, and respect — this month and every month.

🚨 Illinois needs your voice to protect SNAP benefits, housing, and direct support services for people with intellectual ...
10/27/2025

🚨 Illinois needs your voice to protect SNAP benefits, housing, and direct support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)! 🚨

Without legislative action, critical services could end as soon as November 1st. We’re urging everyone to call your state legislators today and ask them to support emergency funding and pass HB1843 to keep these essential supports in place.

👉 Learn more and take action here: https://conta.cc/3L9DCEA

Together, we can make a difference.

🕊️On October 6th, peers, staff, family, and friends of Benji M. gathered for a memorial ceremony in his honor.🌿Benji, a ...
10/26/2025

🕊️On October 6th, peers, staff, family, and friends of Benji M. gathered for a memorial ceremony in his honor.🌿

Benji, a long-time member of AID TAC House and Keeler Community Day Services, was a beloved friend to all, especially his best friend, Phil. He called everyone he met "Ernie" and lit up every room he entered with his genuine smile and laugh.

Led by Program Support Lead Becky McBoom, several individuals spoke about Benji at the ceremony, from a tribute message from Keeler Director Allison Short to a eulogy written by housemate Emmy C. Members of the Keeler Client Advocacy Committee wrote and spoke a poem for Benji, titled "Our Superhero:"

"Benji was our superhero.
He was a good friend.
He was happy and kind.
He was a beautiful friend to have.
His smile made me smile.
He was a best friend.
He was good and kind.
He was so funny.
He made people laugh.
We are sending lots of love to him.
We love him. We miss him."

At the end of the ceremony, a memorial rock for the Keeler Garden was proudly presented by his long time friends, and his best friend, Phil, opened the dance floor in his honor. 💗

🍴The AID Health & Wellness Committee Cookbook is here!🧑‍🍳🔗📕➡️ www.aidcares.org/cookbookTheir goal in creating this cookb...
10/25/2025

🍴The AID Health & Wellness Committee Cookbook is here!🧑‍🍳

🔗📕➡️ www.aidcares.org/cookbook

Their goal in creating this cookbook was to spark a sense of community — to share the foods, memories, and traditions that bring us together. At AID, our mission is to support individuals living with disabilities and mental health challenges, and we believe that wellness begins with connection, nourishment, and joy.

This collection celebrates the diversity, creativity, and compassion of our staff. Each recipe tells a story — of culture, family, friendship, and love for good food. 😋

For friends of AID who wish to contribute, we invite a suggested $5 donation. All proceeds will go toward creating future health and wellness activities for our clients.

May these pages bring warmth to your home, smiles to your table, and a sense of connection to our AID family. 💗

10/24/2025

Lance Bell, who ran last year for Kane County Board chair, shared a graphic that called No Kings protesters the "R word" - and faced a storm of social media backlash.

🔎October 19th-25th is Invisible Disabilities Week!👁️This week, we encourage you to acknowledge the fact that not every d...
10/23/2025

🔎October 19th-25th is Invisible Disabilities Week!👁️

This week, we encourage you to acknowledge the fact that not every disability can be seen with the naked eye. Disabilities such as chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, sensory processing disorders, hearing/vision/mobility impairments, mental health disorders, learning disabilities, and so many more can often go completely unseen- and not believed- by others at a first glance.

❕Just because you don't see it, doesn't mean you don't have to believe it. Individuals with invisible disabilities often require the same accommodations as those with visible disabilities, such as handicapped parking, seating, and restrooms, extra assistance performing tasks, and other benefits that allow them to live a safe and comfortable life.

- not just this week, but every day forward. You never know how much it will mean to someone who is just trying to get by with their invisible disability.

10/23/2025

✈️Today is Event Organizers Day! 🌏

On this day, we're recognizing the team behind AID fundraising events: Resource Development! Working behind the scenes year-round, the RD team does their best to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Coordinating with venues and volunteers, procuring sponsors and donations, and creating marketing materials and social media posts are just a few of the services the team provides to ensure the success of each event. 💪

We would also like to thank our many event volunteers, staff, donors, community members, and attendees for their contributions to AID events, and in turn, to the lives of the individuals we serve. 💓

Address

309 New Indian Trl Court
Aurora, IL
60506

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Association for Individual Development posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Association for Individual Development:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Our Story

Organized in 1961 by parents of 8 children with special needs, Association for Individual Development (AID) has grown to serve more than 6,500 children and adults with disabilities annually throughout the greater Fox Valley area. The mission of AID is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual and mental health challenges to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. AID services include job training and employment, autism services, housing supports, counseling, health care services, psychiatric and crisis intervention services, and family and community supports. More than 1,500 Fox Valley residents are currently waiting to receive services locally.

Operating in the greater Fox Valley area and other western suburban counties, AID is a leading provider of services that address the unique needs of individuals throughout every stage of their lives.

In FY 2017, AID served 6,547 children and adults. AID currently operates 8 community day centers in Elgin, Aurora, Batavia and Yorkville, 15 mental health outpatient clinics throughout the Fox Valley, supports over 500 individuals living in their own apartments, and more than 200 individuals in 4 dozen group homes scattered throughout the greater Fox Valley. AID also administers the Ride in Kane paratransit program in partnership with RTA, Pace, Kane County, and local municipalities and social service agencies.

Visit www.AIDcares.org to learn more about AID.