Avenues to Independence is a non-profit, charitable organization, providing residential, vocational and daily living support in a wide variety of programs for persons with developmental disabilities.

Incorporated in November 1953, originally as the Park Ridge Aid for Retarded Children and later, NSAR (Northwest Suburban Aid for the Retarded), Avenues provided educational programs for children with disabilities who were not receiving services in the public schools.

 In the 1970's, when access to public education began to take place, Avenues focused on vocational and residential programs for adults with developmental disabilities. 

In 1997, Avenues acquired the programs of Builders of Skills, expanding its services to include persons with hearing impairments. Today, Avenues has established programs in Park Ridge, Niles, Wheeling, Des Plaines and Northwest Chicago. A wide variety of supports are provided to over 250 persons throughout the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area. 

Program and clinical support information