Proud & Included is an initiative developed to serve individuals in Cook County with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) that identify as LGBTQ. This project is designed to empower adults with IDD and assist in their integration into the larger LGBTQ community through self-advocacy and event participation.

Our hope is participation in County wide LGBTQ community events will bridge the gap of social acceptance of sexual identity the IDD population struggles with daily.

Adults with IDD who identify as LGBTQ want to learn about themselves and others, have friendships and relationships with other people, gain access to resources, and find inclusion in all that the LGBTQ community offers – just like anyone else who identifies as LGBTQ.

What Does Inclusion Look Like?
Inclusion looks like lots of things: people with IDD participating in LGBTQ events and programs, using the services of LGBTQ providers, and joining other LGBTQ people as equals in the social, cultural, and economic activities that happen every day in the LGBTQ community.

Accessible Accommodations: Yes

Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday