Three people smiling and looking up, in a room with a white wall.

About Us

Historic photos show a group of people and a woman with children About Park Lawn

Our History

In 1955, a small group of parents came together to create a brighter future for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In a donated classroom in an Evergreen Park church, these determined parents began teaching their children. As word of their heroic efforts spread, other families joined and soon they established Park Lawn School.

In 1968, they were granted state funding to hire professional staff and construct the first permanent school in Oak Lawn. Shortly after, Park Lawn expanded to include programming for adults and a variety of community day services and residential facilities. Today, over 500 individuals are enrolled in Park Lawn's programs and encouraged to pursue a life of productivity, independence and happiness – the same as everyone else.

Group of people huddle together, arms around each other's shoulders, Park Lawn.

Our Mission

We believe everyone’s life has meaning, value and purpose. We encourage people with disabilities to discover their passion, take pride in their accomplishments, live more independently and thrive.

Group of people playing a game around table About Park Lawn

Woman and man working together, wearing gloves, in a lab setting. About

Our Value Statement

Everyone has a purpose.
A desire to do and be more.
To contribute, connect and be valued.
At Park Lawn, we help people with disabilities discover their passion and take pride in their accomplishments.
By providing them with a space to be themselves.
A home to call their own.
A place to connect and forge long-lasting friendships.
Since 1955, our mission has been to provide comprehensive service that encourage our participants and residents to lead fuller, more independent lives.
We don’t build walls.
We tear them down. Opening doors to new possibilities.
Every day, we inspire our participants to be more than observers.
They are contributors who are accepted, respected and engaged.
With ideas that have an impact.
Opportunities to advance personal skills and pursue new interests.
And choices that allow every person to thrive.

Our Philosophy

We believe people with intellectual and developmental disabilities earnestly wish to lead a normal life. They want to go to school. They want a job that instills pride and earns a paycheck. They want a full and active social life.

Person pouring liquid from a cup onto a paper bag volcano project About Park Lawn

Our Vision

Our vision is to provide the broadest range of quality programs, services and facilities possible to meet the changing, long-term needs of people with intellectual and development disabilities. As a private, non-for-profit community-based agency, we make every attempt to elicit the support of similar providers and all appropriate community resources required to achieve our vision on a progressive and cost-effective basis.

Man cuts blue ribbon as crowd watches, Park Lawn ribbon cutting event.

Our Locations

Park Lawn Administration Offices
10833 S. LaPorte, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 | (708) 425-3344 | info@parklawn.com

Park Lawn Community Day Services
5 locations: Chicago Ridge, Crestwood, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights and Tinley Park

Park Lawn Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA)
8 locations: Chicago Ridge (2), Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park (3) and Worth

Park Lawn Intermediate Care Facilities
2 locations in Alsip

Group of people in a meeting, with text: Where Possibilities are Limitless.

Health, Safety, & Accessibility

The Health, Safety and Accessibility Committee began in 1993 to assist in promoting and maintaining our high standards for the health, safety, and welfare of all individuals at Park Lawn. Our quarterly survey focuses on important issues including sanitation, universal precautions for safety and fire protection codes. The committee also assists the agency with risk management. Education, training and plans of correction are tools the committee relies on for compliance. Questions or concerns can be directed to info@parklawn.com.

Park Lawn 2025-2026 calendar for Community Day Services, about staff attendance.

Annual Calender

Resources

Our community employment, housing and integration programs are CARF accredited. This prestigious designation represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows Park Lawn’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. To receive a coveted Three-Year Accreditation, Park Lawn has undergone a rigorous peer-review process. During an on-site visit by a team of surveyors, we have demonstrated our commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality.