In 1949 a group of West Suburban Cook County parents of children with severe disabilities grew increasingly distressed that their children had no educational or service options in their own communities. The parents formed an alliance called "Mentally Retarded Children's Aid" and began providing day school classes for their children in a church basement. This was later to become the first pilot special education program in the state of Illinois. Community-based services, outside state institutions, have since grown in number and design for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Seguin Services' philosophy of creating opportunities for acceptance and assimilation of people with disabilities has been continually refined since its inception. In 1989, Seguin closed its sheltered workshop where people with disabilities worked together on subcontract jobs brought in from local industry. Today, through the supports Seguin provides, more than 130 people are employed in regular jobs in community settings.

Residential opportunities, begun in 1979, have also been redesigned according to our mission statement, emphasizing community integration and normalized living experiences. Today Seguin owns more than 60 houses where a small group of individuals with disabilities lives with the support of consistent caregivers.

In 1994, Seguin began its Foster Care program for children who have developmental disabilities, behavioral problems and medical conditions. In January 1997, Seguin created a new Adoption Coordinator position to facilitate future adoptions.

For more than forty years, Seguin has been providing services for people with disabilities that promote community integration and independence. Seguin's Community Employment Program matches participants' job requirements with company needs. Job Coaches provide the necessary training and on-the-job support. Many participants are also involved in volunteer activities and contribute their skills to society in this way.