Institute for Training and Development

Welcome to the Institute for Training and Development ("Training Institute") at the Illinois Department of Human Rights ("IDHR"). The Training Institute offers a wide range of trainings related to the Illinois Human Rights Act ("IHRA") and workplace trends centered on issues of discrimination in the workplace. These courses are designed to increase knowledge, awareness and prevention of discrimination and harassment issues and offer solutions to employers and employees on how to appropriately respond to situations as they arise. The Training Institute also offers courses on staff development and workplace challenges. Courses are offered to private-sector, government, and public participants throughout the State of Illinois.

Keep up with our latest course offerings and news from IDHR's Institute for Training and Development by following IDHR on Facebook. You may view the latest schedule of our course offerings and register directly on Evebrite.

Using the online form linked below, tell our Training Institute team how we can provide training resources for your company, agency, or association. After your submission, you will be contacted with more information about scheduling options or course details. Before completing this form, we ask you to preview IDHR’s current course listing (see below) and introductory information on this page. Special note: The earliest availability for private or customized training is a minimum of 6-8 weeks from the confirmed scheduled training date(s).

IDHR's classes are taught by certified trainers with more than a decade of real-world experience and first-hand knowledge in human and civil rights. We maintain a small trainer-to-trainee ratio to ensure you will benefit from a uniquely personalized approach.

Our interactive style utilizes a combination of adult learning theory and real-world case studies to create a high impact training environment that is both informative and engaging. Additionally, our curriculum breaks down complex legal statutes to promote learner-comprehension and facilitate retention.

Customization options are available on a limited basis to meet the unique needs of specific organizations and maximize their resources (see more information below). Training curriculum segments can be adapted to a variety of time and location considerations.

Sample List of Complimentary Trainings - Open to the Public (“OTP”)

• Conflict Resolution
• Diversity Awareness
• Building Bridges with LGBTIA+ Employees
• Working Effectively Across Generational Lines
• Harassment in the Workplace
• Harnessing the Power of Emotional Intelligence
• Inter-Cultural Communication
• Sexual Harassment Prevention
• Civility in the Workplace

A certificate of completion is provided to all individual attendees of OTP trainings. On-site training for public and private sector clients can also be scheduled. Please contact the IDHR training unit for more information.

Requests for Customized Training
IDHR's Training Institute will customize a number of course offerings to fit unique organizational needs. Currently all courses are offered through remote learning only and all courses require a minimum enrollment. Course fees include pre-training consultation on a range of important considerations, including class length, emphasis, number of participants, training materials, and confirmed dates. Customized training option is great for employers who are seeking both compliance and professional development training for employees at all levels. To get started, contact us by completing our online request form.

Note: A certificate of completion is provided to all individual attendees of OTP trainings. On-site training for public and private sector clients can also be scheduled. Please contact the IDHR training unit for more general information, or complete an online Group Training Request to begin an official inquiry!

General Inquiries

Illinois Department of Human Rights
Institute for Training and Development
555 West Monroe Street, 7th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60661
Voice: (312) 814-2477
TTY: (866) 740-3953
Email: IDHR training unit
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

Note on ADA Compliance: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Illinois Human Rights Act, IDHR will ensure that all programs are readily accessible to and usable by concerned individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for any training event, please contact the Training Institute at 312-814-2477 (Voice) or 866-740-3953 (TTY) at least 72 hours prior to the date of the event. E-mail messages can be sent to the IDHR training unit.