Champaign Regional Office

Local Resources

• ClinicalTrials.gov

  ClinicalTrials.gov is a place to learn about clinical studies from around the world.

• WCG CenterWatch Clinical Trials

  WCG CenterWatch can help clinical trial participants and caregivers identify clinical research opportunities and take the first steps to participate. 

• U.S. Department of Education

  The U.S. Department of Education is America’s education agency. Its website includes guidance, resources and technical assistance related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA is a law that makes available a free...

• Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Digital Library

  The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Digital Library serves the MCH community by providing a wide array of evidence-based information and resources to help strengthen and support State Title V programs, community agencies, educators, students,...

• Get Covered Illinois – The Official Health Insurance Marketplace Resource

  Get Covered Illinois is the health insurance Marketplace resource for the state of Illinois. Get Covered Illinois provides information about health insurance coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Get Covered Illinois provides: Information...

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health. The CDC provides up-to-date information and resources on topics such as nutrition, diseases and conditions,...

• Illinois.gov

  The Illinois.gov website provides information about all the different services that various Illinois state agencies offer.

• Camp Erin Grief Support Online

  Eluna’s Camp Erin Online provides an intentional space for children and their families to connect, find support and remember the people in their lives who have died. Camp Erin Online focuses on helping families find...

• Flying Horse Farms Camp for Families and Children with Serious Illnesses

  Flying Horse Farms (FHF) is a free medical specialty camp for children and young adults ages 7 to 21 with complex medical conditions and their families. Located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, FHF offers fun, transformative...

• Dean Ritter Foundation Scholarship for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

  The Dean Ritter Foundation Scholarship for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 annually to graduating high school seniors throughout Illinois who have severe to profound hearing impairments. Individuals...

• The Center for Courageous Kids Summer Camps and Family Retreats

  The Center for Courageous Kids (CKC) offers free family retreat weekends and overnight summer camp sessions for youth ages 5 to 17 with complex medical conditions and disabilities. CKC welcomes children with a wide range...

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children....

• SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education

  SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education provides free resources to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds learn about the dangers of drugs and how to help those who may be affected by substance use. Educational...

• Find a Pediatrician Tool

  The HealthyChildren.org website provides a tool to search for an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) member pediatrician, pediatric sub-specialist or pediatric surgical specialist. Click on the “Find a Pediatrician or Pediatric Specialist Tool” to start...

• Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

  The Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ITDHH) focuses on promoting the professional growth of teachers and the quality of education for people who are deaf and hard of hearing throughout Illinois....

• Sertoma Organization for People Affected by Hearing Loss

  Sertoma provides information and support to people at risk of or affected by hearing loss. National and local chapters across the United States support hearing health through a variety of programs and activities. Sertoma services...

• Pediatric First Aid and Safety Training for Teachers and Caregivers

  The American Academy of Pediatrics’ “Pediatric First Aid and Safety Training for Teachers and Caregivers” online course is for anyone who works with or cares for infants and children. The six-unit training provides caregivers with...

• The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University

  The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University is a federally funded center providing elementary and secondary education programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The Clerc Center Online Community provides best-practice videos, research,...

• Miracle League of Central Illinois

  The Miracle League of Central Illinois is a league for children and adults with disabilities that enables them to play baseball on a specially designed adaptive field. The Miracle League of Central Illinois and the...

• Siblings With a Mission

  Siblings with a Mission is an international organization that supports siblings and families of individuals with complex health conditions and developmental disabilities.  The organization serves both siblings and sibling supporters (parents, grandparents, friends, healthcare providers,...

• Western Avenue Community Center in Bloomington

  Western Avenue Community Center (WACC) offers programs for youth and seniors, interpretation and translation services, and a food program. WACC programs are open to anyone in the community. Its programs include: Interpretation and translation services...

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resources

  This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) aims to help guide parents and caregivers through the steps to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). It links to several websites and...

• ISBE Resiliency Toolkit

  The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)’s Resiliency Toolkit is a collection of resources designed to foster safe and healthy school climates. In response to the growing mental health challenges that Illinois youth face, this toolkit offers...

• Cook for Love

  Cook For Love is a nonprofit organization providing support, resources and education to individuals, families and clinicians managing phenylketonuria (PKU). The site empowers members of the metabolic disorders community to improve their health through cooking...

• Complex Care at Home for Children

  The Complex Care at Home for Children website aims to provide an educational resource for parents and caregivers of children with medical complexity. The site offers information and tools to help facilitate daily care, ensuring...

• Illinois Poison Center’s Caregivers Guide

  The Illinois Poison Center’s Caregivers Guide webpage offers practical advice on keeping children safe from potentially harmful substances. The guide provides general safety tips along with concrete steps for medicine safety, handbag/purse safety and plant...

• Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)

  Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) provides research, resources and advocacy to improve the quality of life and health of people of all ages with food allergy. Food allergy can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. FARE...

• Junior Achievement USA and Illinois Chapters

  Junior Achievement USA (JA) helps young people own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices. The organization offers educational materials for schools and other organizations and hands-on learning...

• Do It for the Love

  Do It for the Love inspires hope and healing through music. The non-profit organization grants live concert wishes for people with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans. You can apply for yourself...

• Cherished Creations

  Cherished Creations grants two types of “wishes” to help children who are seriously ill or have disabilities (up to 21 years old). “Dreams Wishes” provide help with trips, attending special events or buying gifts to...

• Chive Charities

  Chive Charities is a non-profit providing grants to support underserved veterans, military families, first responders and people with rare medical diagnoses. Chive Charities shares grant recipients’ stories to educate, advocate and inspire others to help...

• Immigrant Services of Champaign-Urbana

  Immigrant Services of Champaign-Urbana (ISCU) provides a welcoming hand and a variety of resources to help immigrant families build success. ISCU partners with over 45 faith-based, university and community groups and hundreds of individuals from...

• Illinois Dual Diagnosis Training Initiative

  Dual diagnosis refers to experiencing an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) along with a mental health condition. The Illinois Training Initiative to Support People with Dual-Diagnosis or Illinois Dual Diagnosis Training Initiative is a project...

• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Network (FSN)

  The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Network (FSN) connects immigrant communities throughout Illinois to a full range of support in collaboration with member organizations (Información en español). ICIRR resources include a...

• Digital Literacy Training for People with Disabilities and Their Families

  The Arc and AT&T offer digital skills training nationwide to people with disabilities and their families. The safe and accessible digital skills trainings aim to help people with different learning styles gain the skills they...

• National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)

  The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides a wide range of information, training and supports to build and strengthen services and instruction for secondary students and out-of-school youth with disabilities. Its...

• National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center

  The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center provides technical assistance and resources to support youth and young adults with disabilities and their families during the transition to adulthood. RAISE...

• CMS Sickle Cell Disease Provider Toolkit

  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Provider Toolkit provides help to strengthen the infrastructure across care settings and support the needs of people with SCD. The toolkit includes: How...

• Kelly Brush Foundation

  The Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF) inspires and empowers individuals with spinal cord injuries to live active and engaged lives. KBF programs include Active Fund grants, scholarships, camps and the Active Project connecting adaptive organizations and...

• “Steps for Better Health” Toolkits for People with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a series of easy-to-read fact sheets for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). The “Steps for Better Health” toolkits provide information and health tips about...

• Goodwill Career Center

  The Goodwill Career Center offers free, one-on-one guidance to help you gain employment and reach your career goals. In-person and online resources are available to learn about training programs, how to fill out job applications,...

• Family Voices “My Language, My Care” Language Access Rights and Services Course

  Family Voices’ “My Language, My Care” is a free online, plain language course to help increase awareness, understanding and use of language access rights and services for families whose preferred language is not English. The...

• Social Security Disability Evaluation Process for Sickle Cell Disease Toolkits for Adults, Children and Health Professionals

  The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers toolkits for people with sickle cell disease and professionals navigating the disability application and evaluation process. The toolkits provide detailed information, examples of the types of medical evidence required...

• Family Economic Mobility Toolkit

  The “Family Economic Mobility: Taking Charge of Your Future” toolkit offers families help to set financial goals and create action plans for tracking progress. The toolkit includes a series of videos and an online resource...

• Least Restrictive Environment Inclusion Toolkit for Families of Young Children With Disabilities

  Early CHOICES’ Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Inclusion Toolkit aims to help families of children with disabilities navigate the early childhood system to ensure their child is included in the LRE. Whether you’re just beginning your...

• DSCC’s Transdev Transportation Prior Approval Tip Sheet

  Medicaid will pay for transportation to and from appointments that Medicaid covers. For example, Medicaid will pay the cost for a trip to see a specialist. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care...

• EngineerGirl

  EngineerGirl focuses on diversity of thought and the many opportunities engineering represents for girls and women. The EngineerGirl website includes inspiration, information about women engineers and their achievements, “Try This” design challenges, a writing contest,...

• Bridgeway

  Bridgeway provides a wide range of programs for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in west-central and northern Illinois. Bridgeway offers a variety of person-centered programs that focus on greater choice, achieving independence and community...

• Independent Living Radio/Radio Vida Independiente

  Independent Living Radio/Radio Vida Independiente broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the internet. The station aims to promote inclusion and awareness about issues related to disability. In addition to music, the...

• United Spinal Association

  The United Spinal Association empowers and advocates for wheelchair users and people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) nationwide. The organization provides local chapters, disability resources, peer support, a manual wheelchair guide and app,...

• High Fives Foundation

  The High Fives Foundation focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources for outdoor adventure sports athletes if they happen. High Fives provides community support, inspiration and grants to help athletes and veterans with spinal...

• Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation

  The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides financial assistance to people of all ages with spinal cord injury and neurological disorders. It also offers funding for medical research. Financial assistance includes post-high school education scholarships and...

• Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC)

  The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) provides free, easy to understand resources for people living with traumatic brain (TBI), spinal cord (SCI) and burn injuries and their supporters. The research-based resources aim to improve...

• Margaret Hackett Family Program

  Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are birth defects of the physical structure of the brain or spinal cord that occur during fetal intrauterine growth such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus and other conditions....

• Illinois Help Stop Hate

  Illinois Help Stop Hate provides meaningful support to help victims and witnesses of hate acts in reporting what happened and connecting them and their communities with vital resources. The service is free, confidential and not...

• BACKBONES – Connecting People With Spinal Cord Injury

  BACKBONES connects people with spinal cord injury and their families to others with similar backgrounds, injuries and interests. BACKBONES provides inspirational stories and programs that include events, a youth program for teenagers (ages 15 to...

• FacingDisability

  FacingDisability provides stories, hundreds of paralysis resources and up-to-date information on spinal cord injury. The organization works with medical experts from major hospitals, universities and rehabilitation institutions nationwide to provide insight and inspiration. FacingDisability resource...

• A Place for Us

  A Place for Us provides students with disabilities and their allies a space to connect, network and empower one another through peer mentoring that spans from high school through college. This nationwide nonprofit helps students...

• Stress and Coping Skills Resources

  If left unmanaged, stress can negatively impact our physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, work, and many other things in our lives. To effectively manage stress, one must identify the stressor and take active steps to...

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

  The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential and here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English and Spanish for anyone who is pregnant or just had a baby....

• Postpartum Support International

  Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides a worldwide network of peer support, information, professional trainings and coordinators in all U.S. states. Its mission is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to...

• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

  The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is a nonprofit hospital providing patient care, a research community focused on physical medicine and rehabilitation, clinical trials and a wide range of resources to help with caregiving, adapting and accessibility....

• BEACON for Illinois Youth and Families Seeking Behavioral Health Services

  BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It streamlines the process of finding and accessing behavioral health services  to help...

• Voting Checklist for People With Disabilities

  Easterseals has a Voting Checklist for People with Disabilities to help people with disabilities make sure their voice is heard at the polls. The checklist explains how to learn about elections in your area, your rights...

• Beautiful Lives Project

  Beautiful Lives Project gives people with disabilities the opportunity to actively participate in activities and events that may not have been available to them previously due to physical or facility limitations. The project creates immersive...

• Project Sweet Peas

  Project Sweet Peas is a national non-profit organization providing support to families and caregivers of premature or sick infants and families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Programs include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care...

• Illinois FAIR Plan Association

  The Illinois FAIR Plan Association offers property insurance to qualified applicants in Illinois who are unable to buy insurance through the standard insurance market for reasons beyond their control. The FAIR Plan may be an...

• Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays

  Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource...

• Special Education and Inclusion in Early Care and Education

  The Illinois Early Learning Project provides this Special Education and Inclusion in Early Care and Education resource list for early childhood special education and inclusive childcare for children ages 3 to 5 years old. The...

• Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program

  The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program offers resources to help people impacted by a violent crime. Under the Crime Victims Compensation Act, the Office of the Attorney General can reimburse eligible victims up to $45,000...

• Alliance of Therapy Dogs

  Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs on a mission of sharing smiles and joy. ATD offers an international registry of certified therapy dog teams,...

• Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois

  The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois provides resources, education and support for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their caregivers. Its website includes information about: Current SCD treatment options Virtual monthly support groups...

• The Kids Equipment Network

  The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization connecting children with disabilities with new and gently-used durable, adaptive equipment at no cost. Illinois families with children from birth to 21 can fill out an...

• Ariana Rye Foundation

  The Ariana Rye Foundation helps children up to age 18 with developmental disabilities and complex medical medical needs get equipment to foster their social, mental and physical development. Families in need, from anywhere in the...

• Brave Health Online Mental Health Services

  Brave Health provides online mental health services and accepts more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors with specialized training in mental health care provide care virtually in...

• National PTA Special Education Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers

  National PTA promotes family-school partnerships and building community at the local, state and national levels. Its website offers a variety of family-focused resources, including a Special Education toolkit, Parents’ Guide to Student Success, College and...

• United Leukodystrophy Foundation

  The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit providing leukodystrophy patients and their families with support and resources. ULF can help families with finding medical care, genetic counseling, networking and financial assistance. It also provides...

• Autism Speaks Transition to Adulthood Resources

  Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include: The Transition...

• Charting the LifeCourse Nexus Training and Technical Resource Center

  Charting the LifeCourse Nexus or LifeCourse Nexus framework was developed by families to help individuals with disabilities at any age or stage of life and their families develop a vision for a good life. LifeCourse...

• National Alliance for Caregiving

  The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) is a non-profit coalition of national organizations providing research, advocacy and innovation to make life better for family caregivers. The Alliance’s research, programs and resources include: Guidebooks including its...

• Able Flight Aviation Scholarships for People with Disabilities

  Able Flight is a nonprofit organization offering scholarship opportunities for flight and aviation career training for people ages 18 and up with physical disabilities. Past recipients have included wheelchair users, wounded veterans, and people with...

• Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance

  The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance is a non-profit created by families and healthcare providers working together to transform the care and quality of life of children with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence and their families. The Alliance...

• PKU Organization of Illinois Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship

  The PKU Organization of Illinois awards the Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship annually to qualified individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) or allied disorders. Eligible applicants may receive scholarships of up to $2,000. The scholarship applicant requirements include: Having...

• BRIC Foundation

  BRIC Foundation (Break, Reinvent, Impact and Change) is a non-profit company focused on increasing representation in entertainment, gaming, media and tech. BRIC works with leaders across these industries, and government and education partners to create...

• The Conversation Project

  The Conversation Project is an initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) to help people talk about their wishes for care through the end of life so others can understand and respect those wishes....

• Accessible Travel Information from Enjoy Illinois

  Enjoy Illinois offers inspiration and accessibility information for travelers with disabilities, including independent and assisted wheelchair users and people with hidden disabilities. The website features information on attractions throughout Illinois, transportation options and video tours...

• UIC College of Dentistry Inclusive Care Clinic in Chicago

  The Inclusive Care Clinic (ICC) from the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Dentistry offers comprehensive, preventative and integrated (multidisciplinary) dental treatment for patients 15 years or older with a wide range of physical and...

• Project SUN in Kankakee County

  Project Strong and Unified Network (Project SUN) is a family-driven, youth-guided and community-based system of care in Kankakee County. Project SUN provides resources, training and community education about children’s behavioral health and other child and...

• The Center for Chronic Illness

  The Center for Chronic Illness (CCI) is a nonprofit organization offering support and education to promote well-being and decrease isolation for people affected by chronic illness. CCI offers adults and teens living with chronic illness...

• YMCA Diverse Abilities Swim Lessons in Decatur

  Decatur Family YMCA provides swim lessons and aquatics programming for individuals with diverse abilities to ensure participants of all needs and skill levels are able to learn water safety and enjoy the pool. These lessons...

• Creative Healing for Youth in Pain

  Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection...

• Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub

  The Adolescent Suicide Postvention Resources Hub provides articles, books and other comprehensive resources to support adolescents and their communities as they navigate the grieving process and find a path towards healing. Resources are available for...

• The Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice

  The Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice is a national resource center for youth with disabilities. Youth Voice, Youth Choice provides self-advocates, their families and supporters with advocacy, teaching tools for alternatives to guardianship, plain...

• QuestBridge

  QuestBridge is a nonprofit that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to scholarships, financial aid and other learning opportunities to help them attend top colleges nationwide. QuestBridge also provides a Student Resource Center featuring a...

• The Guthrie-Koch Scholarship for Individuals with Certain Metabolic Disorders

  The Guthrie-Koch Scholarship from flok is for individuals with one of several metabolic disorders. The scholarship is for students demonstrating character, academic achievement and engagement with their community, and who are pursuing post-secondary educational or...

• The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Center at CTF Illinois

  The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Center at CTF Illinois provides services and support to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families. CTF Illinois family and community resource rooms are located in...

• Advocate Dental Center in Chicago

  Advocate Dental Center provides a wide range of dental services for adults and children with developmental disabilities through its Special Patient Dental Care Program. The program’s services include: Dental exams and cleanings X-rays Fillings Root canal...

• The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry Pediatric Special Needs Dentistry

  The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry Pediatric Dental Care provides comprehensive dental care for children including individuals with complex oral health needs and special developmental and behavioral care needs. Pediatric Dentistry clinics...

• St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Center in Chicago

  St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Center in Chicago provides dental care for children and adults with special needs. The Dental Center provides: Two operating rooms specifically for oral rehabilitation Dentists and surgeons trained to...

• Healing Horse Stables

  Healing Horse Stables in Sidney, Ill., is a non-profit organization offering therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated learning for individuals of all ages and abilities. Healing Horse Stables promotes learning and physical, social and emotional well-being through...

• Disability Vote IL

  Disability Vote IL provides voting resources and information for the disability community. The site offers updated nonpartisan videos, webinars and information on elections, how to register to vote, and promoting accessibility of voting technology and...

• Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA

  The U.S. Department of Education’s Assistive Technology (AT) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) resource page can help guide parents and professionals who support children with disabilities who need AT devices and services for...

• G-Tube Notebook Videos from Children’s Wisconsin

  Children’s Wisconsin’s G-tube Notebook videos offer information and step-by-step help for taking care of a child’s feeding tube. The videos include an introduction to understanding feeding tubes as well as videos specific to caring for...

• Oley Foundation

  The Oley Foundation is a non-profit home nutrition therapy community and advocacy group working to enrich the lives of people living with home IV nutrition or tube feeding. The Oley Foundation provides a wide range...

• Caring for a Child with a Gastrostomy Video from St. Louis Children’s Hospital

  The “Caring for My Child with a Gastrostomy” video from St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides information on understanding your child’s gastrostomy appliance and how to care for it at home. This educational video focuses on...

• Feeding Tube Information from Lurie Children’s Hospital

  Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides this video on “The Basics of Caring for a Child With Feeding Tubes.”  Lurie also provides the parent guide, “Supporting Nutrition: Understanding Tube Feeding.” The...

• Homework Tip Sheets for Families and School Staff

  The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has created a useful tip sheet with strategies to support parents and guardians who help children complete homework. The “Homework Help Strategies for Caregivers” tip sheet includes a...

• Inclusion Brochure from the Illinois State Board of Education

  The Illinois State Board of Education’s Inclusion Brochure provides an overview of early childhood inclusion, the benefits of high-quality inclusive programs, teaching models that support inclusion, and more. It can also help families and professionals...

• Illinois Dyslexia Guide: A Handbook for Parents, Educators, and Students and Dyslexia Toolkit

  The Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) Dyslexia Guide: A Handbook for Parents, Educators, and Students provides information and guidance about dyslexia and related disorders for educational professionals, school leaders, families, guardians, and students. The...

• Miracle Flights

  Miracle Flights provides free commercial airline tickets to pediatric patients ages 17 and under in need of life-changing medical care far from home. Families must meet certain requirements and apply online using the online application...

• Sunshine Foundation

  The Sunshine Foundation helps make dreams come true for children ages 3 to 18 who have severe or profound illnesses or conditions. Referrals can come from anywhere in the United States for children with severe...

• Kids Wish Network

  The Kids Wish Network provides programs to help inspire hope, create happy memories, share comfort and reach kids in life-altering situations. The organization grants wishes and provides programs across the country to children between the...

• Disability EmpowerHer Network

  Disability EmpowHer Network is a non-profit run by and for girls and women with disabilities that connects, motivates, and guides girls and women to learn and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence...

• Find Treatment for Mental and Substance Use Disorders

  FindTreatment.gov is a confidential and anonymous resource for people seeking treatment options anywhere in the United States. Information about paying for treatment and understanding addiction and mental health is also available. The Substance Abuse and...

• Understood

  Understood is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with learning and thinking differences thrive in school, at work and throughout life. Understood raises awareness about dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurodiversity by sharing personal stories...

• “All About Me” Page Templates

  It’s important for everyone involved in your child’s care to understand their needs and what makes them unique. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created “All About Me” Pages that you can personalize to...

• Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities

  The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities offers a wide range of tools to empower youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) ages 12 to 26 to...

• Bottom Line Diaper Bank in Champaign

  The Bottom Line Diaper Bank is a collaborative effort of the United Way of Champaign County and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department.  Together they provide diapers to local programs to distribute to families and caregivers...

• Guidance for Responding to Incidents Involving Missing Children with Autism

  The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) provides law enforcement and caregivers with guidance on preparing for and responding to incidents involving missing children with autism. Information includes: Tips for caregivers A guide for...

• Challenged Athletes Foundation

  The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. CAF provides several grant programs, events and support to people with physical challenges...

• How to Fill Out DSCC Forms in Spanish

  There are a number of forms that our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants must fill out. We’ve created three instructional videos to help our Spanish-speaking families fill out some of our most...

• Seizure Action Plan Examples and Resources

  A seizure is a medical emergency. A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) contains tailored guidelines on how to respond during a seizure, based on the patient’s medical history. It includes health and medical information specific to...

• Help for Caregivers, Grandparents/Relatives Raising Children in Northeastern Illinois

  AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois provides programs offering respite, legal services, counseling, financial help, training programs and more for caregivers and grandparents/relatives raising children. Residents in DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties may...

• Illinois Transformative Justice Law Project

  The Illinois Transformative Justice Law Project (TJLP) provides free information, training resources and life and gender-affirming legal services to everyone on the gender spectrum regardless of financial status. TJLP also provides: Workshops for organizations and...

• Illinois Financial Wellness Hub

  The Illinois Financial Wellness Hub (FinWell Hub) provides free resources to help all Illinois residents plan a better financial future. The site offers a wide variety of tools and courses to help you create a...

• Illinois Center for Transition and Work

  The Illinois Center for Transition and Work (ICTW) provides support to special educators, related services personnel and administrators by providing statewide training and technical assistance. ICTW strives to improve employment outcomes by focusing on preparing...

• Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide

  The Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide is a comprehensive resource for transition-age students and their families as they plan for the transition from school to adult life. This user-friendly guide provides clear, up-to-date information about the...

• NeuroJourney

  NeuroJourney is an educational resource for parents, caregivers and clinicians navigating the ever-evolving needs of children with severe neurological impairment (SNI). You can find both practical and medical information and insights from parents and clinicians...

• AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois – Caregiver Support

  Caregivers needing support can find a variety of help at AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois.  Several programs offer respite, legal services, counseling, financial help, training programs and more. Caregivers in DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry...

• National Association for Down Syndrome

  The National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families. NADS’ website provides a variety of webinars, publications and resources for the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond. NADS also offers...

• Jack’s Basket

  Jack’s Basket supports new parents of a child with Down syndrome by providing information, a support system and a welcome basket to let them know they’re not alone. Baskets are available from the time of...

• Champaign County Down Syndrome Network

  The Champaign County Down Syndrome Network (DSN) provides information and support to families who have members with Down syndrome in Champaign County and east-central Illinois. DSN serves new parents, professionals and the general public to...

• Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization

  The Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization (CIDSO) offers support, events and educational resources for families in McLean County who have loved ones with Down syndrome.

• eHomeCare Online Course on Caring for Children With Trachs

  The eHomeCare program is a free online training program that aims to provide comprehensive information for those caring for children with a tracheostomy (trach) with/without a ventilator. The training is for: Nurses working in home-based...

• DSCC’s Medicare Fact Sheet

  Medicare is federal health insurance run by the Social Security Administration. This fact sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains the program’s eligibility and how to enroll. It also explains the...

• HealthyChildren.org’s “Childhood Grief: When to Seek Additional Help”

  Many children experience the death of a close family member or friend at some point during their childhood.  The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org provides information for parents about childhood grief, ways to help...

• Resource Guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love and Legacy”

  The loss of a child is never easy. The Funeral Service Foundation’s free guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love & Legacy” offers guidance, support and inspiration to families saying goodbye. Topics include:...

• “Youth and Funerals” Resources for Helping Children and Youth Grieve, Remember and Memorialize Loved Ones

  The Funeral Service Foundation’s “Youth and Funerals” page provides free ebooks, printed booklets and webinars to help families discuss death and funerals with youth. The information can help families understand the role funerals play in...

• Pediatric Tracheostomy Tube Emergency Management Video

  In this video, nurses from Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago describe and demonstrate emergency management for pediatric patients with tracheostomy (trach) tubes. The video covers: Prevention and assessment of emergency situations...

• Sibling Grief and Bereavement Toolkit for Children and Teens

  The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition’s (PPCC) Sibling Grief and Bereavement Toolkit aims to address the needs and concerns of children and teens who have experienced the death of their sibling with medical complexities. The toolkit...

• Timber Pointe Outdoor Center in Hudson

  Timber Pointe Outdoor Center offers specialized lodging, staff and programming modified to accommodate kids and adults of all abilities. The center provides year-round opportunities for individuals with disabilities and illnesses to experience a fun, safe...

• DSCC’s IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created an IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families. The guide provides helpful information for our participants and families using the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology (IMPACT)...

• Illinois Disability Benefits 101

  Illinois Disability Benefits 101 is a free, user-friendly, Illinois-specific website that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, health care, employment and more. It is a one-stop shop for information, resources,...

• Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Energy Assistance Foundation Program

  Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) Energy Assistance Foundation provides year-round help with energy bills and making homes more energy efficient for income-qualified families.  The program helps low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal...

• Swann Center in Champaign

  Swann Special Care Center is a non-profit organization located in Champaign that offers residential and educational programs for people with severe and profound intellectual disabilities.  Its programs serve residents from throughout Illinois and include residential...

• RCADD Back-to-School Resources / Recursos para el regreso a clases

  The Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays’ (RCADD) Virtual Resource Room offers back-to-school resources for parents/caregivers and their children with autism and/or neurodiversity. Resources in English and Spanish to help with a new school...

• Illinois Special Education Information for Parents/Guardians

  The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has developed guides and resources specifically for parents of students with disabilities to help them navigate the educational system and know how to best work with district and...

• Illinois Student Records Keeper: For Parents of Students Who Receive Special Education Services

  The Illinois Student Records Keeper booklet from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is for parents to use to keep important information about their child and their special education and related services. It is...

• Special Education Assessment Tip Sheet and Resource List

  Family members and early care and education providers are adults who notice when the children in their care may have disabilities or developmental delays and would benefit from special education services. The Illinois Early Learning...

• NubAbility Athletics Foundation and Camps

  The NubAbility Athletics Foundation is a non-profit organization that encourages, inspires and instructs limb different youth by getting them out of the stands, off the bench and into mainstream sports. NubAbility offers a wide variety...

• Envision Illinois Domestic Violence Resources for People with Disabilities

  Envision Illinois is a statewide collaborative project addressing domestic violence against people with disabilities and Deaf people. Envision Illinois provides various resources designed for all people, families, agencies and organizations working to ensure that survivors...

• Child Neurology Foundation

  The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) is a patient advocacy organization offering tools, education resources, and a network of more than 48 organizations to help children and their families living with neurologic conditions find social services...

• FIRST.IL Mental Health Program

  FIRST.IL is a program of the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health. It is a specialized treatment approach that helps individuals who are between the ages of 14 to 40 and who have...

• Travel Guide for Children with Medical Complexity

  Traveling with a child with medical complexity can be challenging. With extra planning, a family vacation can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. This travel guide from the Courageous Parents Network offers practical advice on...

• DSCC’s Planning Your Education and Transition for Life After High School Tip Sheet

  You play a big role in making sure you get the special education services you need. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs...

• National Down Syndrome Society

  The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) aims to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities and shifting public perceptions. Its resources include information on...

• DSCC’s Using Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to Get Ready for Your Future Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI can help pay for food,...

• DSCC’s Self-Care Skills Assessment for Parents/Caregivers of Young Adults With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

  DSCC’s Self-Care Assessment for Parents/Caregivers of Youth with Intellectual/Development Disabilities is designed to help caregivers of young adults (ages 18 to 25) assess the young adult’s ability to care for their own health. The assessment...

• DSCC’s Insurance for Teens Tip Sheet

  This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains how teens with special healthcare needs can learn about their insurance benefits, how to keep track of insurance information and explore adult...

• iCanConnect

  iCanConnect is a national communication equipment distribution program for people with significant combined hearing and vision loss. The program helps eligible individuals who are deaf-blind stay connected to friends, family and the world by providing...

• Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid)

  Brightpoint provides a wide range of programs statewide to help families and their children navigate challenges such as poverty, trauma and systemic barriers to equity. Brightpoint focuses on prevention and helping families before problems become...

• The Painted Turtle Overnight Camp for Children with Serious Medical Conditions

  The Painted Turtle is a year-round, overnight camp in California for children ages 7 to 17 with a variety of serious medical conditions, their siblings and family members. Condition-specific camp sessions and family weekends (for...

• Mental Health for Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

  Navigate Life Texas, a project to inform and empower parents of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs, has a Mental Health for Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities page. This page provides ideas on...

• REACH Learning and Resource Hub

  REACH Learning and Resource Hub provides free, virtual training to help educators, clinicians, parents and caregivers better support the mental health and resilience of the children and youth in their lives. The interactive, on-demand resources...

• American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Internship Programs

  The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) provides two internship programs offering professional and career development opportunities for students and recent graduates with disabilities. The programs help participants access meaningful employment, gain leadership skills...

• Mental Health First Aid

  Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach...

• Give an Hour – Rare Caregivers

  Give an Hour aims to create resilient communities of support for rare disease caregivers and families. Through one-on-one peer support, group support, professional training and research, Give an Hour strives to build a sustainable support...

• DSCC’s Insurance Appeals Communication Log

  Documentation is very important when appealing a decision made by the health insurance plan. This Insurance Appeals Communication Log from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) can help you keep track of when...

• DSCC’s Health Insurance Appeals Tip Sheet

  An appeal is when you ask your health insurance company to reconsider their decision. Health insurance plans must tell you why they did not cover services. This Health Insurance Appeals tip sheet from the Division...

• DSCC’s Insurance Appeals Calendar

  Documentation is very important when appealing a decision made by your health insurance plan. This calendar from from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is one of the tools you can use during...

• TDI for Access Communication Access Scholarship Program

  TDI for Access’ annual Communication Access Scholarship Program recognizes graduating high school students who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deafblind (DHH). The scholarship program is open to graduating DHH high school seniors anywhere...

• Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet

  Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet serves people in need in Will, Grundy, DuPage, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois counties. Its programs and services include: Information and assistance Caregiver support groups Crisis intervention Volunteer opportunities for...

• Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) Illinois

  Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a recovery resource devoted to supporting people struggling with alcoholism. AA provides information and support for taking the next step to overcoming alcohol addiction. AA provides a localized support system and...

• American Sign Language Classes from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf

  The Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) offers free, beginner-level conversational American Sign Language (ASL) classes. The self-paced, eight-lesson courses are taught by OSD’s ASL Specialist. Registration is open to anyone who wants to learn...

• The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB)

  The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB) promotes vision and eye health in the state of Illinois. ISPB provides: Eye care education programs and information Youth replacement glasses and low-vision equipment reimbursement services...

• Candor Health Education

  Candor Health Education is a nonprofit organization that provides students, their trusted adults and communities programs and resources on puberty, sex education and substance abuse prevention. Candor Health Education also offers in-person and virtual presentations...

• Self-Advocacy Online

  The Self-Advocacy Online (SAO) website, from the Research and Training Center on Community Living at The University of Minnesota,  provides self-advocacy tools for people with disabilities. The SOA website can help you research, learn and...

• Autistic Self Advocacy Network

  The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN works to promote a more inclusive society for people with autism and to change the way people think...

• Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA)

  The Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA) is an interagency group that identifies and addresses barriers facing parents, families, professionals and providers trying to get needed services and programs for individuals with a behavior disorder...

• DHS List of Community Service Agencies Serving Immigrants in Illinois

  The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a statewide list of community service agencies serving immigrants. The list includes: The agency name and contact information Their geographic service areas Citizenship, case management and other...

• June Jessee Memorial Foundation

  The June Jessee Memorial Foundation (JJMF) provides events, information, financial assistance and mental health services to children with medically complex neurological conditions and their families in the St. Louis area and beyond. JJMF resources include:...

• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

  The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social and political life of our diverse...

• Think College

  Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disabilities. It also manages a national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disabilities in the United States....

• TSA Cares

  TSA Cares is a helpline through the Transportation Security Administration that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. You can call 72 hours prior to...

• Illinois Community College Initiative

  The Illinois Community College Initiative provides academic and vocational training programs for eligible students with disabilities at in-state public community colleges and approved community colleges bordering the state. People with disabilities who are determined eligible...

• SourceAmerica Job Board

  SourceAmerica’s Job Board is a resource for job seekers with disabilities and direct service professionals who help job seekers fulfill their work and career goals. SourceAmerica provides a nationwide network, support and tools to find...

• Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities During Hospitalization Tip Sheet

  Hospital stays can be difficult for everyone. However, individuals with disabilities may face a variety of unique challenges. This Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities During Hospitalization tip sheet includes information about your right to have...

• DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this guide to help you understand Medicaid eligibility rules and how to apply. Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide in English Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility...

• DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Redetermination Information for DSCC Families

  Redetermination is a yearly review of your eligibility for Medicaid. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet for our participants to explain the redetermination process, your responsibilities and how DSCC...

• DSCC’s Medicaid and Private Insurance Question and Answer Guide

  You can have Medicaid and private insurance at the same time. This guide from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) provides information about coverage, Medicaid managed care (MCO), updating your private insurance information,...

• DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Spenddown Tip Sheet

  Spenddown is an Illinois Medicaid program that helps people who are over income or have too many assets to be eligible for other Medicaid programs. Individuals or families are responsible for paying for medical services...

• Cerebral Palsy Research Network

  The Cerebral Palsy Research Network aims to optimize the lifelong health and wellness of people with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families through high-quality research, education and community programming. The Cerebral Palsy Research Network website includes...

• Cerebral Palsy in Children

  Children with cerebral palsy have trouble controlling their movement. The condition is the most common disability that affects a child’s motor control. Cerebral palsy usually is caused by a brain injury or abnormal brain development before birth or...

• Cerebral Palsy Foundation

  The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to be a catalyst for creating positive change for people with cerebral palsy (CP). The Cerebral Palsy Foundation website includes expert insights on what is...

• C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

  C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation (C.E.F.S.) is a non-profit that serves residents in the Illinois counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby. C.E.F.S. aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged people become more...

• Illinois Attorney General Health Care Brochure

  The Illinois Attorney General Health Care Bureau has a toll-free helpline that allows consumers to ask questions, file complaints or request assistance. Health Care Bureau attorneys conduct investigations and file lawsuits to enforce consumer protection...

• Family Caregiver Alliance

  The Family Caregiver Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. The Family Caregiver Alliance website provides in-depth information and tips on a variety of...

• Greenlight Family Services

  Formerly known as the Center for Law and Social Work, Greenlight Family Services helps families all over Illinois with adult guardianship cases and can also counsel families on backup arrangements as well.

• Illinois Department of Insurance Brochure

  The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) protects consumers and ensures that all entities regulated by IDOI are in compliance with state and federal laws. IDOI also investigates complaints relating to insurance agents and brokers. IDOI...

• DSCC’s Private Health Insurance Chart

  Private insurance plans are all different. Understanding how they are different can help you use your health insurance. This private health insurance chart from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is a guide...

• DSCC’s Adolescence Changing Roles Tip Sheet

  Adolescence is a time of change for the whole family. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families support healthy mental,...

• DSCC’s It’s Great to be Involved Tip Sheet

  There are lots of ways to experience belonging. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore being involved in sports,...

• Global Genes

  Global Genes is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the burdens and challenges of rare diseases for patients and families globally. It aims to connect, empower and inspire the rare disease community. The Global Genes...

• Special Needs Child Passenger Safety Resource Center

  The Special Needs Child Passenger Safety Resource Center, funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, educates parents and caregivers of children with special needs on the importance of proper child passenger safety. The Special Needs...

• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

  The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AGBADHH) is a non-profit organization providing resources to support hearing-impaired individuals and their families, information to help increase understanding of hearing loss, and...

• Signed by Stories

  Signed By Stories aims to raise mental health awareness, advocacy, education and support for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, late-deafened and deaf-disabled through storytelling. Signed By Stories is working to create a...

• GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

  GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide free, nationwide on-site and virtual educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Programs are available for individuals of all...

• GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse

  GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse offers opportunities to build relationships and community connections and access free programming and resources tailored for individuals with Down syndrome. The playhouse serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, expecting moms...

• Luella’s Lodge

  Luella’s Lodge provides resources, retreats, support groups and non-traditional holistic therapies for families grieving the death of a child. The non-profit includes a secluded log cabin on 10 acres in Oakwood, Ill., offering a private...

• The Penguin Project

  The Penguin Project provides a supportive environment for children with a wide range of disabilities to explore the performing arts. The program encourages children and young adults ages 10 to 24 to discover their creative...

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Find Shelter Tool

  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Find Shelter tool provides information about housing, shelter, medical clinics, food pantries and clothing resources for someone in need in your community. Visit www.hud.gov/findshelter/.

• Magical Moments Foundation

  Magical Moments Foundation is a wish-granting organization for children with facial differences. Working with the children and their families, the foundation creates experiences and adventures to comfort, inspire and encourage children that face the world...

• Children’s Craniofacial Association

  Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA) is a national, nonprofit organization providing resources to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by craniofacial conditions. CCA resources include: Financial assistance Educational overviews and video library Craniofacial...

• The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation

  The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation provides support and financial help to families in crisis due to pregnancy complications, premature birth/neonatal intensive care unit stay and loss. This financial assistance may help cover: Childcare Medical bills...

• Children’s Burial Assistance

  Children’s Burial Assistance (CBA) helps families honor their deceased children with a decent and proper burial.  Families without life insurance or money saved to bury their deceased child, ages 1 through 17, may be eligible....

• National Center on Deaf-Blindness

  The National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) is part of a network of projects for children and youth with deaf-blindness (birth through 21) providing information and learning and development tools for families and educators. NCDB resources...

• American Foundation for the Blind

  The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers information and resources for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. AFB resources include: Research and initiatives Publications Digital inclusion and talent lab internships and...

• Funeral and Burial Benefits Program

  The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Funeral and Burial Benefits Program pays for funeral and burial expenses when a person’s resources and all other sources of payment are less than the DHS standard payment...

• Package of Hope for NICU Families

  Lily’s Hope Foundation offers free customized care packages to families with premature babies either in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or when they are being discharged. Its Package of Hope program provides packages customized...

• “Find Help” Resource Locator

  The Findhelp.org website allows individuals to search and connect to support no matter where they live. Share your zip code to find area resources that include financial assistance, housing, food pantries, medical care, transportation and...

• DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet

  Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster...

• National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)

  The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. NACG resources include: Free...

• Dove, Inc.

  Dove, Inc. provides a variety of outreach programs, financial assistance and resources to residents in Macon, Shelby, Moultrie, Piatt and DeWitt counties. Dove Financial Assistance (DFA) may be able to provide emergency help with water,...

• DSCC’s Emergency Plan Template

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) developed this emergency plan template to help our participant families create an emergency plan to keep them safe and prepared in the event of a disaster or...

• DSCC’s Paying for College Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about available resources to help pay for college. The tip sheet...

• Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

  The Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs webpage provides updated information about COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs throughout Illinois. Information is available in multiple languages and includes: Programs that are currently open Type of assistance provided...

• Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation – Ollie’s Branch

  The Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation (OHHF) offers a variety of information, resources and mental health support for families caring for children with pediatric heart conditions and heart disease. OHHF resources include: Free mental health services...

• Accessible Chef

  Accessible Chef is a collection of free visual recipes and other resources to help teach cooking skills to individuals with disabilities at home or in a special education classroom.

• Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

  The Epilepsy Foundation’s Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline has trained information specialists to help answer your questions about epilepsy and seizures and provide you with help, hope, support, guidance and access to national and local...

• Fathering a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Child: An Onboarding Checklist for Dads

  The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Parent to Parent Committee developed a checklist written by fathers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing(D/HH) for dads or any person who feels that they...

• Guide for New Mental Health Caregivers

  Mental Health America has created an online guide to help new mental health caregivers navigate their role. The guide includes information about getting started after a diagnosis, challenging stigma, navigating red tape, understanding challenges during...

• Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.

  The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to get ready to vote and how to get accommodations when voting.

• Election Engagement Hub for Individuals with Disabilities

  The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has an Election Engagement Hub that provides information and tools for disabled voters to engage as meaningfully as possible in their state, local and federal elections. You...

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fact Sheet for Parents

  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. The...

• Apprenticeship Disability Inclusion Guides

  The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy has apprenticeship inclusion guides, toolkits, videos and other helpful resources for youth with disabilities, educators/service providers and businesses.

• WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community

  The WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community site is an online resource destination for the American Job Center network, people with disabilities and employers. The site is also a resource for all who partner with the...

• Employment Rights Helpline – Equip for Equality

  Equip for Equality’s Employment Rights Helpline provides free legal advice and self-advocacy assistance to people with disabilities who have questions or need legal help related to their disability. It aims to help applicants and employees...

• Employment Rights Fact Sheets and Information – Equip for Equality

  Equip for Equality has a variety of fact sheets and videos on employment rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employment. These resources are available in English and Spanish. More information is available...

• Service Animal Resources

  The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission has a list of Service Animal Resources. Information includes Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, programs that provide animals and more.

• Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group

  The Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group “You Are Not Alone” offers support for anyone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder and their loved ones. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from...

• Epilepsy Alliance America

  Epilepsy Alliance America is a national organization providing support, care and service to those with epilepsy, their families, caregivers and communities. The organization’s services and supports include: Seizure first aid training Back-to-school checklist for seizure...

• Epilepsy Advocacy Network

  The Epilepsy Advocacy Network (EAN) seeks to optimize the quality of life of individuals with epilepsy and seizure disorders by promoting community education and awareness, self-advocacy and empowerment, and helping all individuals gain proper access...

• Affordable Health Insurance

  Affordable Health Insurance is a patient resource center that helps individuals learn about a wide variety of health insurance options. Information is available for each state and includes Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment deadlines, subsidies...

• TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence in Chicago

  TAG Oral Care Center (TAG OCC) provides free dental care to eligible, underserved adult patient populations. TAG OCC is located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood near public transportation and Interstate 90/94. To qualify for free...

• Chicago Autism Network and Therapy Assistance Grants

  The Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy and supports. The network offers therapy assistance grants for anyone living in Illinois with a current autism diagnosis....

• McLean County Functional Needs Registry

  The McLean County Functional Needs Registry helps individuals with special needs during an emergency situation. The registration form documents the needs of people with physical, mental or medical limitations due to impaired vision, hearing or...

• Supporting Children With Limited Verbal Skills Tip Sheet

  This Supporting Children With Limited Verbal Skills tip sheet from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides strategies that are helpful to all children but are particularly helpful for those with limited verbal skills. IEL offers...

• Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Transportation Toolkit in English and Spanish

  The Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Consumer Benefits Transportation Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to help you get to medical appointments. The toolkit flyer provides a code to scan with your smartphone for quick access and...

• Accessible Festivals

  Accessible Festivals is dedicated to making live music and recreational events fully accessible for people of all abilities. Partnering with festivals and friends in the industry, Accessible Festivals provides free tickets, a calendar of events...

• Champaign-Urbana Healthy Beginnings

  Healthy Beginnings is a free, evidence-based initiative for moms in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy area who are first-time moms less than 29 weeks pregnant and moms with other children who are pregnant. Its goal is...

• Special Father’s Network

  Special Father’s Network is a dad-to-dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. The program connects new fathers with special needs children to another father (a Mentor Father) who has experienced a similar...

• DSCC’s Health Care Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents/Caregivers

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) Health Care Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents/Caregivers is a tool to help parents and their children prepare for the transition to adulthood and taking care of their...

• DCCC’s Self-Care Skills Assessment for Young Adults

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) assessment form will help young adults see what they already know about their health, how to use health care and the areas they want to learn more...

• Guaranteed Rate Foundation

  Guaranteed Rate Foundation provides financial support to those working to overcome extraordinary hardships. Knowing that it can be difficult to ask for help in times of need, the foundation strives to make the request for...

• C.I.T.Y. of Support

  Children in Therapy and You (C.I.T.Y.) of Support is an online and in-person community that supports all families navigating the needs of their child in therapy, regardless of diagnosis, age, therapeutic needs or overall situation. Information,...

• Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

  The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) is a private, non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children affected by hearing and communication disorders. Parent resources and programming include:...

• Physical Restraint, Time Out and Isolated Time Out (RTO) Bill of Rights

  The Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) RTO Parent Bill of Rights is a resource for parents and guardians to help understand their rights, the rights of students, how to file a complaint and other...

• Illinois Money Wellness

  Illinois Money Wellness is a text campaign to encourage good money habits for people with disabilities and the people who support them. Illinois Money Wellness provides one text per week with information on financial wellness...

• Portable Medical Summary

  A portable medical summary is helpful for summarizing your medical information in one to two pages. You can use this summary across healthcare systems, including: With the emergency department In the transition to adult providers...

• Family Connections with Pediatrics

  “Family Connections with Pediatrics” is a series of family-written blogs summarizing research articles in Pediatrics Journal. Each blog explains the “scientific literature” findings and what they may mean for families, including: Examples of how the...

• Back-to-School Guide for Families with Complex Healthcare Needs

  The Child Neurology Foundation has curated a resource page to help families with complex healthcare needs navigate the school year. Topics include: Tips and Strategies for a Smooth School Year Mental Health and School IEP and...

• Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS)

  Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) serves youth ages 11 to 17 who are involved in the legal system or at risk of crisis (homelessness, etc.). CCBY provides programs to help stabilize families and prevent...

• Illinois Cares for Kids

  Illinois Cares for Kids provides parents, caregivers, teachers and childcare providers a place to find information on statewide programs related to early learning and development, child care and family well-being in English and Spanish. The...

• ABLE National Resource Center

  ABLE Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families, were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014...

• myFace

  myFace is a nonprofit organization that provides individuals and families affected by cleft and other craniofacial differences access to personal stories, education and support. Resources include: Information on craniofacial conditions Parent resources Virtual craniofacial support...

• Summer Meals Program

  The Summer Meals Program and Illinois No Kid Hungry collaborate with national and state partner organizations to provide free meals during the summer for children and youth who depend on school lunches during the school...

• Resources on Sexual Violence Against People With Disabilities for Self-Advocates, Families and Health Care Professionals

  The Arc’s Talk About Sexual Violence project provides materials and practical tools to help health care professionals, people with disabilities, and their families and supporters learn about the depth of the problem, support victims and...

• Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation

  The Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Foundation provides an individual adaptive equipment grant for spinal cord injury survivors with paraplegia and quadriplegia. The grant is open to individuals of all ages and covers specific modifications...

• Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events

  Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends and trusted adults play an essential role in helping youth cope with these experiences. The National Institute of Mental health has numerous...

• Resources to Help Children After a School Shooting

  The National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families provides a list of resources to help parents, caregivers and educators support children and youth after a school shooting. Resources are available in both English and Spanish.  

• Tips for Teens on Talking With Your Parents or Guardians About Vaccines

  Talking with family members about vaccines and healthcare choices can be stressful and scary, especially for teens. The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) has created a “Tips for Teens – Talking...

• Immunization Resources for Families

  The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics provides a wide range of immunization resources for families to help you make the best, most informed decisions for their health.  You can find information in...

• Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

  The Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is a confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S.  territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems. The services...

• Be Ready: Emergency Preparedness Tips for Families of Children and Youth With Special Healthcare Needs

  The “Be Ready: Tips for Families of Children and Youth With Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN)” toolkit provides videos and infographics in American Sign Language (ASL) and a variety of languages to help families prepare for...

• Caregiver Stress and Burnout Information

  The demands of caregiving can be exhausting and overwhelming. HelpGuide has helpful information and steps you can take to rein in stress and regain a sense of balance, joy and hope in your life. Information...

• Brades’ Place

  Traveling with a child with medical complexity can be challenging. Brades’ Place provides tips, tools and templates to help parents with children with specialized healthcare needs plan and create memorable family travel experiences. The site...

• Baby Formula Shortage Tips and Information – HHS

  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website has resources in a variety of languages to help families find infant formula during the shortage. These resources include information on safe substitutes, formula company contacts and...

• How to Teach Children About Disabilities and Inclusion

  Inclusion is the law, but it takes more than legal compliance to create an environment where all children feel included and valued. Educating children about disability and inclusion can protect vulnerable students from bullying and...

• School Board Meeting Toolkit for People With Disabilities

  School boards make many decisions that affect students. These decisions can significantly affect students with disabilities and special healthcare needs. The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities provides a School Board Meeting...

• Home Generator Information for MFTD Waiver Families

  The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Those Who Are Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (MFTD) may pay for power generators for a waiver participant’s primary residence. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) put...

• Virtual Respite Provider Training Course

  The Illinois Respite Coalition provides a free, online Respite Provider Training Program consisting of ten courses for individuals interested in providing respite care. The courses can be taken on your own time and will provide...

• Home Care Appeal and Peer-to-Peer Review Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is the operating agency for the Home Care Program. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) completes required reviews and determinations regarding a participant’s eligibility for...

• HIPP Program Tip Sheet and Application

  The Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program pays health insurance premiums for some children who have high medical costs and who have private health insurance available. This HIPP Program Tip Sheet from the Division of...

• Mental Health Resources for Kids, Teens and Young Adults

  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has resources geared toward kids, teens and young adults. NAMI also provides a coloring and activity book and step-by-step guidance to help parents explore and talk to children...

• iTaalk Autism Foundation

  iTaalk (Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kids) Autism Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, training and assistive technology to help individuals with autism and other disabilities develop greater independence at all stages of...

• Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues

  Mental health challenges affect the whole family and are hard on everyone. The Caregiver Action Network provides a Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues. The guide includes information on discussing mental...

• Youth, Adolescent and Young Adult Suicide Prevention

  The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has developed a “Youth, Adolescent and Young Adult Suicide Prevention” webpage to help family members and others prevent suicide by knowing: The facts about suicide Who is at...

• Mental Health Online Screening

  One of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take a mental health screening at mhascreening.org. The screening is free and anonymous. Taking...

• “Secure Your Financial Future” Toolkit

  The U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration has created the “Secure Your Financial Future” toolkit for individuals with disabilities. The toolkit provides clear and accurate financial information based on where you are in...

• Habitat for Humanity – Illinois

  Some Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Illinois also offer programs to help with home repairs, weatherization and access ramps for eligible homeowners. Please contact the Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving your area for specific details...

• Hire Autism

  Hire Autism is a free program from the Organization for Autism Research to help autistic job seekers find meaningful employment opportunities and connect with autism-friendly employers. The site features include a searchable jobs board and...

• flok for Individuals with an Inherited Metabolic Disorder

  Formerly known as PKU News, flok provides resources, support and an app for individuals with an inherited metabolic disorder and the people and clinicians who care for them. These conditions include Classical Homocystinuria (HCU), Maple...

• The Superhero Project

  The Superhero Project matches children facing serious illnesses, disabilities and complex medical needs with artists to create their superhero alter egos. The nonprofit interviews kids and teens about their superhero alter egos. Artists then design the...

• PKU Resources from University of Louisville School of Medicine

  The University of Louisville School of Medicine website provides a wide range of PKU (Phenylketonuria) resources to support families. The Family PKU Booklet provides information for families after a positive newborn screening. Using illustrations and...

• Tracheostomy Care at Home

  Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Tracheostomy Care at Home page aims to help parents learn how to take care of their child’s tracheostomy (trach).  Topics include: The Tracheostomy Tracheostomy Skin Care How to...

• COVID.gov

  The COVID.gov website provides information and resources about: COVID-19 vaccines Treatment Testing Symptoms and care Long COVID and more

• Caring Conversations Toolkit for Families and Providers

  The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (PPCC) offers a Caring Conversations Toolkit to help determine when and how to start a conversation about hospice or palliative care. Separate toolkits targeting the needs of families and providers...

• Illinois Association of Education of Young Children (ILAEYC)

  The Illinois Chapter of the Association of Education of Young Children (ILAEYC or Illinois AEYC) works to enrich the quality of care and education of the young child by: Increasing communication among parents, caregivers and...

• Project LEAP – Launching Equity in Access to Preschool

  Equip for Equality’s Project LEAP (Launching Equity in Access to Preschool) helps children with disabilities from birth to 6 get Early Intervention and early childhood special education services so that they’re ready to succeed in...

• Dentist Locator – Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

  Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) cover dental services, including check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings and more. Use this Dentist Locator to find a dentist in your community who sees children...

• Dental Care for Children with Special Needs Tip Sheet

  Children with special needs may need extra time or support when seeing a dentist. This tip sheet provides resources and the steps needed to balance your child’s needs with the dentist’s experience. You can view...

• Reeve Foundation Virtual Support Group for Individuals Living With Paralysis

  The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation offers virtual support groups to help individuals who are living with paralysis or caring for a family member who is living with paralysis. The support groups provide an opportunity for...

• National Paralysis Resource Center

  The National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC), operated by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The NPRC assists people...

• Autism McLean Resource Directory

  Autism McLean created an autism resource directory that is available electronically and as a booklet. The directory includes: Personal stories Local health, education and service providers Transportation contacts Camps and recreation opportunities State and national...

• Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline

  If you or someone you know needs help, you can call, text or chat live with the Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at (877) 863-6338 (877-TO END DV). The Hotline provides crisis intervention and referrals...

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Information and Resources

  Mental health is an important part of overall health for children as well as adults. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) provides a list of behavioral signs and symptoms to watch for in children...

• Love is Respect – Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships for Young Adults

  Love is Respect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, offers information, support and advocacy to young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships....

• CDC’s Developmental Milestones for Children

  From birth to age 5, your child should reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act and move. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides developmental milestones checklists to help track your...

• Tip Sheets for Self-Advocacy Groups

  The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) provides ten tip sheets written by self-advocates to help people understand self-advocacy and provide self-advocacy groups tips to keep things running smoothly. The topics for the...

• Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)

  The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) provides a wide variety of information, videos, fellowship opportunities and events to support and strengthen self-advocacy. SARTAC resources for individuals and self-advocacy groups include: Help for...

• Hands & Voices Guides and Resources for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Plus

  Hands & Voices provides a variety of resources specific to children who are deaf/hard of hearing plus – the combination of being deaf or hard of hearing and having additional medical complexities or other needs....

• Emergency Preparedness For Children With Special Needs

  Seattle Children’s Center for Children with Special Needs’ emergency preparedness information helps you prepare for an emergency or disaster with your child’s special health care needs or disability in mind. Information is provided in an...

• Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities

  The American Red Cross provides information and inclusive tools for creating an emergency plan tailored to your family’s specific needs regarding mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities. The step-by-step tools are designed to help individuals...

• My Heart Visit

  My Heart Visit is a program from Mended Hearts that allows heart patients and their families to connect with trained volunteers who are patients themselves, a parent of a child with a heart condition or...

• Conquering CHD

  Conquering CHD provides awareness, knowledge, community and research to conquer the most common birth defect, congenital heart disease/defects (CHDs). The Conquering CHD website includes resources to help patients and caregivers understand CHDs from childhood through...

• Mended Hearts Program

  The Mended Hearts program is a national peer-support program for patients who have cardiovascular disease, their caregivers and their families. Mended Hearts provides support and education, bringing awareness to issues that those living with heart...

• Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

  The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission protects the rights and promotes the welfare of persons with disabilities. Contact (866) 274-8023 or (866) 333-3362 (TTY).

• Supported Decision-Making Act in Illinois

  Illinois’ Supported Decision-Making Act ensures people with disabilities can get the help they need to make decisions for their own lives. The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission has many resources to explain the Supported Decision-Making...

• DSCC’s “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” Tip Sheet

  Illinois Medicaid covers many services including comprehensive medical, dental, vision and pharmacy benefits. Our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” offers examples of what may be covered...

• Parents Helping Parents

  Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a nonprofit organization providing training, individual assistance, information and resources about raising a child of any age with any disability or special needs diagnosis.

• Protecting Youth Mental Health – U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory

  The U.S. Surgeon General has released a report that highlights the critical state of youth mental health and the impact of COVID-19. It includes suggested actions and resources for family members and caregivers as well...

• Telehealth Tip Sheet

  The Child Neurology Foundation provides a telehealth tip sheet to help families and children prepare for video or phone appointments and make them as comfortable and successful as possible.

• Affordable Connectivity Program

  The Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. Eligible households can receive: Up to $30 per month discount...

• Rare Sisters Batten Foundation

  The Rare Sisters Batten Foundation (RSBF) supports the development of medical research for treatments and cures for CLN3 Batten Disease and also provides monetary assistance to families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease, a neurodegenerative...

• Testing for COVID-19

  COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and lowering your chances of spreading the...

• Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

  As of late September 2024, every home in the United States is eligible to order another round of free at-home tests through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) at https://special.usps.com/testkits. You can learn more at www.covid.gov/tests....

• Smart911 Emergency Service

  Smart911 allows individuals to provide critical details about themselves and family members so that in emergencies 911 call takers have the information they need to quickly assess and address special concerns or safety needs. Smart911...

• Vax Verify Illinois

  The Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal (also known as the Illinois Resident Immunization portal) provides access to your official immunization records. You must be 18 years old or older to create a...

• DSCC’s Vehicle Modification Tip Sheet for MFTD Waiver Families

  Vehicle modifications are an available service through the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Medically Fragile Technology Dependent Children (commonly called the MFTD waiver). This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children...

• Home Modification Tip Sheet for MFTD Waiver Families

  The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Medically Fragile Technology Dependent Children (commonly called the MFTD waiver) can pay for certain home modifications. The modifications must be for the individual’s primary residence and necessary to...

• Illinois Seizure Smart School Act Resources

  Effective July 1, 2020, the Seizure Smart School Act requires all Illinois school personnel to be trained in seizure first aid. It also requires the development of a Seizure Action Plan for students with epilepsy...

• The Mighty’s Digital Toolkit for Caregivers

  The Mighty provides a digital toolkit to help caregivers learn more about the ins and outs of caregiving and discover helpful resources to utilize along their caregiving journey. The Mighty’s Digital Toolkit for Caregivers includes:...

• Tools for Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Children and Youth

  Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has left many children and youth vulnerable to feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine website features information and tools for teaching skills that can...

• Early CHOICES

  Early CHOICES is an inclusion initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education. It promotes increasing high-quality inclusive early care and education for each and every child from birth to age 5. Its goal is...

• Illinois Unidos – Advocating for Latinx Families

  Illinois Unidos provides a collection of resources developed for and focusing on Latinx families to address: Frequently asked questions regarding vaccinations and mitigation measures Accessing health, economic and mental health community services The devastating economic...

• Russian Resources for Families and Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

  Hands & Voices is a nationwide, parent-driven organization supporting families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodology. Hands & Voices working in partnership with the...

• EP!C (Empowering People. Inspiring Capabilities.)

  Empowering people. Inspiring capabilities. ( EP!C ) serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. EP!C helps individuals with disabilities at all levels achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest...

• The Arc’s Virtual Program Library

  The Arc’s Virtual Program Library is a free hub full of on-demand activities that people with disabilities, and their families and service providers can do at home. Topics include arts, community and life skills, health...

• FoodFinder

  FoodFinder’s free website and app display an interactive food assistance map, helping users find their nearest food pantry or other free food programs anywhere in the United States. Website: https://foodfinder.us/ App: “FoodFinder – Fighting Hunger”...

• Disability Belongs™

  Disability Belongs™ is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit focusing on accessibility, inclusion, belonging and empowering people with disabilities. They provide a wide range of resources including training, webinars, networking and fully-accessible leadership and internship opportunities for...

• Disability Belongs™ Virtual Education & Students With Disabilities Resource Guide

  Disability Belongs™ Virtual Education & Students with Disabilities Resource Guide offers a wide range of information for supporting student success. This toolkit includes: Virtual resource guides Homeschool programs Information on legal rights Special education resources Mental...

• Vaccines.gov

  Hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and VaccineFinder from Boston Children’s Hospital, Vaccines.gov provides information and help with: Finding recommended vaccines for respiratory...

• Vaccine Information for Parents With Children With Disabilities

  Vax for All provides vaccine information and other helpful tips for parents and caregivers of a child with autism and other disabilities. Resources on the website include: Stories, videos and other kid-friendly disability resources How...

• Etiquette: Interacting with People with Disabilities

  People with disabilities are individuals with families, jobs, hobbies, likes and dislikes, and problems and joys. While the disability is an integral part of who they are, it alone does not define them. RespectAbility offers...

• People First: A Guide to Interacting With People With Disabilities

  The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS/DRS) is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities in becoming full participants in our society. With “People First: A Guide to Interacting with People With...

• How SSI and SSDI Can Help Patients

  The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system. PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics as well...

• Navigating Health Insurance and the Health Care System

  The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system. PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics including: Finding...

• Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People With Disabilities

  “Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People with Disabilities” aims to empower patients with disabilities by explaining their rights to accessible care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides this resource....

• Resources to Understand and Maximize Your Health Coverage

  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has developed the Coverage to Care (C2C) initiative. C2C provides information to help you understand your health coverage and connect to primary care and the preventive services that are...

• How to Support a Child with Epilepsy: Information for Parents

  “How to Support a Child with Epilepsy: Information for Parents” from HealthyChildren.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parenting website, provides tips for encouraging and supporting a child with epilepsy from infancy to adulthood. Topics include:...

• COVID-19 Vaccine Preparation Checklist for Kids

  The COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for children ages 6 months old and up.  To help you prepare for your child’s vaccination, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides information about the vaccine and a...

• New to Seizures and Epilepsy Toolkit

  Hearing about epilepsy and seizures for the first time can be frightening and confusing. The Epilepsy Foundation’s “New to Seizures and Epilepsy Toolkit” provides a starting point for individuals, parents and caregivers to learn about:...

• Magic Wheelchair

  Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization that builds costumes for children and youth in wheelchairs at no cost to families. To be eligible for a Magic Wheelchair costume, a child must be between the ages...

• Safe2Help Illinois

  Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. The program is focused on getting students to “Seek Help...

• igrow Home Visiting

  igrow is the Illinois symbol for quality evidence-based home visiting services to expectant parents and families with new babies and young children. igrow home visiting provides family support and coaching to young parents who may...

• Digital Safety Resources from the Illinois Attorney General

  Digital safety encompasses a wide variety of issues related to the use of computers, tablets, cell phones, games, apps and social media.  The Illinois Attorney General’s “Online Safe, Online Smart” website provides resources for children, teenagers,...

• Grupo SALTO

  Grupo SALTO (Sociedad de Autismo Latina Trabajando con Optimismo) aims to provide support in Spanish for Latino families who have children who are differently abled, with a focus on autism. Grupo SALTO provides culturally and...

• Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs

  Children with disabilities — such as physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities — are at an increased risk of being bullied. Any number of factors —  physical vulnerability, social skill challenges, or intolerant environments...

• What is Autism? Q and A

  For parents and teachers who wish to learn more about autism to better support children and families in the autism community, the Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) provides “What is Autism?” This question-and-answer style document...

• Future Financial Planning for People With Disabilities Video Series – ABLE and Special Needs Trusts

  The Arc’s Center for Future Planning provides a series of videos to help you save money and protect public benefits. Video topics include ABLE accounts and special needs trusts. Each video overs: The benefits of...

• Sibling Support Toolkit

  The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (PPCC) and Courageous Parents Network (CPN) provide resources to help parents, caregivers and medical professionals focus on giving special attention to siblings who are living and sharing their lives with...

• From PUNS Enrollment to DD Waiver Services Flowchart

  The Arc of Illinois’ Ligas Family Advocate Program (LFAP) provides information and outreach to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families who are selected from the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for...

• “Born for Business” Disability Entrepreneurship Toolkit

  Entrepreneurship and self-employment can be valuable and viable options for people with disabilities looking to enter the job market on their own terms. RespectAbility’s Born for Business toolkit provides an inventory of existing materials, advice...

• Illinois Respite Services and Providers List

  Respite is a service providing a temporary break between the family caregiver and the care recipient. Illinois offers a variety of respite services for eligible families and individuals. Illinois Life Span (ILS), a program of...

• Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

  The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization that partners with the state’s 16 local Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. It is a recognized leader, catalyst...

• Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation

  The Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) is a not-for-profit that issues equipment to provide telephone access to Illinois residents who are hard of hearing, late deafened, deaf-blind or speech-disabled. ITAC provides both the Illinois Relay...

• The Nest Postpartum

  The Nest Postpartum is a nonprofit that serves families with a child in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Carle Hospital in Champaign. It provides services such as transportation, lodging, prepared meals, care coordinator...

• The Arc@School Special Education Initiative

  Through The Arc@School initiative, The Arc provides training and resources to help families and others navigate the special education system. Arc@School offers information on the supports, services and rights for students with disabilities. It also...

• The September 26th Project

  The September 26th Project focuses on helping families and caregivers of children or adults with cognitive, behavioral and/or physical impairments prepare for wandering and elopement and disasters such as fires floods, or earthquakes. The September...

• Emergency Preparedness Planning for Families and People with Disabilities

  Ready.gov provides emergency preparedness tools and information to help families before, during and after disasters. This site includes: Step-by-step checklists, tips and individual considerations important to planning for people with disabilities and their families Ready...

• Rental Assistance & Eviction Resources in Illinois

  Illinois Access to Justice provides information on available rental assistance programs in Illinois, where to find legal help if you’re facing eviction and an overview of your rights as a tenant living in Illinois. Visit...

• Ameren Illinois Economic Hardship Recovery Program

  Ameren Illinois’ Economic Hardship Recovery Program provides information on various energy assistance programs, payment options and tips on lowering your utility bill. This step-by-step resource includes information on: Assistance paying your energy bills, applying for...

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

  The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months). Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined...

• Home Care Physician Letter of Medical Necessity Examples

  Physicians must provide current medical reports and details necessary to support the need for in-home nursing and Home Care services for Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants. We developed these sample letters of...

• American Sign Language Lessons

  If you are interested in learning or practicing the basics of American Sign Language (ASL), these sites provide free lessons to get you started: ASL Connect – Gallaudet University Sign Language 101 – Learn Sign...

• Cued Speach Program for Families of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children

  Cue College’s Cue Family Program provides a free, online Cued Speech class to families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Cued Speech combines a small number of simple hand cues with the natural mouth movements of...

• Financial Planning for Parents of Children With Disabilities

  The PACER Center offers “A Financial Resource for Parents of Children With Disabilities” to help you plan for your child’s financial future and overall well-being. This resource helps walk you through getting organized, life and...

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Resources for Parents and Caregivers

  The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides a variety of resources for parents, caregivers and youth related to different types of childhood trauma, including coping with hard times, grief, hospitalizations and more. Resources are available...

• COVID-19 Long Haulers and the Americans With Disabilities Act

  The U.S. Department of Labor provides a wide variety of resources to help workers, employers, youth and policymakers respond to and recover from the Coronavirus pandemic. Their website includes information on COVID-19 long haulers and...

• Toilet Training Children with Special Needs – HealthyChildren.org

  The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org provides parents of children with disabilities information for determining when to start and how to begin the toilet-training process. The information includes: An overview of physical and developmental...

• Toilet Training Children With Special Needs – Early Intervention Clearinghouse

  The Early Intervention Clearinghouse (EI) offers books, videos, articles and web resources to help with toilet training your child.  This site provides information that can be used for most children, with and without disabilities.

• American Society for Deaf Children / Sociedad Americana para Niños Sordos

  The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is a national, non-profit organization providing support, encouragement and information to families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing. ASDC offers deaf mentors and online American...

• Understanding Inclusion Online Series for Parents of Young Children With Disabilities

  Early CHOICES  offers a free, online series for parents of young children with disabilities, practitioners, educators and administrators in Early Intervention or early childhood programs. The Understanding Inclusion series covers everything from defining inclusion to...

• The Odyssey Project at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  The Odyssey Project offers free University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign courses in the humanities to income-eligible adults in east-central Illinois. Odyssey students can earn up to eight transferable college credits in an environment designed to...

• iCan Shine Recreation Programs for Individuals With Disabilities

  iCan Shine collaborates with local charities, parks and recreation departments, schools, and motivated parents to provide recreational programs for people with disabilities who want to learn to ride a bike, swim or dance. iCan Shine...

• Home Modification Resources – Private and Government

  The Illinois Department of Human Resources (IDHS) provides a listing of Illinois, federal, local and private organizations offering home modification programs to promote accessibility and help individuals with disabilities become more independent.

• Rattle the Stars Suicide Prevention Services and Training

  Rattle the Stars provides community-based suicide prevention services, information and training to the Champaign County area, including: Suicide prevention consultations Suicide intervention training Private training for groups and assistance developing a comprehensive suicide response plan...

• Telecommunications Relay Services Information in American Sign Language

  Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) allow people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or have speech disabilities to communicate by telephone. The Federal Communications Commission’s American Sign Language video walks you through the various TRS...

• Legal Advice Line for Victims of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault

  Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS) offers the Legal Advice Line for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. The Legal Advice Line is available in certain counties served by PSLS. For a list of counties...

• National Parent Helpline

  Offers emotional support from a trained advocate to help you become an empowered and stronger parent. Parent advocates can list, offer emotional support, help you problem-solve, connect you with local resources, help you explore new...

• Eviction Help for Illinois Residents

  Eviction Help Illinois is a non-profit organization providing free legal aid, mediation services, and connections to other resources including rental assistance to increase housing stability. Eviction Help Illinois flyer in English Eviction Help Illinois flyer...

• Renter and Homeowner Resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPD) offers a variety of resources for homeowners and renters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Available resources include information about relief programs, tenant rights, assistance for landlords, mortgage assistance, rent assistance,...

• The Immigration Project

  The Immigration Project provides individual attorney consultations and evaluations in Spanish and English on immigration issues in central and southern Illinois. Immigration attorneys and specialists travel to meet with clients in seven regional locations throughout...

• Tazewell County Public Health Community Resources for Residents

  Tazewell County Health Department has put together a list of local, state and national resources for residents, businesses and students throughout the region. The list includes organizations to turn to for help with shelter, employment,...

• Central Illinois Sled Hockey Association

  The Central Illinois Sled Hockey Association (CISHA) is a volunteer, non-profit organization offering recreational and competitive sled hockey for youth and adult players with physical disabilities throughout the central Illinois region. Families do not pay...

• U.S. Department of Education “Return to School Roadmap” for 2022-23 School Year

  The U.S. Department of Education has released the “Return to School Roadmap,” a resource to support students, schools, educators, and communities as they prepare to return to safe, healthy in-person learning this fall and emerge from...

• Early Intervention Clearinghouse Technology Loan Program

  The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse (EIC) technology loan program helps families in early intervention participate in live video visits or telehealth. Available technology includes: iPad with a data plan (you are requesting a device for...

• American Rescue Plan Expanded Child Tax Credit

  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has information for families on the American Rescue Plan expanded Child Tax Credit. With recent changes, families can qualify for more money and can receive payments monthly instead of...

• Illinois Spina Bifida Association Vision Referral Program

  The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) offers a vision referral program in partnership with the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), which provides specialized services for pediatric patients and people with developmental disabilities. If anyone in your...

• Oracle Health Pediatric Grants

  Oracle Health Foundation’s pediatric grants connect children to needed care when finances stand in the way. Applications are accepted from the United States and through select international providers. The pediatric grants cover a wide variety...

• Hands & Voices Virtual Waiting Room

  Hands & Voices virtual waiting room provides resources and connections for families with children who have been referred to or are in the care of an audiologist and who are receiving those services through technology...

• Disability Belongs™ LGBTQ+ Resources for the Disability Community

  The LGBTQ+ community and the disability community intersect in significant ways. Disability Belongs, formerly known as RespectAbility, works to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects...

• Mental Health Resources for LGBTQI Individuals

  The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexed (LGBTQI) community represents a wide diversity of thought, perspective, understanding and experience. For individuals identifying as LGBTQI, it’s important to recognize how your experience of sexual orientation...

• Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens

  HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) teens information on understanding, supporting and remembering that each child is unique and will have...

• It Gets Better Project – LGBTQ+ Youth Local and Global Resources

  The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. The It Gets Better Project offers LGBTQ+ youth on- and offline...

• Find a Helpline

  Find a Helpline is a resource to help individuals find free, confidential emotional support over the phone, text or webchat.

• OutCare Provider Directory

  OutCare aims to be a comprehensive resource for LGBTQ+ healthcare, offering provider and healthcare resource directories. OutCare’s provider directory provides a list of providers who understand LGBTQ+ needs.

• GLMA

  GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and all sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals. GLMA provides resources for patients, including a provider directory.

• PFLAG Support and Resources

  PFLAG is dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Its website includes support resources, links to local chapters and more.

• Advocating for LGBTQ Students With Disabilities

  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students with disabilities face unique challenges as a result of their disability status and potential bias related to their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Educators, counselors,...

• Illinois State Board of Education LGBTQ Student and Family Resources

  The Illinois State Board of Education provides resources for LGBTQ students and their families including information on the gender spectrum and Illinois High School Association policy.

• Know Your Rights: Students & LGBTQ Rights at School

  The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) provides information on rights as an LGBTQ student in public school and may be able to offer assistance if your rights are being violated by teachers, principals, or other...

• Strong Family Alliance

  Strong Family Alliance’s mission is to save lives and preserve families by helping children come out and parents become informed supporters and allies. The alliance strives to give parents and LGBTQ people accurate information, insights...

• Chicago and Illinois Mental Health Agencies and Organizations

  The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health provides this list of mental health agencies and organizations in Chicago and statewide. The list includes Asian Human Services, the Chicago LGBT Youth Resource Guide,...

• Central Illinois LGBTQ+ Organizations

  The University of Illinois Springfield’s Gender and Sexuality Student Services provides a list of advocacy and community groups in central Illinois for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, plus (LGBTQ+) youth.

• The Trevor Project

  The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. This flyer provides information about the TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, TrevorChat and its other crisis support services.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline

  Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of...

• Disability Information and Access Line

  The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations and tests. DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more. The hotline’s trained...

• IllinoisJobLink.com

  IllinoisJobLink.com is a robust, dynamic and comprehensive, web-based workforce development system for job seekers, employers, training providers and workforce professionals with realtime data. For job seekers, it features job matching, resume creation and career management...

• Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Training Modules

  The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) National Training Center has developed free, easy-to-read online learning modules for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members and their supporters to learn more about mental...

• Fatherhood Organizations

  The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a list of organizations that provide information and resources for and about fathers and their important role in the lives of children.

• Dysphagia Outreach Project

  The Dysphagia Outreach Project is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance for individuals with swallowing disorders across the lifespan. The Dysphagia Outreach Project’s Dysphagia Food Bank aims to provide tangible assistance to low-income individuals with...

• DSCC’s Know Your Rights: Minors’ Consent and Access to Healthcare Services

  This guide from the Division of Specialized Care for Children aims to help youth understand their rights as a minor related to privacy and obtaining healthcare services. It covers: Which services they can receive without...

• Available Benefits Under the American Rescue Plan Act

  The Illinois Department of Human Services in collaboration with the Illinois Commission on Poverty and Economic Security has put together a summary document listing new benefits that are now available to individuals and families through...

• Donated Orthodontic Services

  Since 2009, American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) members have volunteered to provide high-quality orthodontic care for children of families with financial need. Visit the AAO website for information on eligibility and how to apply.

• Racial Healing Tools and Resources

  The pursuit of racial healing and racial equity calls for more than one conversation. To help you plan your first, second or even your 10th conversation, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has curated...

• National Runaway Safeline

  The National Runaway Safeline is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week crisis connection line for youth at risk of running away or already have and are looking for help. Call: (800) Runaway (786-2929) Text: 66008

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline

  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance...

• Crisis Text Line

  The Crisis Text Line serves anyone in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Trained crisis counselors will respond and help you: English, text HOME to 741741 Spanish, text HOLA to 741741 or text to 442-AYUDAME...

• Dealing With Traumatic Events

  The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health provides frequently-asked questions, tips and resources for how to handle traumatic events. Information includes possible symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event and when to seek...

• Identifying Alternatives to Guardianship

  The Transition Services Liaison Project (TSLP) South Dakota aims to help students with disabilities reach their maximum potential in their transition from high school to the adult world. The project’s Alternatives to Guardianship Stoplight Tool...

• Get Out the Vaccine

  Get Out the Vaccine is a website from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities that provides information to help people with disabilities and their families make informed decisions about being vaccinated for COVID-19.

• A Family Toolkit: Pediatric-to-Adult Health Care Transition

  Got Transition and its National Family Health Care Transition Advisory Group have developed a new toolkit for families to use to guide their youth’s transition from pediatric to adult health care. The Family Toolkit includes...

• Bright by Text

  Bright by Text is a free text messaging service that delivers high-quality information to families to help them foster a child’s healthy growth, based on their exact age and developmental stage. Available in English and...

• Courageous Parents Network

  The Courageous Parents Network aims to empower, support and equip families and providers caring for children with serious illness.

• DREAM Project Dance Videos

  The National Dance Institute has a series of YouTube videos of their inclusive dance program called the DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement). The project provides children with disabilities the opportunity to...

• Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Clinic Directory

  The Adult Congenital Heart Association’s ACHD Clinic Directory provides information on ACHD Board Certified providers certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and ACHA ACHD Accredited Centers. You can search for clinics by...

• The Autism Collective

  The Autism Collective is a collaboration of Easterseals Central Illinois and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The collective is working to end the isolation felt by those living with autism by uniting experts and...

• A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care

  It’s easy to view self-care as a low priority when your child is diagnosed with a serious illness. Your role as a parent and parenting partner has unexpectedly changed. The child has urgent and complex...

• Illinois Computer Equity Network

  Illinois has launched a statewide network that will receive, refurbish and redistribute used computers to those in need. This initiative responds to the 1.1 million Illinois households currently without computers and aims to bridge the...

• Apraxia Kids

  Apraxia Kids is a nonprofit that strengthens the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia of speech. Its website provides resource guides and information about conferences, webinars, support groups and more.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

  The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively. The ASHA website provides resources to help you understand communication...

• Bilingual Parents Video Library

  The Illinois Resource Center has put together a library of videos for bilingual parents with videos in French, Tagalog, Urdu, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and English. Each video showcases subjects and information relevant to parents, caretakers and...

• Vaccine Considerations for People with Disabilities

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides this information on what people with disabilities and their care providers need to know about the COVID-19, flu and respiratory virus vaccines.  

• Menard County Housing Authority – Housing Choice Voucher Program

  The Menard County Housing Authority will begin accepting pre-applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Tenant-Based Vouchers). The letter waitlist will open Feb. 15 and close at 3 p.m. on March 1, 2021. The areas...

• Rare Caregiver Respite Program

  The National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Respite Program is for caregivers (parent, spouse, family member or significant other) of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder. The Respite Program provides financial assistance...

• Reading a Student’s IEP – Special Education Under the IDEA

  Equip for Equality provides this guide to help understand the purpose of an individualized education program (IEP), how to read one, rules to know, special education rights, Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements and...

• Tips When Considering Housing and Services

  Pacer Center provides this handout of tips to help young adults with special healthcare needs plan for housing and independent living as they transition to adulthood.

• Preparing For College When You Have Congenital Heart Disease

  Going to college is an exciting time filled with new friends and experiences. When you have congenital heart disease (CHD), it can be overwhelming or tempting to put your care on the back burner. It’s...

• Job Accommodation Network

  The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral...

• Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) Fact Sheets and Articles

  Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are conditions that are present at birth and can affect the structure of a baby’s heart and the way it works. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides fact...

• Congenital Heart Defects Information

  The American Heart Association provides information and resources on congenital heart defects (CHDs). Information is available in English and Spanish.

• When Your Child Has a Heart Defect: Planning Ahead for Lifelong Heart Health

  Children with congenital heart defects and disease (CHD) will need lifelong care from congenital heart experts. The Adult Congenital Heart Association provides this brochure to help parents of children born with CHDs support their child’s...

• Mended Little HeartGuide: A Parent and Caregiver Resource Guide for Families Living with Congenital Heart Disease

  Mended Little Hearts and St. Jude Medical partnered to create this digital resource guide for parents and caregivers of children with congenital heart disease or defects (CHD). Medical professionals and parents worked together on this...

• Heart Conditions and Children

  A number of heart conditions can affect children. Some are structural abnormalities they are born with. Others deal with the electrical system that controls the heartbeat. HealthyChildren.org, the official parenting site of the American Academy...

• CHD Support Network

  The American Heart Association’s Support Network, in partnership with The Children’s Heart Foundation, provides a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Support Network for parents of young children diagnosed with CHDs or adults living with a CHD.

• Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation

  The Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation (IECCC) assists any child under the age of 21 who is a legal resident of Illinois with medical assistance, as long as it falls within the IECCC scope and...

• ILHousingSearch.org

  ILHousingSearch.org is a free bilingual online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois. You can search for affordable, accessible and market-rate housing to fit your needs and budget. For additional assistance, call (877) 428-8844 ...

• Illinois Housing Development Authority

  The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) connects people with financing programs for their homes. IHDA provides mortgage loans, grants that enable low-income homeowners to pay for repairs and improvements to their homes and free foreclosure...

• Conquering CHD Transition Checklist

  Conquering CHD has put together a Conquering CHD Transition Checklist to help youth with congenital heart disease manage their own care as they reach adulthood and move from their pediatric doctor to an Adult Congenital...

• Childproofing Your Home Toolkit

  As you welcome a new baby, prepare for toddlerhood or relocate to a new home, it is important to provide a safe environment for your child. The Illinois Early Learning Project put together this Childproofing...

• COVID-19 Vaccine Information in Plain Language

  The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) provides this handout on the COVID-19 vaccine in plain language.

• Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances (24/7)

  If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders, call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP to speak with a trained professional...

• Virtual Care Package for Caregivers

  The Illinois Respite Coalition put together this Virtual Care Package with free virtual resources to help caregivers take time for themselves. It includes links to podcasts, playlists, exercises and other tips for caregivers.

• Assistive Technology Fund

  The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund. The fund will provide funds to cover 50 percent of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that...

• Assistive Technology Resources

  The Illinois State Library provides a list of programs and organizations that can help support assistive technology needs. Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf,...

• Icing Smiles

  Icing Smiles is a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families affected by a child’s critical illness or an illness that requires frequent hospitalizations.

• Sesame Street in Communities

  Sesame Street in Communities is an online community that provides multimedia tools in both English and Spanish for parents, caregivers and providers to support children from birth to age 6. The site covers a wide...

• Tips for Being an Effective Teleworker

  The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology provides these tips to provide teleworking strategies and best practices for employers and employees. Though they were designed with people with disabilities in mind, they provide information that...

• “Accessibility and Employment: What People With Disabilities Need to Know”

  The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology provides these action steps for people with disabilities to get the tools they need to be successful in the workplace.

• Cerebral Palsy Resource

  The Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s Cerebral Palsy Resource website provides expert insights, fact sheets, stories, blogs, videos, podcasts and more to help individuals with cerebral palsy and their families across the lifespan.

• Questions and Answers About COVID-19 Vaccines

  Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides answers to some of the most common questions people are asking about COVID-19 and vaccines.

• CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Information

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information for COVID-19 vaccination administration, storage and handling, reporting and patient education for each specific vaccine at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html.

• Saving Money for the Future

  The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has created this free resource to help you and your family save money for the future.

• “Should I Use a Special Needs Trust or an ABLE Account?”

  The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has created this free resource to help you decide whether a special needs trust or ABLE account is right for you.

• Financial Plan Resources

  The Arc’s Center for Future Planning provides these free resources and steps to successfully make a financial plan.

• Project Connect Pandemic Helpline for People With Disabilities

  The Arc of California and the Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare have partnered to offer Project Connect, a free telehealth support line for individuals with disabilities, their families, direct support professionals, and others...

• Claire’s Place Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis Support

  Claire’s Place Foundation is a non-profit organization providing support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Its programs are focused on creating a better quality of life for people and their caregivers as...

• Developmental Disabilities Employment

  The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) seeks to maximize opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work in competitive integrated employment. The resources on this website provide the latest information...

• Supporting Children and Teens During This Holiday Season

  Families are dealing with stress from multiple sources, including COVID-19, and may not be able to celebrate the holidays as usual. Given these changes, adults and children may experience waves of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, grief...

• American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program

  The American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program (PAP) is a privately funded financial assistance program that helps living donors cover lost wages during their recovery from surgery and helps transplant recipients maintain health insurance coverage...

• Center for Prevention of Abuse

  Center for Prevention of Abuse‘s mission is to help all people – women, men, and children – to live free from violence and abuse. The center provides services for domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, human trafficking,...

• Safe Families for Children

  Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like supports for desperate families through a community of devoted volunteers who are motivated by compassion to keep children safe and families intact. There are...

• Violence Prevention and Support Resources

  The Illinois Department of Public Health put together this list of violence prevention and support resources. Topics covered include mental health and crisis support, violence prevention and intervention support, and report of child abuse or...

• Illinois Warm Line

  If you or one of your family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at (866) 359-7953. Wellness support specialists are...

• Illinois CARES Line (24/7)

  If your child is a risk to themselves or others, having a mental health crisis, or if you would like a referral to services for children, youth and families, call the 24-hour Crisis and Referral...

• Community Action Agencies

  Community Action Agencies work with local community organizations and non-profit partners to provide assistance to Illinois families with items including: Rental Assistance Food Energy Utility Bill Assistance Water/Sewer Payment Employment Training/Placement Financial Management Temporary Shelter...

• Homeless Assistance Community Contacts

  Illinois has many designated Continuum of Care agencies in local communities that can help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to find affordable housing in local communities.

• School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities: Information for Parents

  The National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE (Supporting the Eduction of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness) provides this information for families experiencing homelessness who have children with special needs. This brief discusses common concerns...

• Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois

  The Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of...

• Emergency and Transitional Housing Program

  The Emergency and Transitional Housing Program in Illinois gives immediate and comprehensive shelter services to people who are homeless and people at risk of becoming homeless. Services are provided at shelters run by nonprofit organizations...

• Special Education Helpline

  Equip for Equality has a toll-free Special Education Helpline to help families get appropriate education services for their children. The Helpline can assist by providing: Someone to talk to about your questions and concerns Information...

• Resource Directory for Illinois Families With Young Children Experiencing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity

  This resource directory from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity....

• Coloring Pages for Caregivers

  UIC’s Division of Specialized Care for Children has created adult coloring pages to help caregivers relieve stress and practice mindfulness. Four designs are available in English and Spanish: Lighthouse (Lighthouse Spanish) Sunflowers (Sunflowers Spanish) Hot...

• Easterseals Support for Caregivers

  Easterseals offers a variety of programs and resources to provide support and care for caregivers, including respite care, a step-by-step caregiving guide and more.

• Easterseals Respite Services for People With Disabilities

  Easterseals offers respite services that allow both caregivers and the people for whom they’re caring the opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Their respite services are offered nationwide and designed to give caregivers a much-needed...

• National Respite Locator

  ARCH National Respite Network and Research Center provides a National Respite Locator on its website as well as additional resources for finding respite in your community.

• Caregiver Action Network

  Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is a national nonprofit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease or the frailties old age. CAN...

• Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

  The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago is a not-for-profit organization serving 44 counties in Illinois. It offers education, advocacy and case management to people living with epilepsy, their families and the communities in which they...

• Diaper Assistance Fact Sheet

  The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center and Family Voices of Illinois provide this fact sheet on possible options for help with the cost of diapers for children, youth and adults with disabilities.

• The Basics on PUNS

  PUNS is the name for the list of the people in Illinois with developmental disabilities who want or need services but do not yet have funding. Individuals who need help from the government to pay...

• Family Voices Telehealth Toolkit, Tips and New Telemedicine Family Resource Center

  Family-centered telehealth can help children and youth with special healthcare needs and families access health care, improve their experience with health care, reduce stress, improve communication between all team members and across systems, and improve...

• Clearbrook Respite Programs

  Clearbrook’s various respite programs offer an array of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These services are designed to help maintain individuals with developmental disabilities in the individual/family home by providing short-term relief...

• COVID-19 Parenting Tip Sheets and Activities

  Parenting for Lifelong Health has developed open-access online parenting resources to support families during COVID-19. Their Parenting Tip Sheets are available in 100-plus languages and provide useful reminders, suggestions, strategies and activities to help caregivers...

• RentAssistance Search

  RentAssistance provides a directory of rental assistance agencies and organizations that will help you pay your rent. Some listings are government organizations other are non-profits and charities that offer rental assistance programs. Each organization has...

• Back to Business Illinois

  The Illinois Department of Labor is launching Back to Business Illinois, a free, voluntary service that connects small businesses of 250 employees or less with consultants who will help them address workplace safety and health...

• The Arc’s Center for Future Planning

  The Arc’s Center for Future Planning aims to support and encourage adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families to plan for the future. The Center provides reliable information and assistance to individuals...

• Find Food IL Community Food Map

  Find Food IL is a community food map that provides a list of places offering free food or meals in your community. You can find food pantries, stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC...

• Decision-Making Planning Tool

  Everyone’s ability to make decisions changes across a lifetime including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Arc’s Center for Future Planning created this handout to help individuals with IDD and their families learn...

• Guardianship Myths

  There are many myths about guardianship that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families should understand. The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has created this handout to help.

• Decision-Making Supports

  People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have the same right to make decisions about their lives as people without disabilities. It is important to recognize and respect that right. This handout from The Arc’s...

• Cleft and Craniofacial Condition Resources

  HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides articles and information for parents and caretakers of children with a cleft lip, cleft palate or craniofacial disorder.

• Addressing Tenant Concerns Regarding Rent and the Temporary Suspension of Evictions for Nonpayment of Rent

  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) developed this flyer to provide Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, and Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation participants with important information and resources about paying rent during the...

• Rush Autism Resource Directory

  The Autism Resource Directory is an online resource guide to help families find service and support referrals in the following counties: Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Kankakee. For more information or...

• Guidebook on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications

  The Illinois Department of Human Rights provides a first-of-its-kind Guidebook on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications. In accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, this book provides guidance and clarification on the accommodations and modifications that must...

• Prairie State Legal Services

  Prairie State Legal Services is an organization that offers free legal services for low-income persons and those age 60 and over who have serious civil legal problems and need legal help to solve them. There are 11 office locations serving 36...

• Coping with Stress

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created a new webpage for coping with stress in the difficult times resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

  The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. The website includes: A...

• U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 and In-Person Learning Information for Students With Disabilities

  The U.S. Department of Education has issued resources specific to the education of students with disabilities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving prevention strategies as schools assess their policies to remain open...

• Illinois Mental Health Collaborative for Access and Choice

  The Illinois Mental Health Collaborative for Access and Choice is a partnership devoted to the recovery and resilience of children and adults with mental illness. The collaborative is committed to making it easier for people...

• Mental Health America of Illinois

  Mental Health America of Illinois is a statewide organization that works to promote mental health, prevent mental disease and improve the care and treatment of those suffering from mental and emotional disorders. For more information...

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. The national NAMI website provides information...

• Providing and Receiving Respite Care Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center provides these voluntary national guidelines for “Providing and Receiving Respite Care Safely during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The guidelines provided in this document are designed to assist providers...

• Flu: A Guide for Parents of Children or Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions

  Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old, and children and adolescents with chronic health conditions are at greater risk for serious flu complications. HealthyChildren.org provides information on how to determine...

• How Is the Flu Different From COVID-19?

  Influenza and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so it can be hard to tell them apart. HealthyChildren.org put together information on both infections and ways to protect your family.

• Protecting Renter and Homeowner Rights During Our National Health Crisis

  The National Housing Law Project has put together a list of resources regarding renter and homeowner rights during the COVID-19 national public health crisis.

• Envision Unlimited

  Envision Unlimited provides in-home respite to individuals with a diagnosed developmental disability. It currently serves the following counties: Adams, Brown, Champaign, Cook, DeWitt, Fulton, Knox, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Pike, Sangamon,...

• DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Handout

  Basic fire and carbon monoxide protection are key components of maintaining a safe home. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this handout to provide helpful guidelines on the equipment necessary to protect...

• Take N.O.T.E. of Learning Differences

  Take N.O.T.E. is an initiative developed by Understood in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics. It aims to help parents identify the signs of learning or thinking differences in their children.

• Learning Disabilities & Differences: What Parents Need To Know

  HealthyChildren.org provides information on the early signs of learning disabilities and difficulties in children and how to help them succeed.

• Disaster Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs

  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides information on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for potential emergencies and disasters in their area and identify what each child would need to...

• COVID-19 Virtual Care Program

  The COVID-19 Virtual Care Program helps people with COVID-19 symptoms recover safely at home. It offers medical education, symptom checking and 24/7 support virtually via a mobile app or website for a period of 14...

• Adult Protective Services Program

  The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) manages the statewide Adult Protective Services Program, which serves adults 60 years of age and older and adults aged 18-59 with disabilities. The program handles reports of abuse, neglect...

• COVID-19 Housing Resources Information

  The Illinois Housing Development Authority continues to provide support and assistance programs for Illinois homeowners and renters. Its COVID-19 Housing Resources Information website provides the latest information.

• Back to School Toolkit 2023 from Mental Health America

  Mental Health America’s Back-to-School Toolkit provides educational information and tips on tackling some of the most common online stressors for youth. Titled “Selfies, Social & Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaced for Youth,” the toolkit includes fact...

• Teachers and Parents: Working Together to Make Distance Learning Work

  This fact sheet from Mental Health America provides tips to help parents and teachers work together to make sure kids and teens are learning and to monitor their mental health.

• Community Resources Compilation from the Illinois Housing Development Authority

  The Illinois Housing Development Authority provides this list of community partners to help Illinois residents find food pantries, utility assistance, rental assistance, emergency housing, mortgage assistance, veterans assistance and more.

• The HIKE Fund, Inc.

  The official site of the Hearing Improvement Kids Endowment Fund, Inc. (HIKE). The purpose of the fund is to provide hearing devices for children with hearing losses between the ages of newborn and 20 years...

• National Center for Learning Disabilities

  The National Center for Learning Disabilities provides resources for parents and caregivers, educators, young adults and learning disability champions.

• Learning Disabilities Association of America

  The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) provides tools, resources, and community. LDA’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities through support, education, and advocacy.

• A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth With Disabilities

  The U.S. Department of Education Department provides this transition guide to help students with disabilities and their families understand the years-long process and the options available to them as they prepare to leave public education....

• Tips for Helping Students With Hearing Loss in Virtual and In-Person Learning Settings

  Teachers and administrators can take steps to meet the unique challenges that virtual and modified in-person learning environments will pose for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Both formats have challenges, but schools...

• Caring for Your Child’s Hearing Health at Home: Guidance for Maintaining Hearing Devices, Improving Communication

  As families shelter in place due to COVID-19, children with hearing loss may need additional help. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers this guidance to parents, available in English and Spanish.

• SPARK (Supporting Parents and Remote Kids) Parent Hub

  The Learning Technology Center of Illinois’s SPARK (Supporting Parents and Remote Kids) Parent Hub provides training and resources for Illinois parents and caregivers as they support students with remote learning.

• The Kinda Guide

  The Kinda Guide is designed to be a weekly survival guide for parents and families that will include expert tips on remote learning, parenting advice, virtual camp activities, simple meal and snack ideas and at-home family...

• Census Information Packet for People with Disabilities

  Chicagoland Disabled People of Color Coalition (Chicagoland DPOCC), the Institute on Disability and Human Development and Counting on Chicago Coalition came together to create a helpful tool for those who want to learn more about...

• Wellness Visits and Routine Vaccinations During COVID-19

  The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) encourages families to maintain routine pediatric appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic and reach out to pediatricians for questions and support during this difficult time. In-person,...

• Project Mobility

  Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of...

• Preparations for Caregivers During COVID-19 and Beyond

  Parents and caregivers of children with medical complexity often focus solely on their child’s health and wellbeing. But what happens when the parent/caregiver gets sick? It’s a crucial question that families must consider. Advance preparations...

• Parent Guide to Special Education

  “Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois” is a guide for parents, teachers, administrators and others to learn about the educational rights of children who receive special education and related services due to...

• COVID-19 Preparedness Tool for Families and Caregivers

  The Stanford Health Literacy Lab in collaboration with families and providers developed the COVID-19 Preparedness Tool for Families and Caregivers to help families of children with special healthcare needs with rpreparing for and responding to...

• Coronavirus Economic Stimulus Payments

  The passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act authorized the creation of stimulus checks for individuals and families under certain income thresholds. Most Illinoisans are eligible for these stimulus checks, though many...

• SNAP Online Purchasing Program

  The Illinois Department of Human Services is offering online purchasing for more than 1.8 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers across a million households. Online SNAP will give families easier access to food during...

• PTSD During a Pandemic for Parents with Medically Fragile Children

  It’s not uncommon for parents and caregivers of children with neurologic conditions to experience PTSD. In this video from the Child Neurology Foundation, a caregiver and a psychologist discuss the impact that this has –...

• Benefits.gov

  Benefits.gov is an online resource to help you find federal benefits you may be eligible for in the United States. The Benefit Finder questionnaire can help you find benefits you may be eligible to receive...

• Mid Central Community Action

  Mid Central Community Action (MCCA) provides support, advocacy, and education for individuals and families in McLean and Livingston Counties. MCCA works to eliminate domestic violence, combat homelessness, and create a community hub for financial stability.

• ADA National Network

  The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• The ADA National Network Disability Law Handbook

  This handbook is meant to provide basic information about disability rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as resources for finding out more.

• The Arc’s Disability Voter Guide

  The Arc has developed voting resources in plain language and Spanish, including a disability voter guide and sample questions for candidates.

• Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission

  The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) is an executive state agency that promotes education and awareness of the legal requirements for effective communication on behalf of people with hearing loss in Illinois....

• The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center

  The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center works with families and professionals to help with questions and concerns related to the health of children and youth with special healthcare needs under the age of...

• How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times

  HealthyChildren.org’s How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times provides information on the feelings many of us experience during uncertain times and how they provide a chance to model and teach lifelong resilience skills...

• Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events

  The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents, teachers, child care providers, and others who work closely with children to filter information about crises and present it in a way that their child can accommodate, adjust...

• Talking to Children About Racial Bias

  HealthyChildren.org provides information on understanding how racial bias works in children as well as strategies to help them deal with and react to racial differences.

• Resources on Racism, Racial Equity and Diversity for Families

  The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development put together these resources about race, racism, diversity and inclusion that may support you, your children, your family and your community.

• Helping Young Children With Disabilities During a Trying Time: Adding Structure and Routine

  The Illinois Early Learning Projects provides a simple step-by-step plan to help parents and caregivers develop structure and routine for young children with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.

• Help Illinois Families Emergency Relief Initiative

  Help Illinois Families expands on the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Community Services Block Program (CSBG). New eligibility thresholds make Help Illinois Families available to more individuals and families. If you meet the...

• Illinois Spina Bifida Association

  The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) works to improve the quality of life of children, adults and families living with spina bifida. ISBA works to accomplish its mission with a three-part program strategy: Promote skills...

• American Sign Language: Basic Lessons

  The Chicago Park District’s  Sarah Faber, Program and Event Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and Timothy Owens, Special Recreation Coordinator, provide weekly American Sign Language lessons on the park district’s YouTube channel.

• Ten Ways Children With Language Disorders Can Maintain Both Physical Distance and Social Connection During the Coronavirus Pandemic

  The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides tips to help children with language disorders make social connections while sheltering in place. English Spanish

• COVID-19 and School Closures: Tips for Parents of Bilingual Children and English Language Learners Receiving Speech-Language Therapy Services

  The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association provides guidance to parents and caregivers of students who are bilingual and/or English language learners to help continue their development. English Spanish 

• Do You Know Your Rights With COVID-19?

  The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities provides this tip sheet for individuals with disabilities to help them advocate for their rights when they are sick.

• HFS Coronavirus Updates

  Updates and information from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Families Services regarding COVID-19.

• Stay at Home Order – FAQ for Families

  The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development has developed a frequently-asked-questions document for families that features updates on the status of child care programs, public and private schools and other essential information to support families...

• COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities in Marginalized Communities

  The Chicagoland Disabled People of Color Coalition and the Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance, Inc., developed this centralized list of resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in marginalized communities. English Spanish 

• Illinois Life Span’s COVID-19 Resources

  Resources for Illinois residents with developmental disabilities. The topics include general COVID-19 information, Illinois Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services and Supports information and webinar recordings on COVID-19 issues and services.

• Latino Policy Forum

  A roundup of helpful information, including funding, education, housing, immigration, food and more for the Latino community.

• Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information And Resources

  Mental Health America has compiled a range of resources and information for parents, caregivers, domestic violence survivors and more.

• COVID-19 Information in ASL

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a series of YouTube videos on COVID-19 with information in American Sign Language.

• Navigating Financial Health During Difficult Times

  The National Disability Institute (NDI)’s Financial Resilience Center provides resources and assistance to help those with disabilities and chronic health conditions navigate financially through difficult times, like the COVID-19 crisis. The website features videos and...

• Tips on Face Masking for Children During COVID-19

  The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics developed this infographic based on information for children and parents on masking. Governor Pritzker announced that Illinois residents will be required to wear masks/face coverings in...

• Wi-Fi Hotspot Map to Support Illinois Students During COVID-19 Pandemic

  Illinois state agencies released a Wi-Fi hotspot map to help students across the state who lack internet access in their homes. The map provides detailed information on free drive-up Wi-Fi hotspots at schools, colleges, libraries...

• Family Voices’ COVID-19 Series, Part 4: “Expressing, Coping, Reframing: Addressing the Mental Health of ‘Quaranteens’ in the Time of COVID-19”

  This issue of the Family Voices Resource eBlast looks at the special concerns around helping teens cope during this stressful time – from “in my feelings” to moving forward in times of uncertainty.

• How Teenagers Can Protect Their Mental Health During Coronavirus (COVID-19)

  Unicef provides six strategies for teens facing a new (temporary) normal.

• Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis

  Tips for parents with older children at home from the Child Mind Institute.

• Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Child trauma experts at Child Trends and the Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts provide these guidance, recommendations and resources.

• National Down Syndrome Society’s COVID-19 Resources

  Fact sheets, guidance, education tips and more resources for families from the National Down Syndrome Society.

• Support for Kids With ADHD During the Coronavirus Crisis

  Information from the Child Mind Institute.

• The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health’s COVID-19 Resources for Parents, Families and Youth

  The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health provides this collection of resources, which includes videos, tool kits, activities to use at home and more to support parents, caregivers and their children during the...

• Complex Child’s COVID-19 Information

  Complex Child, an online magazine written by parents of children with special healthcare needs and disabilities, has created a special section on tips and information about COVID-19 and children who are medically complex.

• Children/Youth with Special Healthcare Needs – COVID-19 Checklist

  The Ohio Department of Public Health developed this checklist for families of children with special healthcare needs to protect themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Young Children at Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Importance of Self-Care

  Information from Zero to Three in English and Spanish about why self-care is essential for parents during the pandemic.

• Autism Response Team

  The Autism Response Team (ART) is an information line for the autism community. Its team members are specially trained to provide personalized information and resources to people with autism and their families. (888) AUTISM2 (288-4762)...

• Self-Care Inventory Tool

  A self-care assessment tool from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

• Coronavirus Resources & Tips for Parents, Children & Others

  Prevent Child Abuse America provides concrete tips for physically distancing while staying emotionally and socially connected.

• The Little Gym

  The Little Gym is sharing free online gymnastics classes for babies, toddlers and school children on its YouTube channel.

• Special Olympics School of Strength

  Special Olympics has created a fitness video series in partnership with WWE for Special Olympics athletes, led by Special Olympics athletes. The fitness campaign targets athletes in their teens and late 20s and features four...

• ABCya

  Learning games for kids.

• Cosmic Kids Yoga

  Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed specially for kids ages 3 and older.

• Envision Unlimited’s Community Living Program

  Envision Unlimited’s Community Living Program provides a variety of residential living arrangements and supports to adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Services are individualized and person-centered. The intent is to assist each individual to live in...

• GoNoodle

  GoNoodle helps teachers and parents get kids moving with short interactive activities. Desk-side movement helps kids achieve more by keeping them engaged and motivated throughout the day.

• Virtual School Activities

  A collection of sites to live webcams, virtual tours/trips and other miscellaneous fun educational sites.

• World Health Organization

  How to protect yourself, myth busters and helpful resources.

• Working With Your Personal Attendant to Keep You Safe From Coronavirus

  Information from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Program for Healthcare Justice for People with Disabilities.

• COVID-19: What Do Older Adults and People with Disabilities Need to Know?

  Guidance from the Administration for Community Living.

• Healthcare Access for Undocumented Folks in the Time of COVID-19

  Information from United We Dream.

• COVID-19: What People with Spina Bifida Need to Know

  Information from the Spina Bifida Association.

• Virtual Museum Tours

  Twelve famous museums that offer virtual tours for remote learning.

• Social Distancing, Quarantine and Isolation Tips

  Tips for social distancing, quarantine and isolation during an infectious disease outbreak from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

• Self-Care and Emotional Wellness Apps

  A list of self-care, emotional wellness and stress-relieving apps compiled by the McLean County Center for Human Services.

• Plain Language Booklet on COVID-19 for People With Disabilities

  Information from the Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center. English Version  Spanish Version

• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline

  If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline. The Disaster Distress Helpline...

• Coronavirus Resources for the Rare Disease Community

  An aggregated list of resources from Global Genes.

• National Federation of Families Home Resources

  The National Federation of Families shares resources for parents and caregivers to use at home. These include educational resources, activities and more that can support families of children and youth who have mental health and...

• Recommended Guidance for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in the Medically Fragile Child

  Guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

• Ready.gov

  Ready.gov provides tips for building an emergency supply kit.

• Pediatrician Guidance on Telehealth

  Telehealth is a tool that can help connect your child to many different types of healthcare services using various types of technology, such as live, interactive audio and video and special diagnostic tools.

• Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

  A comic based on a radio story from NPR about what kids might want to know about the coronavirus.

• PBS Kids

  Learning games for children.

• Scholastic Learning Resource

  Printables and projects from Scholastic to keep kids reading, thinking and learning.

• Storyline Online

  Features famous people reading books aloud to kids – no login needed

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

  988 is the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and...

• Ensuring People Have Access to Prescription Drugs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

  Information from the National Health Law Program

• National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes’ COVID-19 Information Page

  Tips and resources from the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes

• National Council on Behavioral Health’s Resources for COVID-19

  Resources and tools, including how to cope in a crisis, navigating the behavioral health impacts and more.

• NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide

  Tips, tools and support from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

• Muscular Dystrophy Association

  The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides comprehensive information and resources to help with understanding, managing and living day-to-day with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases. MDA programs and resources include: The MDA Resource Center providing...

• Mental Health First Aid USA COVID-19 Resources

  Tips from the Mental Health First Aid curriculum to help you care for your own and your loved ones’ mental health. If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression...

• COVID-19: What You Need to Know About Its Impact on Moms and Babies.

  Information from the March of Dimes.

• Local Health Department Directory

  The Illinois Department of Public Health provides a directory of local health departments at www.idph.state.il.us/LHDMap/HealthRegions.aspx.

• Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Resource Center

  Links to resources on developments, guidelines, protocols, policies and tools.

• Know Who to Trust for Reliable Health Information

  Information from Illinois Extension

• Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 Information

  The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides the latest information about confirmed cases, health guidance and more.  (800) 889-3931 dph.sick@illinois.gov

• Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics

  Directory of free and charitable clinics

• COVID-19 Guidance for People Living with Hydrocephalus

  The Hydrocephalus Association provides information and guidance for people living with hydrocephalus.

• How Do Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind Communicate at the Hospital During COVID-19?

  Information from the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Technology Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center.

• COVID-19: Caring For Children and Youth With Special Healthcare Needs

  HealthyChildren.org provides updated information on ways parents and caregivers can help themselves, their families, and their children with special healthcare needs meet their safety, growth and healthcare needs during the COVID-19 outbreak.

• Tips for Families: Receiving Early Intervention Services Through the Phone, Tablet, or Computer

  Tips for receiving remote Early Intervention services English Spanish 

• Concerns About COVID-19 and Epilepsy

  Information from the Epilepsy Foundation on COVID-19 and epilepsy.

• Wide Open School

  The Wide Open School website from Common Sense Media offers families and educators resources on how to support students with disabilities during remote learning. Its Back-to-School Guide for Families provides a variety of distance learning...

• COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

  Information from the U.S. Small Business Administration regarding COVID-19 relief options.

• Special Shopping Hours During COVID-19 Outbreak

  List of major grocery store chains with special hours for seniors, at-risk populations and pregnant women.

• DSCC Guidance on Home Medical Supplies

  Adequate quantities of home medical supplies are essential to safely care for technology-dependent children at home during the COVID-19 crisis. Families should consider cleaning and re-using supplies when safely possible in case there’s a future...

• CF Families Advised to Take Preventive Measures to Avoid Coronavirus

  Article from Cystic Fibrosis News Today

• COVID-19: Medical Communication Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

  A guide to prepare for hospital visits from the National Association of the Deaf.

• COVID-19 What You Need to Know Infographic

  A visual guide for individuals with disabilities.

• COVID-19 Resources in Indigenous Languages

• COVID-19 Resources for People With Disabilities, Families and Service Providers

  The Arc has compiled resources to help people with intellectual and /or developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and service providers to understand this global pandemic.

• COVID-19 Communication Rights Toolkit

  A toolkit for patients with the coronavirus who need communication tools and supports due to speech-related disabilities It (1) explains your communication rights, (2) provides tips on advocating for them, and (3) has an accommodation...

• Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies

  All children have unique needs in emergencies, but care for children with special healthcare needs is often more complex because of their various health conditions and extra care requirements. They may have a hard time moving...

• Carle Hospital

  Online screening tool, information, resources

• Call4Calm Text Line

  The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. Individuals who would like to...

• How to Handle Clinical Care During Social Distancing and School/Program Closures

  Information from Autism Speaks

• An Introduction to Health Care through Telemedicine

  The Midwest Genetics Network created these videos specifically for patients and their families to increase their awareness of the benefits of seeing a health care provider using telemedicine.

• Talking to Children About Coronavirus: ASL & English Resources

  Information from the American Society for Deaf Children

• “What Heart Patients Should Know About Coronavirus”

  Information from the American Heart Association about “What Heart Patients Should Know About Coronavirus”

• Heart Health and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

  The American Heart Association provides science-based information and resources to protect your health and well-being, including information about vaccines, precautions for high-risk patients and more.

• Travel Considerations for People with Down Syndrome [COVID-19]

  Information from Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center

• A Rare Response: Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic

  This webinar recording from the National Organization for Rare Disorders provides expert guidance on living with a rare disease and maintaining physical and mental health in the time of COVID-19.

• “Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” toolkit

  The “Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” online toolkit is from an interdisciplinary team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to help families and caregivers supporting individuals with autism during the...

• Resources for Immigrants in C-U: COVID-19 Edition

  Compiled by the New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA

• Northern Illinois Foodbank

  The Northern Illinois Food Bank partners with 900 feeding programs across 13 counties to serve our neighbors needing food. Please use the locator map below to find a food pantry or soup kitchen near you....

• Northeast Community Fund in Decatur

  Northeast Community Fund helps families in the Decatur and Macon County community with food, clothing, household goods and funding for utility payments, obtaining IDs, baby formula and wipes, emergency lodging and prescription medicines. The organization’s...

• How the Coronavirus Stimulus Bill Affects You

  Article from Investopedia about how coronavirus legislation affects individuals and their financial well-being.

• The Good Samaritan Inn Noon Meal Program in Decatur

  The Good Samaritan Inn Noon Meal Program provides meals to all those who need it, no questions asked. Meals are served seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 920 North Union St....

• Find Your Local Food Bank – Feeding America

  The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks and food programs helps millions of people find food and grocery help in their communities every year. Connect with your local food bank to learn about upcoming free food...

• McLean County District Unit 5 Meal Distribution

  Providing grab-and-go breakfast and lunch.

• Expensify.org

  Expensify.org will reimburse families on SNAP benefits to purchase additional essential goods.

• Decatur Public Schools COVID-19 Information

  Decatur Public Schools’ Return to Learn website provides information on how the district ill deliver meals to students’ homes during the first quarter of the 2020-21 school year, while students are participating in virtual learning.

• Champaign-Urbana Community Resource Guide: COVID-19

  An organic guide to Champaign-Urbana community resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic- A collaborative effort between the School of Social Work Community Learning Lab (CLL) and UniPlace Christian Church.

• Bloomington-Normal COVID-19 Information

  This site serves as a resource for individuals, businesses, and organizations in the Bloomington-Normal communities during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It includes support for childcare and meals as well as utility resources.

• Meal Distribution for Bloomington School District 87 Students

  District 87 will provide grab-and-go meals to any student in need at several locations in the community using school buses.

• Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments

  The IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others affected by the coronavirus.

• Zero to Three’s Coronavirus Tips for Families

  Resources that offer tips for families, including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing.

• Tips for Coping with a New Baby During COVID-19

  Information from HealthyChildren.org.

• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource

  Information from the National Association of School Psychologists.

• Seven Tips on How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus

  Information from Save the Children

• Positive Parenting in COVID-19 Isolation

  Parenting experts have created a new set of evidence-based resources for parents and caregivers to support their children’s growth – and interact with them constructively – during this time of confinement.

• Parent and Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019

  The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides information for parents and caregivers to help them think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect their family — both physically and emotionally — and what they...

• How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus

  Information from PBS.

• What Parents Need to Know About COVID-19

  Information from HealthyChildren.org

• Family Voices Coronavirus Information and Resources

  Family Voices has put together COVID-19-related resources that are relevant to families of children and youth with special healthcare needs. The resources page includes information on the virus itself, housing resources, resources for parents and...

• Family Caregiver COVID-19 Articles and Resources

  The Family Caregiver Alliance provides links to coronavirus-related resources and articles that will be of interest to caregivers and those in their care.

• COVID-19 SERIES, Part 1: Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First

  This Family Voices Resources eBlast shares resources for self-care and asks us to consider what happens if we get sick, with related types of emergency planning to consider in order to be prepared. Spanish Version

• Are You Ready? Preparing for Emergencies: Tips for Families

  Information from Family Voices on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for emergencies.

• Teaching kids hand washing during COVID-19

  Information from the American Academy of Pediatrics

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Important Information about Social Security Services

  Information from the Social Security Administration

• COVID-19 resources for families and individuals in Illinois.

  Information from the Shriner Center on Poverty Law

• Salvation Army in Decatur

  The Salvation Army of Decatur’s Social Service Center remains operational to serve those in need during these turbulent times. We currently offer services through our Food Pantry on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Our Pantry...

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Staying Safe During COVID-19

  Information on how COVID-19 could uniquely impact intimate partner violence survivors and safety tips for survivors.

• Illinois WIC

  WIC has services to support families during the COVID-19 outbreak.

• Xfinity Wi-Fi

  Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots in out-of-home locations are available for free to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity Internet customers, to keep communities connected with their friends and family during the pandemic.  Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots located...

• ComEd Financial Assistance Options

  ComEd has worked with the Attorney General’s office, the staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission and a broad group of stakeholders to develop a financial assistance package to help customers during the COVID-19 pandemic and...

• Peoples Gas Payment Arrangements and Energy Assistance

  If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, Peoples Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.

• Sprint COVID-19 Response

  No service terminations and waived late fees for those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

• T-Mobile COVID-19 Response

  Increased data allowances and other supports for customers

• Flip the Switch

  Many parents are finding themselves faced with securing alternate means of childcare as school districts across the country close temporarily. Many of these parents will balance the need to work with the need to find...

• Electronic Portal for SSI Recipients

  The IRS has an electronic portal to assist people on SSI and other non-filers in receiving their stimulus payments.  Individuals can go to the portal, enter their personal information and that information will be utilized...

• Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

  The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities achieve full community participation through employment, education and independent living opportunities. Use the DORS office locator to find an office...

• Darkness to Light

  Darkness to Light’s Talking to Kids About Safety From Sexual Abuse – If a shorter option is more appropriate than the full Stewards of Children® training, we’re making our Talking to Kids About Safety From...

• COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities, their Families, Service Providers and the Workforce that Supports them

  This list of resources have been compiled by the UIC Institute on Disability and Human Development.to help people with disabilities, their families, service providers and the workforce that supports them have access to the latest...

• Coronavirus at Work: FAQs Around Disabilities

  Understood’s Workplace Initiative has collected key resources from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and others.

• Conversation Starter Kit

  The Conversation Starter Kit is a useful tool to help you have the conversation with a family member, friend, or other loved one about your – or their – wishes regarding end-of-life care.

• Chambana Moms Coronavirus

  Updates from local group on Coronavirus

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has broadened access to Medicare telehealth services so that beneficiaries can receive a wider range of services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare...

• Catholic Charities COPE Line

  A free service for all people living in the 28-county Springfield diocese. Therapists will provide a calming, professional and empathetic ear to those experiencing situational stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. Call (217) 321-8343.

• Benefits.gov – Finding the Right Help During the COVID-19 Outbreak

  Helpful information on government benefits such as unemployment resources and healthcare coverage as well as resources for businesses and families.

• CaringInfo

  CaringInfo, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, provides free resources to educate and empower patients and caregivers to make decisions about serious illness and end-of-life care and services. The site provides guides...

• Advance Directives

  CaringInfo provides free advance directives and instructions for each state that can be opened as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file.

• Citizens Utility Board – COVID-19 Help Center

  If you are having difficulty affording your utility bills during the pandemic, there is money available for lower-income families. Visit the Citizens Utility Board’s Help Center for more information.

• Verizon COVID-19 Response

  Verizon COVID-19 response, following the FCC agreement to waive late fees, no cutoff service, etc.

• Self-Care for Caregivers

  To be able to care for the people you love, you must first take care of yourself. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides tips, tools and resources to help caregivers take care of...

• Sign Language Interpreter Directory

  The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission maintains a directory of sign language interpreters. You can search the directory by an interpreter’s name or by region/county.

• Communication Wallet Card

  The Secretary of State’s Office offers an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Communication Wallet Card to help notify law enforcement that a person may have difficulty communicating. Applicant’s may request the wallet card at...

• Parent Institute Lectures for Families of Children With Hearing Loss

  The Institute for Parents of Preschool Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is a one-week program for parents of children ages 5 and under who have a significant hearing loss. It takes place...

• The Importance of Healthcare Transition

  Transition not only includes vocational goals and community involvement but also health care transition. This includes discussing and planning for maximizing the potential for self-management of health care, along with age-appropriate health care as they...

• “Consider the Alternatives: Decision-Making Options for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities”

  As youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are making plans to attend college, it is more important than ever that families become fully informed about guardianship as well as less-limiting alternatives. This brief, written...

• National Resource Center on Supported Decision-Making

  The National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making is dedicated to protecting everyone’s right to make choices. Supported decision-making is a way people with disabilities can make their own decisions and stay in charge of their...

• Illinois Legal Aid Online

  Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) provides plain-language, 24/7 tools in three languages so families can understand and assert their legal rights. ILAO helps people who are unable to find or afford attorneys open opportunities for...

• DSCC’s Guardianship and Alternatives Tip Sheet

  This transition tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children can help you explore guardianship or another form of support to protect adults who cannot make decisions on their own. It includes information...

• Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for Transition-Age Youth in Care

  Information and resources for youth in care and their foster families on promoting independence and self-sufficiency. The website includes the Foster Care Transition Toolkit and Supporting Emancipated Youth Services Program (More information is available on...

• Illinois ABLE

  Illinois ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without losing, or losing access...

• “What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18”

  This publication helps youth prepare for the transition from school to adult life. It provides information about SSI work incentives that primarily affect youth, as well as information about common programs and services that parents,...

• Internet Essentials

  Since 2011, Internet Essentials from Comcast has connected more than 8 million low‑income Americans to low‑cost, high‑speed Internet at home. Families may qualify if they are eligible for public assistance programs including the National School...

• The Parent Advocacy App for Families of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Children

  The Parent Advocacy app is a free application for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing attending Individualized Education Program meetings, 504 Plan meetings and more. The app aims to help you...

• Illinois STAR NET Region VI

  STAR NET Region VI is part of the Illinois STAR NET system and is supported through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education in cooperation with Southwest Cooperative. STAR NET provides training, consultation and...

• Building a Resume: Tips for Youth with Disabilities

  PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment provides these tips for young people with disabilities and their families on effective strategies for building the first resume.

• National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)

  The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS ) is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual...

• Illinois Nutrition Education Programs (INEP)

  INEP are part of University of Illinois Extension and provide nutrition education to individuals and families in communities around the state of Illinois. Through nutrition and cooking classes, interactive displays, and online resources, the program...

• Resources for Inclusion in Physical Activity and Youth with Disability

  The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) compiled links to a multitude of resources related to children with disabilities and their inclusion in physical activities in this guide.

• Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education

  SHAPE America provides guidance to Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education for students with disabilities. The document was developed as a resource for physical educators, adapted physical educators, school district administrators and parents as...

• PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center

  PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources and information regarding the bullying and harassment of students with disabilities.

• PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment

  Information and resources for families of youth with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, higher education and more.

• PACER’s Transition Health Plan for Youth with Disabilities and their Families

  PACER’s Transition Health Plan for Youth with Disabilities and Their Families is designed to help parents and youth assess where they are at and plan next steps to prepare youth to take on more responsibility...

• Sibling Leadership Network

  The Sibling Leadership Network provides siblings of individuals with disabilities the information, support and tools to advocate with their brothers and sisters. Their website offers ways to get involved, policy and advocacy information, and family-specific resources...

• Sibling Resources: A Bibliography of Selected Resources for Siblings of Children with Disabilities

  PACER Center has a list of Sibling Resources for families to explore that offer support, resources and stories about siblings of children with disabilities. The annotated bibliography includes articles and books written for adults, books...

• Danny Did Foundation

  The Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing the SUDEP communication model...

• Together We Prepare – American Sign Language Videos to Help Prepare for Emergencies for People with Disabilities

  This series of videos created by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission provide vital information and preparedness messages in American Sign Language (ASL). Topics include: Emergency planning...

• Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with Access and Functional Needs

  A guidebook from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency that provides preparedness tips for people with visual, cognitive or mobility impairments; people who are deaf or hard of hearing; those who utilize service animals or life support systems; and...

• Resources for Voters With Disabilities

  The U.S. Election Assistance Commission created this comprehensive list of resources for voters with disabilities, which includes links to voting accessibility laws and regulations and the latest best practices and research pertaining to voters with disabilities....

• Transition QuickGuide: Take Charge of Planning and Managing Your Own Health and Career Goals

  The Transition QuickGuide checklist provides information and resources about health insurance coverage, self-care, health care transition, decision-making and career planning and management.

• American Heart Association Support Network

  A free online social community of survivors and family caregivers who share information and inspiration. Support Network members trade tips, compare notes and shore each other up when the going gets rough. Members also have...

• Sleep Help for Individuals With ASD

  Autism Speaks offers parents helpful tips for establishing good sleep hygiene and tool kits targeting sleep strategies for children, teens and adults on the spectrum.

• Free Resources for People and Families with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

  The JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) has shared this one-page information sheet that lists available resources for those living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

• DSCC’s Pediatric Versus Adult Healthcare Tip Sheet

  When you become an adult, your experience at the doctor’s office and the hospital might be different from what you are used to. This fact sheet explains some of the changes you might notice. Pediatric...

• Special Recreation Associations in Illinois

  The Special Recreation Associations Network of Illinois (SRANI) is a network of therapeutic recreation agencies. Special Recreation Associations provide community-based special recreation services to children and adults with disabilities. You can see a list of...

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission

  The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) provides Illinois students with information and assistance to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable. ISAC offers free comprehensive, objective, and timely information on education and financial...

• DSCC’s Health Care Transition Tip Sheet

  Health care transition means moving from pediatric (child) to adult health care. A good transition takes planning. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) can help you and your family...

• National Fatherhood Initiative

  The National Fatherhood Initiative is a non-profit organization that aims to end father absence. They provide a variety of free resources for dads and organizations.

• Developmental Disability Services

  The Illinois Department of Human Services has information about how to apply for developmental disability services.

• Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities

  The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) helps lead change in Illinois so all people with developmental disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom. ICDD provides information, investments and initiatives to ensure that...

• HealthWell Foundation

  The HealthWell Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-altering diseases. It provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to cover copays, health care premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

• Consumer Safety

  ConsumerSafety.org strives to make information about recalls and safety-related news about drugs, medical devices, food and consumer products accessible to everyone in a transparent, easily understandable way.

• Central Illinois Public Transit

  Central Illinois Public Transit provides reliable and timely transportation that is wheelchair-accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The program serves the counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.

• The Journey Through Diagnosis: A Guide for Families of Children with a Genetic Condition

  The Family Forum of the Region 4 Midwest Genetics Collaborative wrote this guide to provide information and support to families whose child has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. It is written from the family perspective and includes information...

• IEP Organization Tips

  Understood.org gives parents step-by-step instructions for how to create an individualized education program (IEP) binder that sorts their child’s evaluation reports, IEP, report cards and other paperwork. The site includes an IEP binder checklist, school contact sheet, parent-school communication...

• Transition Information Sheet for Families

  The Transition Information Sheet for Families (05.92) provides guidance for parents to know when and how to support their child/youth to begin managing their own health conditions and health care services.

• Wheelchair Maintenance Guide

  This guide provides basic tips for keeping your wheelchair in good working order.

• Illinois Respite Coalition

  The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC assists caregivers by connecting...

• Genetic Task Force of Illinois

  Provides information about genetic services available statewide.  GTFI’s areas of focus include advocacy, networking, and continuing education.

• Supporting Illinois Brother and Sisters (S.I.B.S.)

  Supporting Illinois Brother and Sisters’ (S.I.B.S.) mission is to provide support to siblings of people with disabilities in Illinois by connecting them with information, networking opportunities and resources in order to enhance the quality of...

• DSCC’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tip Sheet

  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet provides information about the ADA, your rights under...

• Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page

  Tracheostomy.com (Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page) is an independent, family-run website that provides information about home care for children with tracheostomies (trachs) as well as parent-to-parent networking and support.

• Spanish Language Resources for Families & Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

  Hands & Voices (Manos y Voces): Unbiased parent-to-parent support and Spanish-language resources for families and children who are Deaf or hard of hearing. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (La Asociación del Habla, Lenguaje y Audición):  The organization provides...

• Create Your Own Communication Card

  The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission developed the Communication Card to provide individuals with hearing loss a simple way to inform others of their communication needs and list the name and contact information...

• Illinois STAR NET Regions I & III

  STAR NET provides training, consultation, and resources to the early childhood community in Illinois.  They offerprovide early childhood development workshops and webinars. STAR NET also provides information on how to apply for financial assistance to...

• DSCC’s Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare and their families/caregivers build important problem-solving and decision-making skills. This tip sheet includes suggestions, steps and resources for...

• Free & Reduced Price School Meals

  Your child’s school offers healthy meals every school day. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals.  The application form and more information about the program and how to apply can...

• Medical Grants Through United Healthcare Children’s Foundation

  United Healthcare Children’s Foundation’s (UHCCF) mission is to help fill the gap between what medical services/items/equipment a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for. UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for...

• Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy

  Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys go to Wrightslaw for information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

• Dental Coverage for Illinois Medicaid

  Find out what dental services are covered by Illinois Medicaid and where you can get them.

• Kruger’s ATA Martial Arts Programs in Danville

  Kruger’s ATA Black Belt Academy of Danville offers classes that help students of all ages and abilities learn to set goals and challenge themselves mentally and physically. Parents are encouraged to attend classes with their...

• National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders

  The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. The website offers health information and...

• Save Babies Through Newborn Screening

  Save Babies Through Screening Foundation educates parents, pediatric healthcare providers, and policy makers about available comprehensive newborn screening, the importance of obtaining positive or other test results requiring follow-up actions within 5 days of birth,...

• 211

  United Way supports 211 a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A toll-free call to 211 connects...

• Illinois STAR NET

  Illinois STAR NET helps provide early childhood professionals and families with the supports needed to provide all children with a high quality, equitable education in inclusive environments. STAR NET provides workshops, funding opportunities, technical assistance...

• College Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

  Information from College Scholarships.org about college scholarships available to students with disabilities.

• Illinois Talking Book Outreach Center

  Provides books on tape and listening equipment free of charge for persons with visual deficits or reading disabilities.

• Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center

  Assists families and youths in crisis. Services focus on housing, relationships, homeless youth, youth needing family intervention, and counseling.

• Job Corps

  Job Corps is a comprehensive program that provides essential academics and career skills training. The program helps eligible youth ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists...

• Illinois Department of Employment Security Youth Program

  The Hire the Future Program at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is designed to provide youth ages 16 to 24 with employment assistance, job readiness and career development services. You c an find out...

• Employment Services – Cornerstone Services

  Cornerstone Services’ Employment Services help people with disabilities gain and maintain employment in the community. Services are available in Will, Kankakee and southern Cook counties. Services include career counseling, job development and job coaching.

• Support Employment Services – Trinity

  The Career Access Network at Trinity Services assists people with disabilities and mental illness in finding community-based employment with competitive earnings and benefits. For more information, contact Employment Services Director Samantha Stockman at 815-462-3652 or...

• Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec)

  Infinite Potential Through Technology (Infinitec) brings assistive technology to people with disabilities in Illinois. Infinitec provides information about assistive technology as well as training, equipment and access to specialists and resources. Infinitec includes information about...

• The Arc of Illinois

  Empowers persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life.

• Services of Will, Grundy & Kankakee Counties, Inc. (CFC #15) Early Intervention

  Provides resources and support for children 0-3 with developmental disabilities in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties. 2300 Glenwood Avenue Joliet, IL 60436 (888) 329-0633

• Great Lakes ADA Center

  Promotes voluntary compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act utilizing local resources to provide trainings, technical assistance, and engage in capacity building around the state.

• Client Assistance Program

  Helps you understand and apply for services from Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services.

• DSCC’s Health Care Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth

  DSCC’s Health Care Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth provides a checklist for youth to use to identify what they know about their health, self-care skills and abilities they have met, and areas where they may...

• The Shannon Foundation

  This non-profit organization helps pay for medical care for children whose families need financial assistance.

• Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois

  Variety of Illinois’ mission is to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities by providing the equipment and experiences needed to reach their highest potential. Its programs include Variety at Play, which offers...

• Title V Programs by State

  The Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, Title V of the Social Security Act, is a federal program that aims to improve the health of all women, children and families. Each state has a...

• Home Accessibility Program (HAP)

  Funded by the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, HAP provides funding to local governments and non-profit organizations throughout Illinois to provide home accessibility grants to their local constituency. These grants help people stay in their homes...

• Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR) in Bloomington-Normal

  SOAR is a community-based therapeutic recreation program. Leisure, social and developmental skills are emphasized to promote the highest level of recreation participation possible. Check the website for eligibility, transportation options, and the calendar of events....

• Immune Deficiency Foundation

  The Immune Deficiency Foundation is  a nationwide organization that can assist with finding specialists, providing financial assistance and providing educational materials. Primary immune deficiency diseases are a group of relatively rare conditions caused by intrinsic or genetic...

• DSCC’s Mental Health Resources for Youth Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) Mental Health Resources tip sheet provides a listing of websites, fact sheets and videos to help youth and their families find mental health resources. Mental Health Resources...

• DSCC’s Education Skills Checklist

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) education skills checklist can help youth and their families identify the skills and abilities they have met as well as those areas where they may need more...

• Transition to Employment & Adult Services

  The Arc of Illinois Family to Family Health Information and Education Center’s Family Transition Manual provides help for families of young adults with developmental disabilities preparing to transition from school and services for children to...

• DSCC’s Work Skills Checklist

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) Work Skills Checklist is designed to help youth identify work-related skills they have and other areas where they may need more focus. Some of these activities may...

• Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS)

  The Plan to Achieve Self Support or PASS for people with disabilities is a written plan of action for getting a particular kind of job or starting a business offered by the Social Security Administration. ...

• Got Transition

  Got Transition aims to help youth and young adults move from pediatric to adult health care. Its website includes frequently asked questions and resources for youth and young adults as well as parents and caregivers....

• DSCC’s Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist

  There are many activities that youth with specialized healthcare needs can practice doing to become more self-reliant and ready for their desired adult living arrangements. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this...

• DSCC’s Skills Checklist – Social

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this checklist to help youth gain important social skills and abilities needed to reach their highest level of independence.  Youth can use this checklist to identify...

• DSCC’s Travel Safety Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet for youth with special healthcare needs and their families to encourage travel safety. The tip sheet also provides information about adaptive driver programs...

• DSCC’s Drugs and Smoking Tip Sheet for Teens

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs understand the importance of taking care of their bodies and knowing the facts about using tobacco,...

• DSCC’s Importance of Friendships Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs learn about the importance of making friends, sharing ideas and interests, and respecting themselves and others....

• DSCC’s Relationships and Sexuality Development Tip Sheet

  Teens with disabilities have the same feelings, needs and desires as people without disabilities. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs understand these...

• DSCC’s Chores for Teens Tip Sheet

  It’s important for teens to help around the house. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) will help teens with special healthcare needs understand how being responsible for chores at...

• DSCC’s Staying Healthy Tip Sheet for Teens

  Teens of all ages and abilities can improve their quality of life through regular, moderate physical activity. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help teens learn about the...

• DSCC’s Managing Stress Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs learn how to recognize and manage stress. The tip sheet includes information about: Recognizing the signs...

• DSCC’s Home Fire Safety Skills Tip Sheet

  A fire can happen at any time. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn about practicing fire safety in...

• DSCC’s My Body is Changing Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs navigate puberty and learn about the changes they are experiencing. The tip sheet also includes information...

• DSCC’s Preparing for Adult Living Tip Sheet

  It’s important for you make the most of your abilities and acknowledge your limitations. This understanding will help you know where you can improve and where you need accommodations. This tip sheet from the Division...

• DSCC’s Exploring Home-Based Supports Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore programs, supports and housing options that best suit their needs. This tip...

• DSCC’s What To Do In A Medical Emergency Tip Sheet

  Emergencies can happen at any time. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) can help transition-age youth prepare for emergency situations. It includes information on how to make a plan...

• DSCC’s Primary Care for Teens Tip Sheet

  Primary care providers keep you healthy and take care of you when you get sick. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children can help teens understand the importance of seeing their...

• DSCC’s Annual Health Visits for Teens Tip Sheet

  Regular checkups or health visits are a part of everyone’s life. This tip sheet helps young adults understand the importance of annual health visits during the transition to adulthood. Annual Health Visits for Teens Tip...

• DSCC’s Insurance for Children Tip Sheet

  It’s important to understand how your insurance works. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) covers what to know about your child’s insurance coverage. Insurance for Children tip sheet in...

• DSCC’s Knowing Your Health Care Needs Tip Sheet

  Learning about your health can help you stay healthy and speak up for yourself to get your needs met. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) can help transition-age youth...

• DSCC’s Making Your Own Appointments Tip Sheet

  Making a doctor’s appointment and preparing for the visit is important to maintaining your health. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) can help transition-age youth with scheduling and tracking...

• DSCC’s Managing Medication Tip Sheet

  It’s important to take medications as directed. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) can help you manage your medications. It includes information on things to know about your medication,...

• DSCC’s Medical Treatments and Teens Tip Sheet

  Taking care of your special healthcare needs is key to living more independently. This tip sheet for teens from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) provides information on taking more responsibility for self...

• DSCC’s Finding an Adult Healthcare Provider Tip Sheet

  This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) provides helpful information for making the transition to adult healthcare providers. You should begin seeing an adult doctor around ages 18 to 21....

• DSCC’s Financial Skills Checklist

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) Financial Skills Checklist provides information to help youth identify money management skills they have mastered, and the areas where they may need additional focus. Some of these...

• DSCC’s Money Management Skills Tip Sheet

  As you begin to transition to adulthood, you can begin to manage (or co-manage) your money. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this Money Management Skills Tip Sheet to help youth with...

• DSCC’s Point of Entry to Services in Illinois for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities (PUNS) Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn about registering for PUNS. PUNS stands for Prioritization of Urgency of Need...

• DSCC’s Employment Activities: Learning Job Skills Tip Sheet

  Would you like to get a job? This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) employment activities tip sheet can help youth with disabilities explore the job skills needed to be ready to go to...

• DSCC’s Gaining Work Experience Tip Sheet

  There are many ways to get work experience and find a job you love. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Gaining Work Experience tip sheet was created to help youth with special healthcare...

• DSCC’s Vocational Training Tip Sheet

  It’s never to early to think about the job you want to do after high school. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs...

• DSCC’s Find Your Strengths and Talents Tip Sheet

  The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs find their personal strengths and abilities. These talents, strengths and areas of interest can be stepping...

• DSCC’s Adolescent Development Tip Sheet

  As youth with special healthcare needs transition to adulthood, they may undergo many physical, emotional and behavioral changes. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) covers what both teens and...

• School Meetings for Children and Preteens: Skills Tips

  School Meetings for Children:  (English) (Spanish) School Meetings for Preteens:  (English) (Spanish)

• DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College Tip Sheet

  Youth with disabilities preparing for college can use this Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet to learn about the types of accommodations available and how to receive them. DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations...

• DSCC’s Planning and Going to College Tip Sheet

  Knowing your strengths, setting goals, and understanding the options and supports available for attending college is important. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare...

• Transition Timeline

  This tool can help you and your child prepare for the many transitions that life brings. It is available in English and Spanish.

• Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities Website and Helpline

  The Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Possible services include in-home supports, respite care, job coaches, residential living arrangements, adaptive equipment and others. To...

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

  A resource to search Medicaid Waivers for each state.

• OneSight

  OneSight is a nonprofit committed to ending the global vision care crisis. Through OneSight’s OnSite Voucher Program, eligible patients can receive glasses free of charge. See OneSight’s frequently-asked question page for more details.

• The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)

  The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is a collaboration of five universities and 10 organizations that together operate 20 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, childcare providers, and medical...

• Special Needs Resource Project

  The Special Needs Resource Project provides a basic guide for parents of children with chronic health issues, disabilities, and special needs.

• Illinois workNet

  Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more. Illinois workNet includes Disability Works,...

• Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living

  The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities...

• Attention Deficit Disorder Resources

  Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national non-profit organization that helps people with ADD/ADHD achieve their potential through education, support & networking.

• Sibling Support Project

  The Sibling Support Project is a  national program dedicated to the lifelong and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental and mental health needs. The project offers support,...

• Amtryke

  AMBUCS is a non-profit organization that makes and gives away therapeutic tricycles called Amtrykes. For parents, the Amtryke fills the need of every child to have a bike—just like their siblings and friends. Many riders...

• National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home

  The National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home provides information, support, and advocacy for families and pediatric healthcare professionals who care for children with special needs in managed care arrangements. The “medical home” isn’t a...

• Region 4 Genetics

  Learn about the newborn screening information in Illinois and bordering states in Region 4.

• Starbright World

  This site has been created for teens with chronic and life threatening medical conditions, and their siblings. The goal of the site is to help teens connect with other youth like themselves.

• Brain Injury Association of Illinois

  The Brain Association of Illinois (BAI) is a statewide, non-profit organization providing advocacy, information and support to people with brain injuries, family members, friends and rehabilitation professionals. The BIA of IL is part of a...

• United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter

  The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter (USAIC)  is a non-profit offering information and support resources for people paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions. It also serves family members and health care and related professionals serving...

• United Cerebral Palsy

  United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) promotes a life of inclusion and provides resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families and communities. The UCP website has resources on topics including assistive technology, housing...

• RxAssist

  RxAssist can help you learn about ways to use pharmaceutical company programs and other resources to help reduce your medication costs.

• Drug Watch

  Drugwatch.com includes up-to-date information about prescription and over-the-counter medications and details about associated drug side effects to aid in the protection of patients and consumers.

• My Special Diet

  A website devoted to the management of a metabolic diet, information about products, recipes.

• Healthy Children

  HealthyChildren.org is the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The site provides the latest information to help support the optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children,...

• Your Genes Your Health

  The webpage focuses on several genetic conditions with explanations and illustrations of the genetics of the condition.

• CaringBridge

  CaringBridge is a no-cost, nonprofit health platform that surrounds family caregivers with support while they are caring for a loved one on a health journey. CaringBridge offers tools to: Share and document a health journey...

• Office of Disability Employment Policy

  This agency provides national leadership by developing and influencing disability employment-related policies

• WIC Fact Sheet

  WIC is a food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy. the Fact Sheet discusses the program and gives delivery methods.

• Illinois Guide By Your Side

  Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side (GBYS) is a free program providing unbiased information, one-on-one support and resources and trained Parent Guides to talk and/or meet with you if you have a child...

• Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program

  The Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (IL EHDI) Program works to ensure families of babies and children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive appropriate and timely services. These services include hearing screening,...

• Institute on Disability and Human Development

  The Institute is dedicated to promoting the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society.

• Illinois Early Learning Project

  The Illinois Early Learning Project provides evidence-based, early care and education information for parents, caregivers and teachers of young children in the state of Illinois. The site provides a wide range of information on important...

• State of Illinois Deaf & Hard of Hearing Commission

  Provides information for those who are deaf or hard of hearing or for those who need information about this population.

• Autism Speaks

  Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources...

• Autism Society of America

  The Autism Society of America provides advocacy, education, information and referral, support and community at the national, state and local levels through its nationwide network of affiliates.

• Radon Kits

  The Illinois Emergency Management Agency Radon program staff informs Illinois citizens about the risks associated with radon and how to reduce radon levels in their homes.

• The Chicago Lighthouse

  The Chicago Lighthouse is a social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and veteran communities. It provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages throughout Chicagoland....

• The Humanitarian Foundation

  The Humanitarian Foundation Grottoes International program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, including hospital and anesthesia costs, for children with Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Organ Transplants or Muscular Dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders.

• Health & Disability Advocate

  This organization is committed to protecting the rights of children, people with disabilities, & low income adults.

• MSUD Family Support Group

  The website includes information about the condition Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

• State of Illinois Health & Wellness

  This site has the special state health care programs listed and links to them. It is a good site when you are searching for a state medical program.

• National Center for Hearing Assessment & Management

  Supports early and continuous screening and works to ensure newborns with hearing losses are identified.

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

  The mission of the Institute (NIDCR) is to improve oral, dental and craniofacial health through research, research training, and the dissemination of health information.

• National Center for Cultural Competence

  Supports family participation and satisfaction and strives to increase the capacity of health and mental health programs.

• The Catalyst Center

  National center dedicated to improving health care insurance and financing for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).

• PKU Organization of Illinois

  The PKU Organization of Illinois provides resources and support to teens, adults and families with PKU and 16 allied disorders. Their website includes information about understanding and managing phenylketonuria (PKU), diet, local resources, events, what...

• National PKU Alliance

  The National Phenylketonuria (PKU) Alliance (NPKUA) provides help with understanding and managing PKU from diagnosis to adulthood. NPKUA resources include a New Parent Toolkit, a downloadable PKU Binder, and information on the latest treatments, insurance...

• Illinois Provider Directory for Children with Disabilities

  This online directory can be used to locate providers serving Illinois children. Search by specialty, search by services, or search by city or county where you wish to obtain care.

• National Consortium on Deaf-Blind

  Clearinghouse is a federally funded information and referral service for children ages 0-21 years who are deaf-blind.  Site provides access to a broad spectrum of information at no cost.

• Kids Camps

  All types of camps are listed in this camp directory.  The directory includes special needs camps, residential camps, day camps and more.

• LifeLine Pilots

  LifeLine Pilots is a non-profit group providing free air transportation to patients seeking a second opinion or in need of treatment at a clinic far from home for non-emergency medical needs. The organization serves individuals...

• Illinois Assistive Technology Program

  The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers. IATP provides...

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

  Information about allergies and asthma. You can find out the pollen and spore counts for the area in which you live or plan to travel to.

• Equip for Equality

  Equip for Equality is an independent agency whose primary goal is protecting the civil and human rights of citizens with disabilities. Equip for Equality offers assistance that includes: Self-advocacy assistance Legal services Monitoring Training

• State of Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan

  CHIP, a state program, to provide health insurance to residents who due to existence/history of a medical condition, are unable to acquire insurance.

• Bright Futures

  Bright Futures is a national child health initiative focused on prevention and health promotion for infants, children, adolescents and their families. The Bright Futures website provides a number of resources for children, teens and families and...

• Adolescent Health Transition Project

  Information provided by the state of Washington on health care transition  for youths, families and professionals.

• Illinois Employment & Training Center Network / Transition

  One-stop shops providing workforce development services.

• Transition Coalition

  Information, support and linkages for all people interested and involved in transition. Free publications available.

• Air Transportation: Charitable Resources

  Bridges4Kids web site provides a list of charitable organizations that will provide free air transport for needy individuals to access needed health care services.

• Early Intervention-Illinois Department of Human Services

  Illinois’ Early Intervention Service System serves children less than 36 months of age with disabilities or developmental delays, or who are at risk of substantial delays.

• Newborn Screening: IDPH Genetics Program

  This explains the Illinois newborn genetic screening program.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  Information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• All Kids (Formerly KidCare)

  The All Kids program offers many Illinois children comprehensive healthcare that includes doctors visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care and medical devices like eyeglasses and asthma inhalers. Some families pay monthly premiums...

• Families USA

  Extensive information on health care policy for all ages, lots on Medicaid, SCHIP, helpful consumer publications and fact sheets.

• ERIC: Education Resources Information Center

  ERIC is an online library of education research and information, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education.

• NORD: National Organization for Rare Disorders

  The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) offers support, information and a variety of events for clinicians, researchers, patients and families affected by rare diseases. NORD’s Resource Center provides patients and caregivers with free webinars,...

• Comeunity

  ComeUnity is a parent support website with resources on parenting children with special needs, adoption, child development and multiple lists of groups and organizations providing information on specific topics or areas. Visit www.comeunity.com/index.html.

• PACER Center

  PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. It serves families across the nation. Parents can find publications, workshops and...

• Shriner’s Hospitals for Children

  Shriners Hospitals for Children has a mission to provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.

• Healthfinder

  US govt. web site with links to a wide variety of health and human services information sources. Links to online medical dictionaries, libraries, support groups, and other agencies.

• KidsHealth

  Nemours KidsHealth provides doctor-reviewed articles, videos and health information on a wide range of topics for parents, kids, teens and educators in English and Spanish. KidsHealth offers information on growth and development, diseases and conditions,...

• American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association

  The American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a non-profit association of individuals and healthcare professionals interested in clinical care and research advancements for those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions. ACPA provides: Important...

• Family Voices of Illinois & F2F Health Information Center

  The Arc of Illinois Family to Family Health Information Center is a free service for families of children and youth with special needs.  The Center is a collaborative project with Family Voices of Illinois and...

• American Board of Medical Specialties

  The American Board of Medical Specialties’® (ABMS®) 24 Member Boards certify doctors in 38 specialties and 89 subspecialties, following rigorous standards for training and assessment. ABMS® provides a board certification lookup tool that allows patients...

• AMA Doctor Finder

  AMA Physician Select provides information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States and its possessions.

• Homemods.org

  Home modification refers to converting or adapting the environment in order to make performing tasks easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living. Homemods.org provides home modification information, where to find funding, tip sheets and checklists, and...

• National Immunization Program (NIP)

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides answers to your questions about immunizations.

• Compassionate Friends

  The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a self-help bereavement organization, providing support to bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and close family members who are going through the natural grieving process following the death of a child of...

• Center for Parent Information and Resources (formerly NICHCY)

  The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) is a central “hub” for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities nationwide. Materials on CPIR’s website are user-centered and created for and...

• Needy Meds

  NeedyMeds is a national non-profit organization providing information on healthcare and medication programs designed to help people afford their medications and other healthcare costs. NeedyMeds can help with paying for prescriptions, finding a free clinic...

• Social Security Administration

  Provides information about the Disability Determination process and Social Security Disability publications and information.

• Universal Telephone Assistance Program

  Linkup and Lifeline are two federally funded programs that assist families with paying for telephone installation and monthly service.  Eligibility requirements apply.

• InfantSEE

  InfantSEE is a public health program that provides a no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants 6-12 months old, regardless of a family’s income or access to insurance coverage. The assessment is designed to...

• Illinois Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services

  Illinois’ Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services system offers services including day services, home-based services, Early Intervention services, disability determination services and other supports. Visit the Developmental Disability Services page for more information. You can also...

• Illinois Hands & Voices

  Illinois Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to helping families with children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Families can learn about the variety of resources and options available to them and how...

• Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection

  The Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection responds to consumer complaints in areas including health care services and providers, home repair, identity theft and more. It also enforces related Illinois consumer fraud laws. The...

• Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: License Lookup

  The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation aims to ensure that competent professionals are licensed to provide services to the public. You can use its License Lookup for many professions, including physicians, nurses and...

• DentaQuest

  DentaQuest serves eligible residents across Illinois with a Medicaid dental plan. It can help you understand your benefits so you can make the most of your Illinois Medicaid dental coverage.

• Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse

  The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse is a lending library and information resource for families and professionals interested in or involved with the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program. It also provides support groups in English and...

• Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center

  Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (Family Matters PTIC) empowers parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes and enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities. Family Matters...

• FDA Information: At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests

  The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) provides general information about at-home over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Individuals can use these FDA-authorized tests at home to self-test for COVID. This site also provides...

• MISS Foundation

  The MISS Foundation provides support for families struggling with traumatic grief. Its website provides quick access to counseling resources, advocacy information, research on traumatic grief, education for healthcare providers and community members, and support services...

• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

  The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) website provides information to help you learn more about heart, lung, blood and sleep conditions as well as diagnostic tests and treatments. The NHLBI website’s health topics...

• Great Lake ADA Center

  The Great Lakes ADA Center‘s mission is to increase awareness and knowledge with the ultimate goal of achieving voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The center provides information, resources, technical assistance and training...

• MedlinePlus

  MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. It is a service of the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library, which is part of the National...

• IFLOSS

  IFLOSS is a public-private partnership that aims to improve the oral health of all Illinois residents through advocacy and education.

• Illinois Department of Human Services

  The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) provides services and programs to help Illinois residents become economically independent and self-sufficient, including food, financial assistance, mental health, child care, shelter/housing and more. Its divisions include: Developmental...

• Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

  The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is responsible for providing healthcare coverage for adults and children who qualify for Medicaid. Its programs include All Kids, Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities, Managed...

• Illinois Life Span Program

  The Illinois Life Span (ILS) Program is a program of The Arc of Illinois that provides statewide resources and information, focused on developmental disability services and supports. Its website includes a resource locator that can...

• Illinois State Board of Education

  The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is state agency providing information and resources on all aspects of education, including early childhood, general education, special education and assistive technology.

• Hands & Voices

  Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are non-biased about communication methodologies and believe that families can make the best...

• FDA-Approved Drugs Database

  This FDA-Approved Drugs alphabetical listing covers the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) drug approvals. You can search by drug name, active ingredient or application number.