Resource Directory /

DSCC Fact Sheets Resources

  • 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 Answer, Inc.

    The Answer, Inc. provides resources and education, recreation and advocacy services to families with loved ones with autism and developmental disabilities in the greater Chicago area.

    Visit The Answer, Inc., website for more information.

  • The Arc of Illinois

    The Arc of Illinois advocates for and empowers people with disabilities and their families to reach their goals and fully participate in community life. The Arc of Illinois provides information, resources, family support, and training to help make Illinois a place where people with disabilities can learn, play, work, and live in communities across the state.

    The Arc of Illinois services and programs include:

    • The Illinois Life Span program
    • Children’s services and caregiver support
    • Monthly webinars
    • Assistive technology resources
    • The Arc of Illinois fact sheets and more

  • 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 22.

    The center focuses on sharing the most thorough, up-to-date resources regarding health insurance options, government benefits, youth transition concerns and more to help children thrive in their community.

    For more information, call (815) 464-1832, ext. 1017, or email familytofamily@thearcofil.org or mary@thearcofil.org.

  • 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 with I/DD, their family members and friends, professionals who support them and other members of the community on areas such as person-centered planning, decision-making, housing options and financial planning.

  • 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.

  • 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 and wellness, virtual clubs, and more. Service providers can also find and share resources to facilitate or deliver live, remote programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • The Arc@School Special Education Initiative

    The Arc@School‘s online advocacy curriculum provides the basic information that parents, educators and other advocates need to support students and families in navigating the special education system, including understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Early Intervention services, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 and more.

    The program offers information on the supports, services and rights for students with disabilities.

    The Arc@School program is also available in Spanish.

  • 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 connecting families.

    The collective coordinates early identification, diagnosis, therapy, services and support. Its care coordination services are available throughout Illinois (outside of Chicago).

  • The Autism Hero Project

    The Autism Hero Project champions inclusion and fosters an environment where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, is valued and empowered to thrive. The organization helps support, equip and foster acceptance of people with autism.

    The Autism Hero Project provides:

    The Autism Hero Project Medical Insurance Grant Application program application period usually runs from September through October. If you have any application questions, please email applications@autismheroproject.org.