DSCC Fact Sheets Resources
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:
Free American Sign Language Classes at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills
Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC) offers free American Sign Language (ASL) classes for families who have children ages birth through high school who are deaf or hard of hearing. Deaf instructors teach the classes in sign language and written English. MVCC serves residents in Moraine Valley and Cook County.
To register for the classes and get more details, email ASL@morainevalley.edu.
The Free Formula Exchange is a nationwide mutual aid network connecting families who need baby formula to people who have formula to donate. This online tool is free to use.
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).
FreeFood.org is a website where people can find and add free food resources locally and nationwide.
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 they work to provide consistent adapted physical education (APE) services for students with disabilities.
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts provides reconstructive surgery at no cost to families of children who are uninsured, underinsured, denied procedures as cosmetic or the deductible would be a financial hardship to the family. Surgery weekends are held three times a year at Comer Children’s Hospital.
Friends of Man is a non-profit that uses 100% of donations for charitable assistance. The charity receives applications requesting mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more from referring professionals. Referring professionals include caseworkers, case managers, healthcare workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers and clergy who apply on behalf of their patients and clients.
In addition to the assistance listed above, Friends of Man can provide assistance nationwide for adaptive equipment, assistive technology, lift chairs, mobility equipment, orthopedic braces and shoes, stairlifts, vehicle adaptations and wheelchair ramps.
More details are on the Friends of Man Eligibility page.
From PUNS Enrollment to DD Waiver Services Flowchart
The Arc of Illinois’ Family Advocate Program (FAP) 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 Services) or notified in advance of a future PUNS selection.
LFAP’s resources include a “Finding Your Way” flowchart roadmap that outlines the steps from PUNS enrollment to developmental disability waiver services.
Fun4theDisabled is a community created by, for and about people with disabilities to help everyone live their best lives. Fun4theDisabled creates video and content highlighting opportunities for people with disabilities in the community, connecting them with organizations, programs and events that provide accessibility in inclusive and fun ways.
Fun4theDisabled resources include:
- Tools and information on planning for emergencies and disaster
- Video tours of Chicago-area sites, including the National Museum of Mexican Art, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo and more
- Videos featuring disability leaders, health topics and more on their Fun4theDisabled YouTube channel