Resource Directory /

DSCC Fact Sheets Resources

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 to an emergency situation and support services to victims who are in an abusive relationship. In addition, Hotline advocates can provide information and resources to concerned family and friends.

    The Hotline is confidential, available 24 hours a day and can help you no matter what language you speak. More information about the hotline and other Illinois resources is available on the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence website.

  • 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 aid for students and their families. Help includes:

    • The ISAC Student Portal with free online tools, events and resources for students, as well as short videos about college planning and financial aid.
    • State scholarship and grant programs
    • ISAC College Q&A, a free texting service that allows any student to submit their financial aid and college planning questions and receive a response from ISAC staff.

    ISAC also offers assistance through the agency’s call center at (800) 899-4722 (ISAC).

  • 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 a companion to A Parent’s Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois.​​​​​​​

    Records play an important role as you plan your child’s education. Dates, people, meetings and reports are important throughout your child’s educational career. ISBE developed the records keeper to help parents prepare for Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition meetings; get ready for evaluations and reevaluations; and keep track of paperwork and other materials.

  • 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. The organization hosts an annual conference and provides annual scholarship opportunities for teachers and students.

    ITDHH annual scholarship and grant opportunities for Illinois students and teachers include:

    • The “Hazel Bothwell Memorial Scholarships and Grants For Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing” provides funding to teachers to help strengthen learning and educational services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. You must be a current ITDHH member to apply.
    • The “Jacki Marcus Memorial Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to pursue a two- or four-year college degree. 
    • The “Pierce-Scherer Student Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to attend a vocational or trade school.

  • 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 phone service and an equipment program, which are both required by state law. Its equipment is designed specifically for people who are having difficulty hearing on the standard phone system. Information is also available in Spanish.

  • 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 groups wanting to learn more about allyship for trans and gender-expansive communities
    • Free in-person and virtual name change services
    • Name change guides
    • Educational resources

  • 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 impact of COVID-19

    Illinois Unidos is a consortium of more than 150 Latino elected and appointed officials, health professionals and representatives of community-based organizations.

  • Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) in Spring Valley

    The Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) serves individuals with disabilities and their families living in LaSalle, Marshall, Bureau, Putnam, and Stark counties. Located in Spring Valley, IVCIL provides services and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to choose what is best for themselves and their families.

    IVCIL also provides community grants. Individuals and agencies can apply year-round. Other IVCIL programs and services include:

    • Independent living and community services
    • Youth and transition services
    • Peer counseling
    • Personal assistant program
    • Site accessibility assessments