DSCC Fact Sheets Resources
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) is a nonprofit organization serving blind individuals and their sighted friends and family of all ages. NFBI provides information, programs and well-trained leaders to help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities, and effect change at the state and national levels. Programs include:
- A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled
- Scholarship and education programs
- Voter resources
- Statewide and local chapters
Visit NFBI’s website to view the complete list of Illinois chapters and contact information.
Please contact the chapter nearest you for more information.
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 include asthma, heart-healthy living, high blood pressure, sickle cell disease and sleep apnea.
National Immunization Program (NIP)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides answers to your questions about immunizations.
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 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 resources that address these areas.
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 individuals with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS offers books in braille or audio, which can be mailed to your door for free or downloaded instantly.
NLS works to ensure that all may read by providing eligible individuals with access to reading materials, regardless of age, economic circumstances, or technical expertise.
For questions, please contact (888) 657-7323 and follow the prompts or email nls@loc.gov.
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.
Trained counselors can listen to what you’re going through, connect you with local support groups and organizations, and refer you to other healthcare professionals if you need more care.
Call or text (833) 852-6262 or (833) TLC-MAMA.
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 as they navigate through the various stages of their recovery after the diagnosis of paralysis.
NPRC offers free tips and information on health, costs and insurance, choosing a wheelchair, home and travel, and help for caregivers. NPRC also offers:
- Information specialists
- Peer and family support programs
- Updates on advocacy/policy initiatives
- A program for veterans and current service members
If you have questions, please email Peer@ChristopherReeve.org.
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 resources and more.
The National Parent Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 12 – 9 p.m. at (855) 427-2736 (855-4A PARENT).
The National Phenylketonuria (PKU) Alliance (NPKUA) provides help with understanding and managing PKU from diagnosis to adulthood. NPKUA resources include a New Parent Support Kit, a Kindergarten Kit for children entering kindergarten, a downloadable PKU Binder Toolkit, guides for educators and information on the latest treatments, insurance coverage and terms, a mentor program, cooking and food, research grants and more.
NPKUA hosts “Community Call.” These monthly peer support groups offer a place for sharing and connecting with others who understand the unique challenges of living with PKU. Please see the events calendar on NPKUA’s website for meeting times and other details for each of the following groups:
- Caregivers of children ages 0 to 3
- Caregivers of children ages 3 to 12
- Caregivers of teens ages 13 to 17
- Adults with PKU ages 18+
- Adults with PKU ages 40+