DSCC Fact Sheets Resources
Parents of Extraordinary Children
Parents of Extraordinary Children (PEXC) is a nonprofit that aims to inform, empower, support and help advocate for families of children and young adults with disabilities within the southeast side of Chicago.
With the help of volunteers and representatives from city-wide organizations, PEXC provides opportunities for Individualized Education Program (IEP) training, learning to navigate the special education process, understanding terminology, initiating the process of evaluation, the transition to adulthood and more.
PEXC has a Sensory Space and Resource Center and offers an “All Inclusive Support Group” on a monthly basis for families.
For more information, call (312) 600-5479 or email admin@pexc10thward.com.
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 an understanding of first aid and safety procedures, recognizing everyday medical emergencies and providing care for an injury or illness until professional help arrives.
Each unit takes about an hour to complete. You can complete the course at your own pace. The course costs $25 and is available through March 30, 2028. It covers:
- Administering mental health first aid
- Effectively communicating with emergency responders
- Disaster planning
- Identifying and managing common pediatric medical emergencies
- Using first aid equipment and child-specific procedures for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
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
- How to manage a mucous plug
- How to replace a trach tube that has become dislodged
- What to do if the trach tube is difficult to replace
- When to provide manual ventilation using bag to trach tube, bag and mask to mouth, and mouth to mouth
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. Healthychildren.org provides tips for talking to your pediatrician and using telehealth effectively. The information is available in several languages.
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 Disabilities,” IDHS/DRS provides general etiquette tips and information on people-first language to foster respect and inclusion for people with disabilities.
People’s Resource Center (PRC) serves DuPage County residents. It offers a food pantry, computer access, financial assistance, an art program, a clothes closet and more. Residents need to register to receive services.
Download the PRC flyer for a list of locations, services and times for:
- The food pantry
- The clothes closet
- Empowerment services
- Social services
The flyer is in English and Spanish.
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.
Peoria Friendship House/La Familia
The Peoria Friendship House offers wraparound services to empower families and meet changing community needs. Its services include a program supporting the Latino community, citizenship classes, a food pantry, health support services and youth programs. The Peoria Friendship House also provides:
- A parent mentor program
- S.T.E.A.M.S Academy for students focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math
- La Familia healing support across the lifespan
- A financial stability program
- Pantry on the Move to help reduce barriers to receiving food
Perkins School for the Blind College Readiness Resource Center
Perkins School for the Blind College Readiness Resource Center helps students and the many people involved in assisting them prepare for success. Students, families and education professionals can access helpful planning and assessment tools, checklists and resources for going to college, pre-college training programs or heading straight to work.
The College Readiness Resource Center includes:
- Resources for families to start planning early
- Information on the laws that affect the transition from high school to college
- How to get students ready for life after high school
- The College Readiness Checklist and Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) Toolkit
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.