Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG)

    The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. NACG resources include:

    • Free GriefTalk Live events
    • Webinars and continuing education
    • Peer networking

  • National Association for Down Syndrome

    The National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families. NADS’ website provides a variety of webinars, publications and resources for the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.

    NADS also offers a “Congratulations Basket and Referral Program.” Please note that the organization can only deliver baskets to specific Chicago-area hospitals.

  • National Center on Deaf-Blindness

    The National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) is part of a network of projects for children and youth with deaf-blindness (birth through 21) providing information and learning and development tools for families and educators. NCDB resources include:

    An overview of deaf-blindness
    Practice guides and professional development
    Spanish resources

    NCDB includes state deaf-blind projects in every state, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the Pacific Basin and the Virgin Islands.

  • National Down Syndrome Society

    The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) aims to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities and shifting public perceptions.

    Its resources include information on Down syndrome across the lifespan as well as in the areas of aging, caregiving, education, employment, health and more.

  • National Federation of Families Home Resources

    The National Federation of Families shares resources for parents and caregivers to use at home.

    These include educational resources, activities and more that can support families of children and youth who have mental health and substance use needs.

  • 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 people 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 the way you want them: in braille or audio, mailed to your door for free or instantly downloadable.

    NLS works to ensure that all may read by providing eligible individuals access to reading material regardless of age, economic circumstances or technical expertise.

  • 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.

  • National PTA Special Education Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers

    National PTA promotes family-school partnerships and building community at the local, state and national levels. Its website offers a variety of family-focused resources, including a Special Education toolkit, Parents’ Guide to Student Success, College and Career Readiness resources and more.

     

  • National Runaway Safeline

    The National Runaway Safeline is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week crisis connection line for youth at risk of running away or already have and are looking for help.

    Call: (800) Runaway (786-2929)

    Text: 66008

  • Navigating Financial Health During Difficult Times

    The National Disability Institute (NDI)’s Financial Resilience Center provides resources and assistance to help those with disabilities and chronic health conditions navigate financially through difficult times, like the COVID-19 crisis. The website features videos and resources on topics including employment and unemployment, public benefits, housing, managing money and Social Security benefits.

    NDI’s Financial Resilience Center also includes:

    The “Faces of Financial Wellness” video series featuring individuals from Illinois sharing their experiences in Spanish
    A financial wellness toolkit in English and Spanish/ Recursos en Español
    Videos and financial resources designed for individuals who are deaf and hard-of-hearing