Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • The Answer, Inc.

    The Answer, Inc. provides resources and education, recreation and advocacy services to families with loved ones with autism and developmental disabilities in the greater Chicago area.

    Visit The Answer, Inc., website for more information.

  • The Arc of Illinois

    Empowers persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life.

  • The Arc of Illinois Financial Assistance for Training

    The Arc of Illinois, through a grant from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, administers the Financial Assistance for Training Program. The program provides funds for people with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend conferences of their choice that are directly related to developmental disability issues.

    Due to the pandemic, there is a need for training, important meetings and conferences to be virtual. This program will now allow stipends to pay for the assistive technology needed to attend virtual events.

  • The Arc’s Disability Voter Guide

    The Arc has developed voting resources in plain language and Spanish, including a disability voter guide and sample questions for candidates.

  • The Arc’s Virtual Program Library

    The Arc’s Virtual Program Library is a free hub full of on-demand activities that people with disabilities, and their families and service providers can do at home.

    Topics include arts, community and life skills, health and wellness, virtual clubs, and more. Service providers can also find and share resources to facilitate or deliver live, remote programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)

    The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is a collaboration of five universities and 10 organizations that together operate 20 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, childcare providers, and medical professionals.

    Illinois residents can participate in TAP’s Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST) Training Program. The training features twelve modules focused on helping families advocate for adult services on behalf of their child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Each module features an expert-led presentation and time for discussion.

    Topics  include:

    • Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
    • Medicaid waiver services
    • Social Security benefits
    • Health insurance
    • Special needs trusts
    • Post-secondary education and employment

  • The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Center at CTF Illinois

    The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Center at CTF Illinois provides services and support to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families. CTF Illinois family and community resource rooms are located in in both Charleston and Olney.

    TAP at CTF serves Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Clark, Moultrie, Douglas, Shelby, Clay, Richland, Crawford and Lawrence counties. Services include:

    • Family nights and new diagnosis family orientation
    • Play groups for children under 3
    • Social skills and monthly support groups
    • Food and nutrition-related consultations

  • The Catalyst Center

    National center dedicated to improving health care insurance and financing for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).

  • The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation

    The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation provides support and financial help to families in crisis due to pregnancy complications, premature birth/neonatal intensive care unit stay and loss. This financial assistance may help cover:

    • Childcare
    • Medical bills
    • Transportation costs
    • Rent/mortgage and utilities
    • Post-loss/funeral/burial expenses
    • Grief counseling (individual, couple and family)

    Visit the Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation website for more details.

  • The Diaper Bank of Southern Illinois

    The Diaper Bank of Southern Illinois serves as a central location to collect and store donated diapers. The Diaper Bank partners with local service agencies to distribute diapers to low-income children and their families.

    To request diapers, the Diaper Bank of Southern Illinois requires that the agency has an ongoing relationship with the client and has screened for need.  Agencies may contact diaperbanksi@gmail.com or call (618) 549-2148, ext. 110.