Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
DSCC and Illinois LEND’s Transition Resources for Hispanic Teens in the Chicago Area
The transition to adulthood can be a challenging time for both adolescents and their parents. These challenges can be more difficult when the adolescent has a disability.
Illinois LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) and the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) partnered to provide helpful information about the unique challenges Hispanic families can face during the transition to adulthood. This resource list is aimed at transition-age teenagers and their families in the Chicago area:
DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Handout
Basic fire and carbon monoxide protection are key components of maintaining a safe home. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this handout to provide helpful guidelines on the equipment necessary to protect your home from these preventable dangers.
DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet
Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs.
DSCC’s “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” Tip Sheet
Illinois Medicaid covers many services including comprehensive medical, dental, vision and pharmacy benefits. Our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” offers examples of what may be covered in a variety of areas such as vision, transportation and mental health services.
What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover? tip sheet in English
What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover? tip sheet in Spanish
Illinois Medicaid is not a DSCC program. DSCC does not decide coverage or eligibility for Medicaid. This is a helpful guide. To learn more, visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website.
DSCC’s Adolescence Changing Roles Tip Sheet
Adolescence is a time of change for the whole family. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families support healthy mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) development, and find ways to cope during this time of change.
DSCC’s Adolescent Development Tip Sheet
As youth with special healthcare needs transition to adulthood, they may undergo many physical, emotional and behavioral changes. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) covers what both teens and parents can expect and how to cope.
DSCC’s Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist
There are many activities that youth with specialized healthcare needs can practice doing to become more self-reliant and ready for their desired adult living arrangements. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist to help youth and their families learn about and build important skills and abilities in the areas of independence, nutrition, personal care and hygiene, and mobility/exercise. Some of these activities may not apply to everyone.
DSCC’s Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist in English
DSCC’s Adult Living Arrangements/Self-Reliant Skills Checklist in Spanish
DSCC’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tip Sheet
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet provides information about the ADA, your rights under the law, and resources for more information.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tip sheet in English
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tip sheet in Spanish (Coming soon)
DSCC’s Chores for Teens Tip Sheet
It’s important for teens to help around the house. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) will help teens with special healthcare needs understand how being responsible for chores at home can build new skills and greater independence as an adult.
This tips sheet also includes additional resources and a home living activities checklist.
DSCC’s Drugs and Smoking Tip Sheet for Teens
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs understand the importance of taking care of their bodies and knowing the facts about using tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping, drugs and alcohol.
Medications, tobacco, street drugs, and alcohol are all chemicals that cause your body to react in different ways. Knowing what you are putting into your body and learning to say “no” to peer pressure are important steps in deciding what is right for you.
“It’s Your Body – Know What You Are Putting Into It” tip sheet in English
“It’s Your Body – Know What You Are Putting Into It” tip sheet in Spanish