Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • Telehealth Tip Sheet

    The Child Neurology Foundation provides a telehealth tip sheet to help families and children prepare for video or phone appointments and make them as comfortable and successful as possible.

  • Testing for COVID-19

    COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and lowering your chances of spreading the virus to others. Visit the Testing for COVID-19 page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on the types of COVID tests, how to get a test, and how to interpret your results.

    Please note we share this resource for information purposes only. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) does not manage or coordinate COVID-19 testing programs. Please use the contact information on the website provided.

  • The Arc of Illinois

    The Arc of Illinois advocates for and empowers people with disabilities and their families to reach their goals and fully participate in community life. The Arc of Illinois provides information, resources, family support, and training to help make Illinois a place where people with disabilities can learn, play, work, and live in communities across the state.

    The Arc of Illinois services and programs include:

    • The Illinois Life Span program
    • Children’s services and caregiver support
    • Monthly webinars
    • Assistive technology resources
    • The Arc of Illinois fact sheets and more

  • The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center

    The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center works with families and professionals to help with questions and concerns related to the health of children and youth with special healthcare needs under the age of 22.

    The center focuses on sharing the most thorough, up-to-date resources regarding health insurance options, government benefits, youth transition concerns and more to help children thrive in their community.

    For more information, call (815) 464-1832, ext. 1017, or email familytofamily@thearcofil.org or mary@thearcofil.org.

  • The Autism Collective

    The Autism Collective is a collaboration of Easterseals Central Illinois and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The collective is working to end the isolation felt by those living with autism by uniting experts and connecting families.

    The collective coordinates early identification, diagnosis, therapy, services and support. Its care coordination services are available throughout Illinois (outside of Chicago).

  • 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

    The Catalyst Center works with a broad range of partners to improve health care insurance coverage and address complex health care financing for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).

  • The Center for Chronic Illness

    The Center for Chronic Illness (CCI) is a nonprofit organization offering support and education to promote well-being and decrease isolation for people affected by chronic illness. CCI offers adults and teens living with chronic illness a variety of support groups and programs focusing on emotional well-being, health education and community. ​CCI provides:

  • The Center for Courageous Kids Summer Camps and Family Retreats

    The Center for Courageous Kids (CKC) offers free family retreat weekends and overnight summer camp sessions for youth ages 5 to 17 with complex medical conditions and disabilities. CKC welcomes children with a wide range of conditions, including heart/cardiovascular disease, blood disorders, sickle cell disease, spina bifida, and more. The camp provides 24-hour medical coverage, an on-site medical center, and program and medical staff with training and experience in all aspects of medical camping.

    The Center for Courageous Kids is open to youth ages 5 to 17 diagnosed with one of the illnesses/conditions it serves and immediate family members. To learn more about the camp, you can also: