Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • Immunization Resources for Families

    The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics provides a wide range of immunization resources for families to help you make the best, most informed decisions for their health.  You can find information in English and Spanish on:

    • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
    • Translation and vaccine support
    • COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
    • Helping your child through vaccinations
    • Vaccine immunization schedules and information
    • Resources for teens and more

  • Inclusion Brochure from the Illinois State Board of Education

    The Illinois State Board of Education’s Inclusion Brochure provides an overview of early childhood inclusion, the benefits of high-quality inclusive programs, teaching models that support inclusion, and more. It can also help families and professionals to better explain least restrictive environment (LRE) and inclusion.

    The brochure is also available in these languages:  Arabic Inclusion Brochure, Cantonese Inclusion Brochure, French Inclusion Brochure, Japanese Inclusion Brochure, Mandarin Inclusion Brochure, Polish Inclusion Brochure and Spanish Inclusion Brochure.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.

    The U.S. Department of Education’s IDEA website has information for parents, students, educators, service providers and more on resources for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. The site includes the IDEA Parents and Families Resource page.

  • InfantSEE

    InfantSEE is a public health program that provides a no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants 6-12 months old, regardless of a family’s income or access to insurance coverage. The assessment is designed to detect problems early to ensure babies have the opportunity to develop the visual abilities they need to grow and learn.

    The InfantSEE assessment is completed by a doctor of optometry. It includes discussing the patient’s and family’s health history and testing for excessive or unequal amounts of:

    • Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
    • Eye movement ability
    • Eye health problems

    InfantSEE is managed by the Optometry Cares – The American Optometric Association (AOA) Foundation.

  • Informational Classes by Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

    The hospital offers a broad range of informative classes such as gluten-free cooking and how illness impacts teenagers.

  • Jack’s Basket

    Jack’s Basket supports new parents of a child with Down syndrome by providing information, a support system and a welcome basket to let them know they’re not alone. Baskets are available from the time of diagnosis (prenatal or at birth) up to the baby’s first birthday. Parents, friends, family members, healthcare providers or Down syndrome organizations can request baskets.

    The website also includes local and national resources to support people with Down syndrome and their families.

  • Jackson County Health Department

    The Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) in Murphysboro provides a wide array of public health services to provide education and promote health, prevent illness, protect the environment and prepare for emergencies.

    JCHD offers:

    For more information, contact JCHD at (618) 684-3143.

  • JCFS Chicago’s Respite Program

    JCFS Chicago’s Respite Program provides support to families caring for children and youth with special needs.

    Its program “takes a supportive, nurturing and therapeutic approach, combined with fun, social and recreational activities, while providing a well-deserved break for parents.”

    For more information, visit the JCFS website, email ask@jcfs.org or call toll-free at (855) ASK-JCFS (275-5237).

  • Jordan Thomas Foundation

    The Jordan Thomas Foundation (JTF) supports children living with limb loss and limb difference with the prostheses they need throughout their growing years. In addition to specialized prosthetic devices, JTF provides support services and programs for children and their families, resources to help recipients participate in activities, scholarships and more.

    JTF recipients can be of any age, up to 18 years old. JTF also offers a one-time assistance program for young adults aged 18 to 24 years old. Visit the foundation’s FAQ page to learn more. JFT accepts applications on a rolling basis.

    For questions or more information, contact JTF at (615) 455-5505 or  info@jordanthomasfoundation.org.

  • June Jessee Memorial Foundation

    The June Jessee Memorial Foundation (JJMF) provides events, information, financial assistance and mental health services to children with medically complex neurological conditions and their families in the St. Louis area and beyond. JJMF resources include:

    • Uncomplicated financial assistance for out-of-pocket medical needs
    • Free mental health services
    • A welcoming, understanding community
    • Information to help make journeys easier