Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • Understanding Inclusion Online Series for Parents of Young Children With Disabilities

    Early CHOICES  offers a free, online series for parents of young children with disabilities, practitioners, educators and administrators in Early Intervention or early childhood programs. The Understanding Inclusion series covers everything from defining inclusion to dreaming big for your child and includes:

    • Short videos
    • Activities to promote inclusion
    • Topic guides to support you in reflection and resource gathering

    Flyers outlining the series’ details are available in English and Spanish.

  • United Cerebral Palsysun-icon

    United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) promotes a life of inclusion and provides resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families and communities.

    The UCP website has resources on topics including assistive technology, housing and home modification, travel and transportation, education, caregiving and more. You can also find UCP affiliates in the state of Illinois.

  • United Leukodystrophy Foundation

    The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit providing leukodystrophy patients and their families with support and resources. ULF can help families with finding medical care, genetic counseling, networking and financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.

    ULF is based in Dekalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:

  • United Spinal Association

    The United Spinal Association empowers and advocates for wheelchair users and people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) nationwide. The organization provides local chapters, disability resources, peer support, a manual wheelchair guide and app, a health equity checklist and toolkit and more. Its resources include:

  • United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter

    The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter (USAIC)  is a non-profit offering information and support resources for people paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions. It also serves family members and health care and related professionals serving the spinal cord injury community. USAIC is located in Palos Heights but provides information, events and educational programs statewide. Its programs include:

    • Virtual and in person peer support groups
    • The “Living with Spinal Cord Injury” program for health professionals and health science students
    • “Injury Prevention” for school children, seniors and other groups featuring members’ experiences, and information on preventing injuries and falls
    • Advocacy and more

  • University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics’ Inclusive Healthcare and Policies

    The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics is nationally recognized for its inclusive healthcare and policies related to LGBTQ patients, visitors and staff.

    UI Health was named an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer” by the Human Rights Campaign’s 2020 Health Equality Index, an annual survey that evaluates health systems on key criteria for non-discrimination policies and practices.

  • Vaccine Information for Parents With Children With Disabilities

    Vax for All provides vaccine information and other helpful tips for parents and caregivers of a child with autism and other disabilities. Resources on the website include:

    • Stories, videos and other kid-friendly disability resources
    • How vaccines work – explanations for children and adults
    • A vaccine appointment scheduling tool
    • Information about in-home vaccine appointments for children in Illinois

    Parents may text HELLO to (260) VAX-4ALL / (260) 829-425 to find information or chat.

    Para obtener información sobre cómo vacunar a su hijo, envíe un mensaje de texto con HOLA al (260) 829-4255.

  • Vaccines.gov

    Hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and VaccineFinder from Boston Children’s Hospital, Vaccines.gov provides information and help with:

    • Finding recommended vaccines for respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, the flu and RSV
    • Making an appointment
    • Answering frequently asked questions about the vaccines

  • Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois

    Variety of Illinois’ mission is to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities by providing the equipment and experiences needed to reach their highest potential.

    Its programs include Variety at Play, which offers inclusive, accessible activities for the whole family; Kids on the Go that provides mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities; and Live to Achieve that encourages participation and excellence in adaptive sports.

  • Variety – The Children’s Charity of St. Louis

    Variety’s St. Louis location serves children and teens with special needs under the age of 21 and their families living in 30 counties in Missouri and Illinois surrounding St. Louis.

    The charity aims to help children with disabilities fulfill their potential by providing access to vital medical equipment, therapy and innovative programs. The Illinois counties in Variety’s service area are: Bond, Calhoun, Clay, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington.

    Opportunities include:

    • Variety family social groups
    • Venturing Crew inclusive program for youth ages 14-20
    • Adventure Camp
    • Performing arts