Accessibility Resources
Disability Vote IL provides voting resources and information for the disability community. The site offers updated nonpartisan videos, webinars and information on elections, how to register to vote, and promoting accessibility of voting technology and polling places. The website also includes information about:
- The Be My Eyes app that helps people who are blind or have vision impairments with voting
- Transportation to the polls
- In-person, nursing home and hospital voting
- Important dates
The Dysphagia Outreach Project is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance for individuals with swallowing disorders across the lifespan.
The Dysphagia Outreach Project’s Dysphagia Food Bank aims to provide tangible assistance to low-income individuals with dysphagia across the lifespan by providing access to thickeners, pre-modified foods, therapy tools, oral care supplies and adaptive equipment.
FacingDisability provides stories, hundreds of paralysis resources and up-to-date information on spinal cord injury. The organization works with medical experts from major hospitals, universities and rehabilitation institutions nationwide to provide insight and inspiration. FacingDisability resource topics include:
- Disability advocates
- Family and caregiver support
- Assistive technology
- Financial assistance and government programs
- Education and employment
Friends of Man
Friends of Man is a non-profit that uses 100% of donations for charitable assistance. The charity receives applications requesting mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more from referring professionals. Referring professionals include caseworkers, case managers, healthcare workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers and clergy who apply on behalf of their patients and clients.
In addition to the assistance listed above, Friends of Man can provide assistance nationwide for adaptive equipment, assistive technology, lift chairs, mobility equipment, orthopedic braces and shoes, stairlifts, vehicle adaptations and wheelchair ramps.
More details are on the Friends of Man Eligibility page.
Fun4theDisabled is a community created by, for and about people with disabilities to help everyone live their best lives. Fun4theDisabled creates video and content highlighting opportunities for people with disabilities in the community, connecting them with organizations, programs and events that provide accessibility in inclusive and fun ways.
Fun4theDisabled resources include:
- Tools and information on planning for emergencies and disaster
- Video tours of Chicago-area sites, including the National Museum of Mexican Art, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo and more
- Videos featuring disability leaders, health topics and more on their Fun4theDisabled YouTube channel
Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People With Disabilities
“Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People with Disabilities” aims to empower patients with disabilities by explaining their rights to accessible care.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides this resource. It is available in multiple languages, including:
The Great Lakes ADA Center‘s mission is to increase awareness and knowledge with the ultimate goal of achieving voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The center provides information, resources, technical assistance and training on the ADA. Topics include the non-discrimination requirements in employment and the obligations of state and local governments and businesses to ensure that programs, services and activities are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.
Home Accessibility Program (HAP)
Funded by the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, HAP provides funding to local governments and non-profit organizations throughout Illinois to provide home accessibility grants to their local constituency. These grants help people stay in their homes and prevent premature or unnecessary institutionalization of the elderly and people with disabilities.
Home Modification Resources – Private and Government
The Illinois Department of Human Resources (IDHS) provides a listing of Illinois, federal, local and private organizations offering home modification programs to promote accessibility and help individuals with disabilities become more independent.
Home Modification Tip Sheet for MFTD Waiver Families
The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Medically Fragile Technology Dependent Children (commonly called the MFTD waiver) can pay for certain home modifications. The modifications must be for the individual’s primary residence and necessary to meet their medical needs. Home modifications may include:
- Permanent structural changes
- Equipment that is installed or attached to the home
- Solutions that are not permanent
This tip sheet explains what type of home modifications may be covered and the process for moving forward.