COVID-19 Resources
“Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” toolkit
The “Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times” online toolkit is from an interdisciplinary team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to help families and caregivers supporting individuals with autism during the COVID-19 epidemic.
“What Heart Patients Should Know About Coronavirus”
Information from the American Heart Association about “What Heart Patients Should Know About Coronavirus”
“What’s New in the 2020 ISBE Parent Guide on Understanding Special Education in Illinois?”
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center provides a summary of the key updates in the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2020 Parent Guide on Special Education.
United Way supports 211 a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve and lives. You can find information about supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, utility assistance, disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, and more.
211 – Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills or other essential services, visit www.211.org/get-help/help-during-covid-19-pandemic or dial 211.
311 provides assistance with non-emergency city services and information on events, programs and agencies within the city of Chicago. Individuals may call or access the 311 website and mobile app to:
- Create and track service requests
- Find rent or housing assistance
- Learn about the HomeMod Program that provides accessibility modifications for Chicago residents
- Search and get information on other requests in your neighborhood
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 is the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
This fact sheet explains the basics about 988. (You can also see the fact sheet in Spanish.)
It’s easy to view self-care as a low priority when your child is diagnosed with a serious illness. Your role as a parent and parenting partner has unexpectedly changed. The child has urgent and complex medical needs; you must manage appointments and service providers, and learn new information about the disease and medical treatment—all while tending to the needs of other family members, work and/or other responsibilities.
The Courageous Parents Network provides this guide to help parents make time and find ways to take care of themselves.
A Parent’s Guide to Virtual Learning
This guide from the National Center for Learning Disabilities discusses how to support students with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.
A Rare Response: Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic
This webinar recording from the National Organization for Rare Disorders provides expert guidance on living with a rare disease and maintaining physical and mental health in the time of COVID-19.