Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • American Society for Deaf Children / Sociedad Americana para Niños Sordos

    The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is a national, non-profit organization providing support, encouragement and information to families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

    ASDC offers deaf mentors and online American Sign Language (ASL) classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.  To help support language development, families and providers can also access ASL stories to watch and read together.  Resources are available in English and Spanish.

  • Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA

    The U.S. Department of Education’s Assistive Technology (AT) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) resource page can help guide parents and professionals who support children with disabilities who need AT devices and services for meaningful access and engagement in education. Information is available in English and Spanish.

    The page also includes “Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Devices and Services.” This publication aims to increase understanding of the AT requirements under IDEA. It also aims to:

    Dispel common misconceptions about AT
    Provide examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities
    Highlight the different requirements under Part C and Part B of IDEA

    You can also review “Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Devices and Services” in Spanish.

  • Assistive Technology Resources

    The Illinois State Library provides a list of programs and organizations that can help support assistive technology needs.

    Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” This includes devices like wheelchairs, laptop computers and even a grip on a pencil or a special can-opener.

  • Attention Deficit Disorder Resources

    Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national non-profit organization that helps people with ADD/ADHD achieve their potential through education, support & networking.

  • Bilingual Parents Video Library

    The Illinois Resource Center has put together a library of videos for bilingual parents with videos in French, Tagalog, Urdu, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and English.

    Each video showcases subjects and information relevant to parents, caretakers and community members, such as the role of Bilingual Parent Advisory Committees, financial aid for college, tenant rights, multilingual student rights and more.

  • Boyton Street Community Center

    Boyton Street Community Center in Marion provides children and their families opportunities for fun, learning, development and building self-esteem. The Center collaborates with local social service agencies to provide a variety of programs and services year-round. Programs at the Boyton Street Community Center include:

    Nutritious meals built around keeping kids fit and healthy
    An after-school program for children and youth in K-12
    Summer art, recreation, reading and tutoring programs
    Special events

    For more information or to learn how to enroll in a program, contact the Boyton Street Community Center at (618) 997-1113.

  • C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation

    C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation (C.E.F.S.) is a non-profit that serves residents in the Illinois counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.

    C.E.F.S. aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged people become more self-sufficient. Its support and services include:

    Summer youth program and college scholarships
    Housing programs
    Employment and training services
    Education services
    Food and utility assistance

    Visit the C.E.F.S. website for more information.

  • Candor Health Education

    Candor Health Education is a nonprofit organization that provides students, their trusted adults and communities programs and resources on puberty, sex education and substance abuse prevention.

    Candor Health Education also offers in-person and virtual presentations with age-appropriate, science-based information to help students make informed decisions and understand how these things can impact their health.

  • Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

    The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.

    The website includes the ability to search by zip code or location to find local resources and organizations that support people living with paralysis at www.christopherreeve.org/get-support/resources-in-your-area.

  • College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program

    The College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition Program was established in 1997 to help make college a reality for Illinois families. College Illinois! helps to lock in the cost of college by allowing Illinois families to prepay for future tuition at today’s plan rates.