Resource Directory /

Family and Caregiving Support Resources

  • Fathering a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Child: An Onboarding Checklist for Dads

    The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Parent to Parent Committee developed a checklist written by fathers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing(D/HH) for dads or any person who feels that they fulfill this role in a child’s life.

    “Fathering a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Child: An Onboarding Checklist for Dads” provides information and action steps to support and encourage fathers to take an active role in every aspect of their child’s life from the start. The guide shares information from a dad’s perspective on topics including:

    The ” new dad” learning curve
    Language and communication
    School and legal rights
    Well-being

  • Financial Planning for Parents of Children With Disabilities

    The PACER Center offers “A Financial Resource for Parents of Children With Disabilities” to help you plan for your child’s financial future and overall well-being. This resource helps walk you through getting organized, life and disability insurance and various aspects of planning for you and your child.

  • Find a Helpline

    Find a Helpline is a resource to help individuals find free, confidential emotional support over the phone, text or webchat.

  • Find Food IL Community Food Map

    Find Food IL is a community food map that provides a list of places offering free food or meals in your community. You can find food pantries, stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons, and more resources that are close to you.

  • flok for Individuals with an Inherited Metabolic Disorder

    Formerly known as PKU News, flok provides resources, support and an app for individuals with an inherited metabolic disorder and the people and clinicians who care for them. These conditions include Classical Homocystinuria (HCU), Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), Phenylketonuria (PKU), Tyrosinemia and more.

    The flok website includes:

    Opportunities to connect and share in person and virtually
    Annual flok Family Camps
    Food science information guided by a staff dietitian and collaborations with partner organizations and Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International
    The flok app for individuals managing an inherited disorder of protein metabolism

  • Food and Support Programs in Chicago and Cook County

    Get help finding food, diapers, job training and accessing programs at over 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community partners in the Chicagoland area.

    Visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository website for more information.

  • Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

    The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) is a private, non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children affected by hearing and communication disorders.

    Parent resources and programming include:

    Facts about Hearing Loss
    Ages and Stages
    Clinical and Community Outreach
    Music programming

  • Free & Reduced Price School Meals

    Your child’s school offers healthy meals every school day. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals.  The application form and more information about the program and how to apply can be found on the USDA Food & Nutrition Services website. The application is available in 34 languages. The completed form should be turned in to your child’s school.

  • GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

    GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide free, nationwide on-site and virtual educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Programs are available for individuals of all ages focusing on speech and language, social skills, cooking and fitness.

    GiGi’s Playhouse Illinois locations include:

    Chicago
    Deerfield
    Fox Valley
    Hoffman Estates
    McHenry County
    Quad Cities
    Rockford
    Tinley Park

  • GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse offers opportunities to build relationships and community connections and access free programming and resources tailored for individuals with Down syndrome. The playhouse serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, expecting moms and dads, caregivers, siblings, parents, grandparents, doctors, educators, volunteers and more.

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse provides a variety of programs focused on therapeutic needs, educational needs, career development and global acceptance.