Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Digital Safety Resources from the Illinois Attorney General


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    Digital safety encompasses a wide variety of issues related to the use of computers, tablets, cell phones, games, apps and social media.  The Illinois Attorney General’s “Stay Connected, Stay Informed website” provides resources for children, teenagers, parents and educators seeking information about digital safety.

    Kids, teens, parents and teachers coping with cyberbullying and internet safety issues may also contact an Internet Safety Specialist at:

    E-Info Hotline at (888) 414-7678
    E-info@ilag.gov

  • Disability EmpowerHer Network

    Disability EmpowHer Network is a non-profit run by and for girls and women with disabilities that connects, motivates, and guides girls and women to learn and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence to lead. The group, based in Rochester, NY, focuses on building skills and community by connecting girls with disabilities with successful women with disabilities to serve as mentors and role models.

    Resources and programs include:

     A stories blog
    EmpowHer Camp (a year-long program)
    Letter from a role model
    Get a Mentor
    EmpowHer Expressions, a public speaking and career coaching program

  • Disability Resource Center in Joliet

    The Disability Resource Center provides advocacy, peer support groups, S.K.I.L.L.S. independent living classes, visual impairment services, seminars, workshops and more for people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties.

    Programs also include:

    Deaf and hard of hearing services
    Information and referral (I&R) for accessible housing, where to buy assistive devices, how to secure a sign language interpreter and more
    Assistive technology for children up to age 23
    Personal assistance program and information

  • Disability Vote IL

    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

  • Disaster Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs

    The American Academy of Pediatrics provides information on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for potential emergencies and disasters in their area and identify what each child would need to safely cope with the disaster.

  • Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities

    The American Red Cross provides information and inclusive tools for creating an emergency plan tailored to your family’s specific needs regarding mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities.

    The step-by-step tools are designed to help individuals be informed, prepare for and respond to disasters or other urgent situations.

  • Dove, Inc.

    Dove, Inc. provides a variety of outreach programs, financial assistance and resources to residents in Macon, Shelby, Moultrie, Piatt and DeWitt counties.

    Dove Financial Assistance (DFA) may be able to provide emergency help with water, power, eye prescriptions, dental needs and some prescription medications.

    DFA also works with the Energy Assistance Fund to help people with their heating and cooling bills through the “Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Program” in Macon, DeWitt and Piatt Counties.

  • Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters


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    The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.

    These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:

    DSAGSL Metro-East Illinois Community Group serves Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, and surrounding areas. Contact Abigail Bosslet at abigail@dsagsl.org or call (314) 833-7560.
    DSAGSL Southern Illinois Community Group serves Carbondale, Creal Springs and surrounding areas. Contact Abigail Bosslet for information.
    DSAGSL Down Syndrome & Autism Dual Diagnosis Group serves families in Missouri and Illinois. Contact Linda Kamphorst at linda@dsagsl.org or (314) 833-8214.
    DSAGSL Black Family Network  serves families in Missouri and Illinois. Contact Makini Anwisye at makini@dsagsl.org or (314) 833-7586.

  • DREAM Project Dance Videos

    The National Dance Institute has a series of YouTube videos of their inclusive dance program called the DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement). The project provides children with disabilities the opportunity to dance and perform. Each dancer is encouraged to achieve their best through teamwork, creativity, empathy and discovery.

  • DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Handout

    Basic fire and carbon monoxide protection are key components of maintaining a safe home. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this handout to provide helpful guidelines on the equipment necessary to protect your home from these preventable dangers.

    DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety handout in English

    DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety handout in Spanish