General Resources
Promotes voluntary compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act utilizing local resources to provide trainings, technical assistance, and engage in capacity building around the state.
Grupo SALTO (Sociedad de Autismo Latina Trabajando con Optimismo) aims to provide support in Spanish for Latino families who have children who are differently abled, with a focus on autism.
Grupo SALTO provides culturally and linguistically appropriate training, education and services.
Guaranteed Rate Foundation provides financial support to those working to overcome extraordinary hardships.
Knowing that it can be difficult to ask for help in times of need, the foundation strives to make the request for assistance process as simple as possible and encourages applicants to contact them with any questions.
Guidance for Responding to Incidents Involving Missing Children with Autism
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) provides law enforcement and caregivers with guidance on preparing for and responding to incidents involving missing children with autism. Information includes:
Tips for caregivers
A guide for first responders
Search protocolsGuidebook on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
The Illinois Department of Human Rights provides a first-of-its-kind Guidebook on Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications.
In accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, this book provides guidance and clarification on the accommodations and modifications that must be made in housing for persons with disabilities and their family members.
Habitat for Humanity – Illinois
Some Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Illinois also offer programs to help with home repairs, weatherization and access ramps for eligible homeowners. Please contact the Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving your area for specific details and application information.
Habitat affiliates offering the additional programs include:
Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of McClean County
Jackson, Union County Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County
Quincy Area Habitat for Humanity
Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon CountyHabitat for Humanity International affiliates in the Chicagoland area:
Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs
DuPage Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Lake County
Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County
Habitat for Humanity Northern Fox Valley
Will County Habitat for HumanityHands & Voices Guides and Resources for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Plus
Hands & Voices provides a variety of resources specific to children who are deaf/hard of hearing plus – the combination of being deaf or hard of hearing and having additional medical complexities or other needs.
Information includes the “Connecting Families of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Plus (DHH Plus) with Resources and Support” guide, an Educational Plan Checklist for D/HH-Plus Students and presentations, articles and other guides for families of children who are D/HH plus.
Healing Horse Stables in Sidney, Ill., is a non-profit organization offering therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated learning for individuals of all ages and abilities. Healing Horse Stables promotes learning and physical, social and emotional well-being through programs that include:
Therapeutic riding
Riding for relaxation
Horsemanship programs
Field tripsHealthyChildren.org’s “Childhood Grief: When to Seek Additional Help”
Many children experience the death of a close family member or friend at some point during their childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org provides information for parents about childhood grief, ways to help your child, and where to find support.
The information includes:
Signs your child may need more help
Important information about tweens
Resources for more informationHeart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association
The Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association offers support and information to help families adjust to the special needs of a child with Down syndrome. Its programs and resources for families and caregivers include Individual Education Program (IEP) resource providers, conference and classroom stipends, and events to increase inclusion and understanding of people with Down syndrome.
The association’s service area in central Illinois includes Peoria, Marshall, Tazewell and Woodford counties.