General Resources
Adult Protective Services Program
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) manages the statewide Adult Protective Services Program, which serves adults 60 years of age and older and adults aged 18-59 with disabilities. The program handles reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
For more information on the signs and types of abuse and how to make a report, visit www2.illinois.gov/aging/Engage/Pages/default.aspx. You can also call the statewide 24-hour Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409.
Adventures Unlimited in the Chicagoland Area
Adventures Unlimited is a free, state-funded respite program in Illinois that provides programming and events for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities and respite to caregivers.
Adventures Unlimited offers two-hour recreation opportunities and events focusing on fitness, art, media training and food preparation for adults and children as young as 4 years old.
To be eligible for Adventures Unlimited, individuals must have a documented developmental disability. They must also not be enrolled in any other Medicaid waiver program.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. Eligible households can receive:
Up to $30 per month discount for internet service, including associated equipment rentals such as a modem
Up to $75 per month discount for households on qualifying tribal lands
A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. The FCC provides a list of frequently asked questions and enrollment information for families.
Affordable Health Insurance is a patient resource center that helps individuals learn about a wide variety of health insurance options. Information is available for each state and includes Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment deadlines, subsidies and how you can qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The site also provides information on:
Different types of health plans
Comparisons
Provider reviews
Benefits/coverage/specialized support for vulnerable youth with mental health issues
Other resourcesAgeGuide Northeastern Illinois – Caregiver Support
Caregivers needing support can find a variety of help at AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois. Several programs offer respite, legal services, counseling, financial help, training programs and more.
Caregivers in DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties may be eligible.
Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) Illinois
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a statewide recovery resource devoted to supporting individuals throughout Illinois. AA Illinois helps people struggling with alcoholism find local help and take the next step to overcoming alcohol addiction. AA Illinois provides a localized support system and statewide meetings to help members who need the extra support to stop drinking and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Individuals may also get information and help for alcohol addiction by calling (800) 839-1686.
Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs on a mission of sharing smiles and joy. ATD offers an international registry of certified therapy dog teams, testing, certification, support and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. ATD can also help facilities such as schools or nursing homes start a therapy dog program. Its website includes:
- Information on what makes a good therapy dog
- Steps for becoming an ATD member
- A video showing testing and how to handle your dog to interact with others
- Search tool for finding a tester/observer near you
Amanda Test Resource
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AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly movie showings on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
Participating theaters are located throughout Illinois in areas including Chicago, Edwardsville, Peoria, Quincy, Mount Vernon, and Springfield.
The Sensory Friendly Film program allows families to see a movie with lights on, lower sound and the freedom to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.
Ameren Illinois Economic Hardship Recovery Program
Ameren Illinois’ Economic Hardship Recovery Program provides information on various energy assistance programs, payment options and tips on lowering your utility bill.
This step-by-step resource includes information on:
Assistance paying your energy bills, applying for financial assistance and eligibility guidelines
Exploring payment options
Tips for lowering future energy bills and energy efficiency programsClick here for a list of assistance programs statewide, including Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF), a program designed to help moderate-income seniors and families who have temporarily experienced a hardship but may not meet the guidelines of government programs.
For more information, contact Ameren Illinois at (800) 755-5000 (residential customers) or (800) 232-2477 (business customers).