Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • American Foundation for the Blind

    The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers information and resources for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. AFB resources include:

    Research and initiatives
    Publications
    Digital inclusion and talent lab internships and apprenticeships
    Braille and technology resources

  • American Sign Language Classes from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf

    The Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) offers free, beginner-level conversational American Sign Language (ASL) classes. The self-paced, eight-lesson courses are taught by OSD’s ASL Specialist. Registration is open to anyone who wants to learn ASL. The non-credit courses do not count toward professional development hours or continuing education units.

  • American Sign Language Lessons

    If you are interested in learning or practicing the basics of American Sign Language (ASL), these sites provide free lessons to get you started:

    ASL Connect – Gallaudet University
    Sign Language 101 – Learn Sign Language Online Free
    American Sign Language | Complete 3-Level Course | Start ASL

    There are also free YouTube videos available to help you learn, practice and supplement your sign language instruction:

    ASL Connect – YouTube
    Learn How to Sign – YouTube
    ASLMeredith – YouTube
    Bill Vicars – YouTube
    Signed With Heart – YouTube

  • 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.

  • American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program

    The American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program (PAP) is a privately funded financial assistance program that helps living donors cover lost wages during their recovery from surgery and helps transplant recipients maintain health insurance coverage and access to immunosuppressant medications. This program is available nationwide and is focused on the most financially vulnerable patients and their families.

  • American Youth Soccer Organization VIP Program

    The American Youth Soccer Organization Very Important Players (AYSO VIP) Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

  • Amtryke

    AMBUCS is a non-profit organization that makes and gives away therapeutic tricycles called Amtrykes. For parents, the Amtryke fills the need of every child to have a bike—just like their siblings and friends. Many riders not previously considered capable of riding a bike will be successful riding an Amtryke. Amtrykes are designed to look like bikes, not medical equipment, and to be age-appropriate.

    Information about how to either purchase or request a donated Amtryke, visit https://ambucs.org/riders/parents/.

  • Arab American Action Network (AAAN)

    The Arab American Action Network (AAAN) is a grassroots nonprofit on the southwest side of Chicago.The AAAN combines social services with organizing and advocacy to promote social change. AAAN services include:

    Children’s after-school program and summer camp
    Cultural outreach presentations for schools, faith institutions, corporations and other community organizations
    Family empowerment program offering biweekly citizenship classes, English classes and family literacy and parenting skills program
    Youth leadership program

  • Arab American Family Services

    Arab American Family Services (AAFS) provides assistance to over 30 communities in the south suburban Chicagoland area. AAFS is a non-political, non-religious organization that focuses on building respect and understanding between Arab-Americans and the mainstream-American culture. It also serves as a catalyst for social change by actively seeking to confront the myths and taboos that have kept some Arab Americans from obtaining the help they need.

    AAFS assists Arab speakers in their native language and dialect and is also recognized by government agencies and other nonprofits as a local resource for cultural exchange and translation services. AAFS programs include case management, mental health assistance, immigration services, disability assistance and more.