General Resources
Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization
The Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization (CIDSO) offers support, events and educational resources for families in McLean County who have loved ones with Down syndrome.
Central Illinois Sled Hockey Association
The Central Illinois Sled Hockey Association (CISHA) is a volunteer, non-profit organization offering recreational and competitive sled hockey for youth and adult players with physical disabilities throughout the central Illinois region.
Families do not pay to participate. CISHA provides sleds, hockey equipment, team jerseys and ice time.
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to be a catalyst for creating positive change for people with cerebral palsy (CP).
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation website includes expert insights on what is CP and a fact sheet library on various topics.
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s Cerebral Palsy Resource website provides expert insights, fact sheets, stories, blogs, videos, podcasts and more to help individuals with cerebral palsy and their families across the lifespan.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. CAF provides several grant programs, events and support to people with physical challenges who are pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF resources include:
- Grants to help pay for sports prostheses, adaptive sports equipment, coaching and competition expenses
- Adaptive sports videos
- A list of adaptive sports organizations and collegiate programs
- Information about adaptive sports equipment
Champaign County Down Syndrome Network
The Champaign County Down Syndrome Network (DSN) provides information and support to families who have members with Down syndrome in Champaign County and east-central Illinois.
DSN serves new parents, professionals and the general public to promote Down syndrome awareness and acceptance year-round.
Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group
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The Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group “You Are Not Alone” offers support for anyone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder and their loved ones. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, in Champaign.
For more information, contact Kristen at kristen@epilepsyadvocacynetwork.org or (217) 621-5842.
Champaign-Urbana Healthy Beginnings
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Healthy Beginnings is a free, evidence-based initiative for moms in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy area who are first-time moms less than 29 weeks pregnant and moms with other children who are pregnant. Its goal is to help ensure children and their families have an opportunity to be prosperous and live the healthiest life they can.
Healthy Beginnings works with eligible mothers and their families to help bring the healthcare, support and resources together that fit individual circumstances, including:
- Nurse home visiting care/support for pregnant moms & their families (with interpreter services)
- Mobile clinic services
- Child and family education
- Employment opportunities
- Access to healthy food
For more information or to make a referral, call (217) 365-7925 or email referral@cuhealthybeginnings.com.
Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation
The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation provides opportunities and resources to critically and chronically ill children and their families.
The program includes The Tiana Fund, which provides assistance to economically at-risk persons or families in need that will strengthen their ability to care for themselves, enhance their stability and security, and improve their quality of life or their ability to contribute to the community. Applications are only available at Chicago-area hospitals or pre-approved community organizations.
Chicago Autism Network and Therapy Assistance Grants
The Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy and supports.
The network offers therapy assistance grants for anyone living in Illinois with a current autism diagnosis. It also holds free monthly Autism Parent Workshops.
The Chicago Autism Network also provides a statewide Autism Services Directory to help families connect with services that meet their needs closer to home.