Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Perkins School for the Blind College Readiness Resource Center

    Perkins School for the Blind College Readiness Resource Center helps students and the many people involved in assisting them prepare for success. Students, families and education professionals can access helpful planning and assessment tools, checklists and resources for going to college, pre-college training programs or heading straight to work.

    The College Readiness Resource Center includes:

    • Resources for families to start planning early
    • Information on the laws that affect the transition from high school to college
    • How to get students ready for life after high school
    • The College Readiness Checklist and Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) Toolkit

  • PKU Organization of Illinoissun-icon

    The PKU Organization of Illinois provides resources and support to teens, adults and families with PKU and 16 allied disorders.

    Their website includes information about understanding and managing phenylketonuria (PKU), diet, local resources, events, what to expect at different life stages and a PKU binder toolkit.

  • PKU Organization of Illinois Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship

    The PKU Organization of Illinois awards the Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship annually to qualified individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) or allied disorders. Eligible applicants may receive scholarships of up to $2,000. The scholarship applicant requirements include:

    • Having PKU or an Allied Disorder diagnosis
    • Currently residing in Illinois
    • Enrolling to attend an accredited college, university or vocational school for the fall semester of the current calendar year

    A student may receive more than one scholarship during their secondary education but not in consecutive years.

  • PKU Resources from University of Louisville School of Medicine

    The University of Louisville School of Medicine website provides a wide range of PKU (Phenylketonuria) resources to support families.

    The Family PKU Booklet provides information for families after a positive newborn screening. Using illustrations and clear language, the booklet helps make complicated, scientific information easier to understand.

    The site also includes:

    • Caregiver and school preparation tips
    • Nutrient trackers
    • Downloadable PHE and protein log templates
    • Recipes and low protein food suppliers
    • PKU community resources

  • Preparing For College When You Have Congenital Heart Disease

    Going to college is an exciting time filled with new friends and experiences. When you have congenital heart disease (CHD), it can be overwhelming or tempting to put your care on the back burner. It’s very important that you stay in care and are as prepared as possible.

    The Adult Congenital Heart Association provides this resource with tips to help you maintain good health while you further your education.

  • Progress Center for Independent Living Serving Suburban Cook County

    The Progress Center for Independent Living serves over 133 municipalities throughout suburban Cook County. It is a community-based, non-profit, non-residential service and advocacy organization operated for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities. Progress Center provides a variety of training and education services, housing assistance, and tools and resources for people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes. These include:

    • Youth transition to adulthood program
    • Independent living skills training
    • Peer counseling
    • Housing assistance
    • Deaf services
    • Braille classes
    • Radio Independent Living 24/7

  • Project Mobility

    Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of all the freedom of mobility for people with physical disabilities.

    Project Mobility also does an Adaptive Bike Giveaway.

  • QCA Adaptive Sports Association in Moline

    QCA Adaptive Sports Association is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization in the Quad City area offering a safe, accessible and accepting environment for people with physical disabilities to enjoy adaptive sports and recreational opportunities. Sports programs include:

    • Wheelchair basketball
    • Tennis
    • Rowing
    • Softball and more

  • RCADD Back-to-School Resources / Recursos para el regreso a clases

    The Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays’ (RCADD) Virtual Resource Room offers back-to-school resources for parents/caregivers and their children with autism and/or neurodiversity. Resources in English and Spanish to help with a new school year include:

    • Tip sheets- Hojas de consejos
    • Schedules and routines materials- Horarios & rutinas
    • Social stories- Historias sociales
    • Visual supports – Apoyos visuales
    • Structured activities- Actividades estructuradas

  • Rockin’ the Spectrum

    Rockin’ the Spectrum is a non-profit helping families and their loved ones with autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization works to promote autism acceptance and inclusion for all ages, and provides a space where loved one can be themselves and families can learn together in a judgment-free environment.

    Located in McHenry County, Rockin The Spectrum provides:

    • The Clubhouse, an indoor sensory play area
    • Support, resources and advocacy
    • A day program for youth 18 and older