Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources
Telecommunications Relay Services Information in American Sign Language
Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) allow people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or have speech disabilities to communicate by telephone.
The Federal Communications Commission’s American Sign Language video walks you through the various TRS systems available.
The Child Neurology Foundation provides a telehealth tip sheet to help families and children prepare for video or phone appointments and make them as comfortable and successful as possible.
The Answer, Inc. provides resources and education, recreation and advocacy services to families with loved ones with autism and developmental disabilities in the greater Chicago area.
Visit The Answer, Inc., website for more information.
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning aims to support and encourage adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families to plan for the future.
The Center provides reliable information and assistance to individuals with I/DD, their family members and friends, professionals who support them and other members of the community on areas such as person-centered planning, decision-making, housing options and financial planning.
The Arc’s Virtual Program Library
The Arc’s Virtual Program Library is a free hub full of on-demand activities that people with disabilities, and their families and service providers can do at home.
Topics include arts, community and life skills, health and wellness, virtual clubs, and more. Service providers can also find and share resources to facilitate or deliver live, remote programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Autism Collective is a collaboration of Easterseals Central Illinois and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The collective is working to end the isolation felt by those living with autism by uniting experts and connecting families.
The collective coordinates early identification, diagnosis, therapy, services and support. Its care coordination services are available throughout Illinois (outside of Chicago).
The Autism Hero Project champions inclusion and fosters an environment where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, is valued and empowered to thrive. The organization helps support, equip and foster acceptance of people with autism.
The Autism Hero Project provides:
- Autism information and resources
- Annual medical insurance grants
- Family-friendly, inclusive events and more
The Autism Hero Project Medical Insurance Grant Application program application period usually runs from September through October. If you have any application questions, please email applications@autismheroproject.org.
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is a collaboration of five universities and 10 organizations that together operate 20 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, childcare providers, and medical professionals.
Illinois residents can participate in TAP’s Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST) Training Program. The training features twelve modules focused on helping families advocate for adult services on behalf of their child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Each module features an expert-led presentation and time for discussion.
Topics include:
- Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
- Medicaid waiver services
- Social Security benefits
- Health insurance
- Special needs trusts
- Post-secondary education and employment
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Center at CTF Illinois
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Center at CTF Illinois provides services and support to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families. CTF Illinois family and community resource rooms are located in in both Charleston and Olney.
TAP at CTF serves Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Clark, Moultrie, Douglas, Shelby, Clay, Richland, Crawford and Lawrence counties. Services include:
- Family nights and new diagnosis family orientation
- Play groups for children under 3
- Social skills and monthly support groups
- Food and nutrition-related consultations
PUNS is the name for the list of the people in Illinois with developmental disabilities who want or need services but do not yet have funding. Individuals who need help from the government to pay for needed Division of Developmental Disabilities Waiver services now, or in the future, should register for PUNS.
The Arc of Illinois’ Life Span Program provides an overview of how to get on the PUNS list and how to check the approximate date when you may be selected.