Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation

    The Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation provides financial assistance to people of all ages with spinal cord injury and neurological disorders. It also offers funding for medical research. Financial assistance includes post-high school education scholarships and charitable grants to help pay for items such as van modifications, wheelchairs and ramps.

    The foundation awards scholarships annually. It reviews charitable grants quarterly in January, March, June, and September. Wisconsin residents receive priority. Individuals anywhere in the United States may receive financial assistance depending on available funds. For program applications and more information, visit:

  • Camp Hope Illinois in Lake Forest

    Camp Hope is an overnight summer camp for Chicago-area teenagers and young adults with developmental disabilities. Campers ages 15 to 30 have a one-on-one buddy providing care and participate in activities adapted to their unique needs. Campers experience five fun days filled with friendships and activities, including swimming, dancing, arts and crafts, adaptive sports, cookouts and more. Camp registration typically opens in December of each year. Space is limited.

    Check out Camp Hope’s Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more. You can also contact camphopeillinois@gmail.com for more details.

  • Camp Sunshine for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families in Maine

    Camp Sunshine helps children with life-threatening illnesses and their families find hope, community and a safe space for recharging together. Located in Maine, the camp offers medical support and free, year-round camping sessions for children ages 21 and under, their siblings, parents and caregivers. Campers come from all over the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Bereavement sessions are also available for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness.

    Camp Sunshine offers sessions of varying lengths throughout the year. Supported conditions and diagnoses include:

    • A brain tumor, cancer and retinoblastoma
    • Kidney disease
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Hematologic conditions
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU) and more

  • Caregiver Action Network

    Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is a national nonprofit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease or the frailties old age.

    CAN provides a Family Caregiver Toolbox on a variety of topics.

    CAN also has a “Caring for Rare Disease Caregivers” website that includes helpful information, tips, and resources, including communicating effectively with healthcare professionals, looking for respite care, handling complex emotions and more.

  • Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities

    The Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities offers a wide range of tools to empower youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) ages 12 to 26 to direct their transition from pediatric to adult care. This national site is a one-stop shop where young people and their families, clinicians, and direct care providers can find videos and other resources for understanding and navigating the transition to adult health care.

    Site resources include:

  • 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.

  • Cerebral Palsy Foundation

    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.

  • Cerebral Palsy in Children

    Children with cerebral palsy have trouble controlling their movement. The condition is the most common disability that affects a child’s motor control.

    Cerebral palsy usually is caused by a brain injury or abnormal brain development before birth or early in life. Genetic causes, although less common, can also play a role.

    Healthy Children, the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides an overview of what families need to know about cerebral palsy and how to help children who have it reach their full potential.

  • Cerebral Palsy Research Network

    The Cerebral Palsy Research Network aims to optimize the lifelong health and wellness of people with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families through high-quality research, education and community programming.

    The Cerebral Palsy Research Network website includes educational resources for the entire CP community to inform healthcare decisions, including a CP tool kit and a well-being guide for parents and caregivers.