Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
The Penguin Project provides a supportive environment for children with a wide range of disabilities to explore the performing arts. The program encourages children and young adults ages 10 to 24 to discover their creative talents, build self-confidence and make new friends by rehearsing and performing a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. The young artists work side-by-side with age-level “peer mentors” through four months of rehearsals and the final performance.
The project has several chapters in Illinois. Visit The Penguin Project website for more details.
The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County
The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County provides a wide range of programs and services to area families and individuals to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. The Salvation Army can help with bills, child care, employment, housing and emergencies. It also works to connect individuals to outside resources that can benefit personal growth and support.
The Salvation Army of Freeport and Stephenson County is at 524 West Stephenson Street in Freeport. For more information, please call (815) 235-7638.
Freeport, ILThe September 26th Project focuses on helping families and caregivers of children or adults with cognitive, behavioral and/or physical impairments prepare for wandering and elopement and disasters such as fires floods, or earthquakes.
The September 26th Projects assists and encourages families to do a checkup at least annually and not put emergency preparedness on the back burner. They provide checklists and information on:
The Superhero Project matches children facing serious illnesses, disabilities and complex medical needs with artists to create their superhero alter egos.
The nonprofit interviews kids and teens about their superhero alter egos. Artists then design the characters the children have described, creating a visual representation of their strength, courage and resilience. Families then receive an inspiring poster of their superheroes.
The Superhero Project is free and open to families around the world.
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda
Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois offers a diverse range of camps, retreats, programs and activities for children and adults of all abilities. Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center programs include:
- Camp Little Giant summer day camps for children, teens and adults meeting the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
- Camp BETA for children with type 1 diabetes.
- Retreats
- Outdoor education
- Training and workshops
Travel Guide for Children with Medical Complexity
Traveling with a child with medical complexity can be challenging. With extra planning, a family vacation can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. This travel guide from the Courageous Parents Network offers practical advice on choosing a location, what and how to pack the medical supplies your child needs, tips for traveling by car and airplane, and what precautions to take should your child have a medical emergency while on vacation.
The guide is available in English and Spanish.
The U.S. Department of Education is America’s education agency. Its website includes guidance, resources and technical assistance related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
IDEA is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children, supports early intervention services for infants and toddlers and their families, and awards competitive discretionary grants.
UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago is a charitable not-for-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities in metropolitan Chicago and beyond.
Its services include employment and community day services for adults, residential services for adults, children’s foster care, assistive technology and accessibility services, and more.
Understanding Inclusion Online Series for Parents of Young Children With Disabilities
Early CHOICES offers a free, online series for parents of young children with disabilities, practitioners, educators and administrators in Early Intervention or early childhood programs. The Understanding Inclusion series covers everything from defining inclusion to dreaming big for your child and includes:
- Short videos
- Activities to promote inclusion
- Topic guides to support you in reflection and resource gathering
Flyers outlining the series’ details are available in English and Spanish.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a food assistance program for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.
The WIC page on the Illinois Department of Human Services’ website provides details about WIC services, who can receive these services and how to apply for WIC benefits.