Resource Directory
Find resource information for families and children with special health care needs.
*Note, we have created a new page for families to find information about available resources and supports during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Please visit our COVID-19 Resources and Supports for Families page for the latest information.*
Some of these resources are specific for families and children served by the Core or Home Care Program, while others may be of interest to any family or child with special health needs. For resources specific to your area, go to the Browse by Region links on this page.
You can use the search field in the upper right hand corner to narrow your view. For example, you can search for support groups, respite, a specific topic, or by condition. Check back often for updates. If you don’t find what you need, call us at (800) 322-3722 or send us an email.
- Icon indicates condition covered by Specialized Care for Children
Education Resources
The Autism Program is an initiative that offers resource information & promotes best practice in the diagnosis, treatment and education of children with ASD.
“Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois” is a document developed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for parents and others that outlines the educational rights of children who have disabilities and receive special education services.
Advocating for LGBTQ Students With Disabilities
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students with disabilities face unique challenges as a result of their disability status and potential bias related to their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Educators, counselors, parents/guardians and other adult allies play an important role in ensuring the safety, inclusion and well-being of these students.
This Human Rights Campaign Foundation guide provides educators and parents/guardians an overview of the rights of LGBTQ students with disabilities as well as actionable recommendations on how to best support them.
Family Resources
The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to advocating support for families by ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC is dedicated to spreading the awareness of lifespan respite for caregivers of individuals with special needs. The IRC is able to assist caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, provide training on respite topics, and have funding available for emergency respite
This organization’s emergency respite program offers funding and resources to support caregivers who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source. The website gives examples of qualifying circumstances and information on how to apply.
Almost Home Kids is a short-term, community based pediatric healthcare facility. They provide transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs and they train families to provide care in preparation for going home. Almost Home Kids also provides respite care. They are located in Chicago and Naperville.
Maryville Children's Healthcare Center
Maryville Children’s Healthcare Center provides care to children with complex medical needs who are not yet able to go home. They also provide training for caregivers enabling them to care for the child when he/she transitions home. Maryville offers both transitional and respite care.
Medical/Health Resources
Get Covered Illinois - The Official Health Marketplace
If you are looking for health insurance for yourself or your family, or if you own a small business or lead a nonprofit organization this website is the official site in Illinois for signing up for health insurance.
Mental Health Resources for LGBTQI Individuals
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexed (LGBTQI) community represents a wide diversity of thought, perspective, understanding and experience. For individuals identifying as LGBTQI, it’s important to recognize how your experience of sexual orientation and gender identity relates to your mental health.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides a variety of resources as well as important things to consider when seeking an LGBTQI-competent mental health care professional.
Sexuality Resources for Individuals With Disabilities
Sexuality resources or education often do not take into account a person’s ability status or how disability may affect sexual activity, communication and perceptions of self and self in relationships.
The Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides a list of sexuality resources for individuals with disabilities to meet this need.