“The Know Your Options, Build Your Future” Video Series,  created in partnership with The Arc of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, aims to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and supporters learn about living options and make choices that fit their needs, goals and future.

The videos cover a variety of shared living options:

• HBS: Home-Based Services
• Host Homes: 24-Hour Community Integrated Living Arrangement Support
• CILA: Community Integrated Living Arrangement
• ICILA: Intermittent Community Integrated Living Arrangement
• ICF/DD: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Pull-thru Network, Inc. is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information, education, support and advocacy for families, children, teens and adults living with congenital anorectal, colorectal and/or urogenital disorders and associated diagnoses. Pull-thru Network programs include a glossary and care guides, resources, research information, financial support for members,  a youth rally and a national conference.

The Pull-thru Network empowers and uplifts individuals and families affected by congenital bowel and bladder disorders worldwide. Members* can apply for financial help that includes:

• The Medical Travel Assistance Program providing up to $1,000 in 12 months to qualifying members.
• Member Emergency Assistance providing up to $500 twice a year to members facing an unexpected financial need.
• The Trevor Erlichman Memorial Scholarship recognizing students living with congenital anorectal, colorectal and/or urogenital malformations as they pursue their higher education goals.

*Family memberships are available for individuals and families of individuals who are affected by any congenital anorectal, colorectal or urogenital disorder and/or any of the variety of related diagnoses.

For more information, email info@pullthrunetwork.org, call (309) 262-0786 submit the Pull-thru Network’s Contact Us form.

Illinois will launch the Blue Envelope Program statewide on Jan. 1, 2027.  The voluntary program aims to aid communication and reduce stress for drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during traffic stops. The envelope will feature guidance for both drivers and law enforcement, including preferred methods of communication and space for emergency contact information.

Under the program, a driver, passenger or vehicle owner can carry a distinctive blue envelope to give to law enforcement during a traffic stop. Individuals can present the envelope during a traffic stop to let the officer know they may benefit from different communication techniques or additional patience.

The blue envelope can include:

• A driver’s license
• Vehicle registration
• Proof of insurance
• Communication methods
• Emergency contact

The Illinois blue envelope will be free and available at all Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) and the Illinois State Library in Springfield beginning Jan. 1, 2027, to anyone who asks. No medical certification or documentation is required.

For more information, call the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office at (800) 252-8980 (toll-free in Illinois) or (217) 785-3000 (outside Illinois).

The Arc of the United States offers a printable Mental Health Crisis Card for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). During a mental health crisis,  individuals can show the card to someone nearby to provide support and help. The card includes critical information about the person’s disability and mental health conditions and actionable steps to help de-escalate stressful situations.

A mental health crisis can strike unexpectedly. The Mental Health Crisis Card provides information about what you need,  including:

• How to communicate (verbally, written, through pictures, etc.)
• Your preferred calming techniques
• Words or phrases that can help you focus or de-escalate
• Triggers or actions to avoid, such as physical contact, bright lights or loud noise
• Numbers to call for immediate help, such as a family member, support person or therapist

You can download a Mental Health Crisis Card and the instructions for completing it on The Arc’s website.

Shelter Youth and Family Services in Arlington Heights provides a comprehensive network of support to children, their families and the community to create safe, healthy and nurturing homes and end the cycle of child abuse in Chicagoland. Its programs include clinical care, “Healthy Families” support for new parents, support groups, foster care, support for human trafficker survivors, and emergency shelters  and support for youth aged 11 to 17.

Shelter staff is available 24 hours a day to help individuals seeking housing, assistance or other community resources. Call the 24-hour Referral Line at (847) 255-8060.

 

The Blue Envelope Program is a free, voluntary statewide initiative offered in partnership with the Normal Police Department in Normal, Ill. The program aims to support safer, less stressful interactions between law enforcement and individuals who may experience communication challenges, disabilities, sensory differences or severe anxiety. Participants can use a Blue Envelope to store identification, vehicle information, emergency contact information and communication preferences.

The envelope also serves as a visual cue to law enforcement that an individual may benefit from additional communication support or accommodations during an interaction.

Visit the Normal Police Department’s Blue Envelope Program page for a list of locations where Blue Envelopes are available.

You can also email Autism McLean at info@autismmclean.org to request an envelope or more information.

 

Good oral health and maintaining a healthy smile are important for everyone. Special Olympics offers a Brush Up On Your Dental Care video and guide to help people with disabilities understand and develop good oral hygiene habits, including brushing techniques, preparing for dental visits and common dental problems.

The easy-to-understand video demonstrates, step by step, how to prepare for a dental visit and care for your dental health.

The Brush Up on Your Dental Care Guide offers caregivers and self-advocates information on developing and maintaining a complete oral hygiene program. Information includes:

• Easy-to-follow instructions on proper brushing, rinsing and flossing techniques
• Suggestions for adaptive positions for these activities
• Common dental problems
• Oral health considerations during the growth and development of a child with intellectual disabilities

Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center’s Transition Fact Sheets help students with disabilities and their families prepare for life after high school. Transition planning begins early and focuses on the student’s strengths, interests, preferences, needs and goals for education, employment, independent living and community participation.

These fact sheets include practical information about secondary transition planning, student participation, graduation pathways, adult services, self-advocacy and accommodations in college and the workplace. Families can use them to better understand important transition decisions, prepare for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, ask informed questions and identify supports and services that may be needed as students move toward adulthood.

• OSEP Post-Secondary Transition Guide
• Transition Fact Sheet
• Transition Timeline: Age 14½ to Graduation
• Transition Planning and Participation
• Transition: Diploma or Certificate?
• Graduation Checklist
• How Students Can Get Accommodations in College
• How Students Can Get Accommodations on the Job

South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA) provides a wide range of recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. SSSRA opportunities help to build confidence, develop independence and form meaningful connections. SSSRA is an extension of member park districts and recreation and parks departments.

People served by these SSSRA member agencies are considered residents:

• Country Club Hills Parks and Recreation Department
• Hazel Crest Park District
• Homewood-Flossmoor Park District
• Matteson Recreational Division
• Oak Forest Park District
• Olympia Fields Park District
• Park Forest Department of Recreation, Parks & Community Health
• Richton Park Parks and Recreation Department
• Tinley Park-Park District

The “Turning 19 and Medicaid Prescription Coverage” tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains Illinois Medicaid’s Four Prescription Policy for members aged 19 and older. It goes over policy details as well as what to do before an individual turns 19 and how to handle prior authorization, if needed.

• “Turning 19 and Medicaid Prescription Coverage” tip sheet in English 
• “Turning 19 and Medicaid Prescription Coverage” tip sheet in Spanish