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

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ (HFS) Medicaid Customer Guide website helps customers and the partners who support them find the information they need. The guide provides a more streamlined, user-friendly experience. Clearer navigation and simpler language make it easier to find information about Medicaid coverage, eligibility, benefits, applications, renewals and other important resources. The guide organizes information around frequently asked questions and tasks to help:

• Learn about Medicaid
• Connect families with information about their coverage and benefits
• Explore recent HR 1 Federal Changes
• Apply for healthcare and use your benefits
• Understand your rights

CU Early is a free home-visiting program that serves children from birth to age three and their families in Champaign, Urbana and Mahomet. Operated through the Urbana Early Childhood School, the program focuses on child development, family support and early literacy. Skilled parent educators provide families with child development resources, support and guidance through home visiting services. Services also include support for expecting parents, monthly playgroups, weekly support groups for teen parents, and individualized activities with parents to support their child’s ongoing development.

All CU Early services are free to families. For more information about CU Early, please call (217) 384-3616 or email Kelly Russell at krussell@usd116.org.

 

Pain Care Rights is a patient advocacy organization that helps people with chronic pain and their caregivers navigate the healthcare system, document their symptoms and advocate for better treatment. It provides practical tools, resources and guidance to empower patients.

The Pain Care Rights’ State Information search tool provides information on state agencies, forms, deadlines and responsibilities. Resources also include tools and information to help you:

• Learn about health conditions
• Prepare for medical visits
• Document care barriers
• Review records
• Write clear questions, messages or requests to address concerns or get information