The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn about registering for PUNS. PUNS stands for Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services. It is the point of entry to services in Illinois for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities uses the PUNS database to identify who needs services and what services they need.

Children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities who need or want services or supports can enroll in PUNS.

Point of Entry to Services in Illinois for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities (PUNS) tip sheet in English

Point of Entry to Services in Illinois for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities (PUNS) tip sheet in Spanish

Would you like to get a job? This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) employment activities tip sheet can help youth with disabilities explore the job skills needed to be ready to go to work. Use this tip sheet to identify the skills you have and what skills you need to build. You will also find helpful information on getting along with co-workers, workplace readiness training resources and more.

DSCC’s Employment Activities: Learning Job Skills Tip Sheet in English

DSCC’s Employment Activities: Learning Job Skills Tip Sheet in Spanish

There are many ways to get work experience and find a job you love. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Gaining Work Experience tip sheet was created to help youth with special healthcare needs build skills, explore opportunities, and learn about the many ways you can gain work experience. The tip sheet also includes resources for transition and employment, building a resume and more.

Gaining Work Experience tip sheet in English

Gaining Work Experience tip sheet in Spanish

It’s never to early to think about the job you want to do after high school. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore career interests, find program and develop work skills.

“What are YOU Going to Be?” Vocational Training tip sheet in English

“What are YOU Going to Be?” Vocational Training tip sheet in Spanish

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs find their personal strengths and abilities. These talents, strengths and areas of interest can be stepping stones to a career or job.

The tip sheet includes:

• Steps for helping you identify things you are good at
• Ways to have friends and family members help you identify and share your talents
• Resources and worksheets to help you learn more

Find Your Strengths and Talents tip sheet in English

Find Your Strengths and Talents tip sheet in Spanish

As youth with special healthcare needs transition to adulthood, they may undergo many physical, emotional and behavioral changes. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) covers what both teens and parents can expect and how to cope.

Adolescent Development tip sheet in English

Adolescent Development tip sheet in Spanish

Youth with disabilities preparing for college can use this Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet to learn about the types of accommodations available and how to receive them.

DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College tip sheet in English

DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College tip sheet in Spanish

Knowing your strengths, setting goals, and understanding the options and supports available for attending college is important. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs start planning for college. It includes important things to consider when planning and helpful higher education resources.

Planning and Going to College tip sheet in English

Planning and Going to College tip sheet in Spanish

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides leadership for the effective management of the design and delivery of quality outcome-based, person-centered services and supports for individuals who have developmental disabilities. These services and supports will be appropriate to their needs, gifts, talents and strengths; accessible; life-spanning; based on informed choice; and monitored to ensure individual progress, quality of life, and safety.

The DDD website provides information on how to connect with its services, including home-based and in-home supports, day services, residential living arrangements, employment services and more. You can also visit the Developmental Disabilities Services page for how to get started.

For more information, email dhs.dddcomments@illinois.gov or call (888) 337-5267 (1-888-DDPLANS) or (866) 376-8446 (TTY).

The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is a collaboration of five universities and 10 organizations that together operate 20 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, childcare providers, and medical professionals.

Illinois residents can participate in TAP’s Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST) Training Program. The training features twelve modules focused on helping families advocate for adult services on behalf of their child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Each module features an expert-led presentation and time for discussion.

Topics  include:

• Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
• Medicaid waiver services
• Social Security benefits
• Health insurance
• Special needs trusts
• Post-secondary education and employment