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

The Special Needs Resource Project provides information and ideas for parents of children with chronic health issues and disabilities. topics include education, housing design, accessibility and remodeling, ramps, transition to adulthood and more.

Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more.

Illinois workNet includes Disability Works, which connects and guides individuals with disabilities to benefits, services, training and employment information.

The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities so they may achieve independence in every aspect of their lives, including home, work and school. 

INCIL also oversees the Home Modification Program that provides funding for improvements to make eligible homes and rental properties more accessible.

Fill out INCIL’s contact form or call (217) 525-1308 or (800) 587-1227 for more information.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national non-profit organization that helps people with ADD/ADHD achieve their potential through education, support and networking.

The Sibling Support Project is a  national program dedicated to the lifelong and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental and mental health needs.

The project offers support, resources, opportunities to connect with other siblings and “Sibshops” for school-age brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.

The Chicago Dental Society shares a variety of resources to help the Chicago community find accessible dental care and specialized services. Its website shares resources for low-cost or no-cost dental services as well as where to find dental care for adults and children with special needs.

AMBUCS is a non-profit organization that makes and gives away therapeutic tricycles called Amtrykes. For parents, the Amtryke fills the need of every child to have a bike—just like their siblings and friends. Many riders not previously considered capable of riding a bike will be successful riding an Amtryke. Amtrykes are designed to look like bikes, not medical equipment, and to be age-appropriate.

Information about how to either purchase or request a donated Amtryke, visit https://ambucs.org/parents/.

The National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home provides information, support, and advocacy for families and pediatric healthcare professionals who care for children with special needs in managed care arrangements. The “medical home” isn’t a place. It is an approach focusing on strengthening and improving the system of care for children and youth with special health care needs and their families.

Located on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, the National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home offers:

• Information on why a medical home is important
• A medical home overview and FAQs
• Tools and resources for families
• Resources for medical professionals
• Care coordination resources

The Brain Association of Illinois (BAI) is a statewide, non-profit organization providing advocacy, information and support to people with brain injuries, family members, friends and rehabilitation professionals.

The BIA of IL is part of a network of brain injury associations across the United States, and is an affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).