Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:

• Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
• A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
• Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
• A list of grants from national organizations offering support to families

The Autism Society of America provides advocacy, education, information and referral, support and community at the national, state and local levels through its nationwide network of affiliates.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Radon program provides information on the risks of radon and how to reduce radon levels in homes.

​​For more information, call the IEMA Radon Information Line at (800) 325-1245.

The Chicago Lighthouse is a social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and veteran communities. It provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages throughout Chicagoland. It also provides housing opportunities for income-eligible households for individuals with disabilities. National and statewide resources include help with college, brailler repair, employment, recreation, service animals and more.

The organization’s Lader Family Scholarship Program is open to Illinois residents who are blind or visually impaired, as well as Chicago Lighthouse employees who are blind, visually impaired, have another disability or are veterans. You can learn more about the Lader Family Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities on the Chicago Lighthouse website.

The Grottoes International Humanitarian Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps cover the cost of dental treatment and anesthesia costs, whether done in a hospital setting or dental office, for children with special needs. The program does not cover the hospital costs.

The Dental Care for Children with Special Needs Program is for children under 21 with one or more of the following conditions:

• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders
• Intellectual disabilities, including Down Syndrome
• Dental care for organ transplant recipients (pre- and post-transplant)

Learn more on the program’s eligibility and application page. For more information, fill out the program’s Contact Us form, email hf@hfgrotto.org or call (614) 933-0711.

Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) Family Support Group is a non-profit, mostly volunteer-run organization serving families and professionals worldwide. It provides:

• Support for families affected by MSUD
• Education about the condition and management
• Research
• Advocacy

For questions, please fill out the online form on MSUD Family Support Group’s website.

The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) at Utah State University supports Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs throughout the United States. NCHAM helps EHDI programs ensure that children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) are identified through newborn, infant and early childhood hearing screening and receive the diagnostic and early intervention services they need.

NCHAM provides:

• Technical assistance
• Training, video tutorials and podcasts
• Communication options and resources
• Access to information about evidence-based practices
• Partnership opportunities with national EHDI systems of care organizations and other key stakeholders, including those that represent and/ or serve families with children who are DHH.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) provides oral, dental and craniofacial health and disease research, training and health information to advance prevention, early detection and treatment strategies that improve overall health for all individuals and communities across the lifespan.

For information, contact the National Oral Health Information Center at 1 (866) 232-4528 or nidcrinfo@mail.nih.gov.

The Catalyst Center works with a broad range of partners to improve health care insurance coverage and address complex health care financing for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).

The PKU Organization of Illinois provides resources and support to teens, adults and families with PKU and 16 allied disorders.

Their website includes information about understanding and managing phenylketonuria (PKU), diet, local resources, events, what to expect at different life stages and a PKU binder toolkit.

For questions, please email the PKU Organization of Illinois at pkuillinois@gmail.com.