The Springfield Park District’s Camp L.E.A.P. ( Leisure Education and Adaptive Programming) offers adaptive recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.

Hands & Voices (Manos y Voces): Unbiased parent-to-parent support and Spanish-language resources for families and children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (La Asociación del Habla, Lenguaje y Audición):  The organization provides Spanish-language information for the public and families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Gallaudet University (Resources for Hispanic Deaf and Hard of Hearing Population): Resources providing contacts, publishers/distributors, and online links to assist Spanish-speaking individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission developed the Communication Card to provide individuals with hearing loss a simple way to inform others of their communication needs and list the name and contact information of their preferred communication provider.  You can create your very own personalized Communication Card on their website.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois aims to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. Its programs include epilepsy and seizure support services, home-based services, residential services, epilepsy education programs, support groups, a scholarship and more.

Its website also provides resources including a New to Epilepsy Guide, Seizure Calendar and more.

Illinois STAR NET provides a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through eight, with an emphasis on children with special needs. STAR NET supports family-centered, researched and effective practices in early childhood education and care.

STAR NET Regions I & III
Western Illinois University, Horrabin Hall 32
Macomb, IL 61455
Toll-free (800) 227-7537
Phone (309) 298-1634
Fax (309) 298-2305

STAR NET provides training, consultation, and resources to the early childhood community in Illinois.  They offerprovide early childhood development workshops and webinars. STAR NET also provides information on how to apply for financial assistance to attend a workshop for family members of a child two through six years of age with an IFSP or an IEP.

STAR NET Regions I & III
Western Illinois University, Horrabin Hall 32
Macomb, IL 61455
Toll-free 800-227-7537
Phone 309-298-1634
Fax 309-298-2305

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare and their families/caregivers build important problem-solving and decision-making skills. This tip sheet includes suggestions, steps and resources for developing the skills you need to be more independent and responsible as an adult.

Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in English

Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in Spanish

Your child’s school offers healthy meals every school day. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals.  The application form and more information about the program and how to apply can be found on the USDA Food & Nutrition Services website. The application is available in 34 languages. The completed form should be turned in to your child’s school.

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation’s (UHCCF) mission is to help fill the gap between what medical services/items/equipment a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for.

UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan.

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger at the time of application and have a Social Security number. Eligible families must also meet UHCCF’s economic guidelines.

Families could receive up to $5,000 annually and $10,000 a lifetime per child for eligible medical services, treatment therapies, items and equipment.

Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys go to Wrightslaw for information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.