LifeLine Pilots is a non-profit group providing free air transportation to patients seeking a second opinion or in need of treatment at a clinic far from home for non-emergency medical needs.

The organization serves individuals who may not be able to travel long distances any other way or have financial or health-related needs.  Volunteer pilots fly passengers in need within a 10 state region. Lifeline Pilots also works with other volunteer pilot organizations to arrange flights beyond their service area.

If you have questions or need to determine if you qualify for services,  call 800-822-7972 or fill out the mission request form.

The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers.

IATP provides assistive technology demonstrations and allows people to see, try and borrow devices before making a purchasing decision. IATP also allows people to donate or obtain gently used assistive technology devices.

IATP also offers classes and help in finding the right AT devices for your needs:

• Tech Kitchen offers cooking classes in a home-style kitchen showcasing accessibility and adapted tools. Classes are for individuals 14 and up with any disability.
• Smart Home Technology features a five-room interactive Smart Home display highlighting home automation. Experts in assistive technology can discuss your needs and help you compare different AT devices. This program focuses on serving individuals receiving services from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS).
• IATP Makers provides custom AT devices and open-source 3D printer files for Illinois residents.

For questions, visit the contact page on IATP’s website.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) offers information about allergies and asthma, including a drug guide, a glossary of terms, videos, and more. AAAAI also provides a tool to help locate an allergist/immunologist in your area and find out local pollen and spore counts for regions in which you live or plan to travel.

AAAAI provides information and helpful tools for the public, including:

• An Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Glossary
• A video library
• Myths in Allergic Diseases

For questions, please contact AAAAI at info@aaaai.org or (414) 272-6071.

Equip for Equality‘s mission is to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with disabilities. It is the federally mandated, governor-appointed protection and advocacy organization for the state of Illinois. It works to remove barriers in education, employment, housing, transportation and government services for Illinois residents and create model programs for other organizations around the country.

Equip for Equality offers assistance in areas including:

• School and education rights
• Employment rights
• Fully participating in the community and discrimination
• Leaving residential facilities
• Legal services and more

For more information or to request help, call (312) 341-0022 or (800) 537-2632. You can also complete Equip for Equality’s Online Intake Form.

Bright Futures is a national child health initiative focused on prevention and health promotion for infants, children, adolescents and their families.

The Bright Futures website provides a number of resources for children, teens and families and information to help families build a strong partnership with their healthcare providers.

The Transition Coalition provides professional development tools and technical assistance to professionals and families supporting students with disabilities in transition to adulthood planning. Resources include webinars, on-line training modules, study guides and free publications.

Illinois’ Early Intervention Service System serves children between the ages of birth to 3 with disabilities or developmental delays to help them learn and grow. The program evaluates infants and toddlers to see if there is a delay in:

• Movement
• Learning
• Dealing with others
• Behavior and/or
• Self-help skills

If a child needs services, the program helps families write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to set goals and identify needs. Families, with the support of Early Intervention providers, help their infants and toddlers reach their goals.

Use the DHS Office Locator to find an Early Intervention Child and Family Connections office in your local area. You can also call the Illinois Automated Helpline at (800) 323-4769

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Newborn Screening Program consists of screening and follow-up for disorders identified through testing a dried blood spot, as well as hearing screening and pulse oximetry screening. Newborn screening is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours of life to detect conditions or disorders in newborns soon after birth. These tests can help determine if a newborn has a condition or disease that can be improved with early treatment.

IDPH also offers information about genomics and genetic services, including:

• Information on understanding genetic conditions
• Genetic counseling
• Where to find genetic services and more

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s ADA.gov website provides information and assistance to help people with disabilities, state and local governments, and businesses understand their legal rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

The ADA.gov website includes:

• An introduction to the ADA
• Guidance and resource materials on a range of topics, including service animals, parking and more
• Answers to frequently asked questions
• Fact sheets, legal documents and how to report violations

For questions, please call the ADA Information Line at 1 (800) 514-0301 or 1 (833) 610-1264 (TTY).

The All Kids program offers many Illinois children comprehensive healthcare that includes doctors visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care and medical devices like eyeglasses and asthma inhalers. Some families pay monthly premiums for the coverage, but rates for middle-income families are significantly lower than they are on the private market. Low-income working families may qualify for help in paying insurance premiums.