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.

The American Youth Soccer Organization Very Important Players (AYSO VIP) Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.

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. STARNET supports family-centered, researched, and effective practices in early childhood education and care.

STARNET
2626 S. Clearbrook Dr.
Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4626
Phone 224-366-8579
Fax 847-278-5434
Email: starnet@cps.edu

Find out what dental services are covered by Illinois Medicaid and where you can get them.

Kruger’s ATA Black Belt Academy of Danville offers classes that help students of all ages and abilities learn to set goals and challenge themselves mentally and physically. Parents are encouraged to attend classes with their children to encourage bonding and hobby sharing.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. The website offers health information and resources that address these areas.

This registry allows emergency responders in the Mascoutah area to locate and help people with special needs.