ERIC is an online library of education research and information, sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education.

The Illinois.gov website provides information about all the different services that various Illinois state agencies offer.

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) offers support, information and a variety of events for clinicians, researchers, patients and families affected by rare diseases.

NORD’s Resource Center provides patients and caregivers with free webinars, fact sheets, infographics, support and advocacy groups links, and referrals for rare disorders.

NORD’s RareCare Program website provides a list of financial assistance programs that can help patients obtain life-saving or life-sustaining medication they could not otherwise afford.

NORD’s State Resource Center contains local, state and national organizations listed by state or by topic offering free or low-cost services for people impacted by rare diseases.

NORD’s free, self-paced online course “From Records to Research: Making Sense of Health Data for Rare Diseases” provides help for understanding health data, research participation and how both contribute to improving treatments and care. The course is available:

• In English
• In Spanish

ComeUnity is a parent support website with resources on parenting children with special needs, adoption, child development, and multiple lists of groups and organizations that provide information on specific topics or areas.

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides pediatric specialty care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.

As a nonprofit healthcare system, Shriners Children’s aims to ensure treatment is available to all families, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (OASH) provides the MyHealthfinder Tool. It’s an easy-to-use tool for finding and accessing screenings, vaccines, and other preventive care you need to stay healthy.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health. The CDC provides up-to-date information and resources on topics such as nutrition, diseases and conditions, healthy living, violence and safety, detecting and responding to new and emerging health threats, and more.

Nemours KidsHealth provides doctor-reviewed articles, videos and health information on a wide range of topics for parents, kids, teens and educators in English and Spanish. KidsHealth offers information on growth and development, diseases and conditions, school and family life, visiting the doctor, medical procedures and more.

Other resources and information include:

• Tips for parents on understanding children’s health, behavior, and growth – from before birth through the teen years
• A kids area where they can learn how the body works and more
• A place for teens with topics such as body self-esteem, playing sports, knowing the signs of an abusive relationship and more
• A section for educators with teaching tools to use in the classroom for all ages

The American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a non-profit association of individuals and healthcare professionals interested in clinical care and research advancements for those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions.

ACPA provides:

• Important information for families, patients and professionals on topics associated with cleft or craniofacial care
• Educational materials in English and Spanish
• Four $5,000 college scholarships annually to outstanding students born with cleft or craniofacial conditions
• Community stories and more

The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center works with families and professionals to address questions and concerns about the health of children and youth with special healthcare needs and disabilities under the age of 22.  The center uses its team’s extensive parental and professional experience to help other families access resources, communicate with medical providers and raise children at home in their communities.

The center offers individual assistance for questions about Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, insurance, Medicaid waivers, disability programs, special education and more. The center also helps families connect with local, regional, statewide and national partners for support, information sharing and skill building.

For more information, call (815) 464-1832 ext. 1017, or (866) 931-1110. For information in Spanish, call (800) 588-7002