Trained volunteer parents listen, offer support, and help you problem-solve. Available 10:00am – 10:00pm every day. Visit the website or call (888) 727-5889.

Tracheostomy.com (Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page) is an independent, family-run website that provides information about home care for children with tracheostomies (trachs) as well as parent-to-parent networking and support.

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

STARNET provides training, consultation, and resources to the early childhood community in Illinois.  They have information on free early childhood development workshops and webinars. STARnet 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.

STARNET, 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.