Knowing your strengths, setting goals, and understanding the options and supports available for attending college is important. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs start planning for college. It includes important things to consider when planning and helpful higher education resources.

Planning and Going to College tip sheet in English

Planning and Going to College tip sheet in Spanish

This tool can help you and your child prepare for the many transitions that life brings. It is available in English and Spanish.

The Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Possible services include in-home supports, respite care, job coaches, residential living arrangements, adaptive equipment and others.

To find out more information about available services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities, you can call the DHS Helpline at (888) DD-PLANS or (866) 376-8446 (TTY).

A resource to search Medicaid Waivers for each state.

OneSight is a nonprofit committed to ending the global vision care crisis. Through OneSight’s OnSite Voucher Program, eligible patients can receive glasses free of charge. See OneSight’s frequently-asked question page for more details.

The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is a collaboration of five universities and 10 organizations that together operate 20 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, childcare providers, and medical professionals.

Illinois residents can participate in TAP’s Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST) Training Program. The training features twelve modules focused on helping families advocate for adult services on behalf of their child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Each module features an expert-led presentation and time for discussion.

Topics  include:

• Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
• Medicaid waiver services
• Social Security benefits
• Health insurance
• Special needs trusts
• Post-secondary education and employment

The Special Needs Resource Project provides a basic guide for parents of children with chronic health issues, disabilities, and special needs.

Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more.

Illinois workNet includes Disability Works, which connects and guides individuals with disabilities to benefits, services, training and employment information.

Lists many educational and other resources for parents as well as a mentoring program.

The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities so they may achieve independence in every aspect of their lives, including home, work and school. 

INCIL also oversees the Home Modification Program that provides funding for improvements to make eligible homes and rental properties more accessible.