Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side (GBYS) is a program providing parent guides, adults who have a child or children with hearing loss, who help families navigate through the many systems and services available in Illinois.

The Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (IL EHDI) Program works to ensure families of babies and children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive appropriate and timely services. These services include hearing screening, diagnosis, early intervention and parent-to-parent support, provided through coordinated systems of care.

Families and providers can learn more about the EHDI program and find resources on the Illinois Sound Beginnings website.

The Institute is dedicated to promoting the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society.

The Illinois Early Learning Project provides evidence-based, early care and education information for parents, caregivers and teachers of young children in the state of Illinois.

The site provides a wide range of information on important topics involving early care and education, including:

• Resource lists
• Easy-to-read tip sheets
• Dental Health and Dentist Visits resources on children’s dental health and dentist visits to promote good oral health
• A Picky Eaters toolkit with strategies to try and actions to avoid
• Safe Sleep resources for educators and family members on how to keep infants and toddlers safe when sleeping

Provides information for those who are deaf or hard of hearing or for those who need information about this population.

Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:

• Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
• A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
• Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
• A list of grants from national organizations offering support to families

The Autism Society of America provides advocacy, education, information and referral, support and community at the national, state and local levels through its nationwide network of affiliates.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency Radon program staff informs Illinois citizens about the risks associated with radon and how to reduce radon levels in their homes.

The Chicago Lighthouse is a social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and veteran communities. It provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages throughout Chicagoland. It also provides national and statewide resources for college, brailler repair, employment, recreation, service animals and more.

The organization’s Lader Family Scholarship Program is open to Illinois residents who are blind or visually impaired, as well as Chicago Lighthouse employees who are blind, visually impaired, have another disability or are veterans. You can learn more about the Lader Family Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities on the Chicago Lighthouse website.

The Humanitarian Foundation Grottoes International program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, including hospital and anesthesia costs, for children with Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Organ Transplants or Muscular Dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders.