In this video, nurses from Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago describe and demonstrate emergency management for pediatric patients with tracheostomy (trach) tubes. The video covers:

• Prevention and assessment of emergency situations
• How to manage a mucous plug
• How to replace a trach tube that has become dislodged
• What to do if the trach tube is difficult to replace
• When to provide manual ventilation using bag to trach tube, bag and mask to mouth, and mouth to mouth

The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition’s (PPCC) Sibling Grief and Bereavement Toolkit aims to address the needs and concerns of children and teens who have experienced the death of their sibling with medical complexities. The toolkit provides information to help adults understand how children and teens may process their grief and how to provide comfort to help them heal.

The toolkit can help with:

• The many feelings siblings might experience
• Therapeutic activities families can do together
• More resources for encouraging and guiding conversations

Timber Pointe Outdoor Center offers specialized lodging, staff and programming modified to accommodate kids and adults of all abilities. The center provides year-round opportunities for individuals with disabilities and illnesses to experience a fun, safe and accessible environment with family and friends.

Owned and operated by Easterseals Central Illinois, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center programs include:

• Day and overnight summer camps
• Partner group camps
• Weekend family retreats
• Facility rentals

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created an IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families. The guide provides helpful information for our participants and families using the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology (IMPACT) system. It includes:

• Contacts for assistance
• A list of helpful terms
• Information on All Kids/Medicaid transportation benefits
• How to enroll in IMPACT (as a Private Transportation Provider)
• Information on pre-approval and submitting a claim

For more information, visit the IMPACT Information and Resources page on our website.

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides recreation and social opportunities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. From ages 3 to their senior years, individuals can enjoy adaptive sports, athletics, camps, social clubs, trips and more. WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts and serves the communities/member districts of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.

WDSRA programs include:

• Rec & Roll for individuals ages 22 to 55 with an intellectual disability
• Adaptive sports and athletic programming
• Camps
• Cultural arts
• Social programs and clubs
• Trips and special events

The Disability Resource Center provides advocacy, peer support groups, S.K.I.L.L.S. independent living classes, visual impairment services, seminars, workshops and more for people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties.

Programs also include:

• Deaf and hard of hearing services
• Information and referral (I&R) for accessible housing, where to buy assistive devices, how to secure a sign language interpreter and more
• Assistive technology for children up to age 23
• Personal assistance program and information

These tips sheets provide resources for helping children with disabilities of all ages and abilities exercise and stay active.

Exercise for Children: (English) (Spanish)

Illinois Disability Benefits 101 is a free, user-friendly, Illinois-specific website that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, health care, employment and more. It is a one-stop shop for information, resources, and tools to motivate and support employment and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals.

Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF) Energy Assistance Foundation provides year-round help with energy bills and making homes more energy efficient for income-qualified families.  The program helps low-to-moderate-income individuals and families who don’t qualify for federal assistance.  Visit the WNCF website to learn about:

• Income and eligibility guidelines
• Program coverage areas
• Help for weatherizing your home
• Energy bill payment programs

Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL) provides training, peer support, information and referrals, community development and advocacy services to help individuals with disabilities participate in all aspects of family, social and community life. AIM-CIL serves residents with disabilities and their families in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties. 

Other AIM-CIL programs include:

• Assistive Technology Program – Individuals/families can apply to receive up to $500 for an authorized device(s). Only one device per person/per household.
• Educational Scholarship Program – Students can get up to $1,000 for college or trade school registration/application/lab fees, books and/or class tuition. Only one scholarship per student/household. Please refer AIM-CIL’s website for specific requirements and deadline dates.