The Illinois Community College Initiative provides academic and vocational training programs for eligible students with disabilities at in-state public community colleges and approved community colleges bordering the state. People with disabilities who are determined eligible for the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) vocational rehabilitation program may complete community college coursework leading to an associate’s degree or to a degree, certificate, or other industry-recognized credential or certificate.

DRS will help students with:

• The cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies
• Transportation costs
• Other eligible costs

See the  Illinois Community College Initiative flyer for more details. To get started, contact your local DRS office using the locator tool or call (877) 581-3690. TTY and relay callers can dial 711.

SourceAmerica’s Job Board is a resource for job seekers with disabilities and direct service professionals who help job seekers fulfill their work and career goals. SourceAmerica provides a nationwide network, support and tools to find the job that matches your skills and abilities. Their dedicated job board includes:

• A job search tool
• Resume builder
• Career matching and training resources
• Mentorship opportunities

Hospital stays can be difficult for everyone. However, individuals with disabilities may face a variety of unique challenges. This Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities During Hospitalization tip sheet includes information about your right to have a support person with you any time in the hospital, provider bias, preparing for your hospital stay and self-advocacy resources.

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this guide to help you understand Medicaid eligibility rules and how to apply.

Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide in English

Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide in Spanish

(Please note Illinois Medicaid is not a DSCC program. Therefore, DSCC does not decide Medicaid program eligibility. Please contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) or the Department of Human Services (DHS) for all programs and the most current information.)

Redetermination is a yearly review of your eligibility for Medicaid. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet for our participants to explain the redetermination process, your responsibilities and how DSCC can help you through the process.

Illinois Medicaid Redetermination Information for DSCC Families in English

Illinois Medicaid Redetermination Information for DSCC Families in Spanish

You can have Medicaid and private insurance at the same time. This guide from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) provides information about coverage, Medicaid managed care (MCO), updating your private insurance information, billing and who to contact if you need more help.

Medicaid and Private Insurance Q and A Guide in English

Medicaid and Private Insurance Q and A Guide in Spanish

Spenddown is an Illinois Medicaid program that helps people who are over income or have too many assets to be eligible for other Medicaid programs. Individuals or families are responsible for paying for medical services until they meet the spenddown amount. This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) handout provides information about the different types of spenddown and additional resources.

DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Spenddown in English

DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Spenddown in Spanish

The Cerebral Palsy Research Network aims to optimize the lifelong health and wellness of people with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families through high-quality research, education and community programming.

The Cerebral Palsy Research Network website includes educational resources for the entire CP community to inform healthcare decisions, including a CP tool kit and a well-being guide for parents and caregivers.

Children with cerebral palsy have trouble controlling their movement. The condition is the most common disability that affects a child’s motor control.

Cerebral palsy usually is caused by a brain injury or abnormal brain development before birth or early in life. Genetic causes, although less common, can also play a role.

Healthy Children, the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides an overview of what families need to know about cerebral palsy and how to help children who have it reach their full potential.

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to be a catalyst for creating positive change for people with cerebral palsy (CP).

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation website includes expert insights on what is CP and a fact sheet library on various topics.