The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization that connects children with disabilities to new and gently used durable, adaptive equipment at no cost. Illinois families with children from birth to 21 can fill out an application to request equipment. TKEN then seeks equipment matching the child’s needs. The family is invited to a fitting clinic when the equipment becomes available.

Volunteers provide free monthly clinics for custom-fitting equipment in Chicago and the suburbs. Families can request items including:

• Strollers
• Wheelchairs
• Bath and toilet systems
• Crutches
• Canes and more

For questions, please contact TKEN at (630) 766-0505, Ext. 6 or info@tken.org.

The Ariana Rye Foundation helps children with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs up to age 18 obtain equipment to foster their social, mental and physical development. Families in need, from anywhere in the United States, can apply for help. Requests for equipment can include feeding or bath chairs, car seats, adaptive strollers, mats, wedges, specialty swings, sensory equipment and more.

The application, requirements for applying, and the annual application deadline are posted on its website.

Families can apply once per year. The one-time equipment grant provides up to $1000 per child.

If you have any questions, please visit the Ariana Rye Foundation’s Contact Us page.

Wabash Area Development, Inc. (WADI) is a Community Action Agency serving Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Wabash, Wayne, White and Saline counties. WADI provides emergency help for homeless and low-income families and individuals. It also offers education, housing, homeless prevention and job training programs to empower people to become more self-sufficient. WADI services and programs include:

• Energy assistance
• Emergency transitional housing
• Head Start/Early Head Start
• Rental housing support
• Work experience,  on-the-job training and employment assistance
• Education scholarship opportunities

For questions, please contact WADI at (618) 963-2387 or generalmail@wadi-inc.com. The office is open Monday through Thursday from ​7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brave Health provides online mental health services and accepts more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors with specialized training in mental health care provide care virtually in English and Spanish. Services include one-on-one and group therapy sessions, medication management, specialized programs and help managing complex medical and behavioral health challenges for adults and youth ages 13 and up.

Brave Health has a closed-loop referral process and also accepts patients who do not have insurance. Patients, referrers and providers can visit Brave Health’s website for information on how to get started and other resources.

For questions, please see Brave Health’s Contact Us page for more details.

 

The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) at Southern Illinois University is an interprofessional training and research center providing information and services to area residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. CASD offers ASD screenings, clinical services for children, adolescents and adults, webinars and support.

CASD faculty and students provide a variety of training and services, many at no cost to families and their children. Help is available in the following areas:

• Speech/language
• Social skills
• Emotional-behavioral concerns
• Toileting
• Sleep
• Picky eating and more

For more information, call (618) 453-7130 or email autism@siu.edu.

National PTA promotes family-school partnerships and building community at the local, state and national levels. Its website offers a variety of family-focused resources, including a Special Education toolkit, Parents’ Guide to Student Success, College and Career Readiness resources and more.

 

Kids in Need of McHenry County (KINMC) helps foster families with clothing, school supplies, playdates, birthdays and more. KINMC also provides a variety of supports and services for intact families, kinship placements, and other families referred by caseworkers, social workers, and other service agencies. Its programs include:

• The Second Bridge resource program and distribution center where families can shop for clothing and supplies for free
• A safe space for children to visit with their biological families and receive therapy, and caregivers can receive parent coaching
• Back-to-school and holiday events

Families can register for help on KINMC’s website.

For questions, please contact KINMC at contact@kinmc.org or (815) 310-5437 (KIDS).

The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to patients with leukodystrophy and their families. ULF can help families find medical care, access genetic counseling, networking opportunities, and obtain financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.

ULF is based in DeKalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:

• Leukodystrophy frequently-asked questions and a glossary of terms
• Clinical trials
• Virtual support groups
• The Hultman Memorial Fund for families facing financial hardship
• Webinars and an annual family conference

For questions, please contact ULF at (815) 748-3211 or office@ulf.org.

Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include:

• The Transition Toolkit covering self-advocacy skills, legal matters, housing, employment options and more.
• An IEP Transition Plan Checklist to help students with autism and their parents/caregivers create and review an Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition plan.
• The Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) free training course “Supporting Your Family Member in Employment” with information and insights into planning for employment.
• The Healthcare Transition Roadmap for help moving from a pediatrician to a primary care physician. The guide is aimed at individuals ages 12 to 21 but includes information for individuals with autism of all ages, such as finding specialists, understanding legal rights, self-advocacy tips and special guidance for LGBTQ+.

Unique Sweets provides delicious treats and a safe space for people with autism and other disabilities to participate in life skills training. Team members participate in event planning, purchasing supplies, baking, decorating and packaging and receive a stipend to cover their expenses to get to the kitchen. Unique Sweets also hosts social events throughout the year to foster peer relationships, social skills and community support.

Unique Sweets also offers:

• Life skills (virtual or in-person) peer-led cooking classes
• Social events and an annual Party With a Purpose
• Inclusive workshops, information sessions and social events with other organizations
• Referrals to other programs and services as needed

If you have any questions, please email Unique Sweets at contact@uniquesweetsinc.org.