The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Illinois offers resources and supports to empower individuals with learning disabilities throughout their lifespan. It provides people with learning disabilities, their families, teachers and other professionals information on state legislation, learning disabilities, awards and scholarships, and more.

Learn more about LDA of Illinois scholarship opportunities for students, special education teachers, parents and other awards.

Rincon Family Services offers a wide range of support to individuals and families across Chicagoland. Programs and services include counseling, case management, violence prevention, education, and substance use prevention and treatment services.

Rincon Family Services community programs also include:

• Rental assistance and eviction prevention
• Immigration integration
• A construction pre-apprenticeship program and more

For questions, please contact Rincon Family Services at rtinoco@rinconfamilyservices.org or (773) 564 -9070.

We Are Brave Together is a nonprofit organization that provides respite, community and resources for mothers caring for children of any age with disabilities, unique needs, or other medical or mental health challenges. We Are Brave Together offers:

• Virtual support groups and Mom Mingles
• Information and resources
• An Emergency E-Resource Guide
• Newletters, podcasts and book recommendations
• Special events and retreats

Visit “We Are Brave Together” online for questions, more information or to connect.

Community Child Care Connection (CCCC) provides support and resources to families and childcare providers to help ensure quality, affordable childcare and education options in Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Sangamon, and Scott counties. CCCC helps families explore childcare and education options and what to look for when choosing care. It also offers programs to help pay for care and find local education and childcare providers. CCCC also provides professional development and regional training opportunities for child care providers.

CCCC is one of 16 community-based organizations that make up the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) System, which provides services and supports to families, providers and communities across Illinois.

For help or questions, call (217) 525-2805 or email info@4childcare.org.

Team IMPACT is a nonprofit that matches children facing serious medical conditions and disabilities with local college sports teams to help them experience the power of sports, the support of mentors and the simple joy of being a kid. This nationwide, two-year therapeutic program:

• Serves families with children ages 5 to 16 who have conditions requiring ongoing treatment and/or extended hospital stays
• Provides trained case managers to manage matches to ensure success and address any challenges

Team IMPACT is free. Please note that participants must cover any transportation costs to/from visits with the team. Learn more on Team IMPACT’s family page.

Fill out and submit the online form to begin the enrollment process:

• Application in English
• Aplicación en español

If you have questions, please contact Team IMPACT at (617) 801-0248 or info@teamimpact.org.

AeroAngel offers free, private jet flights for medically fragile children who need to travel long distances for life-saving medical care and cannot fly commercially due to their condition. AeroAngel coordinates flights across all 50 states and can access both major and small regional airports to minimize travel time for families.

Parents, family members, friends and medical professionals can request a flight on behalf of a child in need of life-saving medical care. See AeroAngel’s Request a Flight page for frequently asked questions and eligibility details.

If you have more questions, please email Info@Aeroangel.org or call (303) 817-7355.

The Exceptional Learners’ Collaborative (ELC) is a special education cooperative and joint agreement between four school districts in Vernon Hills (Lake County), Ill. The ELC provides services to students with special needs, ages 3 through 22. Its website offers information and resources on transition, employment, housing, mental health, parent advocacy and empowerment, the One Community parent-to-parent support group and more.

ELC provides services and support in communities including Buffalo Grove, Kildeer, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods, Prairie View, Hawthorn Woods, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Lake Zurich, Mettawa, Fox Lake, and Spring Grove.

If you have any questions, please call (224) 513-6444.

The National Disability Institute (NDI) collaborates with organizations nationwide to empower people with disabilities and their families to make informed financial decisions and build a better future. NDI offers a wide variety of webinars, tip sheets, information and resources to help people with disabilities achieve employment, financial stability and independence.

NDI resources include:

• The Financial Resilience Center (FRC)
• Guides on funding and selecting accessible transportation
• Financial wellness worksheets and quick reference guides
• Live and on-demand webinars and training

If you have questions, please email info@ndi-inc.org or call (202) 296-2040.

Located in Park Ridge, the Adult Down Syndrome Center offers comprehensive medical and support services to Illinois residents aged 12 and older with Down syndrome. The Adult Down Syndrome Center’s website includes:

• Resources for people with Down syndrome, families/caregivers and healthcare professionals
• A video gallery
• Information on events, classes and programs

For questions, see the Adult Down Syndrome Center’s FAQ page or call (847) 318-2303.

To schedule an appointment, call (847) 318-2303 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Adult Down Syndrome Center is a part of Advocate Health.

Angel Flight Central (AFC) is a nonprofit organization that provides non-emergency flights to Midwest families who need access to specialized healthcare, camps for individuals with special needs, disaster response efforts or other compassionate reasons.

AFC coordinates flights for people in need in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Indiana. It also collaborates with other charitable aviation organizations to support passengers who live outside of its 10-state region. Visit AFC’s Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and submit an Angel Flight Central Flight Request online.

For questions or more details, email request@angelflightcentral.org or call (866) 569-9464, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.