This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains how teens with special healthcare needs can learn about their insurance benefits, how to keep track of insurance information and explore adult insurance options.

“Do You Understand Insurance?” tip sheet in English

“Do You Understand Insurance?” tip sheet in Spanish

The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:

• Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
• Assistive technology equipment loan program
• Community reintegration
• Computer literacy
• Mental health resources
• Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
• Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families

iCanConnect is a national communication equipment distribution program for people with significant combined hearing and vision loss. The program helps eligible individuals who are deaf-blind stay connected to friends, family and the world by providing equipment specific to each person’s needs.

The iCanConnect website provides information about each local program and application requirements. The local program works with iCanConnect participants to provide an individualized assessment and help with equipment needs.

Brightpoint provides a wide range of programs statewide to help families and their children navigate challenges and focus on preventing problems before they become life-altering crises. Its programs include:

• Mental health and wellness
• Parenting support and family services
• Early childhood care and education
• Workforce development and youth programs
• Foster care

Learn about specific Brightpoint programs offered in counties throughout Illinois.

You can also send a message to Brightpoint to learn more.

Started as Children’s Home & Aid, Brightpoint Centers are located in Bloomington, Carpentersville, Englewood, Palatine and Schaumburg.

The Dental Health Program at the DuPage County Health Department provides access to dental services and oral health education for low-income residents of DuPage County. Dental treatment is not free. Patients must meet income guidelines and/or have active Medicaid. The clinic charges low-cost fees.

To make an appointment, call (630) 682-7400 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For questions, email dentalhealth@dupagehealth.org.

The Painted Turtle is a year-round, overnight camp in California for children ages 7 to 17 with a variety of serious medical conditions, their siblings and family members. Condition-specific camp sessions and family weekends (for children ages 6 to 17) aim to encourage children to try new things and develop lasting friendships. Campers and their families attend free of charge.

The camp has a full-time medical staff, a health center and a physician onsite at all times. The Painted Turtle provides camper eligibility guidelines and medical criteria to help determine the best session for your child and family.

Navigate Life Texas, a project to inform and empower parents of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs, has a Mental Health for Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities page. This page provides ideas on how to talk to your healthcare provider and the people working with your child if you think your child might be having mental health symptoms.

Lightways Peace of the Heart Kids Camp is for children and youth ages 7 to 13 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Guided by the Lightways Grief Support Team, kids will participate in activities to help process their grief and meet others who have experienced a loss. The four-day camp also includes hiking, fishing, arts and crafts, music and games.

Camp Erin Chicago is part of a national bereavement program for youth grieving the death of a significant person in their lives.  Free of charge for all families, Camp Erin combines traditional, fun camp activities with grief education and emotional support for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years old.

​Camp Erin Chicago takes place in Delavan, Wisc., in July. Registration usually opens in December for the following summer. ​If you are interested in enrolling your child or family in Camp Erin, please email Camp Director Bryan Heidel at bheidel@nush.org, or call (773) 569.9553.

REACH Learning and Resource Hub provides free, virtual training to help educators, clinicians, parents and caregivers better support the mental health and resilience of the children and youth in their lives. The interactive, on-demand resources focus on:

• Trauma-responsive practices
• Personal and professional resilience
• Social-emotional awareness
• Self-care