UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago is a charitable not-for-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities in metropolitan Chicago and beyond.

Its services include employment and community day services for adults, residential services for adults, children’s foster care, assistive technology and accessibility services, and more.

For questions, please contact UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago using the online form or call (708) 863-3803.

Travel Guide for Children with Medical Complexity

Traveling with a child with medical complexity can be challenging. With extra planning, a family vacation can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. This travel guide from the Courageous Parents Network offers practical advice on choosing a location, what and how to pack the medical supplies your child needs, tips for traveling by car and airplane, and what precautions to take should your child have a medical emergency while on vacation.

The guide is available in English and Spanish.

DSCC’s Planning Your Education and Transition for Life After High School Tip Sheet

You play a big role in making sure you get the special education services you need. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about school meetings, work and independence after high school.

The tip sheet includes a transition planning checklist and information on:

Participating in your Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
Speaking up about your interests, strengths and skills
Feeling confident by knowing your rights

DSCC’s Planning Your Education and Transition for Life After High School tip sheet in English

DSCC’s Planning Your Education and Transition for Life After High School tip sheet in Spanish

National Down Syndrome Society

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) aims to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities and shifting public perceptions.

Its resources include information on Down syndrome across the lifespan as well as in the areas of aging, caregiving, education, employment, health and more.

For more information, call the NDSS Helpline at (800) 221-4602.

DSCC’s Using Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to Get Ready for Your Future Tip Sheet

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI can help pay for food, clothing and housing needs. It also helps you keep your medical benefits.

The tip sheet includes:

Steps for applying for SSI
Work incentives
Where to look for more information

DSCC’s Using Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to Get Ready for Your Future Tip Sheet in English

DSCC’s Using Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to Get Ready for Your Future Tip Sheet in Spanish

DSCC’s Self-Care Skills Assessment for Parents/Caregivers of Young Adults With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

DSCC’s Self-Care Assessment for Parents/Caregivers of Youth with Intellectual/Development Disabilities is designed to help caregivers of young adults (ages 18 to 25) assess the young adult’s ability to care for their own health. The assessment will help provide information about what your young adult already knows about their health and areas where you/they need to learn more.

If a young adult is able to fill out this information independently, they should complete the young adult version of this form instead.

Self-Care Skills Assessment for Parents/Caregivers in English

Self-Care Skills Assessment for Parents/Caregivers in Spanish

DSCC’s Insurance for Teens Tip Sheet

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

Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)

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

For questions, please contact LINC Inc. at (618) 282-2123 or support@lincinc.org.

iCanConnect

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 (formerly Children’s Home & Aid)

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: