The WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community site is an online resource destination for the American Job Center network, people with disabilities and employers.

The site is also a resource for all who partner with the workforce system to provide services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. It also provides an opportunity to network with peers interested in addressing disability and employment issues.

Equip for Equality has a variety of fact sheets and videos on employment rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employment. It also provides free legal advice and self-advocacy assistance to people with disabilities who have questions or need legal help related to their disability.

Equip for Equality aims to help applicants and employees with disabilities in Illinois understand their legal rights and responsibilities with the goal of increasing meaningful employment opportunities. If you need help or have questions about employment rights, there are several ways to contact Equip for Equality:

• Call the Equip for Equality Helpline at 1-844-RIGHTS-9 (844) 744-4879
• Email employment@equipforequality.org
• Fill out the Equip for Equality Online Intake Form

 

The Association for Individual Development (AID) serves individuals with developmental, intellectual, physical, and/or mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma and those at risk. Operating in the greater Fox Valley area and other western suburban counties, AID provides services to address the unique needs of individuals at every stage of life.

Programs include:

• Autism programs
• Permanent supportive housing and in-home support
• Developmental and vocational training
• Job placement and on-the-job coaching service
• Crisis intervention and victim services
• Mental health treatment

AID is also a sponsor of the Ride in Kane paratransit program in partnership with RTA, Pace, Kane County, and local municipalities and social service agencies.

The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission has a list of Service Animal Resources. Information includes Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, programs that provide animals and more.

For questions, please contact the Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission.

The Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group “You Are Not Alone” offers support for anyone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder and their loved ones. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Carle South Clinic, 6th Floor Conference Room, 602 W. University Ave., in Urbana.

 

Epilepsy Alliance America is a national organization providing support, care and service to those with epilepsy, their families, caregivers and communities. The organization’s services and supports include:

• Seizure first aid training
• Back-to-school checklist for seizure preparedness
• Printable seizure safety tools
• Camp programs
• Support groups and other programs

The Epilepsy Advocacy Network (EAN) seeks to optimize the quality of life of individuals with epilepsy and seizure disorders by promoting community education and awareness, self-advocacy and empowerment, and helping all individuals gain proper access to care. EAN services and supports include:

• Case coordination (epilepsy)/assistance with education services
• Clinic visits
• Support groups
• Financial, transportation and medication resources
• Yearly camp for people ages 8 to 24 with epilepsy
• Seizure response training

It is an affiliate agency of the Epilepsy Alliance of America.

For questions, please contact EAN online or call (815) 846-0881.

 

Affordable Health Insurance is a patient resource center that helps individuals learn about a wide variety of health insurance options. Information is available for each state and includes Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment deadlines, subsidies and how you can qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The site also provides information on:

• Different types of health plans
• Comparisons
• Provider reviews
• Benefits/coverage/specialized support for vulnerable youth with mental health issues
• Other resources

The Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy and supports.

The network offers therapy assistance grants for anyone living in Illinois with a current autism diagnosis. It also holds free monthly Autism Parent Workshops.

The Chicago Autism Network also provides a statewide Autism Services Directory to help families connect with services that meet their needs closer to home.

Heartland Alliance in Chicago provides programs to address the root causes of poverty, generate social change and inspire people to build better lives not only for themselves but for their communities.

Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) provides direct legal services to and advocates for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation and public education. Other programs include:

• Heartland Alliance Health
• Heartland Housing
• Heartland Human Care Services