iTaalk (Interactive Technology Assisting Autistic Little Kids) Autism Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, training and assistive technology to help individuals with autism and other disabilities develop greater independence at all stages of life.

iTaalk’s App Facilitator Program provides grants to individuals of all ages and with all disabilities (not just autism) to help them access apps that are key to their communication. Applicants must own the device for which they are requesting apps.

iTaalk also provides a searchable list of grants and resources for families of children with special needs.

For questions, please contact iTaalk.

Mental health challenges affect the whole family and are hard on everyone. The Caregiver Action Network provides a Blueprint for Families of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues.

The guide includes information on discussing mental health with doctors, screening for mental health issues, the value of knowing early diagnosis and intervention, and more.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has developed a “Youth, Adolescent and Young Adult Suicide Prevention” webpage to help family members and others prevent suicide by knowing:

• The facts about suicide
• Who is at risk
• Warning signs specific to youth, adolescents and young adults
• Protective factors

One of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition is to take a mental health screening at mhascreening.org. The screening is free and anonymous.

Taking a screen can help you to better understand what you are experiencing and get helpful resources. After that, consider talking to someone you trust about your results and seek out a professional to find the support you need.

The U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration has created the “Secure Your Financial Future” toolkit for individuals with disabilities. The toolkit provides clear and accurate financial information based on where you are in your employment journey.

The toolkit is designed to help you meet your financial goals when you are:

• Preparing for a Job
• Starting a Job
• Maintaining a Job
• Changing or Losing a Job
• Retiring from a Job

Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) provides training and resources to help people with disabilities find competitive employment in DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties.

PAEP youth training programs provide education, daily living and vocational training. PAEP also provides adult services offering career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, job coaching, support and follow-up services.

In addition, PAEP works closely with employers to understand their recruiting, hiring and retention needs and provides information to help them increase diversity and meet their workforce needs.

TotalLink to Community provides individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18 years or older in the north suburbs of Chicago with a wide range of person-centered services to promote employment, independence and strong social connections in the community.

TotalLink provides career and vocational services, including job development and placement, using Customized Employment, a proven and innovative approach that utilizes skill-based coaching, family coaching, life planning, and educational and recreational opportunities designed to get young adults with disabilities involved in their community and deepen social connections.

Habitat for Humanity helps build safe, affordable housing for people in need. Some Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Illinois also offer programs to help with home repairs, weatherization and access ramps for eligible homeowners. Please contact the Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving your area for specific details and application information.

Habitat affiliates offering the additional programs include:

• Grundy-Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity
• Jackson, Union County Habitat for Humanity
• Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County
• Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities
• Quincy Area Habitat for Humanity
• Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County

Habitat for Humanity International affiliates in the Chicagoland area:

• Chicagoland for Habitat for Humanity
• Habitat for Humanity Northern Fox Valley

Adventures Unlimited is a free, state-funded respite program in Illinois that provides programming and events for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities and respite to caregivers.

Adventures Unlimited offers two-hour recreation opportunities and events focusing on fitness, art, media training and food preparation for adults and children as young as 4 years old.

To be eligible for Adventures Unlimited, individuals must have a documented developmental disability. They must also not be enrolled in any other Medicaid waiver program.

Hire Autism is a free program from the Organization for Autism Research to help autistic job seekers find meaningful employment opportunities and connect with autism-friendly employers.

The site features include a searchable jobs board and resource library, profile and job board navigation tutorials, personalized job alerts and autism- or disability-related employment events. Job seekers can request free one-on-one virtual assistance with resume and cover letter writing as well as interview preparation through Hire Autism’s volunteer mentoring program.

Hire Autism also offers the Synchrony Tech Scholarship for adults with autism pursuing technology-related courses or training to advance their careers.

For questions, please contact Hire Autism.