The Child Neurology Foundation provides a telehealth tip sheet to help families and children prepare for video or phone appointments and make them as comfortable and successful as possible.

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a one-time water and wastewater payment assistance program to help households that are facing the threat of disconnection, have already been disconnected or have past due balances over $250 for their water and wastewater services combined. Customers may apply one time for water and one time for wastewater for the life of the program, which is Feb. 1, 2022 – Aug. 31, 2023.

DuPage County applications are taken by appointment only by calling (630) 407-6500 or emailing CSprograms@dupageco.org.

The Rare Sisters Batten Foundation (RSBF) supports the development of medical research for treatments and cures for CLN3 Batten Disease and also provides monetary assistance to families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.

Families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease may apply with RSBF for financial help to cover a wide variety of needs. Funds are awarded on a case-by-case basis and contingent on the availability of funds.

COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and lowering your chances of spreading the virus to others. Visit the Testing for COVID-19 page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on the types of COVID tests, how to get a test, and how to interpret your results.

Please note we share this resource for information purposes only. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) does not manage or coordinate COVID-19 testing programs. Please use the contact information on the website provided.

Smart911 allows individuals to provide critical details about themselves and family members so that in emergencies 911 call takers have the information they need to quickly assess and address special concerns or safety needs.

Smart911 is a free, private and secure nationwide service that automatically delivers your safety profile to local law enforcement, medical and fire responders and public safety agencies that have installed the Smart911 technology. To determine if Smart911 is available in your city or town, visit the SMART911 website, scroll to the bottom and click “Find Services in Your Area.”

Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break is a free respite opportunity for McHenry County parents of children who have a physical, cognitive, medical or other hidden disability, a chronic or life-threatening illness, or are medically fragile.

It is provided through First Church of Crystal Lake and Options & Advocacy for McHenry County. The program gives each child a trained “buddy” to be by their side for three hours of one-to-one attention and kid-centered activities.  The program is open to children with special needs ages 2 – 16 and their siblings ages 4 – 11.

To register or for more information, please visit the Buddy Break webpage or contact Susan Perkins at (815) 477-4720, ext. 255, or susan.perkins@opad.org.

The Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal (also known as the Illinois Resident Immunization portal) provides access to your official immunization records.

You must be 18 years old or older to create a Vax Verify account or have legal guardianship of a minor to add them to your account.

Vehicle modifications are an available service through the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Medically Fragile Technology Dependent Children (commonly called the MFTD waiver). This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) includes information on the type of vehicle modifications that may be covered and the steps involved in the process.

Vehicle Modification Tip Sheet in English

Vehicle Modification Tip Sheet in Spanish

The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Medically Fragile Technology Dependent Children (commonly called the MFTD waiver) can pay for certain home modifications. The modifications must be for the individual’s primary residence and necessary to meet their medical needs. Home modifications may include:

• Permanent structural changes
• Equipment that is installed or attached to the home
• Solutions that are not permanent

This tip sheet explains what type of home modifications may be covered and the process for moving forward.

Home Modification Tip Sheet in English

Home Modification Tip Sheet in Spanish

Effective July 1, 2020, the Seizure Smart School Act requires all Illinois school personnel to be trained in seizure first aid. It also requires the development of a Seizure Action Plan for students with epilepsy on how to best care for students with the disorder. A student’s parents or guardians will share their healthcare provider’s instructions on managing the student’s epilepsy and include a copy of any prescriptions and how and when to administer those medicines.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago provides resources and frequently asked questions about the law and what it means for families and schools.