The Illinois Respite Coalition put together this Virtual Care Package with free virtual resources to help caregivers take time for themselves.

It includes links to podcasts, playlists, exercises and other tips for caregivers.

The Association of Blind Citizens operates the Assistive Technology Fund. The fund will provide funds to cover 50 percent of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The ABC board of directors believes that this program will allow blind and visually impaired individuals access to technology products that will have a significant impact on improving employment opportunities, increase the level of independence and enhance their overall quality of life.

The Illinois State Library provides a list of programs and organizations that can help support assistive technology needs.

Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” This includes devices like wheelchairs, laptop computers and even a grip on a pencil or a special can-opener.

Icing Smiles is a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families affected by a child’s critical illness or an illness that requires frequent hospitalizations.

Healthcare company Viatris and Sesame Street have partnered to create new resources to support the social and emotional needs of families across generations and around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They designed these resources to help young children talk through and name big feelings like stress or fear, encourage positive caregiving strategies and routines, and help families find ways to celebrate together when far apart. The animations and activities are available in English, Spanish, Hindi and Portuguese.

Sesame Street in Communities is an online community that provides multimedia tools in both English and Spanish for parents, caregivers and providers to support children from birth to age 6.

The site covers a wide range of topics, from school readiness to building healthy habits to touch issues such as divorce and hunger. It features videos, activities, printables and digital interactives fearing Sesame Street characters.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines.

This handout outlines the signs of potential scams and how to report them.

The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology provides these tips to provide teleworking strategies and best practices for employers and employees.

Though they were designed with people with disabilities in mind, they provide information that can be useful to anyone who is transitioning to remote work.

The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology provides these action steps for people with disabilities to get the tools they need to be successful in the workplace.

UCP – Center for Disability Services (UCP-CDS) in Joliet serves individuals with severe, multiple disabilities including autism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairment and other developmental disabilities. UCP-CDS provides its services in a five-county area including Will, Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall and Iroquois.

UCP-CDS also provides in-home respite for families of individuals with developmental disabilities.  Participants enrolled in the In-Home Respite Program may receive up to 360 hours per year. The participant cannot be enrolled in a state waiver program. The family must find their own respite provider and be located in Will or Grundy counties. For more information, contact Kassandra Farley at (815) 744-3500, extension 202.