The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities connect to local community resources that support independent living. Dial provides information on essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more.

The hotline’s trained staff are available to:

• Help find local vaccination locations
• Set up a vaccination appointment
• Connect with local COVID testing options
• Connect callers to local services, such as accessible transportation, housing support, disability rights and other independent living resources

Call, text or videophone DIAL Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (888) 677-1199.

You can also email the hotline at DIAL@n4a.org or start an online chat with an information specialist.

You can also connect to an agent in American Sign Language.

IllinoisJobLink.com is a robust, dynamic and comprehensive, web-based workforce development system for job seekers, employers, training providers and workforce professionals with realtime
data. For job seekers, it features job matching, resume creation and career management tools and resources.

See the IllinoisJobLink.com brochure for more information.

The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MHDD) National Training Center has developed free, easy-to-read online learning modules for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members and their supporters to learn more about mental health. They also have modules designed for mental health professionals and clinicians. 

These training modules are available at www.mhddcenter.org/learn-now.

The training topics include anxiety, bipolar disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, preparing for a mental health assessment, supported decision-making and what to expect in a mental health therapy session.

CommunityGro equips people with the resources, education, and support to grow food for their communities. The program seeks to continue bridging the food security gap, creating self-sufficiency, and lasting solutions for food accessibility in Knox County.

To learn more contact communitygro61401@gmail.com or (309) 299-1802. You can also visit the CommunityGro Facebook page.

The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a list of organizations that provide information and resources for and about fathers and their important role in the lives of children.

The Dysphagia Outreach Project is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance for individuals with swallowing disorders across the lifespan.

The Dysphagia Outreach Project’s Dysphagia Food Bank aims to provide tangible assistance to low-income individuals with dysphagia across the lifespan by providing access to thickeners, pre-modified foods, therapy tools, oral care supplies and adaptive equipment.

The Chinese American Service League (CASL) is a nonprofit agency with 40-plus years of experience educating youth, caring for seniors, training the workforce, placing immigrants on the path to citizenship and securing the housing and financial wellbeing for families and individuals in the Chicago Chinese community and beyond.

CASL has programs centered around children and youth development, senior wellness and independence, employment and financial empowerment, community and family wellbeing, Center for Social Impact and legal services.

This guide from the Division of Specialized Care for Children aims to help youth understand their rights as a minor related to privacy and obtaining healthcare services. It covers:

• Which services they can receive without parental consent.
• When a parent can access their health information.
• When a provider needs their consent before sharing their health information.

Know Your Rights: Minors’ Consent and Access to Healthcare Services in English

Know Your Rights: Minors’ Consent and Access to Healthcare Services in Spanish.

The Illinois Department of Human Services in collaboration with the Illinois Commission on Poverty and Economic Security has put together a summary document listing new benefits that are now available to individuals and families through the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan Act.

The types of benefits include stimulus checks, earned income tax credits, child tax credit, unemployment insurance, rental or mortgage assistance and food, cash, childcare and/or medical support.

Since 2009, American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) members have volunteered to provide high-quality orthodontic care for children of families with financial need.

Visit the AAO website for information on eligibility and how to apply.