Autism Support of Central Illinois aims to improve the lives of those affected by autism in central Illinois by providing access to resources, support, educational opportunities and recreational/social activities for families.

Conquering CHD has put together a Conquering CHD Transition Checklist to help youth with congenital heart disease manage their own care as they reach adulthood and move from their pediatric doctor to an Adult Congenital Heart Disease doctor.

As you welcome a new baby, prepare for toddlerhood or relocate to a new home, it is important to provide a safe environment for your child. The Illinois Early Learning Project put together this Childproofing Your Home Toolkit that includes general guidance, helpful checklists, videos and additional resources.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders, call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP to speak with a trained professional for support and advice or to be directed to customized resources. You can also visit www.HelplineIL.org.

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’ (ABC) Assistive Technology Fund provides funds to cover 50 percent of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. The program helps legally blind residents of the United States access technology products that will significantly improve employment opportunities, increase independence and enhance the 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.

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 including school readiness, healthy minds and bodies, emergency planning and tough issues such as divorce, hunger and other traumatic experiences. It features videos, activities, printables and digital interactives fearing Sesame Street characters.

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.