Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) provides plain-language, 24/7 tools in three languages so families can understand and assert their legal rights. ILAO helps people who are unable to find or afford attorneys open opportunities for justice. Its resources can help with crises such as eviction, debt, food insecurity, domestic abuse, deportation and divorce.

The ILAO also provides resources to help with guardianship, education, health and benefits and more.

This transition tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children can help you explore guardianship or another form of support to protect adults who cannot make decisions on their own. It includes information about guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, estate planning (wills and special needs trusts) and more.

DSCC’s Guardianship and Alternatives Tip Sheet in English

DSCC’s Guardianship and Alternatives Tip Sheet in Spanish

The Chicago Department of Health provides this information so individuals can find health care and social services for women, infants, children and families in Chicago.

Information and resources for youth in care and their foster families on promoting independence and self-sufficiency. The website includes the Foster Care Transition Toolkit and Supporting Emancipated Youth Services Program (More information is available on Emancipated Youth Services at https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/brighterfutures/independence/Documents/
Getting_There_Tip_Sheets.pdf.)

IL ABLE (Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without losing, or losing access to, federal means-tested benefits such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. Earnings and withdrawals are tax-free if they are spent on a broad range of qualified disability expenses including housing, health and wellness, education and training, therapy, basic living expenses and more.

For more information:

• Call (888) 609-8683, Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Support is provided for non-English speakers as well as deaf and hard-of-hearing callers.
• Email il.clientservice@savewithable.com.

This publication helps youth prepare for the transition from school to adult life. It provides information about SSI work incentives that primarily affect youth, as well as information about common programs and services that parents, guardians and youth may find helpful. Specific programs covered include the Student Earned Income Exclusion, SSI Continued Payments (Section 301), vocational rehabilitation and the Department of Education’s Parent Centers. Information on Medicaid, the importance of keeping health insurance and having a primary care provider are also included.

Internet Essentials from Comcast provides affordable home internet for qualifying households, low-cost computers, free WiFi hotspots and free internet training. Families may qualify if they live in an area where Xfinity Internet service is available and are eligible for public assistance programs, including the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and other programs.

The Parent Advocacy app is a free application for families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing attending Individualized Education Program meetings, 504 Plan meetings and more.

The app aims to help you understand your child’s rights and prepare to work with the school in the best interest of your child.

STAR NET Southern Region IV provides technical assistance, professional development, family learning opportunities and resources to support the education and development of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight.

Regional support includes:

• Webinars and training
• A lending library
• Family support and resources
• Professional and family events

Visit STAR NET Southern Region IV’s website to learn more and register for webinars, training and events near you.

See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

For more information about STAR NET Southern Region IV, call (618) 825-3966.

Illinois STAR NET is administered by the St. Clair County Regional Office of Education through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which receives annual funding from federal sources.

STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI offer a range of regional resources to early childhood professionals and parents of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. Resources include training, consultation, webinars and events for families and professionals, a lending library and more.

Visit the STAR NET Northern Regions II and VI website to learn more and register for webinars, training, and events near you.

See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

For more information, email STAR NET Regions II and VI at starnet2and6@cntrmail.org or call (224) 366-8579.

Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual funding from federal sources.