RAMP Center for Independent Living (RAMP CIL) helps people with disabilities learn how to use public transportation in Rockford and Belvidere through a cooperative effort with the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD). RAMP CIL can help individuals learn how to navigate fixed-route buses, read schedules and transition from paratransit to regular service. 

For more information, contact RAMP CIL at (815) 968-7467. Phone hours are:

• Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
• Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on programs and support to increase father involvement in children’s lives.  NFI provides webinars, resources to help strengthen families and lead to happier, healthier, and safer communities.that aims to end father absence. They provide a variety of free resources for dads and organizations.

For questions, please call (301) 948-0599 or email info@fatherhood.org.

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) helps lead change in Illinois so all people with developmental disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom.

ICDD provides information, investments and initiatives to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families have a part in the design of and access to culturally competent services, supports and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity and integration and inclusion into the community.

The HealthWell Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-altering diseases. It provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to cover copays, healthcare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

For any questions, please call (800) 675-8416, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (CST), or email grants@healthwellfoundation.org.

All grant-related documents should be mailed to the HealthWell Contact Center, P.O. Box 489, Buckeystown, MD 21717

Central Illinois Public Transit (CIPT) provides reliable and timely transportation that is wheelchair-accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The program serves Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties.

For rides or more information, call (855) 755-CIPT (2478) or TTY 7-1-1.

The Family Forum of the Region 4 Midwest Genetics Collaborative wrote this guide to provide information and support to families whose child has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. It is written from the family perspective and includes information they felt was important when facing a new diagnosis. The material includes advice and tips to help guide families on their journey.

• DuPage County TPC’s meeting schedule (meetings are on Zoom)
• Resources for Transition to adulthood planning, work and related topics
• Information on self-advocacy and transition-focused events

For questions, please contact dupagetpc@gmail.com.

Understood.org gives parents step-by-step instructions for how to create an individualized education program (IEP) binder that sorts their child’s evaluation reports, IEP, report cards and other paperwork. The site includes an IEP binder checklist, school contact sheet, parent-school communication log and IEP goal tracker that parents can download and print.

The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) Wheelchair Maintenance Guide offers basic tips for maintaining your wheelchair and keeping it in good working order.

Contact NCHPAD for more information at nchpad@uab.edu or (866) 866-8896.

The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC assists caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, providing training on respite topics and having funding available for emergency respite. The IRC helps caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability.

The Emergency Respite Care Program offers funding and resources to support caregivers who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source.  Emergency respite care may be for an unplanned or planned event for reasons including:

• Caregiver illness (physical, mental or emotional)
• Caregiver hospitalization or doctor appointments
• Work-related situation or loss of employment
• Reduction of stress level
• Funeral or wake

The website gives examples of qualifying circumstances and information on how to apply. For more information, contact:

• The Illinois Respite Coalition at (866) ILL-RESP (455-7377), ext. 101, or email ilrespitecoalition@gmail.com.
• Spanish-speaking callers may call (866) 866-ILL-RESP (455-7377), ext. 103,  or email ilrespitecoalition@gmail.com.