The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) provides information and resources for youth in care and their foster families to promote independence and self-sufficiency. The website includes information on the youth hotline, “Getting There” Tipsheets, a free, comprehensive service resource database for youth and families in Illinois and the Supporting Emancipated Youth Services Program.

 

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 your child’s best interests.

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 8.

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.

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

Illinois 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 8. 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 from the Illinois State Board of Education, which receives annual federal funding.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) is a free braille and talking book library service for individuals with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS offers books in braille or audio, which can be mailed to your door for free or downloaded instantly.

NLS works to ensure that all may read by providing eligible individuals with access to reading materials, regardless of age, economic circumstances, or technical expertise.

For questions, please contact (888) 657-7323 and follow the prompts or email nls@loc.gov.

INEPs are part of the University of Illinois Extension and provide nutrition education to individuals and families in communities around the state of Illinois. Through nutrition and cooking classes, interactive displays, and online resources, the program provides the skills necessary to help people prepare healthier meals, manage their food budgets effectively, and make healthy living a natural part of their daily lives. You can visit their website to find out if a program is offered in your county.

For questions, please email extension@illinois.edu.

The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD), at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Health Professions, provides individuals with disabilities, families and caregivers, professionals and communities with information, research and the tools needed to promote health and create inclusive environments for all.

NCHPAD offers videos and resources for children and adults with disabilities and mobility limitations on topics including:

• Fun and leisure
• Physical activity
• Healthy eating and nutrition
• Mindfulness and more

For questions, please email nchpad@uab.edu or call (866) 866-8896.