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.

For more information, see CDD’s Frequently Asked Questions page.

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. or email grants@healthwellfoundation.org.

Mail all grant-related documents 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.

Midwest Genetics Network provides an online guide featuring information, resources and support to help guide 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.

Midwest Genetics Network (MGN) is one of seven federally funded Regional Genetics Networks (MGN). MGN unites patients, families, geneticists, genetics professionals, primary care providers, payers and public health experts from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin to improve equity in access to genetic services for medically underserved populations.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

• 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.

CHECK is an innovative health and behavioral health care delivery organization working to improve overall health and quality of life by making sure that patients and their families receive the resources and care they need.

The CHECK team provides comprehensive and coordinated health and behavioral health care coordination to patients across the lifespan. Its team consists of Care Coordinators and Behavioral Health Care Coordinators who provide assistance with navigating the healthcare system, referrals to health and social services, and offer ongoing patient and family support with the goal of improving physical, behavioral, and social well-being.

​The CHECK program is located in the Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UI Health) and operates as the Department of Pediatrics Clinical Population and Behavioral Health Program.

CHECK also provides disease-specific education modules on sickle cell disease, diabetes, asthma and prematurity.

For questions, please call (844) 997-2273 or complete the online form on CHECK’s Contact Us page.

The Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) at John A. Logan College provides families with information, referrals, and financial assistance for child care. It also provides resources and support for child care and early education programs. CCR&R serves residents in Alexander, Gallatin, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White and Williamson counties.

For questions, please call (800) 548-5563 or email ccrr@jalc.edu.