The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) provides a template to create a personalized Communication Card for people with hearing loss. The card helps others understand your communication needs and lists your preferred communication provider’s name and contact information. To create a personalized Communication Card, visit the “Create my own Communication Card” page on IDHHC’s website.

For more information, contact the IDHHC:

• Voice: (217) 557-4495
• Video: (217) 303-8010
• TTY: (888) 261-2698
• DHH.Communications@Illinois.gov

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois aims to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. Its programs include epilepsy and seizure support services, home-based services, residential services, epilepsy education programs, support groups, Camp Roehr, a scholarship and more.

Its website also provides resources, including a New to Epilepsy Guide, a seizure calendar, a Professionals and Caregiver Guide, and more.

For questions or more information, please visit the Contact Page for the Southern Illinois Region Office and the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois for coverage information and phone numbers.

STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III provide regional training and resources to early childhood community professionals and families of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. Support includes workshops, webinars (live and on-demand), technical assistance and resource specialists, a lending library and more.

Visit STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III’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 questions about STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III, email starnet@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-1634.

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

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare and their families/caregivers build important problem-solving and decision-making skills. This tip sheet includes suggestions, steps and resources for developing the skills you need to be more independent and responsible as an adult.

Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in English

Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in Spanish

United Healthcare Children’s Foundation’s (UHCCF) mission is to help fill the gap between what medical services/items/equipment a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for.

UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan.

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger at the time of application and have a Social Security number. Eligible families must also meet UHCCF’s economic guidelines.

Families could receive up to $5,000 annually and $10,000 a lifetime per child for eligible medical services, treatment therapies, items and equipment.

For questions, visit the Contact UHCCF website page, email uhccfcustomerservice@uhc.com, or call 1 (855) 698-4223.

Wrightslaw provides resources, an A to Z Topic Library and information for parents, educators, advocates and attorneys on special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.

Find out what dental services are covered by Illinois Medicaid and where you can get them.

Kruger’s ATA Black Belt Academy of Danville offers classes that help students of all ages and abilities learn to set goals and challenge themselves mentally and physically. Parents are encouraged to attend classes with their children to encourage bonding and hobby sharing.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) conducts and supports research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. The website offers health information and resources that address these areas.

Mascoutah Emergency Medical Services (EMS), area police departments and St. Clair County coordinate the Special Needs Registry public safety program. Information in the Special Needs Registry will help first responders locate, understand, prepare for, and prioritize their response during evacuations, disasters, or other emergency situations for people with disabilities and other challenges.

View and print the Special Needs Registry Form from the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. Registry forms are also available at the EMS department, Three West Main St., in Mascoutah.

For questions, please contact Mascoutah EMS at (618) 566-2976, ext. 109.