Supporting Illinois Brother and Sisters (S.I.B.S.)

Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters (S.I.B.S.) offers support to siblings of individuals with disabilities in Illinois by connecting them with information, networking opportunities, and resources to enhance the quality of life for their entire family.

For questions, please email info@sibsnetwork.org.

DSCC’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tip Sheet

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet provides information about the ADA, your rights under the law, and resources for more information.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tip sheet in English

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tip sheet in Spanish (Coming soon)

Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery

The Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery offers a safe, loving place for your child to stay while you address whatever difficult situation or needs you may have. In addition to crisis childcare, Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery provides a basic needs pantry, a family support program and Nurturing Families™ parenting classes.

For more information or individual support, contact the Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery at (217) 525-6800.

Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page

Tracheostomy.com (Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page) is an independent, family-run website that provides information about home care for children with tracheostomies (trachs) as well as parent-to-parent networking and support.

Springfield Park District – Camp L.E.A.P.

The Springfield Park District’s Camp L.E.A.P. ( Leisure Education and Adaptive Programming) offers fun, educational, adaptive recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities. Camp L.E.A.P. is a weekly program. Registration deadlines are set as the Friday before the week the participant is attending. Registration for Camp L.E.A.P. summer sessions typically opens in May.

For more information, contact Andre Hawkins at (217) 585-2941, ext. 2303, or ahawkins@springfieldparks.org.

Spanish Language Resources for Families & Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Hands & Voices (Manos y Voces): Unbiased parent-to-parent support and Spanish-language resources for families and children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (La Asociación del Habla, Lenguaje y Audición):  The organization provides Spanish-language information for the public and families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Gallaudet University (Resources for Hispanic Deaf and Hard of Hearing Population): Resources providing contacts, publishers/distributors, and online links to assist Spanish-speaking individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Create Your Own Communication Card for People With Hearing Loss

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:

Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois

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.

Illinois STAR NET Northwest Region I and Central Region III

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.

DSCC’s Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions Tip Sheet

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