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.

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.

New Kingdom Trailriders (NKT) in Sherrard offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons for children ages 4 and up and adults with autism, mental illness, disabilities and other challenges. The lessons help promote mental focus, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, social skills and self-confidence. NKT serves residents in the greater Quad City area and surrounding communities. A limited number of scholarships are offered per riding session to individuals with proven financial need.

For questions, please contact NKT at (309) 764-4220 or info@nktriders.org.

Bethany for Children & Families brings dental care directly to schools through the Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) mobile dental program. This program helps children in need receive free preventive dental services, including cleanings, exams, fluoride, sealants (when needed), education packets, referrals for fillings, extractions, or root canals, and more. Services are available to children ages 1 to 18 who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and who have never been to a dentist or have not been to one in the past 6 months.

Bethany provides more than 30 programs and services in Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside, Knox, Warren, Lee, Carroll, and Henderson counties in Illinois, as well as in several counties in Iowa.

United Way supports 211 a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve and lives. You can find information about supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, utility assistance, disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, and more.

DayOne PACT (CFC #5) is a not-for-profit agency that provides service case management, trust and guardianship services for people with disabilities in Illinois through its Life Management Services program.  The agency also functions as the Child and Family Connections agency for DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties. This service works with families with children who are eligible for services through the Illinois Early Intervention system.

DayOne PACT aims to help individuals with disabilities of all ages live supported, productive and meaningful lives.

• The St. Charles location serves Kendall and Kane counties. Call (630) 879-2277 (telephone and “Crisis After Hours” with 24-hour accessibility) or (888) 356-0491 (toll-free)
• The Lisle location serves DuPage County.  Call  (630) 960-9700 (telephone and “Crisis After Hours” with 24-hour accessibility) or (888) 356-0491 (toll-free)

Illinois STAR NET Chicago Region V provides regional technical assistance, professional development, family learning opportunities and resources to support the education and development of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. Support includes workshops, webinars (both live and on-demand), resource specialists, a virtual library and more.

Visit STAR NET Chicago Region V’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 Region V, email starnet@cps.edu or call (773) 553-5596.

The STARNET Project is operated by the Chicago Public Schools, Office for Students with Disabilities, through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Illinois STAR NET helps provide early childhood professionals and families with the support needed to provide all children with a high-quality, equitable education in inclusive environments. STAR NET provides workshops, funding opportunities, technical assistance and more to promote:

• Evidence-based inclusive practices for young children with disabilities from birth to age 8
• Professional development to support educators and families
• Meaningful child outcomes through innovative and engaging learning experiences

See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

Illinois STAR NET is operated through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. The project receives annual funding from federal sources.