Variety of Illinois helps children with disabilities and their families feel supported and included in their community. Variety provides inclusive and accessible activities, equipment and experiences to help children with disabilities have fun, learn and grow. Its programs include:

• Accessible activities for the whole family
• Providing adaptive and mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities
• Encouraging participation in adaptive sports
• The Build-a-Bike program

Visit Variety of Illinois’s website to apply for a grant or sign up for its newsletter.

For questions, please contact Variety of Illinois at (312) 822-0660 or info@varietyofillinois.org.

The Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, Title V of the Social Security Act, is a federal program that aims to improve the health of all women, children and families. Each state has a Title V program that serves children with special health care needs.

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration provides this list of state Title V program contact information.

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) offers year-round recreation programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Programs include camps, art classes, special events, social outings and more.

The Midwestern University Dental Institute in Downers Grove provides comprehensive, compassionate dental care, including pediatric and general care, restorations, orthodontics and oral surgery.

If you have any questions or need to make an appointment, please contact the Dental Institute at ilmwudentalclinic@midwestern.edu or (630) 743-4500.

Funded by the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, HAP provides funding to local governments and non-profit organizations throughout Illinois to provide home accessibility grants to their local constituency. These grants help people stay in their homes and prevent premature or unnecessary institutionalization of the elderly and people with disabilities.

The Organization for Understanding Congenital Hearts (T.O.U.C.H.) provides support and information to empower families, children, youth and adults with congenital heart defects.

For additional information, contact touchhearts365@gmail.com

The mission of Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center is to support and respond to the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their dependents in the effort to avoid further abuse. The center is based in Galesburg and serves victims of domestic violence in Knox County.

Safe Harbor’s services include a crisis hotline, court advocacy, support groups, social service referrals, clothing and food, and children’s programs.

For more information, call (309) 343-7233 or email info@safeharborfcc.org.

Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR) is a community-based therapeutic recreation program for individuals with disabilities ages 4 and up. SOAR offers year-round leisure, social and recreational activities to help build skills and community connections.

Check the website for eligibility, transportation options, and the calendar of events.

The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal sponsor S.O.A.R through their Parks and Recreation departments.

The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) is a nationwide organization that can assist with finding specialists, providing financial assistance and providing educational materials. Primary immune deficiency diseases are a group of relatively rare conditions caused by intrinsic or genetic defects in the immune system.

For more information, contact IDF at (410) 321-6647 or IDF@primaryimmune.org.

The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) Mental Health Resources tip sheet provides a listing of websites, fact sheets and videos to help youth and their families find mental health resources.

Mental Health Resources tip sheet in English

Mental Health Resources tip sheet in Spanish