The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities achieve full community participation through employment, education and independent living opportunities.

Use the DORS office locator to find an office near you or call:

• (877) 581-3690 Voice
• (866) 264-2149 TTY
• (312) 957-4881 (Please note this is a video phone number)

You can also apply online for DRS services.

Darkness to Light’s Talking to Kids About Safety From Sexual Abuse – If a shorter option is more appropriate than the full Stewards of Children® training, we’re making our Talking to Kids About Safety From Sexual Abuse training available at no charge by using code Talk2020. This training is ideal for parents and caregivers who may be home with children and have time to invest in learning more.

This list of resources have been compiled by the UIC Institute on Disability and Human Development.to help people with disabilities, their families, service providers and the workforce that supports them have access to the latest information about COVID-19.

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) provides free Conversation Guides to help you have the conversation with a family member, friend, or other loved one about your – or their – wishes regarding end-of-life care and other topics.

IHI Conversation Guides can be downloaded for free. Other topics include:

• Choosing a Health Care Proxy
• Talking with my Child Living with Serious Illness
• Geting the Most out of my Next Medical Appointment (for older adults and caregivers)

CONTACT of Northern Illinois, a United Way of Northwest Illinois partner agency, is the central access point for people in need in Stephenson County.

(815) 233-4357

Contact Ministries is a non-profit, faith-based, social service organization serving the greater Springfield community. It provides free on-site support services and emergency shelter to single women, women with children, families and individuals in poverty.

Contact Ministries provides:

• Referrals
• Food and clothing
• Emergency shelter and transitional housing
• Financial assistance and other programs

Call Contact Ministries at (217) 753-3939.

What the CTA is doing to mitigate risk during COVID-19.

Updates from local group on Coronavirus

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has broadened access to Medicare telehealth services so that beneficiaries can receive a wider range of services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility.

Catholic Charities offers a crisis assistance program to help individuals and families facing short-term, one-time crises that may put them at risk of eviction or utility shut off.  The service is free for residents living in the 28-county Springfield diocese.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, serves the following areas:

• Effingham office at (217) 857-1458, Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Granite City office at (618) 877-1184, ext. 201 or 205, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Springfield office at (217) 523-4551, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.