Champaign Resources
Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA)
The Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA) is an interagency group that identifies and addresses barriers facing parents, families, professionals and providers trying to get needed services and programs for individuals with a behavior disorder or a severe emotional disturbance. CRSA’s free and confidential services include:
- Helping agencies, schools and parents form working partnerships using a team approach
- Addressing/resolving multiple agency disagreements about residential placement or funding of placement and services
- Assisting local communities in developing and strengthening collaborative interagency networking on request
You can also call CRSA to connect with a program coordinator who will listen and help you develop a plan of care at (877) 541-2772 or (217) 782-2438.
DHS List of Community Service Agencies Serving Immigrants in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a statewide list of community service agencies serving immigrants. The list includes:
- The agency name and contact information
- Their geographic service areas
- Citizenship, case management and other services provided
- Languages available
June Jessee Memorial Foundation
The June Jessee Memorial Foundation (JJMF) provides events, information, financial assistance and mental health services to children with medically complex neurological conditions and their families in the St. Louis area and beyond. JJMF resources include:
- Uncomplicated financial assistance for out-of-pocket medical needs
- Free mental health services
- A welcoming, understanding community
- Information to help make journeys easier
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social and political life of our diverse society. Its programs aim to empower the immigrant community and include healthcare access, access to public benefits, a family support network and hotline, education initiatives and more.
Visit the ICIRR website to learn more.
Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disabilities. It also manages a national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disabilities in the United States.
See the Think College fact sheet in English or Spanish for more details. Think College resources also include:
- Learning modules for families on exploring college options, how to pay for college and more
- The “Student Corner” and Emerging Advocates Student Group
- A searchable list of colleges nationwide and what they offer
- Recursos para Familias (Family resources in Spanish)
TSA Cares is a helpline through the Transportation Security Administration that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.
You can call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Call (855) 787-2227 or fill out the Request for TSA Cares Assistance.
TSA Cares also provides this video to help individuals on the autism spectrum and those with communication, social interaction and/or sensory sensitivities know what to expect during airport security screening.
Illinois Community College Initiative
The Illinois Community College Initiative provides academic and vocational training programs for eligible students with disabilities at in-state public community colleges and approved community colleges bordering the state. People with disabilities who are determined eligible for the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) vocational rehabilitation program may complete community college coursework leading to an associate’s degree or to a degree, certificate, or other industry-recognized credential or certificate.
DRS will help students with:
- The cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies
- Transportation costs
- Other eligible costs
See the Illinois Community College Initiative flyer for more details. To get started, contact your local DRS office using the locator tool or call (877) 581-3690. TTY and relay callers can dial 711.
SourceAmerica’s Job Board is a resource for job seekers with disabilities and direct service professionals who help job seekers fulfill their work and career goals. SourceAmerica provides a nationwide network, support and tools to find the job that matches your skills and abilities. Their dedicated job board includes:
- A job search tool
- Resume builder
- Career matching and training resources
- Mentorship opportunities
Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities During Hospitalization Tip Sheet
Hospital stays can be difficult for everyone. However, individuals with disabilities may face a variety of unique challenges. This Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities During Hospitalization tip sheet includes information about your right to have a support person with you any time in the hospital, provider bias, preparing for your hospital stay and self-advocacy resources.
DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this guide to help you understand Medicaid eligibility rules and how to apply.
Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide in English
Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide in Spanish
(Please note Illinois Medicaid is not a DSCC program. Therefore, DSCC does not decide Medicaid program eligibility. Please contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) or the Department of Human Services (DHS) for all programs and the most current information.)