Resource Directory /

Champaign Resources

  • Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance

    The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance is a non-profit created by families and healthcare providers working together to transform the care and quality of life of children with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence and their families. The Alliance is focused on educating communities, improving access to in-home support and supplies, helping with out-of-pocket medical expenses, and providing a network of support from both caregivers and healthcare professionals. The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance website includes:

    • Frequently asked questions and terms about tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation
    • Annual caregiver grants
    • A list of resources by state

  • PKU Organization of Illinois Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship

    The PKU Organization of Illinois awards the Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship annually to qualified individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) or allied disorders. Eligible applicants may receive scholarships of up to $2,000. The scholarship applicant requirements include:

    • Having PKU or an Allied Disorder diagnosis
    • Currently residing in Illinois
    • Enrolling to attend an accredited college, university or vocational school for the fall semester of the current calendar year

    A student may receive more than one scholarship during their secondary education but not in consecutive years.

  • BRIC Foundation

    BRIC Foundation (Break, Reinvent, Impact and Change) is a non-profit company focused on increasing representation in entertainment, gaming, media and tech. BRIC works with leaders across these industries, and government and education partners to create inclusive opportunities for women and underrepresented people to be successful. BRIC Foundation’s student programming includes:

    • Summer Internships
    • Creative academies
    • BRIC Student Communities providing virtual Art Jams and industry speakers

  • The Conversation Project

    The Conversation Project is an initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) to help people talk about their wishes for care through the end of life so others can understand and respect those wishes. The project offers free tools, videos and other resources to help make difficult conversations with loved ones easier. Resources are available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Audio (English). Guide topics include:

    • A conversation starter guide
    • Talking to your health team
    • What matters to me workbook for people with serious illness
    • How to start talking with a child who is living with a serious illness about the health care that is right for them
    • Encouraging conversations in your community

  • UIC College of Dentistry Inclusive Care Clinic in Chicago

    The Inclusive Care Clinic (ICC) from the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Dentistry offers comprehensive, preventative and integrated (multidisciplinary) dental treatment for patients 15 years or older with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities. The ICC serves individuals with autism, physical disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral and other conditions.

    The clinic includes:

    • A sensory room
    • A wheelchair lift
    • Private treatment rooms
    • Noise-cancelling headphones
    • Personal entertainment tablets
    • Weighted blankets

  • Project SUN in Kankakee County

    Project Strong and Unified Network (Project SUN) is a family-driven, youth-guided and community-based system of care in Kankakee County. Project SUN provides resources, training and community education about children’s behavioral health and other child and family wellness topics. Its services include:

    • Helping families navigate their children’s mental, emotional and behavioral health systems of care through trained staff and volunteer Community Navigators
    • Supporting families on their journey by training peer parent mentors and companions and offering appreciation events for caregivers
    • Assisting parents and youth to gain the skills necessary to actively participate in their care planning and delivery
    • Offering professional development training for mental, emotional and behavioral health service providers
    • Providing community education with a focus on children and their families

  • The Center for Chronic Illness

    The Center for Chronic Illness (CCI) is a nonprofit organization offering support and education to promote well-being and decrease isolation for people affected by chronic illness. CCI offers adults and teens living with chronic illness a variety of support groups and programs focusing on emotional well-being, health education and community. ​CCI provides:

  • YMCA Diverse Abilities Swim Lessons in Decatur

    Decatur Family YMCA provides swim lessons and aquatics programming for individuals with diverse abilities to ensure participants of all needs and skill levels are able to learn water safety and enjoy the pool. These lessons are tailored towards the skills of each participant. Instructors communicate with parents even more than usual to ensure that each swimmer is working towards an agreed upon goal.

  • Creative Healing for Youth in Pain

    Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP) is a nonprofit organization serving youth between the ages of 13 and 24 who are experiencing pain, feelings of isolation and loneliness. CHYP provides educational resources, peer connection and exposure to creative healing experiences to help bridge the gap between common healthcare barriers such as cost, geographic location and long wait times for appointments. Resources are available for both youth and their parents.

    CHYP resources include:

    • Information on the science of pain
    • Strategies for breaking the pain cycle
    • On-demand webinars for youth and parents
    • Monthly open Zoom meetings for youth (ages 13 to 24)
    • Small group and Zoom meetings for parents
    • Summer camp