Chicago Home Care Resources
Digital Accessibility in the Age of COVID-19
As COVID-19 makes digital connection increasingly important, the American Association of People with Disabilities offers resources to enhance Digital Accessibility in the Age of COVID-19.
Caring for Children and Youth With Special Healthcare Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides extensive guidance for physicians and families on topics ranging from how children with special healthcare needs should wear face coverings to when to get a COVID-19 test and how to provide optimal care at home and school.
Adult Protective Services Program
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) manages the statewide Adult Protective Services Program, which serves adults 60 years of age and older and adults aged 18-59 with disabilities. The program handles reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
For more information on the signs and types of abuse and how to make a report, visit www2.illinois.gov/aging/Engage/Pages/default.aspx. You can also call the statewide 24-hour Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409.
COVID-19 Housing Resources Information
The Illinois Housing Development Authority continues to provide support and assistance programs for Illinois homeowners and renters. Its COVID-19 Housing Resources Information website provides the latest information.
Chicago Public Schools – Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)
For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas.
Chicago Public Schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including providing transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers and referrals to community resources.
To find out if your student and family are eligible for STLS services, contact the STLS Liaison at your school. Every CPS school, including charter schools and options schools, has an STLS Liaison. For other questions about the STLS Program, please call (773) 553-2242 or email STLSInformation@cps.edu.
Back to School Toolkit 2023 from Mental Health America
Mental Health America’s Back-to-School Toolkit provides educational information and tips on tackling some of the most common online stressors for youth. Titled “Selfies, Social & Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaced for Youth,” the toolkit includes fact sheets for youth and adults, and a guide to national and local resources.
How To Maintain Your Social Relationships During Online School (For Kids and Teens)
Mental Health America provides information for helping kids and teens transition to online school and tips for staying connected with their friends virtually.
Teachers and Parents: Working Together to Make Distance Learning Work
This fact sheet from Mental Health America provides tips to help parents and teachers work together to make sure kids and teens are learning and to monitor their mental health.
Remote Learning for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recognizes the difficulties at-home instruction and remote learning pose for teachers as well as the parents/guardians of students who are blind or visually impaired. For some, this situation is complicated by the lack of reliable internet access and/or the unavailability of technology in the home.
ISBE provides the Remote Learning for Students Who are Blind or Visually Impaired guide to provide suggestions and ideas related to remote learning opportunities for students who are blind or visually impaired, including ideas that do not depend on technology. It also includes resources for additional information related to services, programming and information intended to enhance learning opportunities and the functional development of students who are blind or visually impaired.
Distance Learning and Students With Disabilities Resources
PACER has developed multiple resources for families to help prepare them and their children for distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tip sheets and handouts are available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.