Chicago Home Care Resources
CHECK is an innovative health and behavioral health care delivery organization working to improve overall health and quality of life by making sure that patients and their families receive the resources and care they need.
The CHECK team provides comprehensive and coordinated health and behavioral health care coordination to patients across the lifespan. Its team consists of Care Coordinators and Behavioral Health Care Coordinators who provide assistance with navigation of the healthcare system, referrals to health and social services, and offer ongoing patient and family support with the goal of improving physical, behavioral, and social health.
The CHECK program is located in the Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UI Health) and operates as the Department of Pediatrics Clinical Population and Behavioral Health Program.
CHECK also provides disease-specific education modules on sickle cell disease, diabetes, asthma and prematurity.
Tracheostomy.com (Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page) is an independent, family-run website that provides information about home care for children with tracheostomies (trachs) as well as parent-to-parent networking and support.
DSCC’s Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare and their families/caregivers build important problem-solving and decision-making skills. This tip sheet includes suggestions, steps and resources for developing the skills you need to be more independent and responsible as an adult.
Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in English
Solving Problems and Making Your Own Decisions tip sheet in Spanish
Medical Grants Through United Healthcare Children’s Foundation
United Healthcare Children’s Foundation’s (UHCCF) mission is to help fill the gap between what medical services/items/equipment a child needs and what their commercial health benefit plan will pay for.
UHCCF grants provide financial help/assistance for families with children that have medical needs not covered or not fully covered by their commercial health insurance plan.
To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger at the time of application and have a Social Security number. Eligible families must also meet UHCCF’s economic guidelines.
Families could receive up to $5,000 annually and $10,000 a lifetime per child for eligible medical services, treatment therapies, items and equipment.
American Youth Soccer Organization VIP Program
The American Youth Soccer Organization Very Important Players (AYSO VIP) Program provides a quality soccer experience for children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to successfully participate on mainstream teams.
United Way supports 211 a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve and lives. You can find information about supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, utility assistance, disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, and more.
Illinois STAR NET helps provide early childhood professionals and families with the supports needed to provide all children with a high quality, equitable education in inclusive environments. STAR NET provides workshops, funding opportunities, technical assistance and more to promote:
- Evidence-based inclusive practices for young children with disabilities
- Professional development to support educators and families
- Meaningful child outcomes through innovative and engaging learning experiences
College Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Information from College Scholarships.org about college scholarships available to students with disabilities.
Job Corps is a comprehensive program that provides essential academics and career skills training. The program helps eligible youth ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment.
Illinois Department of Employment Security Youth Program
The Hire the Future Program at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is designed to provide youth ages 16 to 24 with employment assistance, job readiness and career development services. You c an find out what careers match your skills and interests by using IDES’ online job resources.