Chicago Home Care Resources
Brain Injury Association of Illinois
The Brain Association of Illinois (BAI) is a statewide, non-profit organization providing advocacy, information and support to people with brain injuries, family members, friends and rehabilitation professionals.
The BIA of IL is part of a network of brain injury associations across the United States, and is an affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).
United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter
The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter (USAIC) is a non-profit offering information and support resources for people paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions. It also serves family members and health care and related professionals serving the spinal cord injury community. USAIC is located in Palos Heights but provides information, events and educational programs statewide. Its programs include:
- Virtual and in person peer support groups
- The “Living with Spinal Cord Injury” program for health professionals and health science students
- “Injury Prevention” for school children, seniors and other groups featuring members’ experiences, and information on preventing injuries and falls
- Advocacy and more
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) promotes a life of inclusion and provides resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families and communities.
The UCP website has resources on topics including assistive technology, housing and home modification, travel and transportation, education, caregiving and more. You can also find UCP affiliates in the state of Illinois.
HealthyChildren.org is the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The site provides the latest information to help support the optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults
CaringBridge is a no-cost, nonprofit health platform that surrounds family caregivers with support while they are caring for a loved one on a health journey.
CaringBridge offers tools to:
- Share and document a health journey
- Simplify care coordination
- Connect caregivers with a supportive community
Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side (GBYS) is a free program providing unbiased information, one-on-one support and resources and trained Parent Guides to talk and/or meet with you if you have a child with hearing loss or a suspected hearing loss.
Parent Guides are adults who have children with a hearing loss. They provide unbiased information and resources regarding communication, educational and technological choices. They help families identify their options and not tell them which options to choose. They support families and can help them navigate through the many systems and services available in Illinois. They work as a team with professionals offering a well rounded care system for families.
Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
The Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (IL EHDI) Program works to ensure families of babies and children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive appropriate and timely services. These services include hearing screening, diagnosis, early intervention and parent-to-parent support, provided through coordinated systems of care.
Families and providers can learn more about the EHDI program and find resources on the Illinois Sound Beginnings website.
Illinois Early Learning Project
The Illinois Early Learning Project provides evidence-based, early care and education information for parents, caregivers and teachers of young children in the state of Illinois.
The site provides a wide range of information on important topics involving early care and education, including:
- Resource lists
- Easy-to-read tip sheets
- Dental health and dentist visits resources on children’s dental health and dentist visits to promote good oral health
- A picky eaters toolkit with strategies to try and actions to avoid
- Safe sleep resources for educators and family members on how to keep infants and toddlers safe when sleeping
Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:
- Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
- A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
- Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
- A list of grants from national organizations offering support to families
The Chicago Lighthouse is a social service organization serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and veteran communities. It provides vision rehabilitation services, education, employment opportunities and assistive technology for people of all ages throughout Chicagoland. It also provides national and statewide resources for college, brailler repair, employment, recreation, service animals and more.
The organization’s Lader Family Scholarship Program is open to Illinois residents who are blind or visually impaired, as well as Chicago Lighthouse employees who are blind, visually impaired, have another disability or are veterans. You can learn more about the Lader Family Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities on the Chicago Lighthouse website.