Chicago Resources
The Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) provides a wide range of programs to support families and connect people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. Its services include:
- Hearing evaluations and assistive technologies
- American Sign Language classes in English and Spanish
- Community outreach and youth programs
- Interpreter services and captioning
The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization connecting children with disabilities with new and gently-used durable, adaptive equipment at no cost. Illinois families with children from birth to 21 can fill out an application to request equipment. TKEN then seeks equipment matching the child’s needs. The family is invited to a fitting clinic when the equipment becomes available.
Volunteers provide free monthly clinics for custom-fitting equipment in Chicago and the suburbs. Families can request items including:
- Strollers
- Wheelchairs
- Bath and toilet systems
- Crutches
- Canes and more
The Ariana Rye Foundation helps children up to age 18 with developmental disabilities and complex medical medical needs get equipment to foster their social, mental and physical development. Families in need, from anywhere in the United States, can apply for help. Requests for equipment can include feeding or bath chairs, car seats, adaptive strollers, mats, wedges, specialty swings, sensory equipment and more.
The application, requirements for applying, and the annual application deadline are posted on its website.
Families can apply once per year. The one-time equipment grant provides up to $1000 per child.
Brave Health Online Mental Health Services
Brave Health provides online mental health services and accepts more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors with specialized training in mental health care provide care virtually in English and Spanish. Services include one-on-one and group therapy sessions, medication management, specialized programs and help managing complex medical and behavioral health challenges for adults and youth ages 13 and up.
Brave Health has a closed-loop referral process and also accepts patients who do not have insurance. Patients, referrers and providers can visit Brave Health’s website for information on how to get started and other resources.
National PTA Special Education Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers
National PTA promotes family-school partnerships and building community at the local, state and national levels. Its website offers a variety of family-focused resources, including a Special Education toolkit, Parents’ Guide to Student Success, College and Career Readiness resources and more.
United Leukodystrophy Foundation
The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit providing leukodystrophy patients and their families with support and resources. ULF can help families with finding medical care, genetic counseling, networking and financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.
ULF is based in Dekalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:
- Leukodystrophy frequently-asked questions and a glossary of terms
- Clinical trials
- Virtual caregiver support groups
- The Hultman Memorial Fund for families facing financial hardship
- Webinars and an annual family conference
Autism Speaks Transition to Adulthood Resources
Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include:
- The Transition Toolkit covering self-advocacy skills, legal matters, housing, employment options and more.
- An IEP Transition Plan Checklist to help students with autism and their parents/caregivers create and review an Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition plan.
- The Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) free training course “Supporting Your Family Member in Employment” with information and insights into planning for employment.
- The Healthcare Transition Roadmap for help moving from a pediatrician to a primary care physician. The guide is aimed at individuals ages 12 to 21 but includes information for individuals with autism of all ages, such as finding specialists, understanding legal rights, self-advocacy tips and special guidance for LGBTQ+.
Living Fully at Home, LLC, provides resources, home safety evaluations and other services in the Chicagoland area to help people of all ages with disabilities and other challenges live safely in their home. Help includes both in-person and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant telehealth services.
Living Fully at Home, LLC, can help families and individuals of all ages who are:
- Managing chronic conditions or disability
- Returning from the hospital
- Recovering from an injury
- Facing challenges as they age
- Serving as a caregiver
Unique Sweets provides delicious treats and a safe space for people with autism and other disabilities to participate in life skills training. Team members participate in event planning, purchasing supplies, baking, decorating and packaging and receive a stipend to cover their expenses to get to the kitchen. Unique Sweets also hosts social events throughout the year to foster peer-relationships, social skills and community support.
Unique Sweets also offers:
- Life skills (virtual or in-person) peer-led cooking classes
- Social events and an annual Party With a Purpose
- Inclusive workshops, information sessions and social events with other organizations
- Referrals to other programs and services as needed
Lifespan Disability Clinic in Chicago
UI Health’s Lifespan Disability Clinic provides one-stop, comprehensive primary care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Lifespan Disability Clinic is a welcoming space that aims to collaborate with each individual to achieve their personal goals, such as obtaining appropriate accommodations, coordinating care and supporting the transition to adulthood.
The Lifespan Disability Clinic has two locations. Services include:
- Primary care (routine health exams)
- Support for the transition to adulthood
- Care coordination
- Education and resources