Chicago Resources
The Arc’s Virtual Program Library
The Arc’s Virtual Program Library is a free hub full of on-demand activities that people with disabilities, and their families and service providers can do at home.
Topics include arts, community and life skills, health and wellness, virtual clubs, and more. Service providers can also find and share resources to facilitate or deliver live, remote programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Conversation/ La Conversación – COVID-19 Vaccine Information for the Latino Community
The Conversation/ La Conversación website features Latinx doctors, nurses and promotoras providing accessible facts and dispelling misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines.
It includes an extensive library of frequently-asked-questions videos in English and Spanish to address common questions from the Latino community.
FoodFinder’s free website and app display an interactive food assistance map, helping users find their nearest food pantry or other free food programs anywhere in the United States.
- Website: https://foodfinder.us/
- App: “FoodFinder – Fighting Hunger”
- Email: info@foodfinder.us
RespectAbility’s COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccine Information for People with Disabilities
RespectAbility has compiled an extensive list of COVID-19 resources for people with disabilities, including vaccine information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in easy-to-read formats, communications tools in a wide variety of languages and entire toolkits in American Sign Language (ASL).
They also include a toolkit with steps for making events accessible for all and information focusing on accessibility, well-being and assistance programs from a variety of sources.
RespectAbility’s Virtual Education & Students With Disabilities Resource Guide
RespectAbility’s Virtual Education & Students with Disabilities Resource Guide offers a student with a disability or an adult (parent, guardian, teacher or otherwise) who is championing success for a student with a disability a wide range of information for supporting student success in the time of COVID-19 and beyond.
The toolkit includes virtual resource guides, homeschool programs, information on legal rights, special education resources, mental health resources and more.
Find a COVID-19 or Flu Vaccine Near You
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and VaccineFinder from Boston Children’s Hospital, Vaccines.gov provides information and help with:
- Finding a COVID-19 vaccine or booster or a flu shot at a location near you
- Making an appointment
- Answering frequently asked questions about the vaccines
Vaccines.gov also provides a COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline in multiple languages at (800) 232-0233 or (888) 720-7489 (TTY).
A Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) providing COVID-19 vaccination support for people with disabilities is also available at (888) 677-1199 or DIAL@n4a.org.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Parents With Children With Disabilities
Vax for All provides information to help take the stress out of making a COVID-19 vaccine decision for your child with autism and other disabilities. Resources on the website include:
- Stories, videos and other kid-friendly disability resources
- How vaccines work – explanations for children and adults
- A vaccine appointment scheduling tool
- Information about in-home vaccine appointments for children in Illinois
Parents may text HELLO to (260) VAX-4ALL / (260) 829-425 to find information or chat.
Para obtener información sobre cómo vacunar a su hijo, envíe un mensaje de texto con HOLA al (260) 829-4255.
Etiquette: Interacting with People with Disabilities
People with disabilities are individuals with families, jobs, hobbies, likes and dislikes, and problems and joys. While the disability is an integral part of who they are, it alone does not define them.
RespectAbility offers tips and resources to educate the public about etiquette and interacting with people with disabilities. Featured information includes:
- A disability sensitivity training video from the D. C. Office of Disability Rights
- The United Spinal Association’s Disability Etiquette booklet (Spanish) (Chinese)
People First: A Guide to Interacting With People With Disabilities
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS/DRS) is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities in becoming full participants in our society.
With “People First: A Guide to Interacting with People With Disabilities,” IDHS/DRS provides general etiquette tips and information on people-first language to foster respect and inclusion for people with disabilities.
How SSI and SSDI Can Help Patients
The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system.
PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics as well as understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Many of PAF’s resources are also available in Spanish.
PAF is also available by phone Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at (800) 532-5274.