Resource Directory /

Chicago Resources

  • National Parent Helpline

    Offers emotional support from a trained advocate to help you become an empowered and stronger parent. Parent advocates can list, offer emotional support, help you problem-solve, connect you with local resources, help you explore new resources and more.

    The National Parent Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 12 – 9 p.m. at (855) 427-2736 (855-4A PARENT).

  • Early Intervention Clearinghouse Technology Loan Program

    The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse (EIC) technology loan program helps families in early intervention participate in live video visits or telehealth. Available technology includes:

    • iPad with a data plan (you are requesting a device for live video visits that also has an internet plan)
    • iPad without a data plan (you are requesting a device for live video visits and already have internet access)
    • Hotspot (you have a device for live video visits but require internet access)

    Quantities are limited. To apply to receive the technology, please complete a device loan request form. (The device loan request form is also available in Spanish.)

    The EIC also provides tips on preparing for a live video visit.

  • Illinois Spina Bifida Association Vision Referral Program

    The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) offers a vision referral program in partnership with the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), which provides specialized services for pediatric patients and people with developmental disabilities.

    If anyone in your family needs vision care, ISBA can help you set up an appointment at IEI in Chicago or refer you to other statewide providers offering affordable care regardless of insurance or financial status.

  • Hands & Voices Virtual Waiting Room

    Hands & Voices virtual waiting room provides resources and connections for families with children who have been referred to or are in the care of an audiologist and who are receiving those services through technology or “telehealth.”  Much of the information is also useful for families who are preparing for onsite visits.

    Hands & Voices virtual waiting room includes:

    • A video about the importance of next steps when your child is referred for more testing after a hearing screening
    • A guidebook for parents about audiology and telehealth
    • Information about tele-audiology options
    • Questions to ask your audiologist, understanding your child’s audiogram, help making decisions with communication and more
    • Connections to family-to-family support from trained parent leaders
    • Explanations of help offered by a variety of professionals in addition to your child’s audiologist
    • Resources to promote health and well-being for you and your child
    • A link to email a Hands & Voices trained parent who can answer your questions and direct you to additional resources

  • Mental Health Resources for LGBTQI Individuals

    The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexed (LGBTQI) community represents a wide diversity of thought, perspective, understanding and experience. For individuals identifying as LGBTQI, it’s important to recognize how your experience of sexual orientation and gender identity relates to your mental health.

    The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides a variety of resources as well as important things to consider when seeking an LGBTQI-competent mental health care professional.