Chicago Resources
Take N.O.T.E. of Learning Differences
Take N.O.T.E. is an initiative developed by Understood in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics. It aims to help parents identify the signs of learning or thinking differences in their children.
Learning Disabilities & Differences: What Parents Need To Know
HealthyChildren.org provides information on the early signs of learning disabilities and difficulties in children and how to help them succeed.
Disaster Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides information on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for potential emergencies and disasters in their area and identify what each child would need to safely cope with the disaster.
“What’s New in the 2020 ISBE Parent Guide on Understanding Special Education in Illinois?”
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center provides a summary of the key updates in the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2020 Parent Guide on Special Education.
The COVID-19 Virtual Care Program helps people with COVID-19 symptoms recover safely at home. It offers medical education, symptom checking and 24/7 support virtually via a mobile app or website for a period of 14 days. Eligible participants may also receive a free home medical kit that may include a thermometer, blood pressure machine, pulse oximeter and masks.
This program is open to all Illinois residents over the age of 12 months who have known exposure to COVID-19 or who have COVID-like symptoms.
If you’re an Illinois resident, call (866) 443-2584 to enroll. A frequently-asked questions handout about the program provides more details.
Digital Accessibility in the Age of COVID-19
As COVID-19 makes digital connection increasingly important, the American Association of People with Disabilities offers resources to enhance Digital Accessibility in the Age of COVID-19.
Caring for Children and Youth With Special Healthcare Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides extensive guidance for physicians and families on topics ranging from how children with special healthcare needs should wear face coverings to when to get a COVID-19 test and how to provide optimal care at home and school.
Adult Protective Services Program
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) manages the statewide Adult Protective Services Program, which serves adults 60 years of age and older and adults aged 18-59 with disabilities. The program handles reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
For more information on the signs and types of abuse and how to make a report, visit www2.illinois.gov/aging/Engage/Pages/default.aspx. You can also call the statewide 24-hour Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409.
COVID-19 Housing Resources Information
The Illinois Housing Development Authority continues to provide support and assistance programs for Illinois homeowners and renters. Its COVID-19 Housing Resources Information website provides the latest information.
Chicago Public Schools – Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)
For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas.
Chicago Public Schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including providing transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers and referrals to community resources.
To find out if your student and family are eligible for STLS services, contact the STLS Liaison at your school. Every CPS school, including charter schools and options schools, has an STLS Liaison. For other questions about the STLS Program, please call (773) 553-2242 or email STLSInformation@cps.edu.