Chicago Resources
Envision Unlimited provides in-home respite to individuals with a diagnosed developmental disability.
It currently serves the following counties: Adams, Brown, Champaign, Cook, DeWitt, Fulton, Knox, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Pike, Sangamon, Scott, and Tazewell. More details are at www.envisionunlimited.org/in-home_respite.
DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Handout
Basic fire and carbon monoxide protection are key components of maintaining a safe home. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this handout to provide helpful guidelines on the equipment necessary to protect your home from these preventable dangers.
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 (AAP) 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 prepare for and cope with the disaster.
AAP provides emergency preparedness information and resources, including:
- Tips for helping children cope and adjust after a disaster
- Links to organizations like the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital offering booklets, checklists and other resources you can print or download
- Videos on preparing for an emergency or potential disaster
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.
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.
Back to School Toolkit 2023 from Mental Health America
Mental Health America’s Back-to-School Toolkit provides educational information and tips on tackling some of the most common online stressors for youth. Titled “Selfies, Social & Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaced for Youth,” the toolkit includes fact sheets for youth and adults, and a guide to national and local resources.
Community Resources Compilation from the Illinois Housing Development Authority
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provides this list of community partners to help Illinois residents find food pantries, utility assistance, rental assistance, emergency housing, mortgage assistance, veterans assistance and more.
The official site of the Hearing Improvement Kids Endowment Fund, Inc. (HIKE). The purpose of the fund is to provide hearing devices for children with hearing losses between the ages of newborn and 20 years whose parents are unable to meet this special need financially.
Children are eligible to receive a grant providing the need is verified by a prescription from an audiologist or physician.