Resource Directory /

Chicago Resources

  • Ariana Rye Foundation

    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.

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • Living Fully at Home, LLC

    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

    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

  • Autism Eats

    Autism Eats provides autism-friendly non-judgmental environments for family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share similar joys and challenges. Autism Eats hosts dinners and events year-round. The also provide comprehensive autism awareness training and certification for restaurant management and staff.

    Autism Eats dinner parties:

    • Take place in private rooms of restaurants or function facilities.
    • Serve food buffet or family style so there is no waiting.
    • Adjust music and lighting to accommodate those with sensory sensitivity.

  • Chicago Adaptive Sports

    Chicago Adaptive Sports provides programming, support and advocacy for individuals with physical and visual disabilities of all ages and backgrounds. The organization adapts programming to meet the needs of individuals who use manual or power wheelchairs or have other ambulatory disabilities such as amputation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke and other spinal cord or orthopedic impairments. No prior experience is necessary to participate. Financial assistance is available. Participants will not be turned away due to their ability to pay.

    Chicago Adaptive Sports programs include: