Chicago Resources
DSCC’s Gaining Work Experience Tip Sheet
There are many ways to get work experience and find a job you love. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Gaining Work Experience tip sheet was created to help youth with special healthcare needs build skills, explore opportunities, and learn about the many ways you can gain work experience. The tip sheet also includes resources for transition and employment, building a resume and more.
DSCC’s Vocational Training Tip Sheet
It’s never to early to think about the job you want to do after high school. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore career interests, find program and develop work skills.
“What are YOU Going to Be?” Vocational Training tip sheet in English
“What are YOU Going to Be?” Vocational Training tip sheet in Spanish
DSCC’s Find Your Strengths and Talents Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs find their personal strengths and abilities. These talents, strengths and areas of interest can be stepping stones to a career or job.
The tip sheet includes:
- Steps for helping you identify things you are good at
- Ways to have friends and family members help you identify and share your talents
- Resources and worksheets to help you learn more
DSCC’s Adolescent Development Tip Sheet
As youth with special healthcare needs transition to adulthood, they may undergo many physical, emotional and behavioral changes. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) covers what both teens and parents can expect and how to cope.
School Meetings for Children and Preteens: Skills Tips
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College Tip Sheet
Youth with disabilities preparing for college can use this Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet to learn about the types of accommodations available and how to receive them.
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College tip sheet in English
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College tip sheet in Spanish
DSCC’s Planning and Going to College Tip Sheet
Knowing your strengths, setting goals, and understanding the options and supports available for attending college is important. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs start planning for college. It includes important things to consider when planning and helpful higher education resources.
OneSight is a nonprofit committed to ending the global vision care crisis. Through OneSight’s OnSite Voucher Program, eligible patients can receive glasses free of charge. See OneSight’s frequently-asked question page for more details.
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is a collaboration of five universities and 10 organizations that together operate 20 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, childcare providers, and medical professionals.
Illinois residents can participate in TAP’s Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST) Training Program. The training features twelve modules focused on helping families advocate for adult services on behalf of their child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Each module features an expert-led presentation and time for discussion.
Topics include:
- Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
- Medicaid waiver services
- Social Security benefits
- Health insurance
- Special needs trusts
- Post-secondary education and employment
Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more.
Illinois workNet includes Disability Works, which connects and guides individuals with disabilities to benefits, services, training and employment information.