Chicago Resources
Lists many educational and other resources for parents as well as a mentoring program.
Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities so they may achieve independence in every aspect of their lives, including home, work and school.
INCIL also oversees the Home Modification Program that provides funding for improvements to make eligible homes and rental properties more accessible.
The Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to the lifelong and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental and mental health needs.
The project offers support, resources, opportunities to connect with other siblings and “Sibshops” for school-age brothers and sisters of kids with special needs.
This site is a directory for locating dentists in the Chicago area.
National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home
Family members are the primary caregivers and support in a child’s life. Practices and healthcare organizations that are truly family-centered provide care in equal partnership with families, caregivers and children.
This page for families and caregivers from the National Resource Center for Patient/Family-Centered Medical Home includes tools, resources and links to information that will assist families in successfully partnering with their child’s medical home. It includes templates for how to build a care plan for your child.
Brain Injury Association of Illinois
The Brain Association of Illinois (BAI) is a statewide, non-profit organization providing advocacy, information and support to people with brain injuries, family members, friends and rehabilitation professionals.
The BIA of IL is part of a network of brain injury associations across the United States, and is an affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).
United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter
The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter (USAIC) is a non-profit offering information and support resources for people paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions. It also serves family members and health care and related professionals serving the spinal cord injury community. USAIC is located in Palos Heights but provides information, events and educational programs statewide. Its programs include:
- Virtual and in person peer support groups
- The “Living with Spinal Cord Injury” program for health professionals and health science students
- “Injury Prevention” for school children, seniors and other groups featuring members’ experiences, and information on preventing injuries and falls
- Advocacy and more
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) promotes a life of inclusion and provides resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families and communities.
The UCP website has resources on topics including assistive technology, housing and home modification, travel and transportation, education, caregiving and more. You can also find UCP affiliates in the state of Illinois.
HealthyChildren.org is the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The site provides the latest information to help support the optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults
CaringBridge is a no-cost, nonprofit health platform that surrounds family caregivers with support while they are caring for a loved one on a health journey.
CaringBridge offers tools to:
- Share and document a health journey
- Simplify care coordination
- Connect caregivers with a supportive community