Marion Resources
Remote Learning for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recognizes the difficulties at-home instruction and remote learning pose for teachers as well as the parents/guardians of students who are blind or visually impaired. For some, this situation is complicated by the lack of reliable internet access and/or the unavailability of technology in the home.
ISBE provides the Remote Learning for Students Who are Blind or Visually Impaired guide to provide suggestions and ideas related to remote learning opportunities for students who are blind or visually impaired, including ideas that do not depend on technology. It also includes resources for additional information related to services, programming and information intended to enhance learning opportunities and the functional development of students who are blind or visually impaired.
Distance Learning and Students With Disabilities Resources
PACER has developed multiple resources for families to help prepare them and their children for distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tip sheets and handouts are available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
Remote Learning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project at Illinois State University has compiled autism-specific resources for individuals with ASD and their families as they navigate remote learning. The Remote Learning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder guide provides ideas and support for families as they develop new routines within their homes.
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.
Online, Hybrid or In-Person Accommodation Guidelines for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side developed this one-page tip sheet for teachers and others who work with students who are deaf and hard of hearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side developed this goal tracking form for families to use during times of learning away from the physical classroom, such as e-learning. It aims to help parents keep track of your child’s progress so that you can report back to your IEP/IFSP team. This form is for personal use, it does not replace legal advice in any way. You can also see a sample of how the form can be completed.
Online Learning Guidelines for Students Who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side developed a list of tips to post near your child’s e-learning work station.
Autism Speaks Back to School Toolkit
Autism Speaks has compiled a digital toolkit of resources, information, referrals, and support to help autistic individuals and their families navigate the return to school and individualized education program (IEP) information as well as public policy and advocacy highlights to assist in transitions during the pandemic.
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.
The Child Neurology Foundation provides these tips for students with special services and full-time aides to return to school safely.