Marion Resources
Illinois Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to helping families with children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Families can learn about the variety of resources and options available to them and how to access them. Through this network of resources, families can make informed decisions about their future in regards to educational options, the changing landscape of assistive technologies and many other issues facing families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Families within the same geographic region within the state can share experiences and information as they support each other. They can receive the opportunity to gain knowledge and direction from families who have faced the same challenges and choices.
Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection
The Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Protection responds to consumer complaints in areas including health care services and providers, home repair, identity theft and more. It also enforces related Illinois consumer fraud laws. The division also provides consumer alerts and recalls, and publications and information to help consumers understand their rights and how to protect themselves.
Consumer Protection resources also include:
- Identity theft prevention tips
- Auto buying, financing and repair tips
- Advocating for consumers around health care, medications and public health concerns
- Information on home repair and construction services
- Help for businesses and more
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation: License Lookup
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation aims to ensure that competent professionals are licensed to provide services to the public. You can use its License Lookup for many professions, including physicians, nurses and therapists.
DentaQuest serves eligible residents across Illinois with a Medicaid dental plan. It can help you understand your benefits so you can make the most of your Illinois Medicaid dental coverage.
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse is a lending library and information resource for families and professionals interested in or involved with the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program. It also provides support groups in English and Spanish for families involved in the Illinois early intervention program on Facebook.
The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse offers:
- An Early Intervention Family Guide in English, Spanish and also Arabic, Simplified Chinese, French, Kiswahili, Polish, Russian, and Urdu
- Tip sheets and guides for families
- A family support group on Facebook for both English and Spanish-speakers
- Resources for EI staff and providers
Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (Family Matters PTIC) empowers parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes and enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities. Family Matters PTIC offers coaching, referral, parent-to-parent support, Educational Surrogate Parent training and more.
Family Matters PTIC services and programs include:
- A monthly event calendar highlighting webinars and training opportunities
- Self-Advocacy resources
- Videos
- Educational coaching and support for families and self-advocates
FDA Information: At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) provides general information about at-home over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Individuals can use these FDA-authorized tests at home to self-test for COVID.
This site also provides information about:
- Who can use the FDA-authorized tests
- Test expiration dates
- Other details to decide what test is right for you
The MISS Foundation provides support for families struggling with traumatic grief. Its website provides quick access to counseling resources, advocacy information, research on traumatic grief, education for healthcare providers and community members, and support services for those grieving the death or impending death of a child.
The foundation also offers Family Support Packets with information and resources for bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) website provides information to help you learn more about heart, lung, blood and sleep conditions as well as diagnostic tests and treatments.
The NHLBI website’s health topics include asthma, heart-healthy living, high blood pressure, sickle cell disease and sleep apnea.
The Great Lakes ADA Center‘s mission is to increase awareness and knowledge with the ultimate goal of achieving voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The center provides information, resources, technical assistance and training on the ADA. Topics include the non-discrimination requirements in employment and the obligations of state and local governments and businesses to ensure that programs, services and activities are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.