Marion Resources
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.
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.
Visit the INCIL website for more information.
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.
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.
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
Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
The Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (IL EHDI) Program works to ensure families of babies and children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive appropriate and timely services. These services include hearing screening, diagnosis, early intervention and parent-to-parent support, provided through coordinated systems of care.
Families and providers can learn more about the EHDI program and find resources on the Illinois Sound Beginnings website.
Illinois Early Learning Project
The Illinois Early Learning Project provides evidence-based, early care and education information for parents, caregivers and teachers of young children in the state of Illinois.
The site provides a wide range of information on important topics involving early care and education, including:
- Resource lists
- Easy-to-read tip sheets
- Dental Health and Dentist Visits resources on children’s dental health and dentist visits to promote good oral health
- A Picky Eaters toolkit with strategies to try and actions to avoid
- Safe Sleep resources for educators and family members on how to keep infants and toddlers safe when sleeping
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Its website includes information about autism, available resources and more.