Olney Resources
Center for Parent Information and Resources (formerly NICHCY)
The Center for Parent Information and Resources is a national information and referral center on disabilities and related issues (formerly the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities or NICHCY). Information is available in Spanish also.
Universal Telephone Assistance Program
Linkup and Lifeline are two federally funded programs that assist families with paying for telephone installation and monthly service. Eligibility requirements apply.
College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program
The College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition Program was established in 1997 to help make college a reality for Illinois families. College Illinois! helps to lock in the cost of college by allowing Illinois families to prepay for future tuition at today’s plan rates.
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 offers tip sheets and guides for families, resources for EI staff and providers, and a lending library.
Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center
The mission of the Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center is to build upon families’ strengths, empower parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes for students with disabilities, and to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities.
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
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is responsible for providing healthcare coverage for adults and children who qualify for Medicaid. Its programs include All Kids, Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities, Managed Care and more.
The Illinois Life Span (ILS) Program is a program of The Arc of Illinois that provides statewide resources and information, focused on developmental disability services and supports.
Its website includes a resource locator that can help you find resources in your county and statewide.
You can call ILS at (800) 588-7002.
Illinois State Board of Education
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is state agency providing information and resources on all aspects of education, including early childhood, general education, special education and assistive technology.
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are non-biased about communication methodologies and believe that families can make the best choices for their children if they have access to good information and support.