Resource Directory /

Rockford Resources

  • Reach Out and Read

    Reach Out and Read provides resources for families as well as information and training for pediatricians and clinicians working with children with disabilities. The nationwide program focuses on increasing literacy by helping all families learn how to build literacy skills by talking, reading, and singing with their babies from birth.

    Reach Out and Read offers resources for families, pediatricians and clinicians, including:

  • Discovery Center Museum in Rockford

    The Discovery Center Museum is a fully accessible, nationally recognized children’s museum in Rockford, featuring over 300 hands-on exhibits. It follows the Smithsonian Institute’s accessibility guidelines, providing ramps, accessible restrooms, an elevator, and ample space around exhibits. An adult changing table and wheelchairs are also available. Guests can explore ways to make bubbles, a calm space, a giant soft brick playland, and a multi-sensory space to discover the science of optics and light.

    To learn more, contact information@discoverycentermuseum.org or call (815) 963-6769.

  • Chicagoland Funding Sources for Stairlifts, Ramps and Other Home Accessibility Solutions

    Lifeway Mobility offers a comprehensive list of various accessibility funding sources in Chicagoland, northwest Indiana and southeast Wisconsin. The guide provides information on organizations and other resources that may be able to help you pay for a stair lift, ramp or other accessibility solution.

    You must contact the individual organizations directly for specific details. Please use the information provided to contact the organization/option listed.

  • Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford

    Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford offers community-based, comprehensive services and supports to individuals in the city of Chicago, surrounding suburban Cook County, and the Rockford area. Programs focusing on early learning and disability services include autism services and supports, diagnostic services, early intervention and education programs, teen and young parent services, respite care, employment opportunities, and additional support services.

    Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford services and programs include:

    For more information, visit the Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford’s website contact page.

  • The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

    The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP) fosters personal relationships and service to people in need. Local SVdP Councils and Conferences, located in rural, suburban, and urban communities, provide rental and utility assistance, food pantries, charitable pharmacies, day centers, transitional housing for people with disabilities and veterans, thrift stores and more.

    SVdP has chapters throughout Illinois. To find help near you, contact SVdP or ask your local Catholic church if they have a Society of St. Vincent de Paul chapter.

  • Child Welfare Information Gateway

    The Child Welfare Information Gateway aims to provide free and trusted resources to service providers, family members and parents working to bring children home from foster care. It aims to equip individuals with the resources needed to support positive outcomes for all children, youth, and families. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to the following:

    • Publications
    • Research
    • Laws and policies
    • Databases covering a wide range of topics, including prevention, child abuse and neglect, adoption, search and reunion.

  • Adoptive Families

    Adoptive Families is an award-winning web resource for parents raising children through adoption. It offers thousands of articles through its searchable Adoption Parenting Library, as well as helpful tip sheets featuring expert guidance, personal stories, parent-to-parent interaction and more.

  • Reliance Children’s Health Center

    Reliance Children’s Health Center in Plainfield, Ill., provides specialized care in a home-like setting for children who are medically fragile and technology-dependent and under the age of 22. The center has a maximum capacity of 12 children and offers skilled nursing care, respite care, transitional care, therapies, medical daycare and more. Reliance Children’s Health Center services include:

    • Respiratory care
    • Medical day care
    • Respite and transitional care
    • Weekend camps
    • Diagnostic studies

    For more information, contact Reliance Children’s Health Center at: