Rockford Resources
Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disabilities. It also manages a national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disabilities in the United States.
See the Think College fact sheet in English or Spanish for more details. Think College resources also include:
- Learning modules for families on exploring college options, how to pay for college and more
- The “Student Corner” and Emerging Advocates Student Group
- A searchable list of colleges nationwide and what they offer
- Recursos para Familias (Family resources in Spanish)
TSA Cares is a helpline through the Transportation Security Administration that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.
You can call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Call (855) 787-2227 or fill out the Request for TSA Cares Assistance.
Illinois Community College Initiative
The Illinois Community College Initiative provides academic and vocational training programs for eligible students with disabilities at in-state public community colleges and approved community colleges bordering the state. People with disabilities who are determined eligible for the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) vocational rehabilitation program may complete community college coursework leading to an associate’s degree or to a degree, certificate, or other industry-recognized credential or certificate.
DRS will help students with:
- The cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies
- Transportation costs
- Other eligible costs
See the Illinois Community College Initiative flyer for more details. To get started, contact your local DRS office using the locator tool or call (877) 581-3690. TTY and relay callers can dial 711.
SourceAmerica’s Job Board is a resource for job seekers with disabilities and direct service professionals who help job seekers fulfill their work and career goals. SourceAmerica provides a nationwide network, support and tools to find the job that matches your skills and abilities. Their dedicated job board includes:
- A job search tool
- Resume builder
- Career matching and training resources
- Mentorship opportunities
Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities During Hospitalization Tip Sheet
Hospital stays can be difficult for everyone. However, individuals with disabilities may face a variety of unique challenges. This Self-Advocacy for People with Disabilities During Hospitalization tip sheet includes information about your right to have a support person with you any time in the hospital, provider bias, preparing for your hospital stay and self-advocacy resources.
DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this guide to help you understand Medicaid eligibility rules and how to apply.
Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide in English
Illinois Medicaid Programs and Eligibility Guide in Spanish
(Please note Illinois Medicaid is not a DSCC program. Therefore, DSCC does not decide Medicaid program eligibility. Please contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) or the Department of Human Services (DHS) for all programs and the most current information.)
DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Redetermination Information for DSCC Families
Redetermination is a yearly review of your eligibility for Medicaid. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet for our participants to explain the redetermination process, your responsibilities and how DSCC can help you through the process.
Illinois Medicaid Redetermination Information for DSCC Families in English
Illinois Medicaid Redetermination Information for DSCC Families in Spanish
DSCC’s Medicaid and Private Insurance Question and Answer Guide
You can have Medicaid and private insurance at the same time. This guide from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) provides information about coverage, Medicaid managed care (MCO), updating your private insurance information, billing and who to contact if you need more help.
DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Spenddown Tip Sheet
Spenddown is an Illinois Medicaid program that helps people who are over income or have too many assets to be eligible for other Medicaid programs. Individuals or families are responsible for paying for medical services until they meet the spenddown amount. This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) handout provides information about the different types of spenddown and additional resources.
Cerebral Palsy Research Network
The Cerebral Palsy Research Network aims to optimize the lifelong health and wellness of people with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families through high-quality research, education and community programming.
The Cerebral Palsy Research Network website includes educational resources for the entire CP community to inform healthcare decisions, including a CP tool kit and a well-being guide for parents and caregivers.