Rockford Resources
Children with cerebral palsy have trouble controlling their movement. The condition is the most common disability that affects a child’s motor control.
Cerebral palsy usually is caused by a brain injury or abnormal brain development before birth or early in life. Genetic causes, although less common, can also play a role.
Healthy Children, the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides an overview of what families need to know about cerebral palsy and how to help children who have it reach their full potential.
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to be a catalyst for creating positive change for people with cerebral palsy (CP).
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation website includes expert insights on what is CP and a fact sheet library on various topics.
Illinois Attorney General Health Care Brochure
The Illinois Attorney General Health Care Bureau has a toll-free helpline that allows consumers to ask questions, file complaints or request assistance. Health Care Bureau attorneys conduct investigations and file lawsuits to enforce consumer protection laws. This brochure provides information on how their staff members can assist consumers in many areas, including:
- Denial of coverage or treatment
- Concerns about healthcare providers
- Billing disputes and recovering unfair out-of-pocket expenses
- Navigating the health insurance appeals process
- Understanding your health care rights and consumer protection laws
- Correcting health plan or provider errors
The Family Caregiver Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. The Family Caregiver Alliance website provides in-depth information and tips on a variety of caregiving topics, including legal and financial planning, advanced illness and end of life, self-care and more.
Formerly known as the Center for Law and Social Work, Greenlight Family Services helps families all over Illinois with adult guardianship cases and can also counsel families on backup arrangements as well.
Illinois Department of Insurance Brochure
The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) protects consumers and ensures that all entities regulated by IDOI are in compliance with state and federal laws. IDOI also investigates complaints relating to insurance agents and brokers. IDOI provides Illinois consumers:
- Information and education about their rights under state and federal laws
- Assistance regarding health, auto, homeowners and life insurance issues
DSCC’s Private Health Insurance Chart
Private insurance plans are all different. Understanding how they are different can help you use your health insurance. This private health insurance chart from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is a guide for most plans. You should always check the rules of your insurance plan.
DSCC’s Adolescence Changing Roles Tip Sheet
Adolescence is a time of change for the whole family. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families support healthy mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) development, and find ways to cope during this time of change.
DSCC’s It’s Great to be Involved Tip Sheet
There are lots of ways to experience belonging. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families explore being involved in sports, leisure and other community activities. This tip sheet includes information on exploring your personal interests, funding and scholarships to support your activities, and steps you can take to get involved.
Global Genes is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the burdens and challenges of rare diseases for patients and families globally. It aims to connect, empower and inspire the rare disease community.
The Global Genes website includes a RARE Portal, which is an online community for patients, caregivers and more to share resources and create discussion groups.