Rockford Resources
Guide for New Mental Health Caregivers
Mental Health America has created an online guide to help new mental health caregivers navigate their role. The guide includes information about getting started after a diagnosis, challenging stigma, navigating red tape, understanding challenges during recovery, knowing the role of legal caregivers, taking care of yourself and more.
Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to get ready to vote and how to get accommodations when voting.
Election Engagement Hub for Individuals with Disabilities
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has an Election Engagement Hub that provides information and tools for disabled voters to engage as meaningfully as possible in their state, local and federal elections.
You can find state-by-state voting guides, plain language definitions of voting words and more.
AAPD also has the REV UP Voting Campaign, which aims to build the power of the disability vote through a national network of coalitions and organizations.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fact Sheet for Parents
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
The Illinois Department of Public Health provides this fact sheet for parents to help them understand how RSV spreads and how to prevent it.
Apprenticeship Disability Inclusion Guides
The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy has apprenticeship inclusion guides, toolkits, videos and other helpful resources for youth with disabilities, educators/service providers and businesses.
WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community
The WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community site is an online resource destination for the American Job Center network, people with disabilities and employers.
The site is also a resource for all who partner with the workforce system to provide services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. It also provides an opportunity to network with peers interested in addressing disability and employment issues.
Employment Rights Helpline – Equip for Equality
Equip for Equality’s Employment Rights Helpline provides free legal advice and self-advocacy assistance to people with disabilities who have questions or need legal help related to their disability. It aims to help applicants and employees with disabilities in Illinois understand their legal rights and responsibilities with the goal of increasing meaningful employment opportunities.
The Helpline is toll-free at 1-844-RIGHTS-9, (844) 744-4879, or (800) 610-2779 (TTY). You can also email the Helpline at employment@equipforequality.org.
Employment Rights Fact Sheets and Information – Equip for Equality
Equip for Equality has a variety of fact sheets and videos on employment rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employment.
These resources are available in English and Spanish. More information is available on Equip for Equality’s Employment Overview page.
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission has a list of Service Animal Resources. Information includes Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, programs that provide animals and more.
Epilepsy Alliance America is a national organization providing support, care and service to those with epilepsy, their families, caregivers and communities. The organization’s services and supports include: