Rockford Resources
The ADA National Network Disability Law Handbook
This handbook is meant to provide basic information about disability rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as resources for finding out more.
Youth and Family Center of McHenry County
The Youth and Family Center of McHenry County continues to provide bi-cultural navigation services during the COVID-19 pandemic, remotely or by appointment.
Services include registering for child care and food assistance, helping to understand and translate documents, finding financial assistance, food pantry assistance, finding mental health services, employment services, English classes and more.
You can review the center’s flyer, provided in Spanish and English, for more information.
You can schedule an appointment online or call the main office in McHenry at (815) 322-2357. Please provide a full name and phone number to receive a callback.
The Arc’s Disability Voter Guide
The Arc has developed voting resources in plain language and Spanish, including a disability voter guide and sample questions for candidates.
HealthyChildren.org’s Return to School During COVID-19
The latest American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says children learn best when they are in school. However, returning to school in person needs careful steps in place to keep students and staff safe. HealthyChildren.org provides information about the considerations needed to keep students and staff safe.
Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission
The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) is an executive state agency that promotes education and awareness of the legal requirements for effective communication on behalf of people with hearing loss in Illinois.
The commission also provides information about:
- Assistive technology
- Hearing aid assistance
- Service animal resources
- Interpreters and CART providers
- American Sign Language (ASL) videos and publications
Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission COVID-19 Resources
The IDHHC has developed American Sign Language videos of key guidance regarding COVID-19 based upon publications by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, individualized education program (IEP) teams have a unique educational opportunity to create meaningful distance learning activities at home for transition-age students. The PACER Center provides this handout for how parents can help their children practice and learn new skills to prepare for adulthood.
The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center
The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center works with families and professionals to help with questions and concerns related to the health of children and youth with special healthcare needs under the age of 22.
The center focuses on sharing the most thorough, up-to-date resources regarding health insurance options, government benefits, youth transition concerns and more to help children thrive in their community.
For more information, call (815) 464-1832, ext. 1017, or email familytofamily@thearcofil.org or mary@thearcofil.org.
Family Resource Center on Disabilities COVID-19 Resource Page
The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) provides resources for families in the following areas: federal and state guidance, remote learning, assistive and accessible technology, disability health information and resources, COVID-19 preparedness, housing, pets, relief funds, self-care and transportation.
How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times
HealthyChildren.org’s How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times provides information on the feelings many of us experience during uncertain times and how they provide a chance to model and teach lifelong resilience skills to children.