Resource Directory /

Rockford Resources

  • DSCC’s Find Your Strengths and Talents Tip Sheet

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs find their personal strengths and abilities. These talents, strengths and areas of interest can be stepping stones to a career or job.

    The tip sheet includes:

    • Steps for helping you identify things you are good at
    • Ways to have friends and family members help you identify and share your talents
    • Resources and worksheets to help you learn more

    Find Your Strengths and Talents tip sheet in English

    Find Your Strengths and Talents tip sheet in Spanish

  • DSCC’s Planning and Going to College Tip Sheet

    Knowing your strengths, setting goals, and understanding the options and supports available for attending college is important. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs start planning for college. It includes important things to consider when planning and helpful higher education resources.

    Planning and Going to College tip sheet in English

    Planning and Going to College tip sheet in Spanish

  • The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)

    The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is a collaboration of five universities and 10 organizations that together operate 20 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, childcare providers, and medical professionals.

    Illinois residents can participate in TAP’s Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST) Training Program. The training features twelve modules focused on helping families advocate for adult services on behalf of their child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Each module features an expert-led presentation and time for discussion.

    Topics  include:

    • Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
    • Medicaid waiver services
    • Social Security benefits
    • Health insurance
    • Special needs trusts
    • Post-secondary education and employment
  • Illinois workNet

    Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more.

    Illinois workNet includes Disability Works, which connects and guides individuals with disabilities to benefits, services, training and employment information.

  • Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living

    The Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) supports 22 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. The goal of these non-profit organizations is to provide community-based, non-residential support for people with disabilities so they may achieve independence in every aspect of their lives, including home, work and school. 

    INCIL also oversees the Home Modification Program that provides funding for improvements to make eligible homes and rental properties more accessible.