Springfield Resources
Assistive Technology Resources
The Illinois State Library provides a list of programs and organizations that can help support assistive technology needs.
Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” This includes devices like wheelchairs, laptop computers and even a grip on a pencil or a special can-opener.
Sesame Street in Communities is an online community that provides multimedia tools in both English and Spanish for parents, caregivers and providers to support children from birth to age 6.
The site covers a wide range of topics including school readiness, healthy minds and bodies, emergency planning and tough issues such as divorce, hunger and other traumatic experiences. It features videos, activities, printables and digital interactives fearing Sesame Street characters.
Tips for Being an Effective Teleworker
The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology provides these tips to provide teleworking strategies and best practices for employers and employees.
Though they were designed with people with disabilities in mind, they provide information that can be useful to anyone who is transitioning to remote work.
“Accessibility and Employment: What People With Disabilities Need to Know”
The Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology provides these action steps for people with disabilities to get the tools they need to be successful in the workplace.
Springfield Rental Assistance Program
Funds are available through the Springfield rental assistance program, a partnership between the city and the Springfield Urban League. To qualify for the program:
- The property address must be in the corporate limits of the city of Springfield.
- Your household income is within the allowable limits.
- Applicant must provide documentation showing a loss of income due to COVID-19.
- Cooperation from the applicant’s landlord to participate in the program.
Tenants seeking assistance should call the Springfield Urban League at (217) 789-0830, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please specify that you are seeking rental assistance within the city of Springfield. The intake process will occur over the phone. If you are leaving a message with the Urban League regarding the program after hours, please specify that you are seeking Springfield rental assistance along with your contact information.
The application process will include communication with your landlord to verify the rental agreement and the total rent owed. The maximum amount a tenant may receive is $1,000.
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation’s Cerebral Palsy Resource website provides expert insights, fact sheets, stories, blogs, videos, podcasts and more to help individuals with cerebral palsy and their families across the lifespan.
Questions and Answers About COVID-19 Vaccines
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides answers to some of the most common questions people are asking about COVID-19 and vaccines.
CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information for COVID-19 vaccination administration, storage and handling, reporting and patient education for each specific vaccine at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html.
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has created this free resource to help you and your family save money for the future.
“Should I Use a Special Needs Trust or an ABLE Account?”
The Arc’s Center for Future Planning has created this free resource to help you decide whether a special needs trust or ABLE account is right for you.