Accessibility Resources
DSCC’s Preparing for Adult Living Tip Sheet
It’s important for you make the most of your abilities and acknowledge your limitations. This understanding will help you know where you can improve and where you need accommodations.
This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) offers steps to help youth with disabilities become self-determined and improve their quality of life.
DSCC’s Travel Safety Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet for youth with special healthcare needs and their families to encourage travel safety. The tip sheet also provides information about adaptive driver programs and possible resources for vehicle adaptations.
Early Intervention Clearinghouse Technology Loan Program
The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse (EIC) technology loan program helps families in early intervention participate in live video visits or telehealth. Available technology includes:
- iPad with a data plan (you are requesting a device for live video visits that also has an internet plan)
- iPad without a data plan (you are requesting a device for live video visits and already have internet access)
- Hotspot (you have a device for live video visits but require internet access)
Quantities are limited. To apply to receive the technology, please complete a device loan request form. (The device loan request form is also available in Spanish.)
The EIC also provides tips on preparing for a live video visit.
Employment Rights Fact Sheets, Information and Helpline From 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. It also provides free legal advice and self-advocacy assistance to people with disabilities who have questions or need legal help related to their disability.
Equip for Equality aims to help applicants and employees with disabilities in Illinois understand their legal rights and responsibilities with the goal of increasing meaningful employment opportunities. If you need help or have questions about employment rights, there are several ways to contact Equip for Equality:
- Call the Equip for Equality Helpline at 1-844-RIGHTS-9 (844) 744-4879
- Email employment@equipforequality.org
- Fill out the Equip for Equality Online Intake Form
Envision Unlimited’s Community Living Program
Envision Unlimited’s Community Living Program provides a variety of residential living arrangements and supports to adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Services are individualized and person-centered. The intent is to assist each individual to live in the community in a setting most aligned with his/her preferences and those of his/ her guardian. In-home respite is prioritized for individuals who are not receiving any other funded service and who are on the PUNS wait list.
Equip for Equality‘s mission is to advance the human and civil rights of children and adults with disabilities. It is the federally mandated, governor-appointed protection and advocacy organization for the state of Illinois. It works to remove barriers in education, employment, housing, transportation and government services for Illinois residents and create model programs for other organizations around the country.
Equip for Equality offers assistance in areas including:
- School and education rights
- Employment rights
- Fully participating in the community and discrimination
- Leaving residential facilities
- Legal services and more
For more information or to request help, call (312) 341-0022 or (800) 537-2632. You can also complete Equip for Equality’s Online Intake Form.
FacingDisability provides stories, hundreds of resources on paralysis, and up-to-date information on spinal cord injury. The organization works with medical experts from major hospitals, universities and rehabilitation institutions nationwide to provide insight and inspiration. FacingDisability resource topics include:
- Disability advocates
- Family and caregiver support
- Assistive technology
- Financial assistance and government programs
- Education and employment
If you have any questions, please contact FacingDisability at (312) 284-2525 or email info@facingdisability.com.
Financial Assistance Resources For Microtia and Atresia Surgery
The Ear Community provides a list of charities, foundations and organizations that offer financial assistance to families with children who need help with surgery to reconstruct the outer ear (microtia) and open the ear canal (atresia) to improve hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education
SHAPE America provides guidance to Frequently Asked Questions About Adapted Physical Education for students with disabilities. The document was developed as a resource for physical educators, adapted physical educators, school district administrators and parents as they work to provide consistent adapted physical education (APE) services for students with disabilities.
For questions, please call SHAPE America at (800) 213-7193.
Friends of Man is a non-profit that uses 100% of donations for charitable assistance. The charity receives applications requesting mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more from referring professionals. Referring professionals include caseworkers, case managers, healthcare workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers and clergy who apply on behalf of their patients and clients.
In addition to the assistance listed above, Friends of Man can provide assistance nationwide for adaptive equipment, assistive technology, lift chairs, mobility equipment, orthopedic braces and shoes, stairlifts, vehicle adaptations and wheelchair ramps.
More details are on the Friends of Man Eligibility page.