COVID-19 Resources
FAQ About Live Video Visits for Families of Children Receiving Early Intervention During COVID-19
Because of COVID-19, the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) program is offering to provide EI through live video visits (also known as teletherapy or telehealth). This document provides some frequently asked questions and answers for families who are considering live video visits for EI.
FAQ on New Special Education Laws for Students Who Turn 22
In July 2021, House Bill 40 and House Bill 2748 became law, allowing Illinois special education students to continue attending school through the end of the school year in which they turn 22. The package also allows special needs students who recently turned 22 and were impacted by COVID-19 to remain eligible for educational services up to the end of the regular 2021-22 school year.
The Illinois State Board of Education has put together a frequently-asked-questions document on the new laws (Public Act 102-0172 and Public Act 102-0173).
A press release summarizing the legislation is also available on Illinois.gov.
FDA Information: At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) provides general information about at-home over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Individuals can use these FDA-authorized tests at home to self-test for COVID.
This site also provides information about:
- Who can use the FDA-authorized tests
- Test expiration dates
- Other details to decide what test is right for you
Federal Guidance on Developing and Implementing IEPs During the Pandemic
This guidance from the U.S. Department of Education addresses many considerations for Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams and offers input on how IEPs should be modified to address changes brought on by COVID-19.
The document “Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive Environment Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” covers a wide range of topics using a question-and-answer format.
Topics include meeting timelines, ensuring implementation of initial evaluation and reevaluation procedures, determining eligibility for special education and related services, and providing the full array of special education and related services that children with disabilities need in order to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
(217) 544-5040
Find a COVID-19 or Flu Vaccine Near You
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and VaccineFinder from Boston Children’s Hospital, Vaccines.gov provides information and help with:
- Finding a COVID-19 vaccine or booster or a flu shot at a location near you
- Making an appointment
- Answering frequently asked questions about the vaccines
Vaccines.gov also provides a COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline in multiple languages at (800) 232-0233 or (888) 720-7489 (TTY).
A Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) providing COVID-19 vaccination support for people with disabilities is also available at (888) 677-1199 or DIAL@n4a.org.
Find Food IL Community Food Map
Find Food IL is a community food map that provides a list of places offering free food or meals in your community. You can find food pantries, stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons, and more resources that are close to you.
Find Your Local Food Bank – Feeding America
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks and food programs helps millions of people find food and grocery help in their communities every year. Connect with your local food bank to learn about upcoming free food distributions and to apply for national food programs.
You can also visit Feeding Illinois for more information about Illinois food banks.
First Presbyterian Church of Effingham
Free food drive-thru from 5 to 6 p.m. every day. Call the church office for more details at (217) 342-6272.
600 W. Temple Ave.,
Effingham ILMany parents are finding themselves faced with securing alternate means of childcare as school districts across the country close temporarily. Many of these parents will balance the need to work with the need to find a safe place for their children. Flip the Switch – Available at no cost through our partnership with Aly Raisman, any adult can complete Stewards of Children® online at no cost by using the code FLIPTHESWITCH