DSCC Fact Sheets Resources
Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs on a mission of sharing smiles and joy. ATD offers an international registry of certified therapy dog teams, testing, certification, support and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. ATD can also help facilities such as schools or nursing homes start a therapy dog program. Its website includes:
- Information on what makes a good therapy dog
- Steps for becoming an ATD member
- A video showing testing and how to handle your dog to interact with others
- Search tool for finding a tester/observer near you
Almost Home Kids provides a bridge from hospital to home through an innovative community-based care system for children with medical complexities. It responds to the needs of families, trains caregivers, offers respite care, advocates for accessibility and inclusion and educates healthcare professionals.
Almost Home Kids offers transitional, respite and respite transportation care. It has locations in Chicago, Naperville and Peoria.
AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly movie showings on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.
Participating theaters are located throughout Illinois in areas including Chicago, Edwardsville, Peoria, Quincy, Mount Vernon, and Springfield.
The Sensory Friendly Film program allows families to see a movie with lights on, lower sound and the freedom to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) offers information about allergies and asthma, including a drug guide, a glossary of terms, videos, and more. AAAAI also provides a tool to help locate an allergist/immunologist in your area and find out local pollen and spore counts for regions in which you live or plan to travel.
AAAAI provides information and helpful tools for the public, including:
For questions, please contact AAAAI at info@aaaai.org or (414) 272-6071.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Internship Programs
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) provides two internship programs offering professional and career development opportunities for students and recent graduates with disabilities. The programs help participants access meaningful employment, gain leadership skills and connect to the broader disability community.
Learn more about the programs and how to apply:
American Board of Medical Specialties
The American Board of Medical Specialties’® (ABMS®) 24 Member Boards certify doctors in 38 specialties and 89 subspecialties, following rigorous standards for training and assessment. ABMS® provides a board certification lookup tool that allows patients to find board-certified doctors by name, location, city, state and specialty.
American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association
The American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a non-profit association of individuals and healthcare professionals interested in clinical care and research advancements for those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions.
ACPA provides:
- Important information for families, patients and professionals on topics associated with cleft or craniofacial care
- Educational materials in English and Spanish
- Four $5,000 college scholarships annually to outstanding students born with cleft or craniofacial conditions
- Community stories and more
American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers information and resources for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. AFB resources include:
- Research and initiatives
- Publications
- Digital inclusion and talent lab internships and apprenticeships
- Braille and technology resources
American Heart Association Support Network
A free online social community of survivors and family caregivers who share information and inspiration. Support Network members trade tips, compare notes and shore each other up when the going gets rough. Members also have access to healthcare professionals who can answer their questions. Plus, specialized resources from the American Heart Association.
American Sign Language Classes from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf
The Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) offers free, beginner-level conversational American Sign Language (ASL) classes. The self-paced, eight-lesson courses are taught by OSD’s ASL Specialist. Registration is open to anyone who wants to learn ASL. The non-credit courses do not count toward professional development hours or continuing education units.