Education Resources
DSCC’s Paying for College Tip Sheet
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about available resources to help pay for college. The tip sheet includes details about possible funding sources and scholarship opportunities:
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.
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College Tip Sheet
Youth with disabilities preparing for college can use this Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet to learn about the types of accommodations available and how to receive them.
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College tip sheet in English
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College tip sheet in Spanish
Early CHOICES is an inclusion initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education. It promotes increasing high-quality inclusive early care and education for each and every child from birth to age 5. Its goal is to increase the number of children with disabilities receiving specialized services in regular early care and education settings.
Early CHOICES provides planning tools for families to help them think of inclusive options and prepare for the transition from Early Intervention into early childhood services.
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.
Early Intervention-Illinois Department of Human Services
Illinois’ Early Intervention Service System serves children less than 36 months of age with disabilities or developmental delays, or who are at risk of substantial delays.
Easterseals Central Illinois offers programs and support for individuals with developmental delays, disabilities and autism from birth through age 21. Resources include physical and occupational therapy, speech services, feeding therapy, autism evaluations and supports, education services, camp and recreation programs, and more.
Easterseals Central Illinois provides services in McLean, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties. It also manages Child and Family Connections for Peoria and Champaign counties. For more information and help navigating their services, see the Parent Handbook.
You can contact Easterseals Central Illinois through its website or by calling (309) 686-1177.
Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford
Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford offers community-based, comprehensive services and supports to individuals in the city of Chicago, surrounding suburban Cook County, and the Rockford area. Programs focusing on early learning and disability services include autism services and supports, diagnostic services, early intervention and education programs, teen and young parent services, respite care, employment opportunities, and additional support services.
Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford services and programs include:
- Family support and respite services
- Harry’s Buttons and Threads (HB Threads) offering employment opportunities, job training, and life skills development for individuals with disabilities
- Teen and young parent family support, resources and doula services
- The Autism Program (TAP) at Easterseals serving families in JoDaviess, Lake, Stephenson, Boone, Winnebago, McHenry, and Northern Ogle counties.
- The Illinois Autism Partnership at Easterseals offering programming support for organizations.
For more information, visit the Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford’s website contact page.
El Valor is a non-profit, community-based organization serving children, people with disabilities and their families in the Chicagoland area. El Valor offers education programs focusing on early education, inclusion, employment and self-sufficiency for individuals of all ages with different abilities.
It also provides families a variety of enrichment opportunities including certification classes, first aid, parenting seminars and family support groups. Services are available in English and Spanish.
Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)
Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) is a four-year, post-secondary certificate program for young adults aged 18-28 with disabilities. Elsa students can live on campus or commute and participate in on-campus activities alongside their degree-seeking peers.
If you have any questions, please call (630) 617-3752 or email elsa@elmhurst.edu.