Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Disability Belongs™ LGBTQ+ Resources for the Disability Community

    The LGBTQ+ community and the disability community intersect in significant ways. Disability Belongs, formerly known as RespectAbility, works to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so that people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. RespectAbility offers articles, books, and other resources on disability and LGBTQ+ issues.

  • Disability Resource Center in Joliet

    The Disability Resource Center provides advocacy, peer support groups, S.K.I.L.L.S. independent living classes, visual impairment services, seminars, workshops and more for people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties.

    Programs also include:

    • Deaf and hard of hearing services
    • Information and referral (I&R) for accessible housing, where to buy assistive devices, how to secure a sign language interpreter and more
    • Assistive technology for children up to age 23
    • Personal assistance program and information

  • Do It for the Love

    Do It for the Love inspires hope and healing through music. The non-profit organization grants live concert wishes for people with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans. You can apply for yourself or your child or nominate someone for a live music wish.

  • Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters

    The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.

    These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:

  • DSCC’s IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created an IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families. The guide provides helpful information for our participants and families using the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology (IMPACT) system. It includes:

    • Contacts for assistance
    • A list of helpful terms
    • Information on All Kids/Medicaid transportation benefits
    • How to enroll in IMPACT (as a Private Transportation Provider)
    • Information on pre-approval and submitting a claim

    For more information, visit the IMPACT Information and Resources page on our website.

  • Dunlap & Central Illinois Special Needs Parent Group

    A forum for parents to discuss different topics for their special needs children.

    Meets monthly at Dunlap Valley Middle School.

    For additional information, contact Libby at (309) 693-0514 or email dunlapparentgroup@att.net.

  • Early CHOICES

    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.

  • Easterseals Respite Services for People With Disabilities

    Easterseals offers respite services that allow both caregivers and the people for whom they’re caring the opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Their respite services are offered nationwide and designed to give caregivers a much-needed break from the stress of caregiving.

    Respite programs include activities like support groups and retreats for caregivers, and sleepaway camps and overnight stays for the person receiving care. Visit the respite services section of the Easterseals website to find out more.

  • Easterseals Support for Caregivers

    Easterseals offers a variety of programs and resources to provide support and care for caregivers, including respite care, a step-by-step caregiving guide and more.

  • Egyptian Health Department

    The Egyptian Public & Mental Health Department provides resources and support to Southern Illinois residents in Saline, Gallatin, White, and Wayne counties. The department provides public health and mental health services, prevention and recovery programs, education workshops, family case management services, food and water safety, and more.

    The Egyptian Public & Mental Health Department has offices in Eldorado, Harrisburg (Saline County), Carmi (White County), and Shawneetown (Gallatin County).