Family and Caregiving Support Resources
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are non-biased about communication methodologies and believe that families can make the best choices for their children if they have access to good information and support.
Hands & Voices Guides and Resources for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Plus
Hands & Voices provides a variety of resources specific to children who are deaf/hard of hearing plus – the combination of being deaf or hard of hearing and having additional medical complexities or other needs.
Information includes the “Connecting Families of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Plus (DHH Plus) with Resources and Support” guide, an Educational Plan Checklist for D/HH-Plus Students and presentations, articles and other guides for families of children who are D/HH plus.
Hands & Voices Virtual Waiting Room
Hands & Voices virtual waiting room provides resources and connections for families with children who have been referred to or are in the care of an audiologist and who are receiving those services through technology or “telehealth.” Much of the information is also useful for families who are preparing for onsite visits.
Hands & Voices virtual waiting room includes:
- A video about the importance of next steps when your child is referred for more testing after a hearing screening
- A guidebook for parents about audiology and telehealth
- Information about tele-audiology options
- Questions to ask your audiologist, understanding your child’s audiogram, help making decisions with communication and more
- Connections to family-to-family support from trained parent leaders
- Explanations of help offered by a variety of professionals in addition to your child’s audiologist
- Resources to promote health and well-being for you and your child
- A link to email a Hands & Voices trained parent who can answer your questions and direct you to additional resources
Have Dreams in Evanston and Park Ridge provides innovative programming and compassionate care for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. It focuses on helping individuals with autism build social, communication and independence skills across the lifespan. Have Dreams’ services include free downloadable social stories and resources, counseling, support groups, after-school programs for students with autism and community-based social opportunities for neurodivergent young adults ages 22 and older.
Have Dreams also provides:
- ASD training and webinars
- Autism education flyers for kids and printable activities
- Have Dreams Academy (HDA) workforce training program in Evanston
- Counseling and employment services for neurodivergent individuals and families
Please visit Have Dreams’ Contact Us page for more information.
Healing Hurt People Chicago (HHPC) is a hospital-based, youth advocacy program for violence recovery. HHPC services begin in the hospital and include crisis intervention, mental health care, medical advocacy, team support support and patient advocacy. The program also connects participants to supports and a community where they can continue to grow, thrive and break the cycle of violence once they leave the hospital.
HHPC programs and resources for individuals, families and loved ones recovering from trauma also include:
- Information about trauma and the SELF (Safety, Emotion, Loss, and Future) model
- Stories of healing
- Strategies for coping
- Resources for families
- Resources for providers
For questions, please contact HHPC at info@HealingHurtPeopleChicago.org or (312) 864-2735.
The HealthWell Foundation aims to reduce financial barriers to care for underinsured patients with chronic or life-altering diseases. It provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to cover copays, healthcare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
For any questions, please call (800) 675-8416, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or email grants@healthwellfoundation.org.
Mail all grant-related documents to the HealthWell Contact Center, P.O. Box 489, Buckeystown, MD 21717.
Healthy Chicago Resource Directory
The Chicago Department of Health provides a wide range of health care and social services for women, infants, children and families in Chicago.
For questions, please call the Chicago Department of Health at (312) 747-9884.
HealthyChildren.org’s “Childhood Grief: When to Seek Additional Help”
Many children experience the death of a close family member or friend at some point during their childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org provides information for parents about childhood grief, ways to help your child, and where to find support.
The information includes:
- Signs your child may need more help
- Important information about tweens
- Resources for more information
A number of heart conditions can affect children. Some are structural abnormalities they are born with. Others deal with the electrical system that controls the heartbeat.
HealthyChildren.org, the official parenting site of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides numerous articles and information about heart conditions, including common heart defects in children, the challenges faced by parents of children with congenital heart disease, dental care for children with heart conditions and more.
Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association
The Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association (HOIDSA) offers support and information to help families adjust to the special needs of a child with Down syndrome. Its programs and resources for families and caregivers include Individual Education Program (IEP) resource providers, conference and classroom stipends, and events to increase inclusion and understanding of people with Down syndrome.
The association’s service area in central Illinois includes Peoria, Marshall, Tazewell and Woodford counties.
For questions, visit HOIDSA’s website contact page, call (309) 363-3125, or email info@hoidsa.org.
