Family Support Resources
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Project LEAP – Launching Equity in Access to Preschool
Equip for Equality’s Project LEAP (Launching Equity in Access to Preschool) helps children with disabilities from birth to 6 get Early Intervention and early childhood special education services so that they’re ready to succeed in school. Project LEAP can help your child:
- Move from Early Intervention to early childhood education
- Receive the tests needed for special education services
- Access behavior supports and assistive technology
Project LEAP can also go to your child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings, mediation and due process hearings in select cases. For more information or to schedule a time to talk, please contact Evelyn Aya at evelynh@equipforequality.org or (312) 895-7351. You may also book a time online to talk.
Rare Caregiver Respite Program
The National Organization for Rare Disorders’ (NORD) Respite Program is for caregivers (parent, spouse, family member or significant other) of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder.
The Respite Program provides financial assistance to enable the caregiver a break to attend a conference, event or simply have an afternoon or evening away from caregiving. Financial assistance will be granted up to $500 annually for those who qualify. Awards may be spread throughout the year or in a single-use.
For more information about this program, contact NORD at (203) 616-4328 or email CaregiverRespite@rarediseases.org.
Rare Sisters Batten Foundation
The Rare Sisters Batten Foundation (RSBF) supports the development of medical research for treatments and cures for CLN3 Batten Disease and also provides monetary assistance to families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder.
Families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease may apply with RSBF for financial help to cover a wide variety of needs. Funds are awarded on a case-by-case basis and contingent on the availability of funds.
Rattle the Stars Suicide Prevention Services and Training
Rattle the Stars provides community-based suicide prevention services, information and training to the Champaign County area, including:
- Suicide prevention consultations
- Suicide intervention training
- Private training for groups and assistance developing a comprehensive suicide response plan
- Student-led school suicide prevention chapters
- Comfort dog support
- Speaking engagements and workshops
All Rattle the Stars services are free. Visit their website for program information and additional resources.
The Ray Graham Association provides individuals with disabilities and their families in DuPage County and the surrounding area with recreational, residential, family support, employment and life skills services.
The Ray Graham Association website also includes links to advocacy and legislative resources. The association’s goal is to empower people to:
- Reach their potential by providing access to therapeutic programs, recreation and family support resources.
- Grow their future through neighborhood living, life-skills training and employment opportunities.
- Achieve their goals by pursuing personalized plans with measurable actions and results.
Red Café Parent Support Group
Parents share information and ideas to help take care of themselves, raise strong children, and build strong relationships with their kids with disabilities.
1st Thursday of each month
6:00pm – 7:00pmTo register, call (309) 686-1177 or email parentsupport@ci.easterseals.com.
Reeve Foundation Virtual Support Group for Individuals Living With Paralysis
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation offers virtual support groups to help individuals who are living with paralysis or caring for a family member who is living with paralysis. The support groups provide an opportunity for members to connect with others who understand what they are going through and to gain support, insight and guidance.
Group meetings are led by a mental health professional and a peer with lived experience and are conducted in an open forum/conversational format. Separate groups are held for individuals living with quadriplegia, those living with paraplegia and family members/caregivers.
This resource directory from the Illinois Early Learning Project provides contact information, descriptions of programs, state agencies, and non-profit organizations in Illinois that provide support for families of young children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
The directory includes food resources, housing resources, clothing and diaper resources and more.
Resources on Racism, Racial Equity and Diversity for Families
The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development put together these resources about race, racism, diversity and inclusion that may support you, your children, your family and your community.
Resources to Help Children After a School Shooting
The National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families provides a list of resources to help parents, caregivers and educators support children and youth after a school shooting.
Resources are available in both English and Spanish.