Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • UIC The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays

    UIC The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD) provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays. RCADD serves families currently enrolled in an Early Head Start or Head Start program as well as others throughout the Chicagoland area.

    Anyone can also visit RCADD’s website for:

    • Free autism trainings/webinars in English and Spanish
    • Printable visuals
    • Activity ideas

  • Understanding Inclusion Online Series for Parents of Young Children With Disabilities

    Early CHOICES  offers a free, online series for parents of young children with disabilities, practitioners, educators and administrators in Early Intervention or early childhood programs. The Understanding Inclusion series covers everything from defining inclusion to dreaming big for your child and includes:

    • Short videos
    • Activities to promote inclusion
    • Topic guides to support you in reflection and resource gathering

    Flyers outlining the series’ details are available in English and Spanish.

  • Understood

    Understood is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with learning and thinking differences thrive in school, at work and throughout life. Understood raises awareness about dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurodiversity by sharing personal stories and providing resources for understanding behaviors, supporting learning, building everyday skills and exploring careers.

    Understood’s resources include:

    • Fact sheets on myths, ADHD, bullying and more
    • Toolkits
    • Communication strategies for all stages of life
    • Podcasts featuring personal stories and perspectives

  • United Cerebral Palsysun-icon

    United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) promotes a life of inclusion and provides resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families and communities.

    The UCP website has resources on topics including assistive technology, housing and home modification, travel and transportation, education, caregiving and more. You can also find UCP affiliates in the state of Illinois.

  • United Leukodystrophy Foundation

    The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit providing leukodystrophy patients and their families with support and resources. ULF can help families with finding medical care, genetic counseling, networking and financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.

    ULF is based in Dekalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:

  • United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter

    The United Spinal Association Illinois Chapter (USAIC)  is a non-profit offering information and support resources for people paralyzed by trauma and medical conditions. It also serves family members and health care and related professionals serving the spinal cord injury community. USAIC is located in Palos Heights but provides information, events and educational programs statewide. Its programs include:

    • Virtual and in person peer support groups
    • The “Living with Spinal Cord Injury” program for health professionals and health science students
    • “Injury Prevention” for school children, seniors and other groups featuring members’ experiences, and information on preventing injuries and falls
    • Advocacy and more

  • Variety – The Children’s Charity of Illinois

    Variety of Illinois’ mission is to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities by providing the equipment and experiences needed to reach their highest potential.

    Its programs include Variety at Play, which offers inclusive, accessible activities for the whole family; Kids on the Go that provides mobility equipment not covered by insurance for children with disabilities; and Live to Achieve that encourages participation and excellence in adaptive sports.

  • Violence Prevention and Support Resources

    The Illinois Department of Public Health put together this list of violence prevention and support resources.

    Topics covered include mental health and crisis support, violence prevention and intervention support, and report of child abuse or abuse of an older adult or adult with a disability.

  • Virtual Care Package for Caregivers

    The Illinois Respite Coalition put together this Virtual Care Package with free virtual resources to help caregivers take time for themselves.

    It includes links to podcasts, playlists, exercises and other tips for caregivers.

  • Virtual Respite Provider Training Course

    The Illinois Respite Coalition provides a free, online Respite Provider Training Program consisting of ten courses for individuals interested in providing respite care. The courses can be taken on your own time and will provide information to meet the Respite Care Professionals Core Competencies.

    Following completion, participants will a certificate of completion and have the option of joining the statewide registry to be connected to respite opportunities.

    Download the flyer for the Respite Provider Training Course.