Resource Directory /

Family and Caregiving Support Resources

  • Southern Illinois University Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Carbondale

    The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) at Southern Illinois University is an interprofessional training and research center providing information and services to area residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. CASD offers ASD screenings, clinical services for children, adolescents and adults, webinars and support.

    CASD faculty and students provide a variety of training and services, many at no cost to families and their children. Help is available in the following areas:

    • Speech/language
    • Social skills
    • Emotional-behavioral concerns
    • Toileting
    • Sleep
    • Picky eating and more

    For more information, call (618) 453-7130 or email autism@siu.edu.

  • Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH)

    The Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH) seeks to build generational wealth through housing counseling, financial education, advocacy and by connecting low-to-moderate income households to resources that create housing stability, homeownership and economic mobility. Services are based in Chicago and include workshops, homebuyer education, homeowner education and counseling, landlord certification and more. SCH programs also include:

    • Financial education and coaching
    • Rental and mortgage help
    • Utility assistance
    • Health and housing

    For questions, please email help@sc4housing.org.

  • Spanish Language Resources for Families & Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    Hands & Voices (Manos y Voces): Unbiased parent-to-parent support and Spanish-language resources for families and children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (La Asociación del Habla, Lenguaje y Audición):  The organization provides Spanish-language information for the public and families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  • Special Connections of Grundy County

    Special Connections of Grundy County promotes inclusion, self-determination and learning for people with disabilities in Grundy County. Programs include a wide range of Special Olympics athletics, arts and crafts, movies, games, picnics, parties, dances and family support throughout the year.

    For more information, please call (815) 230-1877 or email info@specialconnections.org.

  • Special Education Assessment Tip Sheet and Resource List

    Family members and early care and education providers are adults who notice when the children in their care may have disabilities or developmental delays and would benefit from special education services.

    The Illinois Early Learning (IEL) Project’s Special Education Assessment tip sheet series is a helpful tool for learning more about the steps in that process. The IEL also provides an Assessment for Special Education resource list.

    For questions, please contact IEL online or call (877) 275-3227.

  • Special Father’s Network

    Special Father’s Network is a dad-to-dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs.

    The program connects new fathers of children with special abilities with another father (a Mentor Father) who has experienced a similar situation. The program matches Mentor Fathers as closely as possible based on the child’s special needs, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic group and relationship to the child e.g., .father, stepfather, grandfather).

    The Special Father’s Network is available through the 21st Century Dads Foundation, which raises awareness and resources for greater father involvement and seeks to inspire dads to be present, caring and nurturing.

    For questions, please use the 21st Century Dads Contact form or email info@21stCenturyDads.org.

  • Special Needs Child Passenger Safety Resource Center

    The Special Needs Child Passenger Safety Resource Center, funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, educates parents and caregivers of children with special needs on the importance of proper child passenger safety. The Special Needs Child Passenger Resource Center’s main location is at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. A satellite site is located at LaRabida Children’s Hospital, in Chicago. Its services include:

    • A resource center for nurseries and organizations across Illinois that provides over-the-phone and in-person consultation and guidance for proper car seat usage and optimum safety.
    • Education to parents, groups, hospital staff and certified child passenger safety technicians on changes in national guidelines and new seat choices.
    • Proper selection, installation and fitting of special needs restraints for parents and their children.
    • A  short-term loan program to provide seats to parents in need.

    Learn more on the Special Needs Child Passenger Safety Resource Center website.

  • Special Needs Mom Squad

    The Special Needs Mom Squad is a non-profit organization based in Lombard. It aims to provide a safe and supportive community where moms of children with special needs can connect, access resources and find emotional and mental support.

    The organization helps moms and families through:

    • Sensory-friendly events throughout the year
    • A safe space where moms can share their stories and feel heard
    • Information and resources for understanding their child’s condition

    For questions, please contact the Special Needs Mom Squad at (630) 258-7664 or info@specialneedsmomsquad.com.

  • Special Needs Registry – Mascoutah

    Mascoutah Emergency Medical Services (EMS), area police departments and St. Clair County coordinate the Special Needs Registry public safety program. Information in the Special Needs Registry will help first responders locate, understand, prepare for, and prioritize their response during evacuations, disasters, or other emergency situations for people with disabilities and other challenges.

    View and print the Special Needs Registry Form from the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. Registry forms are also available at the EMS department, Three West Main St., in Mascoutah.

    For questions, please contact Mascoutah EMS at (618) 566-2976, ext. 109.

  • Special Needs Resource Project

    The Special Needs Resource Project provides information and ideas for parents of children with chronic health issues and disabilities. topics include education, housing design, accessibility and remodeling, ramps, transition to adulthood and more.