Family and Caregiving Support Resources
Take N.O.T.E. of Learning Differences
Take N.O.T.E. is an initiative developed by Understood in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics. It aims to help parents identify the signs of learning or thinking differences in their children.
Talking to Children About Racial Bias
The “Talking to Children About Racial Bias” page from HealthyChildren.org provides information on understanding how racial bias works in children as well as strategies to help them deal with and react to racial differences.
Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents, teachers, child care providers, and others who work closely with children to filter information about crises and present it in a way that their child can accommodate, adjust to and cope with. HealthyChildren.org provides information on where to start and how to provide the right support in this article, “Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other Traumatic News Events.”
Talking with Children During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a tip sheet for caregivers, parents, and teachers on talking with children during infectious disease outbreaks.
SAMHSA tip sheet provides information for toddlers to teens and includes:
- Possible reactions
- Talking with children and youth in different age groups
- Supporting children and managing their responses
- Self-care
- More resources
Taller de José is an agency that helps individuals navigate the social services system. It links individuals with a bilingual Compañera/o, or “Companion,” who will listen, identify goals and help find needed services. The organization collaborates with other agencies to provide social services and support, including financial, domestic violence, immigration, counseling, health and legal assistance.
Taller de José serves Cook County residents.
Team IMPACT is a nonprofit that matches children facing serious medical conditions and disabilities with local college sports teams to help them experience the power of sports, the support of mentors and the simple joy of being a kid. This nationwide, two-year therapeutic program:
- Serves families with children ages 5 to 16 who have conditions requiring ongoing treatment and/or extended hospital stays
- Provides trained case managers to manage matches to ensure success and address any challenges
Team IMPACT is free. Please note that participants must cover any transportation costs to/from visits with the team. Learn more on Team IMPACT’s family page.
Fill out and submit the online form to begin the enrollment process:
If you have questions, please contact Team IMPACT at (617) 801-0248 or info@teamimpact.org.
The Child Neurology Foundation provides a telehealth tip sheet to help families and children prepare for video or phone appointments and make them as comfortable and successful as possible.
The ADA National Network Disability Law Handbook
This handbook is meant to provide basic information about disability rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as resources for finding out more.
The Answer, Inc. provides resources, education, recreation and advocacy services to families with loved ones with autism and developmental disabilities in the greater Chicago area.
Visit The Answer, Inc., website for more information.
The Arc of Illinois advocates for and empowers people with disabilities and their families to reach their goals and fully participate in community life. The Arc of Illinois provides information, resources, family support, and training to help make Illinois a place where people with disabilities can learn, play, work, and live in communities across the state.
The Arc of Illinois services and programs include:
- The Illinois Life Span program
- Children’s services and caregiver support
- Monthly webinars
- Assistive technology resources
- The Arc of Illinois fact sheets and more