General Resources
It’s important for everyone involved in your child’s care to understand their needs and what makes them unique. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created “All About Me” Pages that you can personalize to help anyone on your care team and beyond get to know your child. These free templates highlight what works best for your child, what they like and dislike and who they are as a person.
There are a variety of designs to choose from to help you capture your child’s personality. You can share them with doctors, nurses, schools, other caregivers and more. Templates are available in both English and Spanish.
“Got You Covered” in Carterville
“Got You Covered” is a non-profit organization that provides diapers, baby wipes and infant hygiene products to families in need. Diapers are available for infants, children and adults.
“Got You Covered” is located in the First United Methodist Church in Carterville. Diapers are provided as available. Anyone needing access to diapers, or who wants to donate diapers, can call (618) 922-6355 or reach out through the organization’s Facebook page.
The Funeral Service Foundation’s “Youth and Funerals” page provides free ebooks, printed booklets and webinars to help families discuss death and funerals with youth. The information can help families understand the role funerals play in the lives of children and youth, and how including youth in remembering loved ones can be healing and empowering.
Materials in English and Spanish include:
- Age-appropriate language and advice on discussing death and funerals with youth
- Suggestions for preparing and involving youth in remembering or memorializing a loved one
United Way supports 211 a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services that can improve and lives. You can find information about supplemental food and nutrition programs, shelter and housing options, utility assistance, disaster relief, employment and education opportunities, and more.
211 DuPage County – Community Resources and Information
211 DuPage provides information and access to trained local specialists who listen and help connect people with a wide range of resources that meet all their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text or email. 211 DuPage can help connect people with programs and services, including:
- Emergency counseling
- Disaster assistance
- Food, health care and insurance assistance
- Stable housing and utilities payment assistance
- Employment services
- Childcare and family services
- Veteran services and more
303 Taxi and Paratransit Services Between Chicago and Area Suburbs
303 Taxi provides school transportation services for special education students and paratransit services. Wheelchair-accessible vans (WAV) with lifts and ramps are available for travel between Chicago and Suburban Cook, Lake, DuPage, and parts of McHenry and Kane counties.
311 provides assistance with non-emergency city services and information on events, programs and agencies within the city of Chicago. Individuals may call or access the 311 website and mobile app to:
- Create and track service requests
- Find rent or housing assistance
- Learn about the HomeMod Program that provides accessibility modifications for Chicago residents
- Search and get information on other requests in your neighborhood
ABLE Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families, were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or better known as the ABLE Act
The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act) National Resource Center provides information and best practices related to tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts and federal and state-related ABLE programs and activities.
Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL)
Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL) provides training, peer support, information and referrals, community development and advocacy services to help individuals with disabilities participate in all aspects of family, social and community life. AIM-CIL serves residents with disabilities and their families in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.
Other AIM-CIL programs include:
- Assistive Technology Program – Individuals/families can apply to receive up to $500 for an authorized device(s). Only one device per person/per household.
- Educational Scholarship Program – Students can get up to $1,000 for college or trade school registration/application/lab fees, books and/or class tuition. Only one scholarship per student/household. Please refer AIM-CIL’s website for specific requirements and deadline dates.
The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).