Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Challenged Athletes Foundation

    The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. CAF provides several grant programs, events and support to people with physical challenges who are pursuing active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF resources include:

    • Grants to help pay for sports prostheses, adaptive sports equipment, coaching and competition expenses
    • Adaptive sports videos
    • A list of adaptive sports organizations and collegiate programs
    • Information about adaptive sports equipment

  • Champaign County Down Syndrome Network

    The Champaign County Down Syndrome Network (DSN) provides information and support to families who have members with Down syndrome in Champaign County and east-central Illinois.

    DSN serves new parents, professionals and the general public to promote Down syndrome awareness and acceptance year-round.

  • Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group

    The Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group “You Are Not Alone” offers support for anyone with epilepsy or a seizure disorder and their loved ones. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, in Champaign.

    For more information, contact Kristen at kristen@epilepsyadvocacynetwork.org or (217) 621-5842.

  • Champaign-Urbana Healthy Beginnings

    Healthy Beginnings is a free, evidence-based initiative for moms in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy area who are first-time moms less than 29 weeks pregnant and moms with other children who are pregnant. Its goal is to help ensure children and their families have an opportunity to be prosperous and live the healthiest life they can.

    Healthy Beginnings works with eligible mothers and their families to help bring the healthcare, support and resources together that fit individual circumstances, including:

    • Nurse home visiting care/support for pregnant moms & their families (with interpreter services)
    • Mobile clinic services
    • Child and family education
    • Employment opportunities
    • Access to healthy food

    For more information or to make a referral, call (217) 365-7925 or email referral@cuhealthybeginnings.com.

  • Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation

    The Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation provides opportunities and resources to critically and chronically ill children and their families.

    The program includes The Tiana Fund, which provides assistance to economically at-risk persons or families in need that will strengthen their ability to care for themselves, enhance their stability and security, and improve their quality of life or their ability to contribute to the community. Applications are only available at Chicago-area hospitals or pre-approved community organizations.

  • Charting the LifeCourse Nexus Training and Technical Resource Center

    Charting the LifeCourse Nexus or LifeCourse Nexus framework was developed by families to help individuals with disabilities at any age or stage of life and their families develop a vision for a good life. LifeCourse Nexus provides free infographics, YouTube videos and step-by-step tip sheets to help people of all ages and abilities with identifying their dreams and desires, thinking about what they need to know and do, identifying how to find or develop supports, and discovering what it takes to live the lives they want to live.

    The LifeCourse Nexus Library features a wide range of downloadable materials to help with the transition from school to community, including:

    • Person-centered tools for exploring your desires and unique needs
    • The family perspective booklet and tip sheets
    • Kits (The Life Domains) focusing on life stages and exploring employment, healthy living, housing options and other areas
    • Videos and step-by-step tip sheets on using the Integrated Supports Star tools to bring everything together

  • Chicago Adaptive Sports

    Chicago Adaptive Sports provides programming, support and advocacy for individuals with physical and visual disabilities of all ages and backgrounds. The organization adapts programming to meet the needs of individuals who use manual or power wheelchairs or have other ambulatory disabilities such as amputation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke and other spinal cord or orthopedic impairments. No prior experience is necessary to participate. Financial assistance is available. Participants will not be turned away due to their ability to pay.

    Chicago Adaptive Sports programs include:

  • Chicago Autism Network and Therapy Assistance Grants

    The Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy and supports.

    The network offers therapy assistance grants for anyone living in Illinois with a current autism diagnosis. It also holds free monthly Autism Parent Workshops.

    The Chicago Autism Network also provides a statewide Autism Services Directory to help families connect with services that meet their needs closer to home.

  • Chicago Coordinated Entry System for Housing

    The Coordinated Entry System for Chicago (CES) connects people experiencing homelessness to housing opportunities in Chicago. CES can refer youth, individuals and families to housing. Its website includes information for individuals and service providers on finding housing, walk-in locations for assessments and updates (Access Points) and more.

    The Coordinated Entry Call Center is also available at (312) 971-4178 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Individuals meeting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) definition of homelessness can call to complete a CES housing assessment. Assessments and updates are available on a walk-in basis at access point locations throughout Chicago. Please contact the office (access point) in advance to confirm hours.

    Anyone who needs emergency shelter should call 311.

  • Chicago Hearing Society

    The Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) provides a wide range of programs to support families and connect people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. Its services include: