General Resources
Dentist Locator – Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) cover dental services, including check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings and more. Use this Dentist Locator to find a dentist in your community who sees children and accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
If you don’t have coverage, learn more about free or low-cost health insurance available in your area at InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW/(877) 543-7669.
Developmental Disability Services
The Illinois Department of Human Services has information about how to apply for Developmental Disability services.
The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center and Family Voices of Illinois provide this fact sheet on possible options for help with the cost of diapers for children, youth and adults with disabilities.
The non-profit Diaper Bank of Chicago provides diapers in sizes newborn through large-sized Underjams, ensuring all kids that need protection are covered. It partners with other nonprofits and social service agencies to distribute diapers. The diaper bank only accepts requests for diapers through an agency partner or social service agency.
The Diaper Bank of Chicago’s doula also offers parenting resources for agency partners on topics that include:
- Breastfeeding
- Bonding
- Infant massage
- Stress reduction techniques
Different Dynamics in St. Louis
Different Dynamics is a non-profit organization providing music programming for people of all ages, neurotypes and abilities who have a love of music.
Different Dynamics activities and programming include:
- The Music Exploratorium music studio space
- The Music Workshop featuring music and movement activities for the entire family
- Sensory-friendly performances
Digital Safety Resources from the Illinois Attorney General
Digital safety encompasses a wide variety of issues related to the use of computers, tablets, cell phones, games, apps and social media. The Illinois Attorney General’s “Stay Connected, Stay Informed website” provides resources for children, teenagers, parents and educators seeking information about digital safety.
Kids, teens, parents and teachers coping with cyberbullying and internet safety issues may also contact an Internet Safety Specialist at:
Disability EmpowHer Network is a non-profit run by and for girls and women with disabilities that connects, motivates, and guides girls and women to learn and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence to lead. The group, based in Rochester, NY, focuses on building skills and community by connecting girls with disabilities with successful women with disabilities to serve as mentors and role models.
Resources and programs include:
- A stories blog
- EmpowHer Camp (a year-long program)
- Letter from a role model
- Get a Mentor
- EmpowHer Expressions, a public speaking and career coaching program
Disability Resource Center in Joliet
The Disability Resource Center provides advocacy, peer support groups, S.K.I.L.L.S. independent living classes, visual impairment services, seminars, workshops and more for people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties.
Programs also include:
- Deaf and hard of hearing services
- Information and referral (I&R) for accessible housing, where to buy assistive devices, how to secure a sign language interpreter and more
- Assistive technology for children up to age 23
- Personal assistance program and information
Disability Vote IL provides voting resources and information for the disability community. The site offers updated nonpartisan videos, webinars and information on elections, how to register to vote, and promoting accessibility of voting technology and polling places. The website also includes information about:
- The Be My Eyes app that helps people who are blind or have vision impairments with voting
- Transportation to the polls
- In-person, nursing home and hospital voting
- Important dates
Disaster Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides information on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for potential emergencies and disasters in their area and identify what each child would need to safely cope with the disaster.