General Resources
Dare2tri is a nonprofit specializing in adaptive sports. It encourages recreation, racing and competition while cultivating a sense of community for all athletes who are not labeled by physical ability but rather their determination and will to succeed.
Dare2tri offers free training opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities and visual impairments throughout the year for children and adults. Its programs include:
- Play for All at Chicago Children’s Museum
- Kids Tri Camp for youth ages 6 and up
- Learn 2 Tri beginner-level training camp
- Multisport clinics and more
Dental Care for Children with Special Needs Tip Sheet
Children with special needs may need extra time or support when seeing a dentist. This tip sheet provides resources and the steps needed to balance your child’s needs with the dentist’s experience.
You can view the Dental Care for Children with Special Needs tip sheet from the InsureKidsNow.gov website.
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 Belongs™ COVID-19 Resources and Vaccine Information for People with Disabilities
Disability Belongs™ provides an extensive list of COVID-19 resources for people with disabilities, communications tools in a wide variety of languages and toolkits in American Sign Language (ASL).
They also include a toolkit with steps for making events accessible for all and information focusing on accessibility, well-being and assistance programs from a variety of sources.
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