Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Diverse Learners Recovery Fund

    The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund is a lottery-style grant program for Chicago families with children with disabilities offered through the Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. The fund will provide one-time grants of $500 to up to 8,000 eligible K-12 students through a lottery. Families must submit an application and complete the verification process to participate. The deadline to apply is Oct. 30, 2024.

    The Diverse Learners Recovery Fund program will select recipients through three lottery drawings on the following dates:

    • July 1, 2024
    • Sept. 16, 2024
    • On or after Nov. 30, 2024

    The program will notify selected applicants by email. Verified applications that are not chosen will be included in the next drawing.

    Submitting an eligible application does not guarantee you will receive the funds.

  • Dove, Inc.

    Dove, Inc. provides a variety of outreach programs, financial assistance and resources to residents in Macon, Shelby, Moultrie, Piatt and DeWitt counties.

    Dove Financial Assistance (DFA) may be able to provide emergency help with water, power, eye prescriptions, dental needs and some prescription medications.

    DFA also works with the Energy Assistance Fund to help people with their heating and cooling bills through the “Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Program” in Macon, DeWitt and Piatt Counties.

  • Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters

    The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.

    These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:

  • DREAM Project Dance Videos

    The National Dance Institute has a series of YouTube videos of their inclusive dance program called the DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement). The project provides children with disabilities the opportunity to dance and perform. Each dancer is encouraged to achieve their best through teamwork, creativity, empathy and discovery.
  • DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Handout

    Basic fire and carbon monoxide protection are key components of maintaining a safe home. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this handout to provide helpful guidelines on the equipment necessary to protect your home from these preventable dangers.

    DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety handout in English

    DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety handout in Spanish

  • DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet

    Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs.

    Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet in English

    Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet in Spanish

  • DSCC’s “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” Tip Sheet

    Illinois Medicaid covers many services including comprehensive medical, dental, vision and pharmacy benefits. Our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” offers examples of what may be covered in a variety of areas such as vision, transportation and mental health services.

    What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover? tip sheet in English

    What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover? tip sheet in Spanish

    Illinois Medicaid is not a DSCC program. DSCC does not decide coverage or eligibility for Medicaid. This is a helpful guide. To learn more, visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website.

  • DSCC’s Emergency Plan Template

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) developed this emergency plan template to help our participant families create an emergency plan to keep them safe and prepared in the event of a disaster or other emergencies.

    Sections include emergency contacts, emergency prep tips, evacuation plans and plans for medical emergencies.

    Emergency Plan Template in English

    Emergency Plan Template in Spanish

  • DSCC’s Health Insurance Appeals Tip Sheet

    An appeal is when you ask your health insurance company to reconsider their decision. Health insurance plans must tell you why they did not cover services. This Health Insurance Appeals tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) includes steps for navigating the process of asking your health insurance company to reconsider their decision. It also includes a sample appeal letter.

    Health Insurance Appeals Tip Sheet in English

    Health Insurance Appeals Tip Sheet in Spanish

  • DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Spenddown Tip Sheet

    Spenddown is an Illinois Medicaid program that helps people who are over income or have too many assets to be eligible for other Medicaid programs. Individuals or families are responsible for paying for medical services until they meet the spenddown amount. This Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) handout provides information about the different types of spenddown and additional resources.

    DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Spenddown in English

    DSCC’s Illinois Medicaid Spenddown in Spanish