General Resources
Normal Moments supports Chicagoland families with critically ill/medically complex children up to age 17 by providing help with many household and outdoor tasks. The organization matches volunteers based on the families’ needs, volunteer location and interests. Support includes:
- In-home help with necessary chores such as house cleaning, laundry, pet care and other errands
- Outdoor services such as lawn maintenance and snow removal
- Annual holiday programs
Please note: Normal Moments volunteers may not provide care for dependents. A responsible adult over 18 must be in the house while a volunteer is present with children.
For questions, please fill out the online form on the Normal Moments’ Contact Us page or call (630) 888-8111.
North Shore Gas Assistance Options
If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, North Shore Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.
They also include information about these programs:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
- Share the Warmth, company- and customer-funded heating grants
Office of Disability Employment Policy
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) provides national leadership in developing and influencing disability employment-related policies and programs.
OSF HealthCare COVID-19 Resource Center
The OSF HealthCare COVID-19 online resource center provides up-to-date information about symptoms, testing, vaccines and treatment. The Center also features the options to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment or chat with an OSF nurse.
Over the Rainbow (OTR) – Housing for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Over the Rainbow (OTR) is an Illinois non-profit organization providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities that are:
- Affordable
- Accessible
- Barrier-free
- Person-centered
OTR’s apartments are located throughout the Chicago region and Northern Illinois. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and meet OTR apartment communities eligibility requirements.
Pace Transportation Services for People with Disabilities in the Chicago Area
Pace provides a range of inclusive transportation services throughout Chicago and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) region (Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will counties). Pace services include free fixed route bus rides for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-certified riders, the Rideshare Access Program (RAP), ADA paratransit options and the Dial-a-Ride program throughout the suburbs.
You must reserve ADA paratransit options in advance. These options are for riders whose health condition or disability prevents them from using fixed route services.
Visit the Pace website for more information about its transportation services and training programs for people with disabilities in Chicago and the suburbs.
For questions, please visit Pace’s Contact Us page. You can also call:
- (847) 364-7223 for help in English
- (847) 228-3575 asistencia en español
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources and information for students with disabilities, including
- Five important facts for parents, educators and students to know about bullying and harassment
- Information on rights and policies
- Tips for self-advocacy and peer advocacy
- Publications, including “Bullying Prevention for Children with Disabilities: Using the IEP, 504 or Creating Your Own Plan”
Package of Hope for NICU Families
Lily’s Hope Foundation offers free customized care packages to families with premature babies either in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or when they are being discharged.
Its Package of Hope program provides packages customized to a family’s specific needs. Packages also include a sibling care package and an emergency needs package.
Packages are shipped throughout the United States based on availability. One Package of Hope per family.
Parents Alliance Employment Project
Parents Alliance Employment Project (PAEP) provides training and resources to help people with disabilities find competitive employment in DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, Lake and Will counties.
PAEP youth training programs provide education, daily living and vocational training. PAEP also provides adult services offering career counseling, job training and preparation, job development, job placement, job coaching, support and follow-up services.
In addition, PAEP works closely with employers to understand their recruiting, hiring and retention needs and provides information to help them increase diversity and meet their workforce needs.
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) is a nonprofit organization providing training, individual assistance, information, and resources for raising a child of any age with any disability or special needs diagnosis.