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General Resources

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  • Adult Protective Services Program

    The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) manages the statewide Adult Protective Services Program, which serves adults 60 years of age and older and adults aged 18-59 with disabilities. The program handles reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

    For more information on the signs and types of abuse and how to make a report, visit www2.illinois.gov/aging/Engage/Pages/default.aspx. You can also call the statewide 24-hour Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409.

  • Adventures Unlimited, a Program of Envision, in the Chicagoland Area

    Adventures Unlimited is a free, state-funded respite program in Illinois that provides programming and events for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities and respite to caregivers.

    Adventures Unlimited offers two-hour recreation opportunities and events focusing on fitness, art, media training and food preparation for adults and children as young as 4 years old.

    To be eligible for Adventures Unlimited, individuals must have a documented developmental disability. They must also not be enrolled in any other Medicaid waiver program.

  • Affordable Connectivity Program

    The Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. It replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit.

    Eligible households receive:

    • Up to $30 per month discount for internet service, including associated equipment rentals such as a modem
    • Up to $75 per month discount for households on qualifying tribal lands
    • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
    • Low-cost service plans may be fully covered through the ACP*

    ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. The FCC provides a list of frequently asked questions and enrollment information for families. An ACP Outreach Toolkit is also available for consumers and program partners.

  • Affordable Health Insurance

    Affordable Health Insurance is a patient resource center that helps individuals learn about a wide variety of health insurance options. Information is available for each state and includes Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment deadlines, subsidies and how you can qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The site also provides information on:

    • Different types of health plans
    • Comparisons
    • Provider reviews
    • Benefits/coverage/specialized support for vulnerable youth with mental health issues
    • Other resources

  • Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) Illinois

    Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a statewide recovery resource devoted to supporting individuals throughout Illinois. AA Illinois helps people struggling with alcoholism find local help and take the next step to overcoming alcohol addiction. AA Illinois provides a localized support system and statewide meetings to help members who need the extra support to stop drinking and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

    Individuals may also get information and help for alcohol addiction by calling (800) 839-1686.

  • AMC Sensory Friendly Films

    AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly movie showings on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.

    Participating theaters are located throughout Illinois in areas including Chicago, Edwardsville, Peoria, Quincy, Mount Vernon, and Springfield.

    The Sensory Friendly Film program allows families to see a movie with lights on, lower sound and the freedom to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes.

  • Ameren Illinois Economic Hardship Recovery Program

    Ameren Illinois’ Economic Hardship Recovery Program provides information on various energy assistance programs, payment options and tips on lowering your utility bill.

    This step-by-step resource includes information on:

    • Assistance paying your energy bills, applying for financial assistance and eligibility guidelines
    • Exploring payment options
    • Tips for lowering future energy bills and energy efficiency programs

    Click here for a list of assistance programs statewide, including Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF), a program designed to help moderate-income seniors and families who have temporarily experienced a hardship but may not meet the guidelines of government programs.

    For more information, contact Ameren Illinois at (800) 755-5000 (residential customers) or (800) 232-2477 (business customers).

  • American Foundation for the Blind

    The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) offers information and resources for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. AFB resources include:

    • Research and initiatives
    • Publications
    • Digital inclusion and talent lab internships and apprenticeships
    • Braille and technology resources

  • American Sign Language Classes from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf

    The Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) offers free, beginner-level conversational American Sign Language (ASL) classes. The self-paced, eight-lesson courses are taught by OSD’s ASL Specialist. Registration is open to anyone who wants to learn ASL. The non-credit courses do not count toward professional development hours or continuing education units.

  • American Sign Language Lessons

    If you are interested in learning or practicing the basics of American Sign Language (ASL), these sites provide free lessons to get you started:

    There are also free YouTube videos available to help you learn, practice and supplement your sign language instruction: