Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • 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

    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.

  • Pediatric First Aid and Safety Training for Teachers and Caregivers

    The American Academy of Pediatrics’ “Pediatric First Aid and Safety Training for Teachers and Caregivers” online course is for anyone who works with or cares for infants and children. The six-unit training provides caregivers with an understanding of first aid and safety procedures, recognizing everyday medical emergencies and providing care for an injury or illness until professional help arrives.

    Each unit takes about an hour to complete. You can complete the course at your own pace. The course costs $25 and is available through March 30, 2028. It covers:

    • Administering mental health first aid
    • Effectively communicating with emergency responders
    • Disaster planning
    • Identifying and managing common pediatric medical emergencies
    • Using first aid equipment and child-specific procedures for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

  • People First: A Guide to Interacting With People With Disabilities

    The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS/DRS) is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities in becoming full participants in our society.

    With “People First: A Guide to Interacting with People With Disabilities,” IDHS/DRS provides general etiquette tips and information on people-first language to foster respect and inclusion for people with disabilities.

  • Peoples Gas Payment Arrangements and Energy Assistance

    If you cannot pay your energy bill due to financial difficulties, Peoples Gas has flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options that may help.

  • Peoria Friendship House/La Familia

    The Peoria Friendship House offers wraparound services to empower families and meet changing community needs. Its services include a program supporting the Latino community, citizenship classes, a food pantry, health support services and youth programs. The Peoria Friendship House also provides:

    For more information, call (309) 671-5200 or email ceo@friendship.house.

  • Portable Medical Summary

    A portable medical summary is helpful for summarizing your medical information in one to two pages. You can use this summary across healthcare systems, including:

    • With the emergency department
    • In the transition to adult providers
    • With your college campus health services and more

    The summary can help provide quick and concise communication with all providers involved in your care as you transition to adulthood.

  • Project Fire Buddies

    Project Fire Buddies is a nonprofit group of Chicago-area firefighters and first responders who find ways to support and spread joy to children with serious illnesses and their families.
     
    The project volunteers organize toy drives, bring Halloween candy to children who are too sick to trick-or-treat, and invite kids to local firehouses. Volunteers also visit with their fire buddies at home to play games, read books, bring gifts for special occasions and more.
     
    Project Fire Buddies started with the Oak Forest Fire Department but has grown to include fire departments throughout Illinois – and beyond.

  • Project Mobility

    Project Mobility is a nonprofit organization that offers recreational events using specialized bicycles for people with disabilities. Its professional staff works with families, rehabilitative professionals and organizations to promote better health, independence, and most of all the freedom of mobility for people with physical disabilities.

    Project Mobility also does an Adaptive Bike Giveaway.  Please fill out Project Mobility’s Adaptive Bike Giveaway form to receive information and be added to the waitlist.

  • Protected Tomorrows

    Protected Tomorrows is an advocacy and financial advisory organization supporting families of individuals with special needs and disabilities. The organization provides compassionate guidance to help individuals and caregivers navigate government benefits, legal considerations, future care planning and financial strategies for a more fulfilling future for everyone. Protected Tomorrows’ resources include:

    • Monthly Protected Tomorrows Parent University online classes
    • Step-by-step, comprehensive planning tools
    • Individual and family services
    • A Resource Hub with information, articles and videos

    For questions, please contact Protected Tomorrows using the online contact form.