Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Future Financial Planning for People With Disabilities Video Series – ABLE and Special Needs Trusts

    The Arc’s Center for Future Planning provides a series of videos to help you save money and protect public benefits. Video topics include ABLE accounts and special needs trusts. Each video overs:

    • The benefits of each resource
    • How they work
    • What they can pay for
    • How to get started

    The videos are available in English and Spanish.

  • Genetic Task Force of Illinois

    Provides information about genetic services available statewide.  GTFI’s areas of focus include advocacy, networking, and continuing education.

  • Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People With Disabilities

    “Getting the Care You Need: A Guide for People with Disabilities” aims to empower patients with disabilities by explaining their rights to accessible care.

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides this resource. It is available in multiple languages, including:

  • GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

    GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide free, nationwide on-site and virtual educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Programs are available for individuals of all ages focusing on speech and language, social skills, cooking and fitness.

    GiGi’s Playhouse Illinois locations include:

    • Chicago
    • Deerfield
    • Fox Valley
    • Hoffman Estates
    • McHenry County
    • Quad Cities
    • Rockford
    • Tinley Park

  • GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse offers opportunities to build relationships and community connections and access free programming and resources tailored for individuals with Down syndrome. The playhouse serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, expecting moms and dads, caregivers, siblings, parents, grandparents, doctors, educators, volunteers and more.

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse provides a variety of programs focused on therapeutic needs, educational needs, career development and global acceptance. You can log in to the virtual playhouse to access on-demand programs for all ages, resources for supporting a loved one with Down syndrome and communities of other parents, self-advocates and volunteers.

  • Global Genes

    Global Genes is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the burdens and challenges of rare diseases for patients and families globally. It aims to connect, empower and inspire the rare disease community.

    The Global Genes website includes a RARE Portal, which is an online community for patients, caregivers and more to share resources and create discussion groups.

  • GoNoodle

    GoNoodle helps teachers and parents get kids moving with short interactive activities. Desk-side movement helps kids achieve more by keeping them engaged and motivated throughout the day.

  • Good Samaritan Ministries in Carbondale

    Good Samaritan Ministries provides assistance to families and individuals in need in the Carbondale area. Programs and services include:

    • Emergency assistance
    • An emergency shelter and transitional housing
    • A soup kitchen
    • Food pantry

  • Granted

    Granted helps “wishes” come true for children in southeast Illinois, southern Indiana and western Kentucky with terminal or life-threatening conditions. The non-profit aims to give children and their families respite from the physical, emotional and financial toll of a life-threatening illness. Granted’s wishes aim to to provide strength, hope, joy and a wonderful experience that the family can enjoy together and treasure among their memories.

    Granted’s services also include events throughout the year, support groups and resource referrals for families in crisis. The organization serves a 100-mile radius of Evansville, Ind. See a map of Granted’s service area.

     

  • Great Lake ADA Center

    The Great Lakes ADA Center‘s mission is to increase awareness and knowledge with the ultimate goal of achieving voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The center provides information, resources, technical assistance and training on the ADA. Topics include the non-discrimination requirements in employment and the obligations of state and local governments and businesses to ensure that programs, services and activities are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.