Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Home Modification Tip Sheet for MFTD Waiver Families

    The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Medically Fragile Technology Dependent Children (commonly called the MFTD waiver) can pay for certain home modifications. The modifications must be for the individual’s primary residence and necessary to meet their medical needs. Home modifications may include:

    • Permanent structural changes
    • Equipment that is installed or attached to the home
    • Solutions that are not permanent

    This tip sheet explains what type of home modifications may be covered and the process for moving forward. (English and Spanish)

  • Homeless Assistance Community Contacts

    Illinois has many designated Continuum of Care agencies in local communities that can help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to find affordable housing in local communities.

  • Homemods.org

    Home modification refers to converting or adapting the environment in order to make performing tasks easier, reduce accidents, and support independent living.

    Homemods.org has compiled a variety of resources on home modification resources to provide education, training and information for your own home modification needs.

  • Housing Authority of Cook County

    The Housing Authority of Cook County is committed to providing quality housing to low and moderate-income families, the elderly and individuals with disabilities throughout suburban Cook County. Programs and resources include low-income public housing, affordable multi-family housing, Housing Choice Voucher Programs and more Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs.

  • Housing Forward

    Housing Forward’s mission is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. It offers a full range of programs and services that include emergency assistance, prevention and stabilization services; employment readiness; supportive housing; and homelessness prevention.

    Housing Forward serves the following 21 communities in west Cook County: Bellwood, Berkeley, Berwyn, Broadview, Chicago (Austin), Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Forest View, Franklin Park, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, Schiller Park, Stickney, Stone Park and Westchester.

    In addition, Housing Foward serves clients who choose to live in Brookfield, Lyons, North Riverside, Riverside and LaGrange through its supportive housing programs.

  • Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW)

    Housing Opportunities for Women (HOW) empowers individuals and families in the Chicagoland area to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. HOW aims to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with housing as quickly as possible along with individualized support services to help them build success and self-sufficiency. Its services and programs include:

    • Permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities
    • Employment and life skills
    • Children and youth after-school enrichment activities and Saturday teen programs
    • Advocacy for individuals/families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
    • Housing and support for Families in Transition (FIT)

  • How SSI and SSDI Can Help Patients

    The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides valuable information and understanding to patients navigating the healthcare system.

    PAF’s Education Resource Library offers information on a wide variety of individual health and health insurance-related topics as well as understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

    Many of PAF’s resources are also available in Spanish.

    PAF is also available by phone Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at (800) 532-5274.

  • How to Fill Out DSCC Forms in Spanish

    There are a number of forms that our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants must fill out. We’ve created three instructional videos to help our Spanish-speaking families fill out some of our most commonly used forms. These videos provide step-by-step instructions:

  • How to Teach Children About Disabilities and Inclusion

    Inclusion is the law, but it takes more than legal compliance to create an environment where all children feel included and valued. Educating children about disability and inclusion can protect vulnerable students from bullying and encourage empathy and kindness among students.

    Baylor University’s “How to Teach Children About Disabilities and Inclusion” outlines age-appropriate ways to teach children about disabilities and strategies for fostering empathy and understanding in school or any social environment.

  • iCan Shine Recreation Programs for Individuals With Disabilities

    iCan Shine collaborates with local charities, parks and recreation departments, schools, and motivated parents to provide recreational programs for people with disabilities who want to learn to ride a bike, swim or dance.

    iCan Shine programs include:

    • iCan Bike and iCan Dance programs for individuals ages 8 and older that are week-long camps or after-school sessions.
    • iCan Swim programs for ages 3 and up that are five-day camps.

    iCan Shine’s after-school programs aim to raise awareness and promote inclusion among students. Typically-developing students serve as volunteers and participate in diversity training sessions focused on learning about different disabilities and the accompanying educational and social challenges their peer students with special needs face.

    Visit their website to find programs near you.