General Resources
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.
iCanConnect is a national communication equipment distribution program for people with significant combined hearing and vision loss. The program helps eligible individuals who are deaf-blind stay connected to friends, family and the world by providing equipment specific to each person’s needs.
The iCanConnect website provides information about each local program and application requirements. The local program works with iCanConnect participants to provide an individualized assessment and help with equipment needs.
ILHousingSearch.org is a free bilingual online resource for renters and property providers in Illinois.
You can search for affordable, accessible and market-rate housing to fit your needs and budget.
For additional assistance, call (877) 428-8844 (toll-free) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dial 7-1-1 for TTY.
Illinois ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without losing, or losing access to, federal means-tested benefits such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. Earnings and withdrawals are tax-free if they are spent on a broad range of qualified disability expenses including housing, health and wellness, education and training, therapy, basic living expenses and more.
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers.
IATP provides assistive technology demonstrations and allows people to see, try and borrow devices before making a purchasing decision. IATP also allows people to donate or obtain gently used assistive technology devices.
IATP also offers classes and help in finding the right AT devices for your needs:
- Tech Kitchen offers cooking classes in a home-style kitchen showcasing accessibility and adapted tools. Classes are for individuals 14 and up with any disability.
- Smart Home Technology features a five-room interactive Smart Home display highlighting home automation. Experts in assistive technology can discuss your needs and help you compare different AT devices. This program focuses on serving individuals receiving services from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS).
- IATP Makers provides custom AT devices and open-source 3D printer files for Illinois residents.
Illinois Attorney General Health Care Brochure
The Illinois Attorney General Health Care Bureau has a toll-free helpline that allows consumers to ask questions, file complaints or request assistance. Health Care Bureau attorneys conduct investigations and file lawsuits to enforce consumer protection laws. This brochure provides information on how their staff members can assist consumers in many areas, including:
- Denial of coverage or treatment
- Concerns about healthcare providers
- Billing disputes and recovering unfair out-of-pocket expenses
- Navigating the health insurance appeals process
- Understanding your health care rights and consumer protection laws
- Correcting health plan or provider errors
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social and political life of our diverse society. Its programs aim to empower the immigrant community and include healthcare access, access to public benefits, a family support network and hotline, education initiatives and more.
Visit the ICIRR website to learn more.
Illinois Computer Equity Network
Illinois has launched a statewide network that will receive, refurbish and redistribute used computers to those in need.
This initiative responds to the 1.1 million Illinois households currently without computers and aims to bridge the digital divide for those without internet access to help improve connectivity essential for remote learning, work from home, telemedicine, and other requirements of everyday life.
The project is a partnership of the state of Illinois, PCs for People and various community partners.
To be eligible, residents must be below 200 percent of the poverty level or enrolled in income-based government assistance programs, such as free or reduced school lunch, Medicaid or SNAP.
Individuals can register for upcoming distribution events in their area to receive a computer, internet or both.
Visit www.pcsforpeople.org/illinois/ or call (618) 215-3787 for more information.
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) helps lead change in Illinois so all people with developmental disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom.
ICDD provides information, investments and initiatives to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families have a part in the design of and access to culturally competent services, supports and other assistance and opportunities that promote independence, productivity and integration and inclusion into the community.
Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program
The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program offers resources to help people impacted by a violent crime. Under the Crime Victims Compensation Act, the Office of the Attorney General can reimburse eligible victims up to $45,000 ($27,000 for crimes before Aug. 7, 2022) for expenses incurred as a result of a violent crime. The Attorney General’s website provides the Crime Victim Compensation Program application in English, Polish and Spanish and a video with steps for completing the form. Individuals can also call the Crime Victim Assistance Line for help at (800) 228-3368.
Eligible violent crime victims can receive financial assistance with:
- Accessibility and usability of property
- Crime scene clean up
- Funeral/burial expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Medical, hospital, dental and mental health counseling expenses
- Relocation and replacement costs
- Tuition expenses