General Resources
University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center Sensory Friendly Initiatives
The UIS Performing Arts Center is a certified Sensory Inclusive Venue through KultureCity. Most sensory friendly shows are in the UIS Studio Theatre with limited lighting and sound changes. Audience members can also move, speak, sing along, and come and go as needed. Trained staff can also help guests with sensory needs. The UIS Performing Arts Center’s sensory-friendly initiatives also include sensory bags, weighted lap pads, quiet areas, social stories and more.
Variety – The Children’s Charity of St. Louis
Variety’s St. Louis location serves children and teens with special needs under the age of 21 and their families living in 30 counties in Missouri and Illinois surrounding St. Louis.
The charity aims to help children with disabilities fulfill their potential by providing access to vital medical equipment, therapy and innovative programs. The Illinois counties in Variety’s service area are: Bond, Calhoun, Clay, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington.
Opportunities include:
- Variety family social groups
- Venturing Crew inclusive program for youth ages 14-20
- Adventure Camp
- Performing arts
For questions, please visit the Variety St. Louis website or call (314) 720-7700.
The Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal (also known as the Illinois Resident Immunization portal) provides access to your official immunization records.
You must be 18 years old or older to create a Vax Verify account or have legal guardianship of a minor to add them to your account.
Virtual Care Package for Caregivers
The Illinois Respite Coalition put together this Virtual Care Package with free virtual resources to help caregivers take time for themselves.
It includes links to podcasts, playlists, exercises and other tips for caregivers.
We Care of Grundy County is a nonprofit that provides a range of services to help individuals and families achieve stability and improve their quality of life. Services include a food pantry, clothing, financial assistance during times of crisis, educational programs, support groups and more.
We Care of Grundy County Food Pantry is open by appointment Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. Please call (815) 942-6389 to schedule a time to come.
For parents and teachers who wish to learn more about autism to better support children and families in the autism community, the Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) provides “What is Autism?”
This question-and-answer style document includes information about the prevalence and defining characteristics of autism, community- and school-based supports and links to additional resources.
The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) Wheelchair Maintenance Guide offers basic tips for maintaining your wheelchair and keeping it in good working order.
Contact NCHPAD for more information at nchpad@uab.edu or (866) 866-8896.
WhyHunger Hotline and Find Food Database
The WhyHunger Hotline and Find Food Database connect people in need across the United States to food pantries, soup kitchens, summer meal sites, government nutrition programs, and grassroots organizations that provide access to free food and support services. You can:
- Call (800) 5-HUNGRY
- Text your zip code to (800) 548-6479
- Use the online form on the WhyHunger website to find local emergency food providers and other support services
Wings of Mercy is a nonprofit organization that provides free long-distance air transportation to medical centers for individuals with serious or rare illnesses. Wings of Mercy coordinates trips with volunteer pilots for patients traveling to or from a location in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana or Illinois.
Learn more about Wings of Mercy and apply for a flight.
For all questions, fill out the Wings of Mercy contact form or call (616) 396 – 1077.