Resource Directory /

General Resources

  • Toilet Training Children With Special Needs – Early Intervention Clearinghouse

  • Toilet Training Children with Special Needs – HealthyChildren.org

    The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org provides parents of children with disabilities information for determining when to start and how to begin the toilet-training process.

    The information includes:

    An overview of physical and developmental challenges and how they can impact toilet training
    Tips on when and how to begin toilet training
    The importance of having a parent support network and focusing on celebrating your child’s overall growth, not the mistake

    This information is also available in Spanish.

  • TotalLink2 Community

    TotalLink2 Community provides individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18 years or older in the north suburbs of Chicago with a wide range of person-centered services to promote employment, independence and strong social connections in the community.

    TotalLink provides career and vocational services including job development and placement using Customized Employment, a proven and innovative approach that utilizes skill-based coaching, family coaching, life planning, and educational and recreational opportunities designed to get young adults with disabilities involved in their community and deepen social connections.

  • Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in Makanda

    Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois offers a diverse range of camps, retreats, programs and activities for children and adults of all abilities. Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center programs include:

  • Transition Timeline

    This tool can help you and your child prepare for the many transitions that life brings. It is available in English and Spanish.

  • Travel Guide for Children with Medical Complexity

    Traveling with a child with medical complexity can be challenging. With extra planning, a family vacation can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. This travel guide from the Courageous Parents Network offers practical advice on choosing a location, what and how to pack the medical supplies your child needs, tips for traveling by car and airplane, and what precautions to take should your child have a medical emergency while on vacation.

    The guide is available in English and Spanish.

  • Tri-State Food Bank

    The Tri-State Foodbank partners with southern Illinois agencies to provide food assistance in Alexander, Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Johnson, Lawrence, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Richland, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.

    For information about program requirements and hours of operation, please contact the partner agencies directly.

  • TSA Cares

    TSA Cares is a helpline through the Transportation Security Administration that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.

    You can call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Call (855) 787-2227  or fill out the Request for TSA Cares Assistance.

    TSA Cares also provides this video to help individuals on the autism spectrum and those with communication, social interaction and/or sensory sensitivities know what to expect during airport security screening.

  • Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Van) Ride Service in Chicago

    Uber WAV provides affordable rides in wheelchair accessible vehicles to individuals using motorized wheelchairs or scooters in Chicago. Uber WAV driver-partners complete training courses covering driver safety and how to help riders with assistive devices as they enter and exit the vehicle. Drivers must also provide service to riders with service animals.

    Uber WAV is not available everywhere. Riders with folding wheelchairs can request a ride using other options available through the Uber app. Learn more about Uber’s accessibility programs on its website.

  • UCP – Center for Disability Services

    UCP – Center for Disability Services (UCP-CDS) in Joliet serves individuals with severe, multiple disabilities including autism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairment and other developmental disabilities. UCP-CDS provides its services in a five-county area including Will, Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall and Iroquois.

    UCP-CDS also provides in-home respite for families of individuals with developmental disabilities.  Participants enrolled in the In-Home Respite Program may receive up to 360 hours per year. The participant cannot be enrolled in a state waiver program. The family must find their own respite provider and be located in Will or Grundy counties. For more information, contact Kassandra Farley at (815) 744-3500, extension 202.