General Resources
Talking with Children During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a tip sheet for caregivers, parents, and teachers on talking with children during infectious disease outbreaks.
SAMHSA tip sheet provides information for toddlers to teens and includes:
- Possible reactions
- Talking with children and youth in different age groups
- Supporting children and managing their responses
- Self-care
- More resources
Taller de José is an agency that helps individuals find their way through the social services system. It links individuals with a bilingual Compañera/o, or “Companion,” who will listen, identify goals and help find needed services. The organization collaborates with other agencies to provide social services and help including financial, domestic violence, immigration, counseling and legal assistance.
Taller de José serves Cook County residents.
Tazewell County Health Department (TCHD) provides clinics, mental health resources, community services, environmental programs and more to help all residents of Tazewell County make healthy choices and live healthy lives. TCHD provides services in Pekin and Tremont.
The Tazewell County Public Health 2025 Guide to Services provides a downloadable list of services, contact numbers, and when and where the services are offered.
Telecommunications Relay Services Information in American Sign Language
Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) allow people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or have speech disabilities to communicate by telephone.
The Federal Communications Commission’s American Sign Language video walks you through the various TRS systems available.
The ADA National Network Disability Law Handbook
This handbook is meant to provide basic information about disability rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as resources for finding out more.
The Answer, Inc. provides resources and education, recreation and advocacy services to families with loved ones with autism and developmental disabilities in the greater Chicago area.
Visit The Answer, Inc., website for more information.
The Arc of Illinois advocates for and empowers people with disabilities and their families to reach their goals and fully participate in community life. The Arc of Illinois provides information, resources, family support, and training to help make Illinois a place where people with disabilities can learn, play, work, and live in communities across the state.
The Arc of Illinois services and programs include:
- The Illinois Life Span program
- Children’s services and caregiver support
- Monthly webinars
- Assistive technology resources
- The Arc of Illinois fact sheets and more
The Arc’s Disability Voter Guide
The Arc has developed voting resources in plain language and Spanish, including a disability voter guide and sample questions for candidates.
The Arc’s Virtual Program Library
The Arc’s Virtual Program Library is a free hub full of on-demand activities that people with disabilities, and their families and service providers can do at home.
Topics include arts, community and life skills, health and wellness, virtual clubs, and more. Service providers can also find and share resources to facilitate or deliver live, remote programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is a collaboration of five universities and 10 organizations that together operate 20 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, childcare providers, and medical professionals.
Illinois residents can participate in TAP’s Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions (ASSIST) Training Program. The training features twelve modules focused on helping families advocate for adult services on behalf of their child or young adult on the autism spectrum. Each module features an expert-led presentation and time for discussion.
Topics include:
- Guardianship and alternatives to guardianship
- Medicaid waiver services
- Social Security benefits
- Health insurance
- Special needs trusts
- Post-secondary education and employment