Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • flok for Individuals with an Inherited Metabolic Disorder

    Formerly known as PKU News, flok provides resources, support and an app for individuals with an inherited metabolic disorder and the people and clinicians who care for them. These conditions include Classical Homocystinuria (HCU), Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), Phenylketonuria (PKU), Tyrosinemia and more.

    The flok website includes:

    • Opportunities to connect and share in person and virtually
    • Annual flok Family Camps
    • Food science information guided by a staff dietitian and collaborations with partner organizations and Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International
    • The flok app for individuals managing an inherited disorder of protein metabolism

  • Flying Horse Farms Camp for Families and Children with Serious Illnesses

    Flying Horse Farms (FHF) is a free medical specialty camp for children and young adults ages 7 to 21 with complex medical conditions and their families. Located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, FHF offers fun, transformative overnight and family camping experiences to campers across the United States. There is no cost to attend camp sessions. Lodging and meals are also provided.

    Camps are available for children and young adults with diagnoses and conditions that include:

    • Heart and lung conditions
    • Rheumatologic diagnoses
    • Craniofacial diagnoses
    • Blood disorders
    • Gastrointestinal disorders
    • Spinal cord diagnoses
    • Mental health conditions

    See the Flying Horse Farms camp schedule.

    For questions, please contact Flying Horse Farms at (419) 751-7077 or info@flyinghorsefarms.org.

  • Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources

    The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) is a private, non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children affected by hearing and communication disorders.

    Parent resources and programming include:

  • Free American Sign Language Classes at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills

    Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC) offers free American Sign Language (ASL) classes for families who have children ages birth through high school who are deaf or hard of hearing. Deaf instructors teach the classes in sign language and written English. MVCC serves residents in Moraine Valley and Cook County.

    To register for the classes and get more details, email ASL@morainevalley.edu.

  • Friends of Man

    Friends of Man is a non-profit that uses 100% of donations for charitable assistance. The charity receives applications requesting mobility equipment, prosthetics, home modifications, medical equipment, hearing aids, basic needs and much more from referring professionals. Referring professionals include caseworkers, case managers, healthcare workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers and clergy who apply on behalf of their patients and clients.

    In addition to the assistance listed above, Friends of Man can provide assistance nationwide for adaptive equipment, assistive technology, lift chairs, mobility equipment, orthopedic braces and shoes, stairlifts, vehicle adaptations and wheelchair ramps.

    More details are on the Friends of Man Eligibility page.

  • G-Tube Notebook Videos from Children’s Wisconsin

    Children’s Wisconsin’s G-tube Notebook videos offer information and step-by-step help for taking care of a child’s feeding tube. The videos include an introduction to understanding feeding tubes as well as videos specific to caring for and changing tubes in English and Spanish.

    Children’s Wisconsin’s PEG tube video provides information and demonstrations on what to expect after the tube is placed, including:

    • Care after surgery and helping the site heal
    • Types of PEG tubes
    • Tips for caring for and stabilizing the tube
    • Primary tube change
    • Common problems

  • Generation Patient

    Generation Patient is a nonprofit organization created by and for young adult patients with chronic, complex, rare or undiagnosed medical conditions. The organization’s focus includes providing peer-support groups, roundtable discussions and helping to drive systems-level change through policy work, leadership programming and advocacy initiatives across healthcare and research spaces.

    Generation Patient also offers:

  • Get Covered Illinois – The Official Health Insurance Marketplace Resource

    Get Covered Illinois is the health insurance Marketplace resource for the state of Illinois. Get Covered Illinois provides information about health insurance coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

    Get Covered Illinois provides:

    • Information and support to help Illinois residents understand insurance and the importance of health insurance coverage
    • Access to health plans through Healthcare.gov
    • Free enrollment help from Get Covered Illinois Navigators by phone or in person in multiple languages and in your community

    Get Covered Illinois is a division of the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI).

  • GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

    GiGi’s Playhouse: Down Syndrome Achievement Centers provide free, nationwide on-site and virtual educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Programs are available for individuals of all ages focusing on speech and language, social skills, cooking and fitness.

    GiGi’s Playhouse Illinois locations include:

    • Chicago
    • Deerfield
    • Fox Valley
    • Hoffman Estates
    • McHenry County
    • Quad Cities
    • Rockford
    • Tinley Park

  • GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse offers opportunities to build relationships and community connections and access free programming and resources tailored for individuals with Down syndrome. The playhouse serves individuals with Down syndrome of all ages, expecting moms and dads, caregivers, siblings, parents, grandparents, doctors, educators, volunteers and more.

    GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse provides a variety of programs focused on therapeutic needs, educational needs, career development and global acceptance. You can log in to the virtual playhouse to access on-demand programs for all ages, resources for supporting a loved one with Down syndrome and communities of other parents, self-advocates and volunteers.