Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources
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
For questions, visit GiGi’s Playhouse website, call (847) 885-6149 or email info@gigisplayhouse.org.
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.
For questions, visit the GiGi’s Playhouse website.
Give an Hour – Rare Caregivers
Give an Hour aims to create resilient communities of support for rare disease caregivers and families. Through one-on-one peer support, group support, professional training and research, Give an Hour strives to build a sustainable support system for rare caregivers.
Visit the Give an Hour Rare Caregivers website to find peer support, self-care tips, support groups and more.
Global Genes is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the burdens and challenges of rare diseases for patients and families globally. It aims to connect, empower and inspire the rare disease community.
The Global Genes website includes a RARE Portal, which is an online community for patients, caregivers and more to share resources and create discussion groups.
Grupo SALTO (Sociedad de Autismo Latina Trabajando con Optimismo) aims to provide support in Spanish for Latino families who have children who are differently abled, with a focus on autism.
Grupo SALTO provides culturally and linguistically appropriate training, education and services.
Guidance for Responding to Incidents Involving Missing Children with Autism
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) provides law enforcement and caregivers with guidance on preparing for and responding to incidents involving missing children with autism. Information includes:
For questions, email IACP at homesafe@theiacp.org.
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are non-biased about communication methodologies and believe that families can make the best choices for their children if they have access to good information and support.
Hands & Voices Guides and Resources for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Plus
Hands & Voices provides a variety of resources specific to children who are deaf/hard of hearing plus – the combination of being deaf or hard of hearing and having additional medical complexities or other needs.
Information includes the “Connecting Families of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Plus (DHH Plus) with Resources and Support” guide, an Educational Plan Checklist for D/HH-Plus Students and presentations, articles and other guides for families of children who are D/HH plus.
Hands & Voices Virtual Waiting Room
Hands & Voices virtual waiting room provides resources and connections for families with children who have been referred to or are in the care of an audiologist and who are receiving those services through technology or “telehealth.” Much of the information is also useful for families who are preparing for onsite visits.
Hands & Voices virtual waiting room includes:
- A video about the importance of next steps when your child is referred for more testing after a hearing screening
- A guidebook for parents about audiology and telehealth
- Information about tele-audiology options
- Questions to ask your audiologist, understanding your child’s audiogram, help making decisions with communication and more
- Connections to family-to-family support from trained parent leaders
- Explanations of help offered by a variety of professionals in addition to your child’s audiologist
- Resources to promote health and well-being for you and your child
- A link to email a Hands & Voices trained parent who can answer your questions and direct you to additional resources
