Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Home Care Appeal and Peer-to-Peer Review Tip Sheet

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is the operating agency for the Home Care Program. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) completes required reviews and determinations regarding a participant’s eligibility for Home Care services.

    This tip sheet from DSCC explains how the review and determination of medical eligibility for Home Care services works. It also outlines how to file appeals for any decision made by HFS that denies, reduces, changes or terminates benefits for you or your child. (English or Spanish)

  • Home Care Physician Letter of Medical Necessity Examples

    Physicians must provide current medical reports and details necessary to support the need for in-home nursing and Home Care services for Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants.

    We developed these sample letters of medical necessity for home nursing to help physicians in this process.

    For more helpful information on in-home nursing services, visit our Home Care Nursing Information for Families page.

  • Home Generator Information for MFTD Waiver Families

    The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Those Who Are Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (MFTD) may pay for power generators for a waiver participant’s primary residence.

    The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) put together this tip sheet that covers what the waiver will cover, what families need to do and more.

    Home Generator Tip Sheet in English

    Home Generator Tip Sheet in Spanish

  • Homocystinuria (HCU) Network America

    Homocystinuria (HCU) Network America provides free resources and connections for people impacted by this rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to process the amino acid homocysteine. HCU Network America supports a wide range of research and provides educational resources, connections and practical tools to help patients and their families navigate living with HCU.

    HCU Network America resources include:

  • How to Fill Out DSCC Forms in Spanish

    There are a number of forms that our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participants must fill out. We’ve created three instructional videos to help our Spanish-speaking families fill out some of our most commonly used forms. These videos provide step-by-step instructions:

  • How to Support a Child with Epilepsy: Information for Parents

    “How to Support a Child with Epilepsy: Information for Parents” from HealthyChildren.org, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parenting website, provides tips for encouraging and supporting a child with epilepsy from infancy to adulthood. Topics include:

    • Recognizing and treating seizures as early as possible
    • Talking to your child’s doctor
    • Discussing epilepsy openly and honestly with your child and others
    • Finding childcare
    • Teens with epilepsy
    • Transitioning to adulthood

    Additional resources for explaining epilepsy to others, building a care notebook, asking your medical team questions and what to do if your child has a seizure are also available.

  • iCanConnect

    iCanConnect is a national communication equipment distribution program for people with significant combined hearing and vision loss. The program helps eligible individuals who are deaf-blind stay connected to friends, family and the world by providing equipment specific to each person’s needs.

    The iCanConnect website provides information about each local program and application requirements. The local program works with iCanConnect participants to provide an individualized assessment and help with equipment needs.

  • IDPH Newborn Screening Programsun-icon

    The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Newborn Screening Program consists of screening and follow-up for disorders identified through testing a dried blood spot, as well as hearing screening and pulse oximetry screening. Newborn screening is typically performed within 24 to 48 hours of life to detect conditions or disorders in newborns soon after birth. These tests can help determine if a newborn has a condition or disease that can be improved with early treatment.

    IDPH also offers information about genomics and genetic services, including:

    • Information on understanding genetic conditions
    • Genetic counseling
    • Where to find genetic services and more

  • Illinois ABLE

    IL ABLE (Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts make it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest for expenses related to living with a disability without losing, or losing access to, federal means-tested benefits such as SSI, SSDI and Medicaid. Earnings and withdrawals are tax-free if they are spent on a broad range of qualified disability expenses including housing, health and wellness, education and training, therapy, basic living expenses and more.

    For more information:

    • Call (888) 609-8683, Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Support is provided for non-English speakers as well as deaf and hard-of-hearing callers.
    • Email il.clientservice@savewithable.com.

  • Illinois Assistive Technology Program

    The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) provides expertise in assistive technology and accessible information technology to all Illinois residents of all ages with disabilities and/or health conditions including family members, friends and caregivers.

    IATP provides assistive technology demonstrations and allows people to see, try and borrow devices before making a purchasing decision. IATP also allows people to donate or obtain gently used assistive technology devices.

    IATP also offers classes and help in finding the right AT devices for your needs:

    • Tech Kitchen offers cooking classes in a home-style kitchen showcasing accessibility and adapted tools. Classes are for individuals 14 and up with any disability.
    • Smart Home Technology features a five-room interactive Smart Home display highlighting home automation. Experts in assistive technology can discuss your needs and help you compare different AT devices. This program focuses on serving individuals receiving services from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS).
    • IATP Makers provides custom AT devices and open-source 3D printer files for Illinois residents.