Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission

    The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) is an executive state agency that promotes education and awareness of the legal requirements for effective communication on behalf of people with hearing loss in Illinois.

    The commission also provides information about:

    • Assistive technology
    • Hearing aid assistance
    • Service animal resources
    • Interpreters and CART providers
    • American Sign Language (ASL) videos and publications

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) provides services and programs to help Illinois residents become economically independent and self-sufficient, including food, financial assistance, mental health, child care, shelter/housing and more. Its divisions include:

    • Developmental Disabilities
    • Early Childhood
    • Family and Community Services
    • Mental Health
    • Rehabilitation Services
    • Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR)

  • Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities Website and Helpline

    The Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

    Possible services include in-home supports, respite care, job coaches, residential living arrangements, adaptive equipment and others.

    To find out more information about available services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities, you can call the DHS Helpline at (888) DD-PLANS or (866) 376-8446 (TTY).

  • Illinois Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services

    Illinois’ Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services system offers services including day services, home-based services, Early Intervention services, disability determination services and other supports.

    Visit the Developmental Disability Services page for more information. You can also contact:

  • Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Programsun-icon

    The Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (IL EHDI) Program works to ensure families of babies and children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive appropriate and timely services. These services include hearing screening, diagnosis, early intervention and parent-to-parent support, provided through coordinated systems of care.

    Families and providers can learn more about the EHDI program and find resources on the Illinois Sound Beginnings website.

  • Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources

    Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources provides services to anyone of any age with epilepsy or a seizure disorder who resides in its service area of central and northwest Illinois. Its services include:

    • Peer support and support groups
    • Caregiver support
    • Accessing benefits
    • Navigating insurance
    • Medical service support
    • Access to counseling
    • Vocational support
    • Help coordinating transportation

    For more details, email epilepsy@streatorunlimited.org or call (815) 673-5574.

  • Illinois Guide By Your Side

    Illinois Hands & Voices Guide By Your Side (GBYS) is a free program providing unbiased information, one-on-one support and resources and trained Parent Guides to talk and/or meet with you if you have a child with hearing loss or a suspected hearing loss.

    Parent Guides are adults who have children with a hearing loss. They provide unbiased information and resources regarding communication, educational and technological choices. They help families identify their options and not tell them which options  to choose. They support families and can help them navigate through the many systems and services available in Illinois. They work as a team with professionals offering a well rounded care system for families.

  • Illinois Hands & Voicessun-icon

    Illinois Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to helping families with children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.

    Families can learn about the variety of resources and options available to them and how to access them. Through this network of resources, families can make informed decisions about their future in regards to educational options, the changing landscape of assistive technologies and many other issues facing families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

    Families within the same geographic region within the state can share experiences and information as they support each other. They can receive the opportunity to gain knowledge and direction from families who have faced the same challenges and choices.

  • Illinois Respite Services and Providers List

    Respite is a service providing a temporary break between the family caregiver and the care recipient. Illinois offers a variety of respite services for eligible families and individuals.

    Illinois Life Span (ILS), a program of The Arc of Illinois, provides fact sheets, information and a listing of respite services/providers currently funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities. The current listing may be found on their website.

  • Illinois Seizure Smart School Act Resources

    Effective July 1, 2020, the Seizure Smart School Act requires all Illinois school personnel to be trained in seizure first aid. It also requires the development of a Seizure Action Plan for students with epilepsy on how to best care for students with the disorder. A student’s parents or guardians will share their healthcare provider’s instructions on managing the student’s epilepsy and include a copy of any prescriptions and how and when to administer those medicines.

    The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago provides resources and frequently asked questions about the law and what it means for families and schools.