Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Little Friends

    Little Friends provides programs and supports to empower children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Little Friends serves individuals and families throughout ten counties and more than 50 school districts across Illinois. Programs include:

    • Schools, educational and vocational training programs
    • Respite family services
    • Community-based residential living
    • The Center for Autism
    • Inklude Studio
    • The Fun Club

  • Living Independently Now Center Incorporated of Southern Illinois (LINC Inc.)

    The Living Independently Now Center of Southern Illinois Incorporated (LINC Inc.) provides support and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families in St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties. LINC Inc. has offices in Swansea and Red Bud. Its resources and programs include:

    • Deaf and hard-of-hearing services
    • Assistive technology equipment loan program
    • Community reintegration
    • Computer literacy
    • Mental health resources
    • Peer-to-peer counseling and support groups
    • Respite care program for active duty Air Force and Navy families

  • Love is Respect – Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships for Young Adults

    Love is Respect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, offers information, support and advocacy to young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships. Free, confidential services are available anytime via:

    • Live chat
    • Call (866) 331-9474 or TTY (800) 787-3224
    • Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522

    Services for the deaf and hard of hearing are also available:

    Love is Respect also provides a Parent Discussion Guide on Youth Healthy Relationships.

  • Margaret Hackett Family Program

    Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) are birth defects of the physical structure of the brain or spinal cord that occur during fetal intrauterine growth such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus and other conditions. The Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) at the University of Chicago provides individuals and families help with diagnosing, understanding, caring for and addressing the challenges of living with CNS congenital anomalies. MHFP also provides research and research grants.

    The Margaret Hacker Family Program also offers:

    • A monthly, virtual “Connect Group” for individuals and families affected by CNS anomalies
    • In-person quarterly socials
    • In-person events twice a year featuring food, giveaways, fun activities and resources
    • Help with finding resources and medical care

  • McLean County Functional Needs Registry

    The McLean County Functional Needs Registry helps individuals with special needs during an emergency situation. The registration form documents the needs of people with physical, mental or medical limitations due to impaired vision, hearing or mobility, and language barriers. The program seeks to ensure that residents with functional needs get the assistance they need during a weather disaster or some other local emergency.

    Registration for the program is free, voluntary and confidential. You can fill out an online form or print out a hardcopy registration form in English or Spanish on the registry website.

  • MPHI Center for Precision Public Health

    The MPHI Center for Precision Public Health provides educational opportunities for clinicians, public health professionals, community organizations and families. The center focuses on improving the health and well-being of all through research, supporting data-driven initiatives, facilitating community-led program development, and providing technical assistance.

    MPHI also provides free CME and CE Modules for families and professionals. Topics include:

    • Improving care for developmental disabilities and dysmorphic features
    • Patient-centered newborn screening communication
    • Decoding genetic test reports for frontline clinicians

  • Muscular Dystrophy Association

    The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides comprehensive information and resources to help with understanding, managing and living day-to-day with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.

    MDA programs and resources include:

    • The MDA Resource Center providing one-on-one support by phone or email for individuals and families looking for resources, activities and more
    • Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Grant Program
    • Nationwide summer camps
    • Resources for caregivers
    • Community education and services

  • National Association for Down Syndrome

    The National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families. NADS’ website provides a variety of webinars, publications and resources for the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.

    NADS also offers a “Congratulations Basket and Referral Program.” Please note that the organization can only deliver baskets to specific Chicago-area hospitals.

  • National Association of the Deaf

    The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) preserves and promotes the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States and U.S. territories. Resources include videos in American Sign Language (ASL) on a wide range of topics, a list of universities and education resources by state, webinars and more for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, their families and friends.

  • National Center for Hearing Assessment & Managementsun-icon

    Supports early and continuous screening and works to ensure newborns with hearing losses are identified.