Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Project LEAP – Launching Equity in Access to Preschool

    Equip for Equality’s Project LEAP (Launching Equity in Access to Preschool) helps children with disabilities from birth to 6 get Early Intervention and early childhood special education services so that they’re ready to succeed in school. Project LEAP can help your child:

    • Move from Early Intervention to early childhood education
    • Receive the tests needed for special education services
    • Access behavior supports and assistive technology

    Project LEAP can also go to your child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings, mediation and due process hearings in select cases.

    For more information or to schedule a time to talk, please contact Equip for Equality at EFEProjectLEAP@equipforequality.org or call the Equip for Equality Special Education hotline at 1-866-KIDS-046 or (866) 543-7046.  You can also complete an online intake form at www.equipforequality.org/get-legal-help-from-efe/.

  • RCADD Back-to-School Resources / Recursos para el regreso a clases

    The Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays’ (RCADD) Virtual Resource Room offers back-to-school resources for parents/caregivers and their children with autism and/or neurodiversity. Resources in English and Spanish to help with a new school year include:

    • Tip sheets- Hojas de consejos
    • Schedules and routines materials- Horarios & rutinas
    • Social stories- Historias sociales
    • Visual supports – Apoyos visuales
    • Structured activities- Actividades estructuradas

  • Region 4 Genetics

    Learn about the newborn screening information in Illinois and bordering states in Region 4.

  • Rockin’ the Spectrum

    Rockin’ the Spectrum is a non-profit helping families and their loved ones with autism and other developmental disabilities. The organization works to promote autism acceptance and inclusion for all ages, and provides a space where loved one can be themselves and families can learn together in a judgment-free environment.

    Located in McHenry County, Rockin The Spectrum provides:

    • The Clubhouse, an indoor sensory play area
    • Support, resources and advocacy
    • A day program for youth 18 and older

  • Rush Autism Resource Directory

    The Autism Resource Directory is an online resource guide to help families find service and support referrals in the following counties: Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Kankakee.

    For more information or if you have any questions about navigating the directory or finding a referral, please call (312) 563-2272.

  • Russian Resources for Families and Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    Hands & Voices is a nationwide, parent-driven organization supporting families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodology.

    Hands & Voices working in partnership with the St. Petersburg Early Intervention Institute provides a Russian translation of materials aimed at improving services and child outcomes.

  • Seizure Action Plan Examples and Resources

    A seizure is a medical emergency. A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) contains tailored guidelines on how to respond during a seizure, based on the patient’s medical history. It includes health and medical information specific to the patient and helps others recognize seizures and the appropriate steps to take to keep them safe from injury or damage caused by prolonged seizures.

    The Seizure Action Plan Coalition has several Seizure Action Plan examples and resources in English and Spanish to help you create your own plan. Resources are also available in other languages.

    Epilepsy Alliance America manages the Seizure Action Plan Coalition.

  • Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic from Governors State University

    Governors State University’s Self-Help Legal Assistance Clinic (GSU-LC) provides free self-help legal assistance and non-legal resources to low-income Illinois residents navigating the court system without legal representation. The clinic’s team of attorneys, social workers and volunteers works under the supervision of a licensed attorney and social worker to increase access to legal services in underrepresented communities. GSU-LC offers pro se and free legal assistance in the areas of family law, immigration, housing and expungement, and can help with:

    • Understanding legal rights and laws
    • Filing depositions, settlement negotiations and court appearances
    • Reviewing and explaining court orders and filings

  • Sensory-Friendly Movie Showing List at Illinois Theaters

    Several Illinois theaters offer movie showings with the lights up, lower sound and the freedom to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Visit the following sites to find more details and a theater near you:

  • Sertoma Organization for People Affected by Hearing Loss

    Sertoma provides information and support to people at risk of or affected by hearing loss. National and local chapters across the United States support hearing health through a variety of programs and activities. Sertoma services include annual scholarships, access to amplified hearing devices, teen and college-level service programs, the “Adopt-an-Agency” program and more.

    Sertoma offers two scholarship programs:

    • The Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf is open to students with clinically significant bilateral hearing loss. Graduating high school students or undergraduate students pursuing four-year college degrees in any discipline are eligible for the scholarship.
    • The Communicative Disorders Scholarship is for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in audiology or speech-language pathology from institutions in the United States. The program awards these scholarships in the spring to help offset the cost of tuition, books and fees incurred during the following school year.

    See Sertoma’s website for eligibility requirements. The program accepts applications between Nov. 1 and March 31 each year.