Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Tracheostomy Care at Home page aims to help parents learn how to take care of their child’s tracheostomy (trach). Topics include:
- The Tracheostomy
- Tracheostomy Skin Care
- How to Suction the Tracheostomy
- How to Change a Tracheostomy Tube
- Emergency Care
Please note: This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute in any way for medical education, training, treatment, advice or diagnosis by a healthcare professional.
TSA Cares is a helpline through the Transportation Security Administration that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.
You can call 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Call (855) 787-2227 or fill out the Request for TSA Cares Assistance.
TSA Cares also provides this video to help individuals on the autism spectrum and those with communication, social interaction and/or sensory sensitivities know what to expect during airport security screening.
UCP – Center for Disability Services
UCP – Center for Disability Services (UCP-CDS) in Joliet serves individuals with severe, multiple disabilities including autism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairment and other developmental disabilities. UCP-CDS provides its services in a five-county area including Will, Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall and Iroquois.
UCP-CDS also provides in-home respite for families of individuals with developmental disabilities. Participants enrolled in the In-Home Respite Program may receive up to 360 hours per year. The participant cannot be enrolled in a state waiver program. The family must find their own respite provider and be located in Will or Grundy counties. For more information, contact Kassandra Farley at (815) 744-3500, extension 202.
UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago is a charitable not-for-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities in metropolitan Chicago and beyond.
Its services include employment and community day services for adults, residential services for adults, children’s foster care, assistive technology and accessibility services, and more.
For questions, please contact UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago using the online form or call (708) 863-3803.
UIC College of Dentistry Inclusive Care Clinic in Chicago
The Inclusive Care Clinic (ICC) at the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Dentistry offers comprehensive, preventive and integrated (multidisciplinary) dental treatment for patients 15 years of age or older with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities. The ICC serves individuals with autism, physical disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral and other conditions.
The clinic includes:
- A sensory room
- A wheelchair lift
- Private treatment rooms
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Personal entertainment tablets
- Weighted blankets
For questions, please contact ICC at (312) 355-1641.
UIC’s Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays
UIC’s Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD) provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays. RCADD serves families currently enrolled in an Early Head Start or Head Start program as well as others throughout the Chicagoland area.
Anyone can also visit RCADD’s website for:
- Free autism trainings/webinars in English and Spanish
- Printable visuals
- Activity ideas
For questions, please contact RCADD at (312) 413-4441 or rcadd@uic.edu.
Unique Sweets provides delicious treats and a safe space for people with autism and other disabilities to participate in life skills training. Team members participate in event planning, purchasing supplies, baking, decorating and packaging and receive a stipend to cover their expenses to get to the kitchen. Unique Sweets also hosts social events throughout the year to foster peer relationships, social skills and community support.
Unique Sweets also offers:
- Life skills (virtual or in-person) peer-led cooking classes
- Social events and an annual Party With a Purpose
- Inclusive workshops, information sessions and social events with other organizations
- Referrals to other programs and services as needed
If you have any questions, please email Unique Sweets at contact@uniquesweetsinc.org.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) promotes a life of inclusion and provides resources for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families and communities.
The UCP website has resources on topics such as assistive technology, housing and home modification, travel and transportation, education, caregiving, and more. You can also find UCP affiliates in Illinois.
United Leukodystrophy Foundation
The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to patients with leukodystrophy and their families. ULF can help families find medical care, access genetic counseling, networking opportunities, and obtain financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.
ULF is based in DeKalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:
- Leukodystrophy frequently-asked questions and a glossary of terms
- Clinical trials
- Virtual support groups
- The Hultman Memorial Fund for families facing financial hardship
- Webinars and an annual family conference
For questions, please contact ULF at (815) 748-3211 or office@ulf.org.
Urban Autism Solutions (UAS) is a Chicago non-profit organization serving young adults with autism and other learning differences. Their person-centered programming focuses on building life skills, community integration, social interaction, an integrated community life, and social and vocational opportunities. UAS programs include:
- The West Side Transition Academy
- Growing Solutions Farm
- Life Lab
- Network 1212 social meet-ups and outings for young adults
For questions, please email UAS at info@urbanautismsolutions.com
