Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources
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.
United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) supports and empowers patients and families affected by mitochondrial disease. UMDF supports research and provides a wide variety of resources, toolkits, education and assistance with insurance, diagnosis and access to quality care.
UMDF resources include:
- The Support Line at (888) 900-6486. It is available on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Mito University featuring videos, articles and resources to better navigate your journey
- The Mitochondrial Care Network: New Patient Guide in English
- The Mitochondrial Care Network: New Patient Guide in Spanish
- Ask the Mito Doc monthly webinar
- Bench-to-Bedside seminar series, which brings the global scientific community together to discuss mitochondrial disease research
- Clinical trial opportunities for patients and more
For questions, please contact the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation at (888) 317-UMDF (8633) or info@umdf.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
For parents and teachers who wish to learn more about autism to better support children and families in the autism community, the Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) provides “What is Autism?”
This question-and-answer style document includes information about the prevalence and defining characteristics of autism, community- and school-based supports and links to additional resources.
When Your Child Has a Heart Defect: Planning Ahead for Lifelong Heart Health
Children with congenital heart defects and disease (CHD) will need lifelong care from congenital heart experts. The Adult Congenital Heart Association provides this brochure to help parents of children born with CHDs support their child’s lifelong heart health.
YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs in Springfield
Diverse Abilities – YMCA provides a wide variety of programs to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, or background, can thrive. Diverse Abilities offers individuals with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other special needs the opportunity to participate in a wide range of classes and activities tailored to their needs and comfort levels.
Diverse Abilities-YMCA programs include:
- SNAP (Special Needs Aquatics Program)
- Gymnastics
- Saturday Strikers providing a safe and welcoming environment for building skills and learning how to navigate the everyday world
- Sports
If you have any questions, please email diverseabilities@springfieldymca.org.
