Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Autism Support of Central Illinois

    Autism Support of Central Illinois aims to improve the lives of those affected by autism in central Illinois by providing access to resources, support, educational opportunities and recreational/social activities for families.

  • Autism Timely Toolkits for Uncertain Times

    The Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) Timely Toolkits are designed to support autistic individuals, their caregivers, and related professionals as they navigate through specific global and/or local events that may disrupt or impact routines.

    The Timely Toolkits include:

    • Supporting Individuals With Autism Through Uncertain Times
    • Supporting Adults With Autism Through  Uncertain Times Companion Guide
    • Supporting Online Learning for Students With Autism
    • Resources for Autistic Individuals and Their Families Impacted by War and Displacement
    • Talking About Gun Violence With Autistic Individuals

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network

    The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN works to promote a more inclusive society for people with autism and to change the way people think about autism. ASAN provides:

    • Information about autism
    • Plain English toolkits
    • Accessibility resources
    • Self-advocacy resources and leadership training

  • Back-to-School Guide for Families with Complex Healthcare Needs

    The Child Neurology Foundation has curated a resource page to help families with complex healthcare needs navigate the school year.

    Topics include:

    • Tips and Strategies for a Smooth School Year
    • Mental Health and School
    • IEP and 504 Resources
    • Medicaid Expansion in Schools

  • BACKBONES – Connecting People With Spinal Cord Injury

    BACKBONES connects people with spinal cord injury and their families to others with similar backgrounds, injuries and interests. BACKBONES provides inspirational stories and programs, including events, a youth program for teenagers ages 15 to 18, leader development, and monthly online meetups for people in the spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) community.

    For questions, please email BACKBONES at info@backbonesonline.com or call (224) 424-3475.

  • Best Buddies in Illinois

    Best Buddies in Illinois offers one-to-one friendship, integrated employment and leadership development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

    Best Buddies offers chapters throughout Illinois. Programs and opportunities include:

    For contact information, visit the Best Buddies in Illinois staff directory page.

  • Brain Injury Association of Illinois

    The Brain Association of Illinois (BAI) is a statewide, non-profit organization providing advocacy, information and support to people with brain injuries, family members, friends and rehabilitation professionals.

    The BIA of IL is part of a network of brain injury associations across the United States, and is an affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA).

  • Bright by Text

    Bright by Text is a free text messaging service that delivers high-quality information to families to help them foster a child’s healthy growth, based on their exact age and developmental stage.

    Available in English and Spanish, the service covers children from prenatal through age 8.  Topics covered include brain development, speech and language skills, social-emotional development, reading and writing skills, nutrition, mental health, school readiness, and more.

    All information is provided by trusted content partners, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sesame Street, PBS Kids for Parents, and Zero to Three.

    Families can sign up by texting BRIGHT to 274448, or by using the form on the Bright by Text website. Text messages are customized by the child’s due date or age and zip code.

  • Camp Sunshine for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families in Maine

    Camp Sunshine helps children with life-threatening illnesses and their families find hope, community and a safe space for recharging together. Located in Maine, the camp offers medical support and free, year-round camping sessions for children ages 21 and under, their siblings, parents and caregivers. Campers come from all over the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Bereavement sessions are also available for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness.

    Camp Sunshine offers sessions of varying lengths throughout the year. Supported conditions and diagnoses include:

    • A brain tumor, cancer and retinoblastoma
    • Kidney disease
    • Sickle cell disease
    • Hematologic conditions
    • Phenylketonuria (PKU) and more

  • Caring for a Child with a Gastrostomy Video from St. Louis Children’s Hospital

    The “Caring for My Child with a Gastrostomy” video from St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides information on understanding your child’s gastrostomy appliance and how to care for it at home.

    This educational video focuses on the gastrostomy tube (g-tube), the gastrostomy button appliance and answering a variety of frequently asked questions.

    “Caring for My Child with a Gastrostomy” is broken into segments and available in full. Be sure to select the appropriate video based on whether you want to learn about the gastrostomy tube (g-tube) or the gastrostomy button appliance.