Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources
Autism Speaks Transition to Adulthood Resources
Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include:
- The Transition Toolkit covering self-advocacy skills, legal matters, housing, employment options and more.
- An IEP Transition Plan Checklist to help students with autism and their parents/caregivers create and review an Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition plan.
- The Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) free training course “Supporting Your Family Member in Employment” with information and insights into planning for employment.
- The Healthcare Transition Roadmap for help moving from a pediatrician to a primary care physician. The guide is aimed at individuals ages 12 to 21 but includes information for individuals with autism of all ages, such as finding specialists, understanding legal rights, self-advocacy tips and special guidance for LGBTQ+.
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
Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project
The Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (ATTA) creates and provides resources and professional development tools to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their transition from secondary to postsecondary education or employment. ATTA provides training and support to students, young adults, families, employers and community members to ensure an equitable experience for individuals on the spectrum. ATTA offers:
- A variety of resources for supporting students
- Webinars
- Interviewing tips for students and young adults
For questions, please contact Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS) Director Aimee LaFollette Julian, PhD, at (309) 438-5122.
ICSPS maintains the Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project website on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education.
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
For questions, please visit ASAN’s Contact Us page for details about who to contact.
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 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:
- Best Buddies Friendship program, which offers social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion
- Best Buddies Jobs program, which helps secure jobs for people with IDD.
- Best Buddies Leadership Development programs, which educate and empower people with IDD to be leaders, public speakers and advocates
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).
Brush Up on Your Dental Care Video and Guide
Good oral health and maintaining a healthy smile are important for everyone. Special Olympics offers a Brush Up On Your Dental Care video and guide to help people with disabilities understand and develop good oral hygiene habits, including brushing techniques, preparing for dental visits and common dental problems.
The easy-to-understand video demonstrates, step by step, how to prepare for a dental visit and care for your dental health.
The Brush Up on Your Dental Care Guide offers caregivers and self-advocates information on developing and maintaining a complete oral hygiene program. Information includes:
- Easy-to-follow instructions on proper brushing, rinsing and flossing techniques
- Suggestions for adaptive positions for these activities
- Common dental problems
- Oral health considerations during the growth and development of a child with intellectual disabilities