Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Chicago Autism Network and Therapy Assistance Grants

    The Chicago Autism Network is a nonprofit dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy and supports.

    The network offers therapy assistance grants for anyone living in Illinois with a current autism diagnosis. It also holds free monthly Autism Parent Workshops.

    The Chicago Autism Network also provides a statewide Autism Services Directory to help families connect with services that meet their needs closer to home.

  • Chicago Hearing Society

    The Chicago Hearing Society (CHS) provides a wide range of programs to support families and connect people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing. Its services include:

    For more information, call CHS:

    • Main Number: (773) 248-9121
    • Videophone: (773) 904-0154

  • Child Neurology Foundation

    The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) is a patient advocacy organization offering tools, education resources and a network of more than 48 organizations to help children and their families living with neurologic conditions find social services and emotional support.

    CNF’s Family Support Program helps families navigate the journey of being a caregiver of a child with a neurologic condition. Families can connect with trained staff who will listen and help with:

    • Learning about a child neurology disorder and clinical trials
    • Connecting to disease-specific organizations
    • Talking to another parent
    • Navigating insurance and more

    Visit the CNF Family Support Program page to learn more. You can request help online or by calling (859) 551-4977.

  • Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance

    The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance is a non-profit created by families and healthcare providers working together to transform the care and quality of life of children with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence and their families. The Alliance is focused on educating communities, improving access to in-home support and supplies, helping with out-of-pocket medical expenses, and providing a network of support from both caregivers and healthcare professionals. The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance website includes:

    • Frequently asked questions and terms about tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation
    • Annual caregiver grants
    • A list of resources by state

    For questions, please contact the Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance.

  • Children’s Craniofacial Association

    Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA) is a national, nonprofit organization providing resources to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by craniofacial conditions. CCA resources include:

    • Financial assistance
    • Educational overviews and video library
    • Craniofacial surgery care packages
    • Resources for teachers and parents

    Visit the Children’s Craniofacial Association website for more details.

  • Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

    The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. The website includes:

    You can contact the Reeve Foundation at (800) 225-0292

  • City of Chicago Emergency Assistance Registry for People with Disabilities or Special Needs

    The City of Chicago has created a voluntary registry for individuals who may need assistance in the event of an emergency.

    Individuals with disabilities or special needs or their caregivers can sign up at www.cityofchicago.org/voluntaryregistry/ or contact the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) at (312) 744-7050 for additional information.

  • Claire’s Place Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis Support

    Claire’s Place Foundation is a non-profit organization providing support to children and families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF).

    Its programs are focused on creating a better quality of life for people and their caregivers as well as emergency funding assistance during long hospital stays. Its programs include an Extended Hospital Stay Grant Program and the Support Families and Resources Program.

  • Cleft and Craniofacial Condition Resources

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Children with a cleft lip, cleft palate or craniofacial disorder often have complex needs and may undergo a variety of procedures and therapies. Often, these children need multiple pediatric specialists and surgeons to provide comprehensive care

    HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides cleft and craniofacial resources and articles for parents and caregivers to help answer their questions.

  • Client Assistance Program

    The Illinois Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federally funded program that helps persons with disabilities understand and use rehabilitation services. The program:

    • Informs and advises individuals of the services and benefits available to them through programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act and Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act
    • Advocates and provides assistance for people seeking programs and services provided for within the Rehabilitation Act
    • Helps to identify and resolve problems that may arise during the rehabilitation process
    • Identifies problem areas in providing rehabilitation services and makes suggestions for improving services

    Those eligible for CAP are:

    • Anyone seeking information, applying for services or already receiving services from the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Vocational Rehabilitation and the Centers for Independent Living
    • Persons who are dissatisfied with the services they are receiving, or who have been denied services for which they may be eligible
    • Persons needing intervention or assistance in their relationships with programs providing rehabilitation service

    For more information about CAP, call (855) 452-2725 (1-855-ILCAP-25). TTY and Relay callers can dial 711. You can also email cap@equipforequality.org or visit equipforequality.org/cap for more details.