Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Dean Ritter Foundation Scholarship for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    The Dean Ritter Foundation Scholarship for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 annually to graduating high school seniors throughout Illinois who have severe to profound hearing impairments. Individuals with financial needs will receive special consideration, but the program does not make scholarship decisions solely on a financial basis. Application deadlines and the number and amount of scholarships vary each year.

    Students must be continuing their education at an accredited university or technical school to receive tuition scholarships. They must also:

    • Be an Illinois resident
    • Be a senior in high school in good standing
    • Have significant (severe to profound) hearing loss in one or both ears

    For any questions regarding scholarships, please email deanrittertrust@gmail.com.

  • Developmental Disabilities Employment

    The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) seeks to maximize opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work in competitive integrated employment.

    The division’s Developmental Disabilities Employment Resources list provides the latest information on the division’s efforts toward employment for people with developmental disabilities. It includes a list of DDD-supported employment providers that also provide employment services funded by the Division of Rehabilitation Services. The list aims to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities understand the options available to them when searching for an employment supports provider.

  • Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic in Chicago

    As a part of the University of Illinois Chicago’s Institute on Disability and Human Development, the Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic aims to maximize potential with a real focus on quality of life. Its clinical staff takes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to providing services for individuals (ages 3 and older) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is located at 1640 W. Roosevelt Road, DHSP 103, in Chicago.

    The clinic’s licensed and credentialed team includes social workers, speech-language pathologists, licensed professional counselors, physicians and clinical psychologists. The clinic provides services in English and Spanish and has a distinct interdisciplinary bilingual team of Spanish-speaking professionals serving the Chicago developmental disabilities community. The clinic provides services and support in the following areas:

    • Autism support
    • Transition to adulthood services and future planning (including guardianship)
    • Early intervention for babies and toddlers (services available on site and at home)
    • Emotional and behavioral consultation
    • Dual diagnosis
    • Social skills and relationships
    • Trauma

    For more information, email ddfc@uic.edu or call (312) 413-1871.

  • Division of Developmental Disabilities

    The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides leadership for the effective management of the design and delivery of quality outcome-based, person-centered services and supports for individuals who have developmental disabilities. These services and supports will be appropriate to their needs, gifts, talents and strengths; accessible; life-spanning; based on informed choice; and monitored to ensure individual progress, quality of life, and safety.

    The DDD website provides information on how to connect with its services, including home-based and in-home supports, day services, residential living arrangements, employment services and more. You can also visit the Developmental Disabilities Services page for how to get started.

    For more information, email dhs.dddcomments@illinois.gov or call (888) 337-5267 (1-888-DDPLANS) or (866) 376-8446 (TTY).

  • Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

    The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities achieve full community participation through employment, education and independent living opportunities.

    Use the DORS office locator to find an office near you or call:

    • (877) 581-3690 Voice
    • (866) 264-2149 TTY
    • (312) 957-4881 (Please note this is a video phone number)

    You can also apply online for DRS services.

  • Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters

    The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.

    These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:

  • DSCC and Illinois LEND’s Transition Resources for Hispanic Teens in the Chicago Area

    The transition to adulthood can be a challenging time for both adolescents and their parents. These challenges can be more difficult when the adolescent has a disability.

    Illinois LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) and the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) partnered to provide helpful information about the unique challenges Hispanic families can face during the transition to adulthood. This resource list is aimed at transition-age teenagers and their families in the Chicago area:

    Transition Resources for Hispanic Teens (English)

    Transition Resources for Hispanic Teens (Spanish)

  • DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Handout

    Basic fire and carbon monoxide protection are key components of maintaining a safe home. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this handout to provide helpful guidelines on the equipment necessary to protect your home from these preventable dangers.

    DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety handout in English

    DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety handout in Spanish

  • DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet

    Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs.

    Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet in English

    Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet in Spanish

  • DSCC’s “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” Tip Sheet

    Illinois Medicaid covers many services including comprehensive medical, dental, vision and pharmacy benefits. Our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” offers examples of what may be covered in a variety of areas such as vision, transportation and mental health services.

    What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover? tip sheet in English

    What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover? tip sheet in Spanish

    Illinois Medicaid is not a DSCC program. DSCC does not decide coverage or eligibility for Medicaid. This is a helpful guide. To learn more, visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website.