Resource Directory /

Health Condition and Disability-Specific Resources

  • Danny Did Foundation

    The Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing the SUDEP communication model between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and mainstreaming seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

    The Danny Did Foundation’s grant program provides financial assistance to qualifying individuals to purchase seizure detection and seizure prediction devices.

    For questions, please call (800) 278-6101 or complete the online Danny Did Foundation contact form.

  • DayOne PACT

    DayOne PACT (CFC #5) is a not-for-profit agency that provides service case management, trust and guardianship services for people with disabilities in Illinois through its Life Management Services program.  The agency also functions as the Child and Family Connections agency for DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties. This service works with families with children who are eligible for services through the Illinois Early Intervention system.

    DayOne PACT aims to help individuals with disabilities of all ages live supported, productive and meaningful lives.

    • The St. Charles location serves Kendall and Kane counties. Call (630) 879-2277 (telephone and “Crisis After Hours” with 24-hour accessibility) or (888) 356-0491 (toll-free)
    • The Lisle location serves DuPage County.  Call  (630) 960-9700 (telephone and “Crisis After Hours” with 24-hour accessibility) or (888) 356-0491 (toll-free)

  • DEAF, Inc.

    DEAF, Inc. is a deaf-centric, community-based nonprofit organization located in St. Louis, Mo. It promotes inclusion and communication access for people of all ages who are deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind and hearing. Resources, programs and services include American Sign Language (ASL) classes, ASL storytelling, interpreting services, community events, deaf visual arts, deaf teen club and more.

    Need help or have questions? Contact DEAF, Inc. at (314) 714-6400 or fill out the Contact Us online form on the website.

  • 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.

  • Disability Information and Access Locator

    The Disability Information and Access Locator (DIAL) helps people with disabilities connect to local community resources that support independent living. DIAL provides information on essential services such as housing support, disability rights and more.

    The DIAL database includes:

    • Centers for Independent Living
    • Protection and Advocacy Systems
    • Assistive Technology Programs
    • University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
    • State Developmental Disabilities Councils

  • 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: