Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • 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.

  • Diaper Assistance Fact Sheet

    The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center and Family Voices of Illinois provide this fact sheet on possible options for help with the cost of diapers for children, youth and adults with disabilities.

  • Digital Safety Resources from the Illinois Attorney General

    Digital safety encompasses a wide variety of issues related to the use of computers, tablets, cell phones, games, apps and social media.  The Illinois Attorney General’s “Online Safe, Online Smart” website provides resources for children, teenagers, parents and educators seeking information about digital safety.

    Kids, teens, parents and teachers coping with cyberbullying and internet safety issues may also contact an Internet Safety Specialist at:

  • Disaster Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs

    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides information on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for potential emergencies and disasters in their area and identify what each child would need to safely prepare for and cope with the disaster.

    AAP provides emergency preparedness information and resources, including:

  • Donated Orthodontic Services

    Since 2009, American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) members have volunteered to provide high-quality orthodontic care for children of families with financial need.

    Visit AAO for information on eligibility and how to apply.

  • Dove, Inc.

    Dove, Inc. provides a variety of outreach programs, financial assistance and resources to residents in Macon, Shelby, Moultrie, Piatt and DeWitt counties.

    Dove Financial Assistance (DFA) may be able to provide emergency help with water, power, eye prescriptions, dental needs and some prescription medications.

    DFA also works with the Energy Assistance Fund to help people with their heating and cooling bills through the “Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Program” in Macon, DeWitt and Piatt Counties.

    For questions or general information, please contact Dove, Inc. at (217) 428-6616 or dove@doveinc.org.

  • 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:

  • DREAM Project Dance Videos

    The National Dance Institute has a series of YouTube videos of their inclusive dance program called the DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement). The project provides children with disabilities the opportunity to dance and perform. Each dancer is encouraged to achieve their best through teamwork, creativity, empathy and discovery.

  • Drugwatch

    Drugwatch.com provides up-to-date information on prescription and over-the-counter medications, including details on associated side effects to help protect patients and consumers.

  • 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)