Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
Illinois Dual Diagnosis Training Initiative
Dual diagnosis refers to experiencing an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) along with a mental health condition. The Illinois Training Initiative to Support People with Dual-Diagnosis or Illinois Dual Diagnosis Training Initiative is a project to identify state priorities in existing services for people with dual diagnosis, develop training to promote collaboration between the IDD and mental health systems, and examine needed changes to policies and practices to promote access to services.
Illinois Dual Diagnosis Training Initiative’s website offers:
- Information on what dual diagnosis is and assessment tools
- Services available in Illinois
- Information covering the different models of care
- Personal stories of dual diagnosis
- A variety of webinars covering topics for self-advocates, professionals and caregivers
Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program
The Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (IL EHDI) Program works to ensure families of babies and children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive appropriate and timely services. These services include hearing screening, diagnosis, early intervention and parent-to-parent support, provided through coordinated systems of care.
Families and providers can learn more about the EHDI program and find resources on the Illinois Sound Beginnings website.
Illinois’ Early Intervention Service System serves children between the ages of birth to 3 with disabilities or developmental delays to help them learn and grow. The program evaluates infants and toddlers to see if there is a delay in:
- Movement
- Learning
- Dealing with others
- Behavior and/or
- Self-help skills
If a child needs services, the program helps families write an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) to set goals and identify needs. Families, with the support of Early Intervention providers, help their infants and toddlers reach their goals.
Use the DHS Office Locator to find an Early Intervention Child and Family Connections office in your local area. You can also call the Illinois Automated Helpline at (800) 323-4769
Illinois Early Learning Project
The Illinois Early Learning Project provides evidence-based, early care and education information for parents, caregivers and teachers of young children in the state of Illinois.
The site provides a wide range of information on important topics involving early care and education, including:
- Resource lists
- Easy-to-read tip sheets
- Dental health and dentist visits resources on children’s dental health and dentist visits to promote good oral health
- A picky eaters toolkit with strategies to try and actions to avoid
- Safe sleep resources for educators and family members on how to keep infants and toddlers safe when sleeping
Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation
The Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation (IECCC) assists any child under the age of 21 who is a legal resident of Illinois with medical assistance, as long as it falls within the IECCC scope and guidelines.
Assistance can include custom-designed braces, wheelchairs, treatment programs, corrective shoes, physical/occupational therapy services and more.
IECCC provides several competitive scholarship programs. No current or past affiliation with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is required. Areas of study include physical or occupational therapy, special education and speech-language pathology. Scholarship application packets must be returned by March.
Explore all IECC scholarship requirements online or visit your local Elks Lodge for more information.
Illinois Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. It offers a wide range of resources, including educational options and how to access them, parent guides, family networking and learning opportunities, and more.
For questions, please contact Illinois Hands & Voices at executivedirector@ilhandsandvoices.com, or (630) 697-3544.
Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances (24/7)
If you or someone you know is suffering from an opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders, call the Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances at 833-2FINDHELP to speak with a trained professional for support and advice or to be directed to customized resources. You can also visit www.HelplineIL.org.
Illinois Mental Health Collaborative
The Illinois Mental Health Collaborative is a partnership devoted to the recovery and resilience of children and adults with mental illness. The collaborative is committed to making it easier for people in need of mental health services to get the right care, at the right time and in the right amount.
The Illinois Migrant Council (IMC) is a community-based non-profit organization with the primary mission of promoting employment, education, health, housing, crisis intervention and other opportunities for migrant/seasonal farm workers, immigrants, refugees/asylum seekers and their families and other low-income rural communities in Illinois.
The council’s services include:
- Health education and family services for the whole family
- Referrals for English as a Second Language (ESL) and GED (General Educational Development), scholarships, basic skills and computer literacy classes at local community centers, churches, non-profit organizations and community colleges that IMC offers
- Referrals to Illinois agencies providing rental assistance services and housing foreclosure prevention counseling
For more information, email info@illinoismigrant.org or call (815) 995-0300.
Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA) is a statewide organization that partners with the state’s 16 local Child Care Resources and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. It is a recognized leader, catalyst and resource for making high-quality, affordable early care and education and school-age care options available for children and families in Illinois.
CCR&R’s connect and coordinate programs and services for young children and their families. CCR&R’s manage the application and information for families to receive child care assistance, allowing them to work and/or go to school while their children have access to quality early care and education.
Visit www.inccrra.org/about/sdasearch to find your local CCR&R.