Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • 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.

  • Illinois Nutrition Education Programs (INEP)

    INEPs are part of the University of Illinois Extension and provide nutrition education to individuals and families in communities around the state of Illinois. Through nutrition and cooking classes, interactive displays, and online resources, the program provides the skills necessary to help people prepare healthier meals, manage their food budgets effectively, and make healthy living a natural part of their daily lives. You can visit their website to find out if a program is offered in your county.

    For questions, please email extension@illinois.edu.

  • Illinois Poison Center’s Caregivers Guide

    The Illinois Poison Center’s Caregivers Guide webpage offers practical advice on keeping children safe from potentially harmful substances. The guide provides general safety tips along with concrete steps for medicine safety, handbag/purse safety and plant safety. It also offers:

    You can also download a PDF of the guide:

    In case of emergency, call the Poison Center Helpline at (800) 222-1222. Calls are free and confidential.

  • Illinois Respite Coalition

    The Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC) is a not-for-profit organization of caregivers and respite providers dedicated to supporting families and ensuring access to quality respite services for the residents of Illinois. The IRC assists caregivers by connecting them to resources in their area, providing training on respite topics and having funding available for emergency respite. The IRC helps caregivers of individuals across the lifespan with any disability.

    The Emergency Respite Care Program offers funding and resources to support caregivers who are not receiving any respite services and have an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source.  Emergency respite care may be for an unplanned or planned event for reasons including:

    • Caregiver illness (physical, mental or emotional)
    • Caregiver hospitalization or doctor appointments
    • Work-related situation or loss of employment
    • Reduction of stress level
    • Funeral or wake

    The website gives examples of qualifying circumstances and information on how to apply. For more information, contact:

  • Illinois Spina Bifida Association

    The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) works to improve the quality of life of children, adults and families with spina bifida. ISBA works to accomplish its mission by:

    • Promoting skills development and independence
    • Supporting individuals and families through outreach, education and advocacy
    • Investing in people by funding scholarships, mobility equipment, research and emergency help

    For more information or to participate in these programs, visit ISBA’s website or call (773) 444-0305.

  • Illinois STAR NET Chicago Region V

    Illinois STAR NET Chicago Region V provides regional technical assistance, professional development, family learning opportunities and resources to support the education and development of young children with disabilities from birth through age eight. Support includes workshops, webinars (both live and on-demand), resource specialists, a virtual library and more.

    Visit STAR NET Chicago Region V’s website to learn more and register for webinars, training and events near you.

    See the STAR NET Statewide Map to learn more about each regional service area.

    For questions about STAR NET Region V, email starnet@cps.edu or call (773) 553-5596.

    The STARNET Project is operated by the Chicago Public Schools, Office for Students with Disabilities, through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education.

  • Illinois State Board of Education

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is state agency providing information and resources on all aspects of education, including early childhood, general education, special education and assistive technology.

  • Illinois Student Records Keeper: For Parents of Students Who Receive Special Education Services

    The Illinois Student Records Keeper booklet from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is for parents to use to keep important information about their child and their special education and related services. It is a companion to A Parent’s Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois.​​​​​​​

    Records play an important role as you plan your child’s education. Dates, people, meetings and reports are important throughout your child’s educational career. ISBE developed the records keeper to help parents prepare for Individualized Education Program (IEP) and transition meetings; get ready for evaluations and reevaluations; and keep track of paperwork and other materials.

  • Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    The Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ITDHH) focuses on promoting the professional growth of teachers and the quality of education for people who are deaf and hard of hearing throughout Illinois. The organization hosts an annual conference and provides annual scholarship opportunities for teachers and students.

    ITDHH annual scholarship and grant opportunities for Illinois students and teachers include:

    • The “Hazel Bothwell Memorial Scholarships and Grants For Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing” provides funding to teachers to help strengthen learning and educational services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. You must be a current ITDHH member to apply.
    • The “Jacki Marcus Memorial Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to pursue a two- or four-year college degree. 
    • The “Pierce-Scherer Student Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to attend a vocational or trade school.

  • Illinois Transformative Justice Law Project

    The Illinois Transformative Justice Law Project (TJLP) provides free information, training resources and life and gender-affirming legal services to everyone on the gender spectrum regardless of financial status. TJLP also provides:

    • Workshops for organizations and groups wanting to learn more about allyship for trans and gender-expansive communities
    • Free in-person and virtual name change services
    • Name change guides
    • Educational resources

    For questions, please contact TJLP at (312) 558-1472 or namechange@tjlp.org.