Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
The HAP Foundation provides patient-centered hospice and palliative care education, research, workforce development and support. The foundation helps any family of a child or adult living with a serious illness understand palliative and hospice care options, and connect to and strengthen care throughout their journey. The HAP Foundation resources also include:
- Palliative and hospice care information for families and medical professionals
- Help for finding and accessing care
- Missing Pieces support group for anyone grieving the loss of a child
- The Pediatric Resource Guide for patients, families and practitioners
- Chicagoland resources and events
For questions, contact the HAP Foundation at (312) 741-1283 or info@thehapfoundation.org.
The Grottoes International Humanitarian Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps cover the cost of dental treatment and anesthesia costs, whether done in a hospital setting or dental office, for children with special needs. The program does not cover the hospital costs.
The Dental Care for Children with Special Needs Program is for children under 21 with one or more of the following conditions:
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders
- Intellectual disabilities, including Down Syndrome
- Dental care for organ transplant recipients (pre- and post-transplant)
Learn more on the program’s eligibility and application page. For more information, fill out the program’s Contact Us form, email hf@hfgrotto.org or call (614) 933-0711.
The Hydrocephalus Association provides information and resources for people of all ages living with or caring for someone with hydrocephalus.
For questions, please contact the Hydrocephalus Association at (888) 598-3789 or info@hydroassoc.org.
The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB)
The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB) promotes vision and eye health across Illinois. ISPB provides:
- Eye care education programs and information
- Youth replacement glasses and low-vision equipment reimbursement services
- Research grant opportunities
- Speakers and screening events
For questions, please contact ISPB at efineman@preventblindness.org or (312) 363-6029.
The Immigration Project provides individual attorney consultations and evaluations in Spanish and English on immigration issues in central, northern and southern Illinois. Immigration attorneys and specialists travel to meet with clients in seven regional locations throughout downstate Illinois. They also have offices in Normal and Champaign.
The Immigration Project has a Facebook page and may be reached at (309) 829-8703 or info@immigrationproject.org.
The Journey Through Diagnosis: A Guide for Families of Children with a Genetic Condition
Midwest Genetics Network provides an online guide featuring information, resources and support to help guide families whose child has been diagnosed with a genetic condition. It is written from the family perspective and includes information they felt was important when facing a new diagnosis.
Midwest Genetics Network (MGN) is one of seven federally funded Regional Genetics Networks (MGN). MGN unites patients, families, geneticists, genetics professionals, primary care providers, payers and public health experts from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin to improve equity in access to genetic services for medically underserved populations.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The KASE Project aims to raise awareness and support for autism through community outreach in the Springfield area. Its programs include:
- PECS (Picture Exchange Communication) at the Park – an initiative to install picture communication boards at local parks and playgrounds.
- PALS (Parent Autism Life Support) – a caregiver support initiative for parents, siblings and caregivers of children and adults with autism in Sangamon County. PALS currently hosts a support group for moms.
- FLASH (Friends Learning and Sharing Hope) – an effort to bring adaptive sports to the Chatham community and beyond.
- SIBS – A Sibshops program for siblings of children with health, mental health and developmental needs.
For questions, please contact the KASE Project at info@thekaseproject.org.
The Kids Equipment Network (TKEN) is a non-profit organization that connects children with disabilities to new and gently used durable, adaptive equipment at no cost. Illinois families with children from birth to 21 can fill out an application to request equipment. TKEN then seeks equipment matching the child’s needs. The family is invited to a fitting clinic when the equipment becomes available.
Volunteers provide free monthly clinics for custom-fitting equipment in Chicago and the suburbs. Families can request items including:
- Strollers
- Wheelchairs
- Bath and toilet systems
- Crutches
- Canes and more
For questions, please contact TKEN at (630) 766-0505, Ext. 6 or info@tken.org.
The Kinda Guide is designed to be a weekly survival guide for parents and families that will include expert tips on remote learning, parenting advice, virtual camp activities, simple meal and snack ideas and at-home family adventures.
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University is a federally funded center providing elementary and secondary education programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The Clerc Center Online Community provides best-practice videos, research, toolkits and resources for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and the professionals who work with them.
Clerc Center resources include:
- The Language First Parent Guide, a step-by-step roadmap for parents with children who are deaf and hard of hearing
- Family-focused activities such as American Sign Language (ASL) classes, bilingual storybooks and more