Medical/Health 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 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 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 Life Span’s COVID-19 Resources
The Arc of Illinois provides COVID-19 resources for Illinois residents with developmental disabilities. The topics include general COVID-19 information, Illinois Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services and Supports information and webinar recordings on COVID-19 issues and services.
Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Transportation Toolkit in English and Spanish
The Illinois Medicaid Managed Care Consumer Benefits Transportation Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to help you get to medical appointments. The toolkit flyer provides a code to scan with your smartphone for quick access and contact information on who to contact if you don’t know which Medicaid Health Plan you have.
Use the transportation toolkit to learn:
- How to set up a ride
- What additional rides your plan covers
- What to think about when planning ahead
The flyer and toolkit are also available in Spanish:
- Miembro MCO guía de transporte folleto
- Guía de beneficios de transportación para el consumidor de Medicaid Managed Care de Illinois
The following organizations developed the toolkit: Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP), FIMR Community Action Team, Aetna Better Health of Illinois, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, CountyCare Health Plan, Humana, Meridian and Molina Healthcare.
Illinois Mental Health Collaborative for Access and Choice
The Illinois Mental Health Collaborative for Access and Choice 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.
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:
- Related resources
- Free online poison prevention education training, educational materials and presentation tools
- Next steps for when children eat something they shouldn’t
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 Provider Directory for Children with Disabilities
This online directory can be used to locate providers serving Illinois children. Search by specialty, search by services, or search by city or county where you wish to obtain care.
Illinois Seizure Smart School Act Resources
Effective July 1, 2020, the Seizure Smart School Act requires all Illinois school personnel to be trained in seizure first aid. It also requires the development of a Seizure Action Plan for students with epilepsy on how to best care for students with the disorder. A student’s parents or guardians will share their healthcare provider’s instructions on managing the student’s epilepsy and include a copy of any prescriptions and how and when to administer those medicines.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago provides resources and frequently asked questions about the law and what it means for families and schools.