Non-English/Multilingual Resources Resources
Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA
The U.S. Department of Education’s Assistive Technology (AT) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) resource page can help guide parents and professionals who support children with disabilities who need AT devices and services for meaningful access and engagement in education. Information is available in English and Spanish.
The page also includes “Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Devices and Services.” This publication aims to increase understanding of the AT requirements under IDEA. It also aims to:
- Dispel common misconceptions about AT
- Provide examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities
- Highlight the different requirements under Part C and Part B of IDEA
You can also review “Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Devices and Services” in Spanish.
Association House of Chicago provides services promoting health and wellness, education and economic opportunity. Programs are provided in English and Spanish using a collaborative model that meets participants’ immediate needs while working toward long-term goals.
The Association House of Chicago focuses provides services in five key areas:
- Behavioral Health
- Child Welfare
- Community Health
- High School
- Workforce Development
For questions, please visit the Association House of Chicago’s website.
The Autism Response Team (ART) is an information line for the autism community. Its team members are specially trained to provide personalized information and resources to people with autism and their families.
(888) AUTISM2 (288-4762) – English
(888) 772-9050 – SpanishAutism Speaks Transition to Adulthood Resources
Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include:
- The Transition Toolkit covering self-advocacy skills, legal matters, housing, employment options and more.
- An IEP Transition Plan Checklist to help students with autism and their parents/caregivers create and review an Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition plan.
- The Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) free training course “Supporting Your Family Member in Employment” with information and insights into planning for employment.
- The Healthcare Transition Roadmap for help moving from a pediatrician to a primary care physician. The guide is aimed at individuals ages 12 to 21 but includes information for individuals with autism of all ages, such as finding specialists, understanding legal rights, self-advocacy tips and special guidance for LGBTQ+.
Bilingual Parents Video Library
The Illinois Resource Center has put together a library of videos for bilingual parents with videos in French, Tagalog, Urdu, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and English.
Each video showcases subjects and information relevant to parents, caretakers and community members, such as the role of Bilingual Parent Advisory Committees, financial aid for college, tenant rights, multilingual student rights and more.
Traveling with a child with medical complexity can be challenging. Brades’ Place provides tips, tools and templates to help parents with children with specialized healthcare needs plan and create memorable family travel experiences.
The site also provides diagnosis resources for certain conditions.
Brave Health Online Mental Health Services
Brave Health provides online mental health services and accepts more than 200 insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. Physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors with specialized training in mental health care provide care virtually in English and Spanish. Services include one-on-one and group therapy sessions, medication management, specialized programs and help managing complex medical and behavioral health challenges for adults and youth ages 13 and up.
Brave Health has a closed-loop referral process and also accepts patients who do not have insurance. Patients, referrers and providers can visit Brave Health’s website for information on how to get started and other resources.
For questions, please see Brave Health’s Contact Us page for more details.
Bright by Text is a free text messaging service that delivers high-quality information to families to help them foster a child’s healthy growth, based on their exact age and developmental stage.
Available in English and Spanish, the service covers children from prenatal through age 8. Topics covered include brain development, speech and language skills, social-emotional development, reading and writing skills, nutrition, mental health, school readiness, and more.
All information is provided by trusted content partners, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sesame Street, PBS Kids for Parents, and Zero to Three.
Families can sign up by texting BRIGHT to 274448, or by using the form on the Bright by Text website. Text messages are customized by the child’s due date or age and zip code.
Carbondale Area Interfaith Refugee Support
Carbondale Area Interfaith Refugee Support (CAIRS) is a network of community members that helps refugees from around the world adjust to and build a new life in Southern Illinois. CAIRS provides the support necessary to navigate the transition, become citizens, find employment and become neighbors and friends.
CAIRS provides resources that include:
- A “New to the Area” resource page in English and Spanish
- Immigration support services and legal help
- Money to help with housing and other expenses
Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet
Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet serves people in need in Will, Grundy, DuPage, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois counties. Its programs and services include:
- Information and assistance
- Caregiver support groups
- Crisis intervention and immigrant support program
- Volunteer opportunities
- Programs for the aging and people with disabilities
- Mobile food pantry