Resource Directory /

Non-English/Multilingual Resources Resources

  • Arab American Family Services

    Arab American Family Services (AAFS) provides assistance to over 30 communities in the south suburban Chicagoland area. AAFS is a non-political, non-religious organization that focuses on building respect and understanding between Arab-Americans and the mainstream-American culture. It also serves as a catalyst for social change by actively seeking to confront the myths and taboos that have kept some Arab Americans from obtaining the help they need.

    AAFS assists Arab speakers in their native language and dialect and is also recognized by government agencies and other nonprofits as a local resource for cultural exchange and translation services. AAFS programs include case management, mental health assistance, immigration services, disability assistance and more.

  • 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

    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.

  • Autism Response Team

    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 – Spanish

    help@autismspeaks.org

  • Autism 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:

  • 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.

  • Birth to Five Illinois

    Birth to Five Illinois is a network of action and parent councils working to improve access to high-quality, sustainable Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services statewide. Birth to Five listens to families’ needs and helps them learn about and connect with local services. It also helps communities statewide build and sustain inclusive, high-quality Early Childhood services for all children and families.

    Birth to Five Illinois has 39 regions throughout the state. Each region has its own Family Council and Action Council. Early Intervention (EI) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) are critical parts of the ECEC system of support for children and families. Learn more about the councils, see the regional map and sign up for the Birth to Five Illinois newsletter.

     

  • Brades’ Place

    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.

     

  • 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