Honor National Family Caregivers Month by Caring for Yourself
We’ve developed resources to help you support your mental health, reduce stress and connect with others who understand.
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication of families caring for children and youth with special healthcare needs.
At the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC), we know that caregiving can be both a rewarding and challenging journey.
As you care for others, it’s just as important to take care of your own mental health.
Find Support in Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit
Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit can help you find the support and strategies you need to recharge and stay well.
This online resource offers practical tips, self-care strategies and mental health resources to help you navigate the unique demands of caregiving while prioritizing your own health and well-being.
The Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit includes:
- Stress management strategies and techniques to help you cope with tough times.
- Self-care tips and practical ways to nurture your own physical, emotional and mental health.
- Mental health support resources to connect you with professional help and support networks when needed.
- Apps, online tools, videos and podcasts you can access anytime.
We created this toolkit with input from our Family Advisory Council, which shared the importance of mental health support for caregivers like you.
Whether you’re a parent caring for a child, a family member supporting a loved one or anyone in a caregiving role, we encourage you to explore this free resource.
Connect With a Fellow Caregiver for Support
One of the most powerful supports you can have is a connection with another parent who truly understands.
We have a Home Care Family Outreach Associate on our team who understands the unique challenges of caring for a loved one with complex medical conditions firsthand.
Our Home Care Family Outreach Associate works to create a community for caregivers within DSCC and offer heartfelt support, connection and empowerment.
You can ask your DSCC care coordination team to refer you to the HCFOA. You can also email a request to speak with the HCFOA at DSCC-FamilySupport@uic.edu.
Learn more about Erica Stearns, our current HCFOA, on our Home Care Family Outreach page and in the short video below:
Take a Break with Caregiver Coloring Sheets
We’ve also designed four coloring pages to help caregivers relax and take time to relieve stress and practice mindfulness.
There are four designs available in both English and Spanish:
- Lighthouse (Lighthouse in Spanish)
- Sunflowers (Sunflowers in Spanish)
- Hot air balloons (Hot air balloons in Spanish)
- Gears and clock (Gears and clock in Spanish)
These printable pages are a simple way to pause, relax and focus on yourself.
More Mental Health Resources and Support
You can find more mental health resources in our online Resource Directory.
Be sure to also follow our DSCC Facebook page and Instagram page for helpful reminders and tips throughout the rest of the month.
Your DSCC care coordination team is also here to support you. They can listen, help identify your needs and find available services and resources.
As the heart of your child’s care team, we celebrate you this month and always!
DSCC is on Instagram!
Join us as we grow our online community to share resources, family stories and more.
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is now on Instagram!
Follow @UICDSCC to stay connected and find:
- Helpful resources and tips for navigating care and services
- Family stories that celebrate our participants’ strength and unique experiences
- Upcoming events and learning opportunities
- Encouragement and inspiration from families and DSCC team members across the state
Our Instagram page is another way we’re working to keep you informed, supported and connected to the information and resources you need.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Update on Federal SNAP Benefits and Food Resources for Families
DSCC can help our participant families find food pantries and other resources as the federal government shutdown continues.
UPDATED on Nov. 6, 2025 – The federal government will fund only half of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, as the federal government shutdown continues.
This update follows a court order on Nov. 3, 2025, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
IDHS reports that issuing reduced SNAP benefits will be a more complicated process. Therefore, November SNAP benefits will be delayed by days or weeks.
IDHS states that SNAP customers will receive at most 50% of their normal benefit. The agency also warns that in many cases, the federal government will pay far less than that amount, and many customers will not receive any SNAP benefits for November.
Recipients can still use the benefits left on their cards from previous months.
IDHS says it is exploring how payments will work in Illinois and will keep customers updated on this evolving situation.
SNAP beneficiaries should visit snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov for the most up-to-date information and to find food in your community.
Resources for Where to Find Food
If your family is affected by this change or needs food support, there are many local and statewide resources available:
- IDHS: Find Food website
- Find Food IL Community Food Map
- Find Food – We Got You Illinois
- Find Food – Feeding Illinois
- Find a Food Pantry or Food Bank in Illinois
- Chicago Food Programs – Greater Chicago Food Depository
- Illinois Department on Aging’s Provider Profile Search
- FoodFinder interactive food assistance map
- Freefood.org
- Findhelp.org resource locator
- 211 food programs and food benefits information
- USDA National Hunger Hotline at (866) 348-6479
- The Free Formula Exchange
These resources can help families locate nearby food pantries, meal programs and other nutrition supports. You can also find more information about local food pantries and other resources in our online Resource Directory.
If you have questions or need more assistance, please contact your Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Care Coordinator. We are here to help!
Important Update About Our Phone Menu Options
Details about our updated phone menu to help families more quickly connect with our team
It’s important that you can reach the right team member whenever you need help or have questions.
We want to share our updated phone menu to help you more quickly connect with our staff.
Our updated phone menu options are:
- Press 1 for Customer Service
- Press 3 to Dial by Extension
- Press 4 for Language Line
Please note: If you need to reach a staff member directly by their extension, you must first select option 3 (“Dial by Extension”).
Entering the extension at the start of your call will automatically connect you with our Customer Service team. Option 2 (the old Language Line) is no longer available.
We understand this change may be new and want to ensure you can get to the right person without any confusion. If you have questions or need assistance, our Customer Service team is happy to help explain these options when you call.
Our toll-free number, (800) 322-3722, remains the simplest and fastest way to reach anyone at DSCC.
Saving our toll-free (800) number and updating your Care Coordinator’s extension number in your phone’s contact list can help:
- Prevent you from mistaking our calls as spam, ensuring you receive important updates and support from your care coordination team
- Save time when you need to call us for assistance or have questions
- Ensure smoother communication whenever you need support or would like to share feedback
You may also reach us electronically through our general dscc@uic.edu email address or our Contact Us or Request a Callback forms on our website.
Save Time With the DSCC Family Portal
Our DSCC Family Portal is also available to help you communicate and share information more easily with your care coordination team.
You can use the Family Portal to:
- Send messages
- Sign documents
- View important letters
- See a list of providers and much more
To help you get started, we’ve created several tip sheets and videos for how to use the Family Portal. You can find these resources on our website’s Family Portal page.
If you have trouble accessing the Family Portal or need other support, please email dsccexternalhelp@uic.edu. A designated DSCC staff person will help you as soon as possible.
We hope you’ll take advantage of this helpful tool!
Update on DSCC’s New Claims Processing System
Find out what our participant families can expect as we continue to roll out CarePay, our new claims processing system
We want to share our progress as we implement a new claims system and explain what this change means for you.
In May, the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) launched our new claims processing system called CarePay. We developed CarePay to offer faster and more efficient claims processing.
We are continuing to work through the initial rollout and its related issues. Here is what our participant families can expect and need to know:
For Core Program Families
As we move to CarePay, you may experience some temporary delays with our claims processing. It could take up to 30 days for us to pay a claim.
If you or your child’s provider has been waiting for a claim payment for longer than 30 days, please contact us. We can verify that we have properly received your claim submission and investigate any issues.
If you have experienced a significant delay with a claims payment, please bring it to the attention of your care coordination team so we can help you.
For Home Care Program Families
- We are continuing to issue payments to nursing agencies at the updated 2025 rates. The rate increase received the necessary federal approvals in April, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2025.
- We continue to work with our claims system developers on a plan for issuing “top-off” payments for adjusted claims we received between January and when CarePay went live.
- It is important for your nursing agency to double-check the accuracy of the claims it submits for reimbursement as we process these payments.
We understand that timely claims processing is important to you and your providers. We’re committed to resolving any issues as quickly as possible and ensuring you receive the support you need.
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work through this transition.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (800) 322-3722.
Seeking Teens and Young Adults for Our Youth Advisory Council
The council is a great opportunity to share your voice and help improve transition support for youth across Illinois.
Calling all teens and young adults with special healthcare needs in Illinois!
Would you like to make a difference? Your voice can help shape programs and services for youth like you across the state.
We are looking for new members to join our Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
The YAC is an opportunity to share your feedback and help improve planning for the transition to adulthood. You can also strengthen your leadership skills and connect with other youth.
As a YAC member, you can:
- Learn about and help improve how the transition to adulthood works for Illinois youth with special healthcare needs
- Help us gain a better understanding of your and your peers’ transition needs
- Give a voice to what matters most to you
- Gain valuable leadership and advocacy experience
- Expand your network
The council is open to all Illinois youth ages 15 to 24 with special healthcare needs.
You do not need to be a Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participant to join.
How to Join and Learn More
Members must complete an online application to join. (The application is also available in Spanish.)
Visit our Youth Advisory Council page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
You can also see the YAC flyer for more details:
If you have questions, please contact Claire Cook, DSCC’s Title V Program Transition Specialist, at clairer3@uic.edu or (800) 322-3722, ext. 21812.
Your perspective matters!
Free Virtual Training Program on Caring for Children With Complex Medical Needs at Home
DSCC is proud to sponsor the expanded eHomeCare program to help families and home nurses improve their care knowledge and refresh their skills
We are excited to help expand a free online training program on how to care for children with complex medical needs at home.
Research shows that the number of children in need of medically complex care at home is steadily growing. With this growth, there is an urgent need for current and accessible educational resources to ensure the quality and safety of care for these children.
We’ve also heard from families and home nurses that they need a way to expand their knowledge about care in the home and refresh their skills.
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is proud to sponsor the expanded eHomeCare program to help meet this need and equip caregivers with the tools and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality care.
The eHomeCare program provides comprehensive, evidence-based information on the care of children with complex medical needs at home. The training is for:
- Family members and caregivers of children with complex medical needs
- Nurses working in home-based environments
- Physicians
- Respiratory therapists
- Students from health professions
- Anyone interested in learning more about caring for children with complex medical needs.
The eHomeCare program consists of eight on-demand courses to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of home care providers in the following areas:
- Caring for children with a tracheostomy with or without a ventilator
- Central line care
- Dialysis in home
- Infection control
- Setting boundaries in the home
- Skin care
- Range of motion
- Daily care activities for children
The courses aim to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance caregivers’ confidence and competence in managing both routine and emergency situations.
Please note that the completion of these training courses alone is not enough to demonstrate proficiency in skills that require specialized care (such as caring for a trach, ventilator or central line). If you are interested in becoming trained to provide these cares, please talk to your child’s medical team or home nursing agency.
Parents, extended family members, caregivers and others can use these modules to learn and refresh different skills for caring for their medically complex child in the home setting.
To learn more about the courses and enroll, visit the eHomeCare Online Training Program website.
After participating in the eHomeCare courses, individuals will be able to:
- Describe best practices for providing care and managing common issues for children requiring complex medical care at home.
- Recognize signs and symptoms of complications and determine appropriate responses when caring for children requiring complex medical care at home.
- Demonstrate enhanced confidence and competence in providing care for children requiring complex medical care at home.
- Collaborate effectively with healthcare team members to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for children requiring complex medical care at home.
Free continuing education credits are available.
If you have trouble enrolling in the course or need help, please email help@icep.wisc.edu.
The eHomeCare Program originally started as one course focused on trach and vent care through a partnership of several Wisconsin-based nursing schools and hospitals.
DSCC provided funding and collaboration to expand the eHomeCare training program in response to family feedback on the need for more education and training on caring for children with complex medical needs at home.
We partnered with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to fund the project.
DSCC team members worked with eHomeCare developer Dr. Kim Whitmore and her team at Ujima United to add more courses to the training in collaboration with the Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
We hope the expanded eHomeCare training modules will be a valuable resource for families, caregivers and everyone involved in their children’s complex care at home.
New Approval Process for Respite Nursing Services
New approval process for respite care for individuals enrolled in the MFTD waiver begins on Sept. 1
Families enrolled in the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Those Who Are Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (MFTD waiver) will see a new approval process for respite nursing services.
This change will help make respite nursing services more respectful of your wishes.
Starting Sept. 1, 2025, nursing agencies must get your permission and official approval from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) before providing respite care to your child. This means a nursing agency or respite facility cannot use your respite hours unless you ask for them and agree to the plan.
Why This Change Is Important
We are making this change because families shared concerns that agencies and/or facilities used their respite care hours without their knowledge or permission. We want to make sure:
- You are always in control of when and how your family uses respite care.
- Respite services follow Medicaid and MFTD waiver rules.
- You know exactly how many respite hours are used and when.
What You Need to Know
- Each year, families in the MFTD waiver get 336 hours of respite care.
- Respite care is only available if the legally responsible adult (LRA) asks for it.
- Nursing agencies cannot use respite hours without your clear permission.
- If you request respite, the agency must fill out a form and get approval from DSCC before care begins.
- Respite hours don’t roll over to the next year and can’t be used as overtime.
If you think your child needs respite care, talk to your nursing agency about how many hours you want and when you need them. Please give them as much notice as possible (at least two business days before you need the care).
Your nursing agency will then contact DSCC to submit your request.
If something comes up at the end of the month and you need extra help, please talk with your nursing agency. They can work with you to request respite.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your DSCC Care Coordinator. They are here to support you through this process.
Thank you for your cooperation and partnership!
Celebrating 80 Years of the Institute for Parents of Preschool Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Nearly 20 Illinois families gained valuable knowledge, support and connection for raising a child with hearing loss during the annual Institute in June
June 10-14, 2025, marked 80 years of the Institute for Parents of Preschool Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
This free, annual program is for parents and caregivers of children ages 6 and under who have an identified hearing loss. It helps families learn, connect, and find support all in one place.
Since 1945, the Institute has welcomed families at the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) campus in Jacksonville. This year, 18 families from across the state found community and connection at this five-day program.
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps support the Institute, along with other sponsors.
Support for the Whole Family
The Institute is more than a learning program for parents. It’s a family-friendly event where everyone can join in.
“It really is a valuable experience for everyone who comes,” said Angela Kuhn, director of the Institute and an administrator at ISD. “It’s an event that is inclusive of everyone in your family.”
Parents Rogelio and Lizeth came to the Institute with their 10-year-old son, Roger, and their 2-year-old daughter, Aliah. Aliah was born with Microtia, a condition that affects the shape of the ear and causes hearing loss.
Their family came to the Institute to learn how to best support her development.
“We have learned a lot, how to help my daughter and how to make us stronger, how to defend her, how to prepare her for the future,” shared Lizeth.
“My son Roger has been learning how to help his sister,” added Rogelio.
While Aliah was busy playing with her peers and receiving evaluations from professionals, Rogelio and Lizeth spent their time in workshops and lectures for parents. Roger joined the sibling program, where he took American Sign Language (ASL) lessons and made friends with other siblings of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
By the end of the week, Roger had formed a close bond with other siblings in the program, including Michael (7), Neela (11), and Jezreel (12).
“I wasn’t expecting that…”
Michael came to the Institute with his mom, Brittany, and his younger siblings—Dominic (age 1) and Gianna (age 5). Gianna is profoundly deaf and has CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects multiple parts of the body.
At first, Michael wasn’t sure what to expect. “I expected that it wouldn’t really be that fun, I wouldn’t meet any kids to play with,” he said. “But I guess I did—and it was really fun.”
Michael and his new friends spent almost every moment together.
“He’s just like, ‘Hi, Mom. Bye, Mom.’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, okay, bye,” Brittany said with a smile.
“I wasn’t expecting that part to be so neat,” she said. “To see them as strangers on Tuesday and then to watch them eating lunch together, being inseparable, that was really cool.”
Extraordinary Connections
Institute and ISD preschool teacher Natalie Garver explained how attendees transform from strangers at the start to a close-knit family by the end.
“It’s so cool how we show up day one and everyone’s kind of looking around like, ‘Was this a good idea? This seems kind of awkward.’ By the last day of Parent Institute, it’s like, ‘Bye, we’re going to miss you. Like, let’s keep in touch, find me on Facebook,’” she described.
“When you share this kind of experience with other people, the connection you can make with families is just extraordinary in such a short amount of time.”
Natalie has taught children who are deaf or hard of hearing for 17 years. She has worked at the Institute for several of those years. Natalie is one of many returning team members who make the experience feel like home for families.
“The staff here does a really good job of making it almost a family setting and culture,” said Institute parent Brent.
Brent and his wife Rebecca are the proud parents of Cash, age 5. They live in Jacksonville where Cash, who uses cochlear implants, is a student at ISD.
“It’s our job as parents to stay informed and stay involved and keep learning,” Rebecca said. “The Parent Institute is perfect for that.”
“There’s a community for us and they’re closer than we think.”
While Cash and his family are locals, many families travel from all over Illinois to attend the Institute.
Cindi and her 2-year-old daughter, Luna, made the trip from the north side of Chicago. Luna is the first person in her family to be diagnosed with hearing loss.
“This is all brand new. I felt lost, like nobody around the neighborhood that I know of had children with hearing loss,” said Cindi.
“Coming here, I’ve connected with so many parents. I actually found a neighbor, not literally a neighbor, but she’s so close by that we take our kids to the same playground, and we never even noticed. So, it’s been great. There’s a community for us and they’re closer than we think.”
DSCC Family Liaison Violet Wiker, who helps families enroll in the Institute, emphasized the value of these new friendships and their lasting impact.
“I think it’s very wonderful when you walk around the cafeteria and you can hear the kids scream across the line asking mom if they can sit with their new friend…” Violet said.
“And then you see mom and dad making another friend at the lunch table, and they’re sharing experiences and they’re not even in the same location, but they found a friend that maybe they can take home with them and connect with later to say, ‘Hey, I’m feeling this sort of way,’ or’ Hey, do you have a suggestion here?’ And we built that network now.”
Looking Ahead
The 80th year of the institute was full of learning, laughter, and new friendships. Families left with more knowledge, stronger support systems, and lasting memories.
Tori Lynch, an Institute cadet, looks forward to the Institute’s bright future. “I have no doubt it’ll go on 80 more years.”
Find more memories from the 2025 Institute on our Facebook page in our 2025 recap album. You can also see videos that highlight different parts of the Institute experience on our YouTube playlist.
The following organizations supported the 2025 Institute:
- University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC)
- Department of Human Services – Division of Rehabilitation Services
- Illinois School for the Deaf
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
For more information about the Institute and how DSCC supports children with hearing loss, call (800) 322-3722 or email dsccinstitute@uic.edu.
Sensory-Friendly Fun for Families at the 2025 Illinois State Fair
DSCC team members will be at the fair’s Sensory Station on Aug. 7-10 and help during special sensory-friendly Sunflower Hours on Aug. 9
We are excited to once again partner with the Illinois State Fair to support inclusive, accessible fun for families!
The 2025 Illinois State Fair is happening in Springfield from Aug. 7-17.
Our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) team members will be working at the fair’s Sensory Station. The fair is also offering sensory-friendly Sunflower Hours and other programming to make the fair a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.
DSCC at the Sensory Station
Thursday, Aug. 7, to Sunday, Aug. 10
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Our DSCC team will be at the fair’s Sensory Station from Thursday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 10.
The Sensory Station is inside the Emmerson Building, just off Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue in the center of the fairgrounds. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. It is an air-conditioned, dedicated quiet zone with activities and resources to help visitors regroup and refocus.
The Sensory Station’s features and activities include:
- Calming pods
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Foam block pit
- Stuffed animal “petting zoo”
- Coloring station and more!
These tools and activities are for children and adults who need help processing the sights, smells, noises and crowds at the fair.
Nearby, the fair’s First Aid Station has rooms that families can use for adult changing stations as well as tube feedings and other needs. Volunteers from SIU Medicine operate the First Aid Station in the Emmerson Building Annex, across from the Dairy Building on Central Avenue. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Our DSCC team will also have a tent outside the Sensory Station on these four days. We will have coloring activities and information about our programs and services for families. Be sure to stop by and see us!
Sunflower Hours
Saturday, Aug. 9
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Enjoy a quieter fair experience during Sunflower Hours on Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. During this time, the fair will adjust certain programs and activities to create a more calming environment for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities.
The fair has Sunflower Hours stickers available for families to use during this timeframe. This sticker allows fair visitors with sensory sensitivities to enjoy select amusement rides for free during the Sunflower Hours. Riders must have the Sunflower Hours sticker and an adult and/or caregiver accompanying them.
DSCC has a limited number of stickers available for our program participants. To request a Sunflower Hours sticker, please email dscc@uic.edu with your name and your participant’s name by Aug. 1.
We will send stickers on a first-come, first-served basis.
All families may visit the Sensory Station during the Sunflower Hours event to get more stickers. The stickers will be available while supplies last.
Conservation World, located at the fairgrounds’ Eighth Street entrance, will also host Sunflower Hours on Aug. 9 and Aug. 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Fairgoers can explore the great outdoors in a more peaceful and sensory-friendly setting during these times.
Social Story and Other Resources
The Illinois State Fair has a social story to help you plan your visit to this year’s event. It is a step-by-step guide to help parents and caregivers explain what to expect during a visit to the Illinois State Fair.
You can find the social story and more details about the Sensory Station, Sunflower Hours, the entertainment schedule and more on the Illinois State Fair website.
We are proud to help support greater accessibility and inclusion at the 2025 Illinois State Fair.
Check out the video below to see more photos and activities at the Sensory Station:
For more information about other sensory-friendly activities and events for children and families throughout Illinois, please visit our Events page and follow us on Facebook.