Education

• Guide for New Mental Health Caregivers - Mental Health America has created an online guide to help new mental health caregivers navigate their role. The guide includes information about getting started after a diagnosis, challenging stigma, navigating red tape, understanding challenges during recovery, knowing the role of legal caregivers, taking care of yourself and more.
   
• Luella’s Lodge - Provides resources, retreats, support groups and non-traditional holistic therapies for families grieving the death of a child. The non-profit includes a secluded log cabin on 10 acres in Oakwood, Ill., offering a private lake, hiking and biking trails, and other amenities to help families connect with one another through grief and healing.
   
• Magical Moments Foundation - A wish-granting organization for children ages 3 to 18 with facial differences. Working with the children and their families, the foundation creates experiences and adventures to comfort, inspire and encourage children that face the world with a difference. Family members, medical professionals, teachers and others may nominate a child for a magical moment.
   
• The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) - Raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. NACG resources include free GriefTalk Live events, webinars and continuing education, and peer networking.
   
• Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation and Ollie’s Branch - OHHF offers a variety of information, resources and mental health support for families caring for children with pediatric heart conditions and heart disease. OHHF resources include free mental health services through Ollie’s Branch and financial support for families whose heart warrior is currently inpatient or has been admitted within three months of the request. 
   
• Package of Hope for NICU Families - Lily’s Hope Foundation offers free customized care packages to families with premature babies either in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or when they are being discharged. Its Package of Hope program provides packages customized to a family’s specific needs. A sibling care package is also available. 
   

General 

• 311 (Chicago) City Services - Provides assistance with non-emergency city services and information on events, programs and agencies within the city of Chicago. Individuals may call or access the 311 website and mobile app to find rent or housing assistance, learn about the HomeMod Program that provides accessibility modifications for Chicago residents and search for or submit service requests.
   
• Association for Individual Development (AID) - Serves individuals with developmental, intellectual, physical and/or mental health challenges, those who have suffered trauma and those at risk. Operating in the greater Fox Valley area and other western suburban counties, AID provides services to address the unique needs of individuals throughout every stage of their lives. 
   
• Catholic Charities Social Services Archdiocese of Chicago - Provides help including homelessness prevention, food and basic needs, and crisis assistance. It also connects people to other organizations that can help with emergency assistance in Chicago, suburban Cook County and Lake County. 
   
• Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) - CAU provides a wide range of services for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as programs to help economically challenged families with health and wellness during pregnancy and birth. CAU provides services for residents of the city of Chicago (north side), several northern suburbs and Lake County.
   
• The Diaper Bank of Southern Illinois - Serves as a central location to collect and store donated diapers. The Diaper Bank partners with local service agencies to distribute diapers to low-income children and their families.
   
• Dove, Inc.- Provides a variety of outreach programs, financial assistance and resources to residents in Macon, Shelby, Moultrie, Piatt and DeWitt counties. Dove Financial Assistance (DFA) may be able to provide emergency help with water, power, eye prescriptions, dental needs and some prescription medications. 
   
• “Find Help” Resource Locator - Allows individuals to search and connect to support no matter where they live. Share your zip code to find area resources that include financial assistance, housing, food pantries, medical care, transportation and other free or reduced-cost help.
   
• Food and Support Programs in Chicago and Cook County - The Greater Chicago Food Depository website provides help finding food and accessing programs at over 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community partners in the Chicagoland area.
   
• Funeral and Burial Benefits Program - This program from the Illinois Department of Human Services pays for funeral and burial expenses when a person’s resources and all other sources of payment are less than the DHS standard payment rates.
   
• “Got You Covered” in Carterville - A non-profit organization that provides diapers, baby wipes and infant hygiene products to families in need. Diapers are available for infants, children and adults. “Got You Covered” is located in the First United Methodist Church in Carterville.
   
• Lake Forest Open Lands Association All-Terrain Outdoor Wheelchair Access - The first host location in Illinois for an Access Ability Wisconsin (AAW) all-terrain outdoor wheelchair and trailer for use at the Lake Forest Open Lands' preserve and in the community. The outdoor wheelchair is free to use at the preserve or the AAW trailer can be used to tow it to another site.
   
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Find Shelter Tool - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Find Shelter tool provides information about housing, shelter, medical clinics, food pantries and clothing resources for someone in need in your community.
   

• Affordable Health Insurance - A patient resource center that helps individuals learn about a wide variety of health insurance options. Information is available for each state and includes Affordable Care Act enrollment deadlines, subsidies and how you can qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The site also provides information on different types of health plans, provider reviews and benefits/coverage/specialized support for vulnerable youth with mental health issues.
   
• DSCC’s Emergency Plan Template - DSCC developed this emergency plan template to help our participant families create an emergency plan to keep them safe and prepared in the event of a disaster or other emergencies. Sections include emergency contacts, emergency prep tips, evacuation plans and plans for medical emergencies. It's available in English and Spanish. 
   
• DSCC's Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet - DSCC created this tip sheet to provide families with emergency knowledge and help for disaster planning. It includes important considerations for emergency situations as well as a resource toolbox with expert advice for pediatric, disability and/or advanced healthcare needs. It's available in English and Spanish. 
   
• Epilepsy Advocacy Network - EAN seeks to optimize the quality of life of individuals with epilepsy and seizure disorders by promoting community education and awareness, self-advocacy and empowerment, and helping all individuals gain proper access to care. EAN services and supports include support groups, yearly camps, seizure response training, financial, transportation, and medication resources.
   
• Epilepsy Alliance America - A national organization providing support, care and service to those with epilepsy, their families, caregivers and communities. The organization’s services and supports include seizure first aid training, a back-to-school checklist for seizure preparedness, printable seizure safety tools and camp programs.
   
• Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline - Provides trained information specialists to help answer your questions about epilepsy and seizures and provide you with help, hope, support, guidance and access to national and local resources. The helpline serves people living with epilepsy, caregivers and friends of someone with epilepsy and anyone who wants to learn more about epilepsy.
   
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fact Sheet for Parents - The Illinois Department of Public Health provides this fact sheet for parents to help them understand how RSV spreads and how to prevent it.
   
• Service Animal Resources - The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission compiled this page of resources for those seeking information on service animals. Information includes Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, programs that provide animals and more.
   
• Synapse House - Provides services to adults with an acquired brain injury, such as an accident, stroke, gunshot wound or overdose, and traditional developmental disability services may not be appropriate. Located in Downers Grove, Synapse House programs and services include employment programs, a gym, community support and family services.
   
• TAG Oral Care Center (TAG OCC) - Provides free dental care to eligible, underserved adult patient populations. It is located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood near public transportation and Interstate 90/94. To qualify for free dental care, patients must meet eligibility requirements and be Illinois residents.
   

Transition

• Apprenticeship Disability Inclusion Guides - The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy has apprenticeship inclusion guides, toolkits, videos and other helpful resources for youth with disabilities, educators/service providers and businesses.
   
• DSCC and Illinois LEND’s Transition Resources for Hispanic Teens in the Chicago Area - Helpful information about the unique challenges Hispanic families can face during the transition to adulthood. This resource list is aimed at transition-age teenagers and their families in the Chicago area.
   
• DSCC's Differences in Care Tip Sheet - This fact sheet explains some of the changes youth with disabilities may experience at the doctor's office and the hospital as they come an adult. It is available in English and Spanish. 
   
• DSCC's Making Your Own Appointments Tip Sheet - A tip sheet to help transition-age youth with scheduling and tracking doctor's appointments, preparing for visits and more. It is available in English and Spanish. 
   
• DSCC's Managing Medication Tip Sheet - A tip sheet to help young adults with disabilities manage their medications. It is available in English and Spanish. 
   
• DSCC’s Paying for College Tip Sheet - A tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about available resources to help pay for college. The tip sheet includes details about possible funding sources and scholarship opportunities.
   
• Employment Rights Fact Sheets and Information – Equip for Equality has a variety of fact sheets and videos on employment rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employment. These resources are available in English and Spanish.
   
• Employment Rights Helpline – From Equip for Equality, the helpline provides free legal advice and self-advocacy assistance to people with disabilities who have questions or need legal help related to their disability. It aims to help applicants and employees with disabilities in Illinois understand their legal rights and responsibilities with the goal of increasing meaningful employment opportunities. 
   
• STRIVE for Independence - Offers driver evaluations and training for all ages, disabilities and medical conditions for the Chicagoland area. STRIVE for Independence serves clients with a wide variety of driver rehabilitation needs and has a team of specialists that includes occupational therapists, certified driver rehabilitation specialists and certified driving instructors for adults and teenagers.
   
• UIC Co-Operative Career Experience Program (Co-Op) - This program from the Department of Disability and Human Development is designed to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may not be able to access post-secondary education in traditional ways. Co-Op students take classes alongside other UIC students as they work toward career opportunities.
   
• Voting Information Hub for Individuals with Disabilities - The American Association of People with Disabilities has a voting information hub that includes answers to common voting questions from voters with disabilities, state-by-state voting guides and more.
   
• WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community - The WorkforceGPS Disability and Employment Community site is an online resource destination for the American Job Center network, people with disabilities and employers. The site is also a resource for all who partner with the workforce system to provide services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. It also provides an opportunity to network with peers interested in addressing disability and employment issues.
   
• Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S. - The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to get ready to vote and how to get accommodations when voting.
  
   

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Latest News
 

2023 Institute for Parents of Preschool Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The Institute for Parents of Preschool Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is a free one-week program for parents of children ages 7 and under who have significant hearing loss.

It takes place on the Illinois School for the Deaf campus in Jacksonville from June 11-16, 2023. 

Participating parents and caregivers will attend daily lectures by experts to learn about raising a child with hearing loss. 

Children attend classrooms with experienced teachers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They can receive hearing, vision, psychological, speech, language and educational evaluations. They also can play with other children who have hearing loss.

Siblings are also welcome to attend. They can stay with their families in the dorms and go to recreational activities. 

There is no cost for families to participate. Visit our website to learn more about the 2023 Institute. 
 
 

Illinois Miss Amazing Accepting Applications

The Illinois Miss Amazing experience brings together a diverse group of participants to build friendships, self-confidence and self-advocacy skills.

Illinois Miss Amazing is now taking applications for its 2023 Amplify event on March 18 in Bolingbrook. 

Participation is open to girls and women ages 5 and older with disabilities. This year’s event also features a new category, Miss Amazing Mentor, for women ages 36 and older.

Illinois Miss Amazing is accepting applications for participants and volunteers until Feb. 15 or until all spots are filled.

Visit our website to read more about Illinois Miss Amazing's activities and its impact on young women.

 

David Martinez Receives 2022 DSCC Merit Award 

David Martinez is the 2022 recipient of DSCC's Merit Award!

The award recognizes exceptional employees for outstanding dedication and service to Illinois children with special healthcare needs and their families.

David is a Care Coordinator in our Chicago Central Office. In this role, he helps families develop personalized care plans for their children’s unique needs and connects them to the right services and resources.

“David has a remarkable ability to partner with our participant families and empower them to help reach their full potential,” DSCC Executive Director Thomas F. Jerkovitz said. “He works with families from a variety of cultural backgrounds and helps them feel understood and able to navigate the systems involved in their child’s care.”

David is a licensed clinical social who has helped achieve many successful outcomes for his participant families. David said his DSCC career has helped him learn about many different cultures and that care coordination is not one-size-fits-all.

“Building strong relationships with my co-workers and the families we serve energizes me every single day,” David said. “Our families’ needs go beyond just medical. Every day is an opportunity to look at a situation from all different aspects and find a solution that can meet their needs. Sometimes it’s as simple as just listening.”

Read more about David's journey, achievements and passion for teamwork.
 

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Upcoming Events

 

• Virtual Early Intervention Town Hall Meeting - The Director of the Bureau of Early Intervention will host the first Virtual Early Intervention Town Hall Meeting on Feb. 7 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This is the first in a series of virtual, town hall-style meetings for families of children in Early Intervention to share their experiences, ask questions and voice suggestions.
   
• Webinar – “Post-Secondary Outcomes for Youth: Real Stories" – Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center’s Transition Webinar Series continues on Feb. 8. This session will focus on real stories of youth and adults with significant support needs pursuing independent living, education and employment opportunities. Participants may register for either a daytime session from 12 to 1 p.m. or an evening session from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
   
• Webinar – “Special Recreation/Leisure Activities: Planning for Summer” - The Arc of Illinois‘ Illinois Life Span program and Family to Family (F2F) Health Information Center invite you to their lunchtime webinar “Special Recreation/Leisure Activities: Planning for Summer” on Feb. 14 from 12 to 1 p.m. Now is the time to plan for summer camp! Join this webinar to learn about opportunities in northern and central Illinois.
   
• Easterseals Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s Youth Weekend Overnight Camp in Hudson - This overnight camp for children ages 7 to 17 with or without a disability and/or challenging illness is from March 17-19.  

Check the Events section of our website for a full list of workshops, webinars and other events for Illinios families and caregivers of children and youth with special healthcare needs.