Assistive Technology
Illinois Assistive Technology Project
Technology devices for loan - sources for funding of assistive technology.
Infinitec
To advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities for children and adults through technology.
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
or call 703-524-6696
Better known as RESNA, they can provide a wealth of assistive technology-related information and resources in your specific area.
Bullying / Harassment
Bullying - Pacer Center
National Center for Bullying Prevention
stopbullying.gov
Includes infographics on bullying
Guide to Bullying and Cyberbullying
Guide from online schools
Learn Psychology-Bullying
Experts discuss the effects of bullying and prevention strategies.
Bullying in the US - Rates, Tips and Resources
Disability Awareness
Call Me Capable
"Call Me Capable" is a game that teaches that persons with disabilities are more similar than different.
Specific Disabilities
Cerebral Palsy- A blog about living with cerebral palsy.
Disability Benefits and Resources
PUNS List Explanation & Resources for Families IN SPANISH
Disability Benefits / Resources / Publications
Disability Resources
The Disability Resources Monthly (DRM) guide to Disability resources on the internet.
Disability Law Agencies
U.S. Department of Justice
The US Department of Justice site is organized for greater ease in locating documents and updates as well as additional links to other related programs and activities at the federal level related to the ADA.
Disability Organizations and Service Providers
Community Support Systems
Assists people with disabilities through advocacy, support, training, employment and housing opportunities in Central Illinois.
Council for Exceptional Children
Advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
Family to Family
The Family-to-Family (F2F) Health Information Center provides information and resources regarding healthcare and benefits specifically for families of children and youth with any disability, special needs and/or chronic illness. F2F is both a program of The Arc of Illinois and the Illinois affiliate of a national organization, Family Voices. The program is funded through a grant from the federal Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). Webinars on topics of interest are translated (voice to print) in Spanish. Additional accommodations can be arranged for participants given at least a two week notice. Toll-free numbers: English 866-931-1110, Espanol 800-588-7002
Family Support Network of Illinois
Information about family support in Illinois. https://www.thearcofil.org/about-us/programs/family-support-network/
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
Independent Living Research Utilization
Obtain a list of the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in your state or city. CILs must provide services to persons with all types of disabilities and all age groups.
National Rehabilitation Information Center
Collects and disseminates the results of federally funded research projects.
TASH
TASH is an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm.
Disability Specific Resources
Apraxia
The Apraxia Connection
Resources and informaion on apraxia and associated disorders.
Autism
APP - This app, ABA Flash Cards and Games, offers fun and simple ways for your child/student with autism to recognize emotions. You can also use your own pictures! Autism Epicenter
Resource for parents dealing with autism.
CDC Autism Links and Resources
Classroom Accommodations for Kids with Sensory Issues
Create a Sensory Safe Yard for Children with Special Needs
Estate Planning for Parents of Kids with Autism
How to Calm a Child with Autism
How to Improve Emotional Self-Regulation Among Children with Autism and Attention Disorders
Discusses how teaching children with special needs emotional self-regulation skills can help them better manage emotional responses.
Moving with Special Needs Kids
Operation Autism for Military Families
Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping
Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents
Temple Grandin's Teaching Tips
The Autism Program of Illinois https://tap-illinois.org/
http://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Guide - Learn about the causes
Educational materials, financial options, and support related to cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Group
Free educational information and support to those affected by cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy information and assistance to families.
Diabetes
Sample Diabetes Medical Management Plan https://diabetes.org/advocacy/safe-at-school-state-laws/diabetes-medical-management-plan
Section 504 Plans for Students with Diabetes
Down Syndrome
Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association, Inc.
Morton, IL
The National Down Syndrome Society
Information on Down Syndrome and advocacy.
Dyslexia
Fragile X
The National Fragile X Foundation
Information and resource site for Fragile X syndrome, a hereditary conditio which causes a wide range of mental impairment, from mild learning disabilities to severe mental retardation.
Learning Disabilities
National Centers for Learning Disabilities
Ultimate Guide to Reading Comphrehension
Education
Read Write Think
Providing educators and students access to the highest quality practices and resources in reading and language arts instruction. Lessons on ponemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.
Family Engagement Framework Guide
Online Education Degree Guide
Includes key information for students deciding if it is the right field for them.
Parent Guide to Child's State Testing Scores
(enter your state and the grade the child was in when the state test was administered)
Education of Students with Disabilities
Center for Parent Information and Resources
The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) serves as a central resource for all Parent Training and Information Centers, including Family Matters. Resources on their site are also directly available to parents. We invite you to visit their website at www.parentcenterhub.org and choose the ‘RESOURCES’ tab across the top of their home page, or click on the ‘RESOURCES’ block at the bottom of the page.
CADRE- The Center for Appropriate Resolution in Special Education
Differentiation Central - Differentiated Instruction
Family Resource Center on Disabilities
Chicago's Metropolitan Area Parent Training and Information Center, Serving the 8 counties around Chicago.
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities Guide
This guide includes valuable resources for students with disabilities, such as, a curated list of more than 85 disability-specific scholarships, strategies for untilizing state and local financial aid resources, and an overview of loan forgiveness and reduction options.
IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA - State Complaint Resource Center
Information on the IDEA State Complaint process, including the basics, tips for advocates, strategies for addressing systemic noncompliance, limitations and more.
Illinois State Board of Education
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)
PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. Legislative issues, transition from school to work, emotional and behavior disorders.
Special Needs App
This is a complete guide to educational and special needs apps. Categories include skills acquisition, early learning, health and games.
IEP Goals and Objectives Bank
The IEP Goals and Objectives Bank allows users to locate specific goals in areas such as academic areas, functional goals, motor skill, recreation and leisure, self-management and daily living skills, social emotional, speech and language skills, study skills and vocational/career education and exploration goals.
Health Information and Resources
Drugwatch
Information about the risks and benefits of specific medications.
Legal Resources
Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates
An independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization of attorneys, advocates and parents established to improve the quality and quantity of legal assistance for parents of children with disabilities.
Equip for Equality
Protection and Advocacy System for persons with disabilities in Illinois.
Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy
The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission is an executive state agency created to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. By providing legal representation, investigating complaints of rights violations and providing state guardianship for Illinois' population with disabilities, the Commission has given voice to those who have previously gone unheard.
Land of Lincoln Legal Assitance Foundation
Free legal help for low-income persons (Southern & South Central Illinois).
Literacy for Kids
Kid Zone! Audiobooks, Video books, Apps, Games, Reading
Parenting
Empowering Parents
A site that provides tips for dealing with your child's behavior.
Illinois Mommies of Miracles
A statewide virtual support group of more than 300 moms of children who have medical complexities, life-limiting conditions, or developmental disabilities. https://mommiesofmiracle.wordpress.com/
Family Engagement Framework
"In an effort to strengthen family-school partnerships, over the past year and a half, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has been coordinating across divisions to develop a shared framework guide for engaging families. The ISBE Family Engagement Framework Guide is a tool for ISBE, school districts, and schools to use in developing and expanding school-family partnerships to support improved student learning and healthy development outcomes. This resource brings together research, promising practices, and a consolidation of key program requirements to provide districts, schools, and families with tools to assist with planning, implementation, and evaluation of family engagement
practices."
Resources for Parents of Young Children
Illinois Early Childhood Intervention Clearinghouse Lending Library
The Illinois Early Childhood Intervention Clearinghouse has a large lending library devoted to the topic of child development and disabilities.
Illinois STARNET
Illinois STARNET provides a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, ages birth through eight, with an emphasis on children with special needs. STARNET supports family-centered, researched and effective practices in early childhood education and care.
STARNET Region IV https://starnetiv.org/
Research-Based Educational Interventions
Response to Intervention - RtI
Siblings
S.I.B.S.-Network Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters
Resources and Information for siblings of persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities
