One of the most powerful roles that a parent can play for a child with special needs is that of an advocate, or, a person who publicly (and in the case of parents, tirelessly) fights for a cause or an individual.

Advocacy for children and individuals with special needs can help your loved one receive the services, care, and/or benefits that he or she needs to realize his or her full potential.

We all have so much information to share, why not have a central area to collaborate? If there is anything that you are looking for or perhaps would like to share, please send a message and we will be happy to add to this page! 

Able  With Illinois ABLE and other participating states, you can save for qualified disability expenses without losing your eligibility for certain assistance programs, like SSI and Medicaid.

Acronyms to know! Tired of the jargon? This link is a helpful tool to provide explanations of various jargon used. 

Advocating For Your Child – an article by Pamela Wright, MA, MSW which lays out the details and roles of specific advocates for your loved one.

Americans with Disabilities Act- official site for ADA

Autism Society We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

Autism Speaks Employment Kit: – this kit was created by Autism Speaks and it helps families with employment research.

Basics of Health Insurance and Autism – found these awesome piece regarding services offered and covered with private and employer offered health insurance. Specifically focused on ABA services, etc. Check out their artcile on Health Insurance

BCBS IL Community Health Insurance (Medicare-Medicaid) – This link will take you directly to the directory for ABA providers in the network within BCBS IL Medicare – Medicaid. The direct phone number to call is 877-860-2837 

Brain Injury Association Of America Caring professionals at the National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC) are ready to answer your questions.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS, is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

Disabilty Waivers – this link will give access to Illinois Disability Waivers (PUNS). The process can be quite frustrating as it is confusing. Let us know if we can help!  

Easter Seals Easter seals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services.

Exceptional Parent eParents Special Needs Resource Directory provides a comprehensive guide for parents and families of children with chronic health issues, disabilities and special needs, as well as to physicians, allied health care professionals, and educational professionals who are involved in their care and development.

Financial Planning Toolkit– some of us just don’t have time to sit with a planner.  This kit provided by Autism Speaks will outline the basics of financial planning for your dependent.

For Caregivers, About Caregivers, By Caregivers Since 1995, providing an online home for caregivers including tips sections, discussion lists, breaking news, topic specific channels, expert answers and email newsletters.

GreenLight –  This debit card allows parents, caretakers, and/or guardians to monitor and control where and how much is spent and used at any time.

Huntington’s Disease Society of America The premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease.

Individual Education Plan (IEP) A guide to the IEP

IRIS The IRIS (Integrated Referral Intake System) is a bi-directional referral platform that provides a streamlined process for making, receiving, and tracking referrals between partners across various sectors.

L.A. Goal We are a non-profit organization committed to creating opportunities and equity for adults with developmental disabilities so they can live more fulfilling lives.

Local ABA therapy -Gorbold Behavioral Consulting, Inc is a local company offering IN HOME ABA therapy!  … And so much more!  Check them out here 

Long Car Rides– we all dread the long car rides even when we are by ourselves! Check out these tips when traveling with kids

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys We are dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to older adults and people with disabilities. 

National Ataxia Foundation NAF offers many educational resources for Ataxia, including a comprehensive library of brochures, fact sheets, and books.

National Caregivers Library Find hundreds of articles, forms, checklists, links to topic-specific external resources, organized into logical categories. 

National Down Syndrome Congress We are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome. 

National Down Syndrome Society The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) To improve early childhood, educational, and employment outcomes and raise expectations for all people with disabilities, their families, their communities, and the nation.

Parents Helping Parents – hands down amazing resource for families seeking guidance and information.  Best is it is created by parents who are just like us!

Paralyzed Veterans of America We’ve had a single-minded mission—to empower our brave men and women to regain what they fought for: their freedom and independence.

PUNS office locator (IL) – this link will take you directly to a locator for local offices in IL…

 

What assistance can I receive if I sign up for PUNS?

  • In-home Supports

  • Respite Care

  • Job Coaches

  • Residential Living Arrangements

  • Adaptive Equipment

  • Other Supports

Even though resources are limited, the State works hard to make sure services are allocated as fairly and efficiently as possible, and they are continuously looking for new ways to increase access to assistance for those who are in need.

PUNS CHANGES EFFECTIVE JAN 1 2021 – want to learn about the changes that occurred in 2021? 

Respite Care Looking for respite care for your loved ones? Here are several links to get you started.
Above All Home Care
Living Assistance Services Plainfield IL | Plainfield Living Assistance Services (visitingangels.com)
Respite Care in Plainfield, IL | Home Instead
Respite Home Care Services in Communities We Serve, IL | Home Helpers® Home Care (homehelpershomecare.com)

Social Security Administration- the official link for social security.  Provides information on Medicare, Medicaid, SSI and SSDI

Social Security Disability Benefits Social Security offers an online disability application you can complete at your convenience.

Special Needs Alliance – The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national organization comprised of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law. Individuals with disabilities, their families and their advisors rely on the SNA to connect them with nearby attorneys who focus their practices in the disability law arena.

The SNA is an invitation-only organization. SNA membership is based on a combination of relevant legal experience in the disability and elder law fields, direct family experience with disability, active participation with national, state and local disability advocacy organizations, and professional reputation.

The Arc Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Transitioning to a New School with Autism-A blog created to provide some helpful tips for New School Transitioning! 

Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Regardless of the age at diagnosis, the journey of TSC can certainly be daunting. We are here to help.

United Cerebral Palsy To be the indispensable resource for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families, and their communities. 

United Spinal Association United Spinal Association is dedicated to empowering people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including veterans, to live successful and fulfilling lives.

When your SON turns 18. Registrating for SELECTIVE SERVICES. –regardless of abilities, it is a federal requirement for any male to register with Selective Services within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Please visit this link which will direct you to the online enrollment form. 

(visitingangels.com)https://www.visitingangels.com/plainfield/home
Serving Plainfield, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Oswego and surrounding areas.