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 General
Information
A Better Life assumes no
liability in the recommendation of any product, service or organization, nor does this
constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to explore and evaluate this information for
yourself. We hope that you find it helpful for obtaining services that will improve the
quality of life for people with disabilities and their family members.
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click on the HOME PAGE button and then on the Life Phases Information button if you need
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Index
|State
& County Agencies | Parenting Resources | Direct Service Providers and Funding Sources | Support Groups & Advocates | Sources for Used Equipment | Local Equipment Suppliers & Vehicle Modifications
|Equipment Suppliers|
|Information on Technology & Augmentative
Communication| |Travel Information
and Wheelchair Safety| Potpourri |
PACT- coordination and intake agency of Illinois Dept. of Human Services for
DuPage County- call (630)960-9700. They have an equipment
exchange program and an on-line discussion board on their site.
(link to www.pactinc.net/)
Service, Inc.- coordination and intake agency of Illinois Dept. of Human
Services for Will County- call (815)741-0800-assignment of a caseworker can take months so
plan ahead
Illinois Dept. of Human Services (DHS)- the state is divided into 8 community
service networks and the North Suburban network that serves McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage
and Kendall Counties is represented by Mr. Ed McManus- call (312)814-5981.The South
Suburban network which serves Will, Kankakee and Grundy counties is served by Bob
Scanlan-call (312)814-2758.
(link to www.state.il.us/agency/dhs)
Project CHOICES (Children Have Opportunities in Inclusive
Community Environments and Schools)in Naperville, IL-offer free technical assistance to
schools to facilitate inclusive education- call (630)778-4508
(link to www.projectchoices.org)
Purchased Care Review Board - For a history of this agency and a 16 page list of
all private facilities, including schools serving Illinois (link to www.state.il.us/) . At this
site, in the box provided, type in "purchase care review board" and click on the
"Search Illinois" button. In order to find the listing, scroll down to the
bottom of the page, past the history, and click on "Private Facilities Serving
Illinois"
Illinois Family Assistance Program - Department of Human Services
(DHS) provides Home Based support services for children and adults- call (800)843-6154
ext.3. Must have an income under $50,000 after deductions on IRS Form 1040 and meet
certain standards of severity of disability. Adults with disabilities need to meet
the financial criteria to qualify for SSI and meet the standards of severity of
disability.
Division of Specialized Care for Children(DSCC)- University of Illinois at Chicago
(formerly the Division of Services of Crippled Children) -official agency of Illinois
responsible for helping children with chronic health problems and their families-there are
three programs: the core program (care coordination and diagnosis for chronic health
impairments), the home care program or the Katie Beckett program(intended for children who
are technologically dependent and need skilled nursing care) and the children’s
rehabilitation clinic (a multidisciplinary clinic that provides medical care)- must
qualify for assistance based on income- call the Darien office at (630)964-9887 or
(800)322-3722
(link to www.uic.edu/hsc/dscc)
Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services- call Downers Grove
office (630)495-0500. They also have an information and referral service about public and
private resources available to the disabled community. Copies of laws and other documents
and related materials are available at no charge- call (800)233-3425
Who’s Who in Human Services- call (800)942-9412 -this is a
comprehensive directory of all available human services in DuPage County. Published in
1996, it lists all agencies alphabetically giving the address, phone and FAX numbers,
services and other relevant information. Information is also listed by subject, such as
autism or developmental disabilities. This is a good resource that can be found in the
reference section behind the internet information desk at the Lisle library.
DuPage County Department of Human Services- call (630)682-7542 for the Office of
Information and Referral or (630)682-7391 for housing.
DuPage County Child and Adolescent Local Area Network (LAN #39) in
Westmont, IL -they are a planning body that has established a framework for developing a
community system of care to meet the needs of children and adolescents with emotional,
behavioral or mental health care problems in DuPage County-there are no income
restrictions- call (630)960-5175
Social Security Administration in Downers Grove, IL-call (800)772-1213
Their web site is chock full of pertinent information on social security benefits
including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
(link to www.ssa.gov)
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Special Education Alliance 200 (SEA200) Located
in Wheaton, IL - "The degree of strength and compassion with which we address
the needs of children, including those with special needs, is a reflection of the values
of our community. We must welcome, accept, appreciate and invest in the unique gifts
each child brings to our lives and our community. It is upon this vision that SEA200
was founded." link to
www.sea200.org.
The Arc of Illinois through a grant, has support for a Statewide
referral system called Lifespan. Through this website referral to
advocacy, support, and health professionals can be obtained on a
State or County level. This site can be accessed at
www.illinoislifespan.org.
ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education-funded
by the U.S. Dept. of Education-they identify, select and prepare entries describing
materials related to education (not just special education) -call (800)583-4135 or
(link to www.ericeece.org)
NPIN ILLINOIS (National Parent Information
of Illinois)- a project of ERIC that is one of the largest collections of
noncommercial information on the Internet on parenting, child development, family
life.Helps link parents directly to local programs, services and community agencies to
support them in their roles as primary caregivers- services include Parent News, Parents
AskEric, Parenting L, Resources for Parents and Parenting Professionals-not just for
children with special needs-call (800) 583-04135 or
(link to npinil.crc.uiuc.edu)
Council for Exceptional Children in
Reston, Va.-a project of ERIC that is a clearinghouse on disabilities and gifted
education-call (800)328-0272 or
(link to www.ericec.org)
NICHCY-(National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities)-
they will provide information on a wide range of disability related issues, make referrals
and have a publication catalogue (link to
www.nichcy.org)
Family Resource Center on Disabilities (formerly the Coordinating Council for
Handicapped Children)- in Chicago, Illinois call (312)939-3513 or (800)952-4199
(State of Illinois only) or
(link to www.frcd.org)
The Center for Independent Futures - Evanston, Illinois - call (847)475-0364 - a
network of products, services and resources to assist families and their young person with
a disabilities plan and support new ways of living independently within their own
communities. They provide a Transition Planning Institute and consulting services
for families, educators, agency personnel and health care professionals. Private
agency, fee for services, initial free consultation.
Infinitec Disability Answer Network (IDAN)-
IDAN enables service consumers and agency staffs to share empowering information and
resources - it is administered by the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Chicago. They
also have a disability reading room created to help people with disabilities access vital
information on issues to which they do not have access through other venues. They have
printed information, video and audio tapes, internet access and an online disability
library. The location in DuPage County is DuPage Easter Seal in Villa Park,IL- phone
(630)620-4433 or (link to www.idanmember.org)
Disability Research Network in Springfield, IL- call (800)447-4221
National Parent Network on Disabilities in Washington, DC. Their mission is to
provide a presence and national voice for ALL families of people with disabilities-provide
up-to-date information on federal activities that affect disabled people.
(link to www.npnd.org)
Access Center in San Diego County California - very interesting web site with
great links such as assistive technology, independent living and legislation (emphasis on
California initiatives) it is interesting to see what other states are doing.
(link to www.accesscentersd.org)
Internet Resources for Special Children dedicated to communicating information
relation to the needs of children with disabilities in order to improve the environment,
create positive changes, enhance public awareness and act as a central starting point for
information and resources.
(link to www.irsc.org)
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)- call (800)346-2742
Sibling Support Project-information on the internet- contains sibling
resources for siblings of people with disabilities that includes books and videos listed
by disability and age
PACER Center in Minneapolis, MN- an information and training center for families
and individuals with disabilities-they have a wide array of information and activities-
worth checking out to see what other states are doing- call (800)53-PACER
(link to www.pacer.org)
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Center for Personal Assistance Services good information on personal care
assistnace at home and in the workplace (located in California)
(link to www.pascenter.org)
Ray Graham Association in Elmhurst, IL- provide respite care and other services-
call (630)620-2222
(link to www.ray-graham.org)
Trinity Services in Joliet, IL- they provide respite services, in-home supports,
a full school program for ages 18-21, a day program for adults 21 and over, CILA
(Community Independent Living Arrangements), ICF (an Intermediate Care Facility ) and DCFS
(Department of Children and Family Services) residential services for people with
developmental and/or behavioral health issues. They also offer SEP (Supported
Employment Programs) services. They serve Will, Grundy, South Cook and LaSalle
Counties. - call (815)485-6197 or
(link to www.trinity-services.org)
CoACH (Coordinating Action for Children's Health) Care Center
CoACH Care Center offers education, care coordination and planning for children with
special health care needs and their families within the community. They also
offer direct care at Our Children's CoACH House in Naperville. At
CoACH House your child can receive medical day care, medical respite, transitional
care (between hospital and home) and other support services. We also have
sibshops every other month for children 5 - 15 years old and Camp KanDu, a health
education camp for children who live with specific diseases such as asthma or
diabetes. Call Denise Callarman, Executive Director and Co-founder at (630)271-9155
for information and reservations.
(link to
www.coachcarecenter.org)
DuPage County Convalescent Center in Wheaton, IL-call (630)665-6400- a
residential facility providing extended, skilled and intermediate care
Marklund in Bloomingdale, IL - serves kids and adults that have severe and
profound disabilities call (630)529-2871 or
(link to www.marklund.org)
Alden Village Health Facility in Bloomingdale, IL- call
(630)529-3350- offer long term and transitional services for patients with moderate to
profound cognitive ability
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) - offer a wide range of services on physical
disabilities, including but not limited to, information on research, technology, life
supports, estate planning, employment, and books. They also have a Tech Tots library
located at the UCP of greater Chicago, IL- call the Tech Tots library at (312)368-0380 -
or call (708)383-8887 in Oak Park, IL. UCP also sponsors an assistive technology
exchange network (A.T.E.N.) that recycles computer hardware and software - call
(800)476-2836 or
(link to www.ucpa.org)
Seguin Services-their mission is to offer people with disabilities access to
services which promote productivity and independence-they offer programs with CILA Homes,
CSLA Services, Specialized Foster Care, Community training and specialized services in
nursing homes- call (708)863-3803
(link to www.randy@seguin.org)
Community Support Services in Brookfield, IL- call (630)354-4547-
they provide family support, case management, Community Supported Living Arrangements for
people with developmental disabilities
BDI Playhouse, Orland
Park, IL - they provide a wide range
of therapy services, intensive programming for autism, play groups and parent training on
a variety of topics. Call (708)478-1820.
(link to www.bditherapy.com)
Communication Clubhouse, Downers
Grove, IL - a multi-disciplinary
pediatric therapy clinic emphasizing language as the cornerstone of human interaction.
They also have a sibling support group and summer programs. Call(630)495-6800.
(link to www.communicationclubhouse.com)
Center for Speech and Language Disorders, in
Elmhurst, IL and Naperville, IL. They help kids with cmmunication disorders reach
their full potential through family - centered services. Call 630.530.8551 or
(link to www.csld.org)
DuPage Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center in Villa Park- they provide outpatient
therapy, free hearing screening and language evaluations. They have an impressive
list of web site links - call (630)620-4433 or
(link to www.eastersealchicago.org)
Center for Independence Through Conductive Education located in
Countryside, IL (708) 588-0833. An intensive group approach to educating children
with Cerebral Palsy to maximize functional independence. Fine and gross motor
therapy and functional daily living skills for children with Cerebral Palsy asges 0 - 14.
(link to www.Center-for-Independence.org)
Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center in Countryside, IL- call (708)352-3580- serve
the eastern part of DuPage County offering early intervention, workshops, supported
employment and residential programs
Association for Individual Development (AID) in Aurora- call (630)844-5040- to
receive services you must reside in Kane, Kendall, Hanover Township oar the city of
Aurora; part of their services include infant programs, respite and residential
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The Arc of Illinois - Mission: The Arc of Illinois is committed to empowering
persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed
choices.
Call (708)206-1930 or (link to
www.thearcofil.org)
Through a grant, Arc of Illinois has support for a Statewide
referral system called Lifespan. Throught this website referral to advocacy,
support, and health professionals can be obtained on a State or County level. This
site can be accessed at www.illinoislifespan.org.
The Arc of Illinois is part of a powerful national advocacy network in Washington D.C. (link to www.TheArc.org)
Illinois Network of Centers For Independent Living in Alton, IL - community
based organization that serves people with all disabilities. Their web site also
contains legislative information. call (618)462-1411 or
(link to www.incil.org)
West Suburban Parent Support Group for Down Syndrome- Welcomes and supports new
parents and members, provides access to resources, arranges social and fundraising events
and more.
(link to www.westsuburbansupport.org)
National Association for Down Syndrome- (link
to www.nads.org)
National Down Syndrome Society in NY- call (800)221-4602
(link to www.ndss.org)
National Down Syndrome Congress in Atlanta, GA- call (800)232-6372 or
(link to www.members.carol.net/ndsc)
Advocates for Dignity in Western Springs, IL - dedicated to enhancing the lives
of people with disabilities and their loved ones. They offer advocacy, entitlement
programs, wills, trusts, and assistive technology - call (630)495-8237
SSI Coalition (SSIC) - Mission: to work with low income people who are
disabled, have long-term illnesses or are elderly to assure dignity and security.(link to www.ssic.org)
Family T.I.E.S. Network in Springfield, IL-call (800)865-7842- they are
funded by the US Dept. of Education and the Illinois Planning Council on Developmental
Disabilities-they are a collaboration of parents, individuals with disabilities, advocates
and professionals
Equip for Equality, Inc. in Chicago, IL
call (800)537-2632 or TTY (312)341-0022 Se habla Espanol - Governor designated Federal
protection and advocacy system for children and adults with physical and mental
disabilities in Illinois. They offer self advocacy training, one-on-one self
advocacy assistance, legal advocacy and public policy advocacy.
(link to www.equipforequality.org)
Everyone is Welcome in St. Charles IL- call (630)584-0970-consultation services
to promote inclusion in all areas of life. They provide advocacy, staff development,
technical assistance, grassroots and network organizing.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)- offer a wide range of services on physical
disabilities, including but not limited to, information on research, technology, life
supports, estate planning, employment, and books. They also have a Tech Tots library
located at the UCP of greater Chicago, IL call the Tech Tots library at (312)368-0380 - or
call (708)383-8887 in Oak Park, IL. UCP also sponsors an assistive technology
exchange network (A.T.E.N.) that recycles computer hardware and software - call
(800)476-2836 or
(link to www.ucpa.org)
Individualized Resources and Consulting, LLC
- Located in Evanston, IL they are an
advocacy agency which represents families of special education students. Also
provides workshops, consultation, assessment and other services. Call (224) 622-8334
or
(link to www.individualizedresourcesandconsulting.com)
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The Illinois Assistive Technology Project database
lists used equipment for sale- call (800)852-5110 or(217)522-7985 or (link to www.at4u.org)
www.medsell.com is a database
where used equipment is listed by region
ADC Services in Addison, IL has used, reconditioned vans, van lifts,
stair lifts and ramps for sale- call (708)628-6909
Augmentative Communication Consultants, Inc. has information on
communication devices, software, and related equipment, including used equipment - call
(412)264-6121 or (link to www.acciinc.com)
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Moving Solutions in Downers Grove, IL -Moving Solutions offers a
variety of quality care products. Personal Lifts, Transfer Aids, Bedroom and
Bathroom Aids and much more.
call (800)228-7980 or
(link to www.movingsolutions.net)
Apria Health Care in Burr Ridge- call (630)920-0044
Sammons Preston in Bolingbrook, IL- order a catalog for a wide range
of adaptive products call (800)323-5547 or
(link to www.sammonspreson.com)
DME Access in Naperville, IL-call (630)892-7400
Metro Rehab in Worth, IL- call (708)360-7060
Denson Shops in Wheaton, IL- call (630)665-1488
Kidability in Elk Grove, IL- they sell toys, books, clothes, socks that fit well
under leg braces,cards and other accessories for kids with disabilities- call
(800)333-8087 (link to www.kidability.com)
Sears Home Medical Equipment
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Quick Medical -an online medical supply store for professional
and home products, featuring blood pressure monitors, digital weight scales and fitness
products.
(link to www.quickmedical.com)
TheMedSupplyGuide.com -a consumer's guide to medical supplies and
equipment, diabetic supplies, mobility aids, and home care products as well as
articles on common situations and advice on how to proceed with solving mobility problems.
(link to www.TheMedSupplyGuide.com)
Clever Solutions, Inc. -in Ann Arbor, MI they sell bedroom aids,
shower and transfer chairs, wheel chair accessories, trays, and other goodies - call
(800)743-6165 or
(link to www.cleversolutions.net)
American Discount Medical carries an extensive range of products for
all ages including wheel chairs, walkers, lifts, car seats and ramps call (800)877-9100 or
(link to www.americandiscountmed.com)
Forde’s Functional Fashions-catalogue of fashions and accessories for
people with disabilities such as wheelchair bags, ponchos and nightshirts- call
(800)531-7705
(link to www.fordes.com)
Anitavee's-in Columbus, OH -offers customized adaptive apparel for men, women
and teens. All of their clothing is priced below $40- call toll free
(888)246-8203 or
(link to www.anitavee.com/)
ADAPTATIONS BY ADRIAN -in San Marcos, CA - features clothing that is easy to get
on but also stylish enough for teens- their clothing is especially designed for wheelchair
users - call (800)831-2577 or
(link to www.AdaptationsByAdrian.com/)
Abilitywear-in Camano Island, WA - specializes in clothing and accessories for
people in wheel chairs - feature printed or embroidered clothing - call (800)327-5163
(link to www.abilitywear.com/)
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AbilityHub -is an Assistive Technology related website for
people with a disability who find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible.
This is an interesting site with good practical information.
(link to www.abilityhub.com)
Informative Website -This is a guide to assistive technology funding
in Kentucky. It may be helpful in developing a strategy to obtain funding in any state by
following their 9 step method.
(link to www.katsnet.org)
Family Center on Technology and Disability Website -basic information
about the use of technology including articles, definitions, and overviews of federal laws
relating to technology and people with disabilities
(link to http://fctd.ucp.org)
Zygo in Portland, Oregon call (800)234-6006 or (link to www.zygo-usa.com)
Prentke Romich -call (800)262-1984 or
(link to www.prentrom.com)
Dynavox(a division of Sunrise Medical) in Pittsburgh, PA-call
(888)697-7332 or
(link to www.dynavoxtech.com)
Illinois Assistive Technology Project in Springfield, IL-call (800)852-5110 or
(link to www.iltech.org)
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) in Wakefield, MA-
innovative, technology-based educational resources and strategies based on the principles
of Universal Design for Learning. call (781)245-2212 or
(link to www.cast.org)
TAAD Center(Technical Aids and Assistance for the Disabled) in
Chicago - help with the use and comparison of personal computers, arrange for the loan of
computers or adaptive aids, attend problem-solving seminars, advocacy and product
information- call (800)346-2939 or
(link to homepage.interaccess.com/
~taad/lekotek.htm)
Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN)- provide a statewide database of
available assistive technology, online database search capability, facilitation of
equipment exchange, information, and technical support- call (800)476-2836
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)- offer a wide range of services on physical
disabilities, including but not limited to, information on research, technology, life
supports, estate planning, employment, and books. They also have a Tech Tots library
located at the UCP of greater Chicago, IL call the Tech Tots library at (312)368-0380 - or
call (708)383-8887 in Oak Park, IL. UCP also sponsors and assistive technology
exchange network (A.T.E.N.) that recycles computer hardware and software - call
(800)476-2836 or
(link to www.ucpa.org)
Bridge School in Hillsborough, CA (near San Francisco) - an organization
dedicated to ensuring that children with severe speech and physical impairment achieve
full participation in their communities through assistive technology. They sponsor
outreach programs, mentoring and run a Summer camp - call (650)696-7295 or
(link to www.bridgeschool.org)
Axistive Located in Los Angeles, CA
- provide a free news portal on assistive technologies including news
and product reviews on assistive technology devices by categories of vision, hearing,
mobility, learning and communication. call (310) 928-3525 or (link to www.axistive.com)
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Ride Safe information
and step-by-step procedures on selecting
wheelchairs and tiedown equipment, securing wheelchairs in vans and buses, and properly
restraining the rider. Developed by the University of Michigan Transportation Research
Institute. phone (734) 764-2171 or
(link to www.travelsafer.org)
Emerging Horizons publish a travel news letter
(link to www.candy-charles.com)
Access-Able -this is an extensive data base on travel for the disabled
(link to www.access-able.com)
Wheel Chair Get Aways they provide wheel chair accessible vans for
people with disabilities nationwide call (800)-642-2042 or
(link to www.wheelchair-getaways.com)
Accessible Vans of the Midwest -in Hillside, IL - rental and sales of
new and used wheel chair accessible vans - call (800)286-8222 or
(link to www.accessiblevans.com)
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Insurance: Be sure to
check your insurance policies. It is important to realize that it is the policy of some
insurance companies to automatically reject claims submitted the first or second
time. You have to be persistent!
Library Services: Most public libraries provide target services
for elderly, disabled and homebound community members by bringing videos, CD's and books
to their homes. Call your local library to see if this service is available in your
community.
Government Representation: Would you like to find out who represents
you in the Senate and the House of Representatives? If so, call (630)682-7440 in DuPage
County or (815)740-4615 in Will County. All you need to provide is your address (you do
not need to know your district numbers).
Ready Access Loan Program- call (312)814-1700
MOVE International, Bakersfield, Ca.-call (800)397-6683-their program
is designed to assist students with orthopedic disabilities to develop physical skills
like sitting, standing and walking-
(link to www.move-international.org)
Extraordinary People - call (630)674-0707 - Social event organization
developed to bring single, physically challenged individuals together for camaraderie.
They sponsor events such as sporting events, dinners, theater and casinos.
Friends of Handicapped Riders- call (312)782-9375- therapeutic horseback riding
for people with disabilities 3 and up- they have a Naperville stable
Canine Companions in Woodstock, Illinois- they provide assistance dogs and
ongoing support to ensure quality partners -call (847)816-7360- or
(link to www.cci-chicago.org)
Naperville Area Transcribing for the Blind- call (630)357-9464- this
is a volunteer group that transcribes for blind people
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