State Resources

The Arc of Illinois: The Arc of Illinois is nonprofit organization committed to providing family support services, legislative advocacy and resources for families and children with disabilities across the state of Illinois.

Autism Society Illinois: The Autism Society of Illinois is devoted to improving the lives of individuals and families dealing with an autism spectrum disorder through special education programs, First Responder programs, trainings for professionals and other support services.

Community and Residential Services Authority: The Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA) is an interagency group responsible for identifying and addressing barriers facing parents, professionals and providers when trying to get needed services and programs for individuals (through the age of 21) with a behavior disorder or a severe emotional disturbance and their family.

Early Intervention Program: Illinois’ Early Intervention program (under the Department of Human Services) works to assure that families who have infants and toddlers, birth to three, with diagnosed disabilities, developmental delays or substantial risk of significant delays receive resources and supports that assist them in maximizing their child’s development.

Family to Family Health Information Center: The Family to Family Health Information Center is a free service focused on providing healthcare information for families of children and youth with special needs.

Family Matters: Parent Training and Information Center located in Effingham, Il. serving all of Illinois except Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties.   The center’s mission is to build upon families’ strengths, empower parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes for students with disabilities, and to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities. The center assists parents of children with disabilities to be informed participants in the special education process and IEP process, assist students with disabilities to understand their rights and responsibilities, and supply information to professionals who serve children with disabilities.

Family Resource Center on Disabilities: Chicago’s metropolitan area Parent Training and Information Center, serving Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.  The center provides families of children with disabilities with information, training and assistance.  Some of the services they provide are to help families understand the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), make informed decisions about their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), obtain appropriate services for their child, and communicate more effectively with school professionals.

Family Support Network: Support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families.

The Hope Institute for Children and Families: The Hope Institute for Children and Families provides individualized educational, residential and health services to children ages 5-21 with multiple developmental disabilities, including ASD. Services include: independence learning, therapeutic education, and community transition programs. Additionally, Hope provides community integrated classrooms and vocational skills through collaboration with local school districts. 

Illinois Assistive Technology Program: The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is the state non-profit organization for Assistive Technology (AT) needs, including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices.  It provides AT assessments, training, and advocacy.  IATP has a loan program for AT devices, a Demonstration Center, a work incentive planning and assistance program, and financial loans.

Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities: The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities is a statewide provider of early intervention, living, day services, in home supports and other resources for persons with 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 offers many free workshops, podcasts, and webinars as well as stipends to attend conferences and workshops.

Illinois State Board of Education: The Illinois State Board of Education provides leadership, assistance, resources and advocacy so that every student is prepared to succeed in careers and postsecondary education, and share accountability for doing so with districts and schools.

Illinois Lifespan: Illinois Lifespan provides free information and referral services for persons with disabilities.

Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services: The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is a statewide provider of educational, employment, community inclusion and independent living services for individuals with disabilities.

Illinois Children Mental Health Partnership: A partnership committed to improving the scope, quality and access of mental health programs, services and supports for Illinois children.