General Resources
Disability Vote IL provides voting resources and information for the disability community. The site offers updated nonpartisan videos, webinars and information on elections, how to register to vote, and promoting accessibility of voting technology and polling places. The website also includes information about:
- The Be My Eyes app that helps people who are blind or have vision impairments with voting
- Transportation to the polls
- In-person, nursing home and hospital voting
- Important dates
Disaster Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides information on how families of children with special healthcare needs can prepare for potential emergencies and disasters in their area and identify what each child would need to safely prepare for and cope with the disaster.
AAP provides emergency preparedness information and resources, including:
- Tips for helping children cope and adjust after a disaster
- Links to organizations like the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital offering booklets, checklists and other resources you can print or download
- Videos on preparing for an emergency or potential disaster
Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities
The American Red Cross provides information and inclusive tools for creating an emergency plan tailored to your family’s specific needs regarding mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities.
The step-by-step tools are designed to help individuals be informed, prepare for and respond to disasters or other urgent situations.
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps people with disabilities achieve full community participation through employment, education and independent living opportunities.
Use the DORS office locator to find an office near you or call:
- (877) 581-3690 Voice
- (866) 264-2149 TTY
- (312) 957-4881 (Please note this is a video phone number)
You can also apply online for DRS services.
Do It for the Love inspires hope and healing through music. The non-profit organization grants live concert wishes for people with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans. You can apply for yourself or your child or nominate someone for a live music wish.
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.
DFA also works with the Energy Assistance Fund to help people with their heating and cooling bills through the “Warm Neighbors, Cool Friends Program” in Macon, DeWitt and Piatt Counties.
Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.
These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:
- DSAGSL Metro-East Illinois Community Group serves Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, and surrounding areas. Contact Abigail Bosslet at abigail@dsagsl.org or call (314) 833-7560.
- DSAGSL Southern Illinois Community Group serves Carbondale, Creal Springs and surrounding areas. Contact Abigail Bosslet for information.
- DSAGSL Down Syndrome & Autism Dual Diagnosis Group serves families in Missouri and Illinois. Contact Linda Kamphorst at linda@dsagsl.org or (314) 833-8214.
- DSAGSL Black Family Network serves families in Missouri and Illinois. Contact Makini Anwisye at makini@dsagsl.org or (314) 833-7586.
- The National Dance Institute has a series of YouTube videos of their inclusive dance program called the DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement). The project provides children with disabilities the opportunity to dance and perform. Each dancer is encouraged to achieve their best through teamwork, creativity, empathy and discovery.
DSCC Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Handout
Basic fire and carbon monoxide protection are key components of maintaining a safe home. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this handout to provide helpful guidelines on the equipment necessary to protect your home from these preventable dangers.
DSCC Emergency Preparedness Tip Sheet
Emergencies like power outages and weather events can be especially dangerous for individuals with complex medical needs. This tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) helps with emergency knowledge and 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.