Helpful Organizations
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
The first-ever “translational” research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, applying research real time to physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Life Center
The Henry B. Betts LIFE Center is a multimedia education center that provides opportunities for Learning, Innovation, Family and Empowerment for people with disabilities, their families, health professionals and the community.
Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association
Explanations, information, research, support, treatment resources are available here.
United Cerebral Palsy
Find information regarding assistive technology, education, health/wellness, travel/transportation, and research information.
Understood.org
Find information for parents of children struggling with learning and attention issues.
Child Mind Institute
Important information for families about mental health and learning disorders.
Information Connections (Marianjoy Medical Library)
Symptoms, statistics, education, legislation – autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and more
Financial Resources
Kiddie Pool Fundraiser
How to set up a KiddiePool fundraiser webpage for your child with special needs
Firsthand Foundation
Apply for adaptive equipment and clinical resources for your child with special needs
Disabled Children’s Fund
Grant applications available April through September in more than 30 states.
Hannah’s Hope Fund
More than 30 potential sources for families with children with special needs
Itaalk.org – Grants for Special Needs
More than 50 potential sources for families with children with special needs
National Academy of Social Insurance
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) brief for families with children with special needs
SSA for Children with Special Needs
How to apply for disability benefits for a child under age 18
Special Kids Fund
Apply for a handicapped adapted vehicle for your child with special needs
Wheel to Walk Foundation
Apply for adaptive equipment for your child with special needs
Legal Resources
Assistive Technology Act
Introduction to Assistive Technology Act to assist people (all ages) with special needs
Rehabilitation Engineering Assistive Technology Society of North America
Find your state’s program for helping provide assistive technology for people (all ages) with
special needs
Wrightslaw
Extensive, reliable information about special education law and advocacy
School Resources
Council for Exceptional Children
Special education resources for teachers
Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Learn about IEP & 504 plans
Do2learn™
Toolbox to help educate students with autism spectrum, attention deficit and other issues.
Great Schools
Information on how to find the right school for your child. Along with articles, tips, and tools to support your child’s learning. Check out their milestone videos to see what grade-level education milestones look like.
Illinois State Board of Education
Recommended IEP forms and instructions, Parent Rights Guide and more
Cerebral Palsy Research Registry
Cerebral Palsy Research Registry (CPRR) is a multi-institutional collaborative effort whose primary mission is to improve our understanding of cerebral palsy. We believe that by working together, families and researchers can make a difference in the lives of people affected by cerebral palsy.
Representatives from Northwestern University Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and the University of Chicago have developed and continually improve the CPRR to promote research and new discovery in the field of cerebral palsy.
Initially enrolling children and adults with cerebral palsy in the Chicagoland area, the Cerebral Palsy Research Registry has been expanded to accommodate national participant registration as well as additional participating institution collaboration.