Helpful Organizations

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

www.sralab.org
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

www.sralab.org/lifecenter
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

www.chasa.org
Explanations, information, research, support, treatment resources are available here.

United Cerebral Palsy

www.ucp.org
Find information regarding assistive technology, education, health/wellness, travel/transportation, and research information.

Understood.org

https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings
Find information for parents of children struggling with learning and attention issues.

Child Mind Institute

https://childmind.org/audience/for-families/
Important information for families about mental health and learning disorders.

Information Connections (Marianjoy Medical Library)

www.informationconnections.org
Symptoms, statistics, education, legislation – autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and more

Financial Resources

Kiddie Pool Fundraiser

http://www.adaptivemall.com/kiddiepool1.html
How to set up a KiddiePool fundraiser webpage for your child with special needs

Firsthand Foundation

https://www.firsthandfoundation.org/
Apply for adaptive equipment and clinical resources for your child with special needs

Disabled Children’s Fund

http://disabled-child.org/
Grant applications available April through September in more than 30 states.

Hannah’s Hope Fund

http://www.hannahshope.org/
More than 30 potential sources for families with children with special needs

Itaalk.org – Grants for Special Needs

http://www.itaalk.org/
More than 50 potential sources for families with children with special needs

National Academy of Social Insurance

http://www.nasi.org/
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) brief for families with children with special needs

SSA for Children with Special Needs

http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/apply-child.html
How to apply for disability benefits for a child under age 18

Special Kids Fund

http://www.specialkidsfund.org/
Apply for a handicapped adapted vehicle for your child with special needs

Wheel to Walk Foundation

http://www.wheeltowalk.com/
Apply for adaptive equipment for your child with special needs

Legal Resources

Assistive Technology Act

http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/ata/
Introduction to Assistive Technology Act to assist people (all ages) with special needs

Rehabilitation Engineering Assistive Technology Society of North America

https://www.resna.org/ 
Find your state’s program for helping provide assistive technology for people (all ages) with
special needs

Wrightslaw

http://www.wrightslaw.com/
Extensive, reliable information about special education law and advocacy

School Resources

Council for Exceptional Children

www.cec.sped.org
Special education resources for teachers

Davidson Institute for Talent Development

www.davidsongifted.org
Learn about IEP & 504 plans

Do2learn™

www.do2learn.com
Toolbox to help educate students with autism spectrum, attention deficit and other issues.

Great Schools

www.greatschools.org
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

www.isbe.state.il.us
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.