Advocacy, Mentoring, & Caregiver Support Resources
Abilities Plus is a not-for-profit organization located in Kewanee, Illinois serving individuals of all ages with disabilities. Their mission is to promote opportunities that result in independence and active decision making for people with disabilities and their families.
1100 N. East Street
Kewanee, Illinois 61443
(309) 852-4626
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All Children Are Special
Dr Patricia McGuire MD FAAP, The Pediatric Profiler, is an author, speaker, and clinician whose area of expertise is challenging children and youth. She is available for keynotes, seminars, and workshops dealing with ADHD, autism, learning disorders, and other emotional and behavioral challenges.
2215 Westdale Drive SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
(319) 365-1006
info@allchildrenarespecial.com
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The Arc of Southeast Iowa is committed to being a leader in offering information, services and advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and community; to promote informed choices and the realization of their goals relating to where and how they live, learn, work and play.
2620 Muscatine Ave
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 351-5017
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Autism Service Provider and Beyond
We integrate developmental foundations and behavior principles in order to create the best outcomes for all children and families that we serve. We provide in-home ABA, center-based intervention, and parent education and support groups. All of our programs are individualized to fit the needs of each learner and their family.
800 W. 5th Avenue Ste 104
Naperville, Illinois 60563
(630) 548-0749
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Autism Services Group (Formerly known as: Skill Sprout – Autism & Therapeutic Pediatric Services)
At ASG, we offer a large array of support, programs and services to help children and families facing the challenges of autism and other neuro-disabilities—all under one roof. This coordinated multidisciplinary approach saves time, reduces stress and supports each individual child and family in the best way possible. Services include diagnostic assessments, applied behavioral analysis, speech/language therapy, and social skills/counseling, along with a variety of family programs.
8500 N. Knoxville Avenue - Ste A.
Peoria, Illinois 61615
(309) 713-2841
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Autism Society of the Quad Cities
The Autism Society of the Quad Cities is a chapter of the Autism society of America www.autism-society.org. We serve Scott, Muscatine, and Clinton Counties in Iowa and Rock island, Henry, and Mercer Counties in Illinois. The Autism Society of the Quad Cities provides information, education, support, and advocacy in the Quad Cities and surrounding area to maximize the potential of persons with autism and those affected by autism.
P.O. Box 472
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
(563) 386-6359
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Serving all communities in Iowa, Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support, increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism, and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
Iowa
(515) 322-0143
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Autism Votes – Illinois
The Illinois Senate and House of Representatives gave final approval to a bill amending the state's 2008 autism insurance reform law by assuring that any individual already diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder would not lose benefits as a result of any changes adopted in the upcoming 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
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Autism, Behavioral & Educational Services
Our mission is to provide quality services and intervention strategies to children on the autism spectrum and their families. We strive to use the most advanced and evidence-based teaching strategies available. Our teaching techniques are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. We aim to teach children skills that can be generalized across a variety of people and settings. Parent training is an essential part of our program that ensures the child continues to apply and hone those new skills throughout the day. We regularly coordinate our efforts with interdisciplinary team members such as teachers, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists.
151 W Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
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We are a leading autism service organization, providing a balance of innovative therapy and passionate care. Together, we unite science with imagination, evidence with creativity and research with compassion - to bring balance to the lives of those we serve. For Family. For Community. For Life. Services Offered: • Clinic Based Applied Behavior Analysis • Consultation and Training • Family Training and Coaching • Social Skills • Supported Community Living (children)
4959 Utica Ridge Road
Davenport, Iowa 52807
563-362-9631 or 1-888-2-AUTISM
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Black Hawk Area Special Education
TThe Black Hawk Area Special Education District (BHASED) is a special education joint agreement between thirteen local school districts in the Illinois counties of Henry, Mercer and Rock Island. We cover approximately 1,200 square miles and serve parents and school staff that work with approximately 30,000 public, private and parochial school students. We want teachers, parents, students, school administrators and all others that we serve to trust that BHASED staff are a valuable resource; that we are a team of professionals willing to partner with them to facilitate the appropriate education and socialization of all students.
4670 11th Street
East Moline, Illinois 61244
(309) 796-2500
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CFC 13- Child and Family Connections ROE#26-Macomb
CFC is an early intervention program that serves infants and children ages 0-3 who have or are at risk of developmental delays. CFC assists families across nine Illinois counties with their children's adaptive, cognitive, communication, physical, and emotional needs. We assist in identifying, planning, and providing services for children in need of our care. We provide in-home evaluations and therapy sessions, create personalized therapy sessions for you and your family, and monitor progress with 6 month check-ups. Child and Family Connections #13 is funded by the Department of Human Services under the Regional Office of Education #26. Serving: Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Rock Island, Schuyler and Warren Counties.
1301 N Main St
Monmouth, Illinois 61462
309-734-3336
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Every Child (formerly Child Abuse Council) is a bi-state, regional, non-profit agency with more than 40 years' experience providing child abuse prevention, education and treatment programs for children and families in the bi-state metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Our goals for every child served are (1) a safe and nurturing home; (2) a secure parent-child relationship; and (3) an environment supporting successful growth and development.
524 15th St.
Moline, Illinois 61265
(309) 736-7170
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Empowering Abilities (formerly the Handicapped Development Center)
At Empowering Abilities, we strive to help people become productive members of the community. By being consumers, employees, taxpayers, and neighbors, EA participants achieve a sense of belonging. From the work they do, they experience pride and satisfaction for doing a job well and being rewarded by a paycheck. By living in the community, they learn what it’s like to pay bills and how to be a responsible citizen and a good neighbor.
3402 Hickory Grove Road
P.O. Box 2450
Davenport, Iowa 52809
(563) 391-4834
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Advancing the human and civil rights of people with disabilities in Illinois. State Protection & Advocacy Systems serve as a legal advocate for people with disabilities and as an independent watchdog. To carry out our responsibilities under federal law, we are granted broad, federal statutory powers. Equip for Equality supports the rights of people to make their own decisions and seeks to remove barriers that prevent them from being productive, independent and successful in all aspects of their lives: school, college, employment, recreation, sports, independent living and civic involvement.
1617 2nd Ave #210
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
(309) 786-6868​
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Family Care Solutions is a locally owned home health care provider, based in Davenport, Iowa. Our Medicare/Medicaid and HCBS Waiver Certified agency provides the highest level of care and supports for children, adults, and their families. We strive to enhance the quality of life without the stress of interrupted routines and changes in daily habits. Custodial or non-skilled care and health services in nursing home setting or home health aide services for those who can't take care of themselves due to physical, emotional, or mental problems. 24-hour medical care as well as room, meals, activities, and some personal care.
3860 Middle Road
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
(563) 332-0520
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Family Matters-PACT is committed to empowering families by providing resources, intervention and education that preserve, enhance and strengthen relationships.
3600 E State St #316
Rockford, Illinois 61108
(815) 877-7228
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Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center
Family Matters, a project of Community Support Systems, was funded as a Family Support Program, in 1989, by the Illinois Department of Human Services in order to assist families to keep their children with disabilities living at home by providing, locating, or creating the needed supports. The most prevalent need expressed by parents in 1989 and through the present, is for information about obtaining more, better, different, or more appropriate special education services.
Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center 1901 S. 4th St., Ste. 209
Effingham, Illinois 62401
Toll-Free: 1-866-4FMPTIC (1-866-436-7842) Fax: 217-318-3516
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To strengthen children, families and individuals by providing quality services that engage community resources to create effective solutions.
2800 Eastern Ave
Davenport, Iowa 52803
(563) 326-6431
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At Four Oaks, we offer a variety of services to help children and families be successful. The TotalChild approach—where we serve children and families in an all-encompassing way, rather than just addressing one issue at a time—permeates everything we do.
5400 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
(319) 364-0259
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Have Dreams is a Chicago-area nonprofit serving children, teens and adults impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We offer after-school, workplace training and adult day programs, along with diagnostic and family support services. Serving ages 16 months to adulthood, we offer a broad range of programs to serve the full range of the autism spectrum. Come learn about what we do and how to support our cause.
515 Busse Highway - Suite 150
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
(847) 685-0250
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The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) Program provides long-term, graduate level interdisciplinary training designed to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities. This goal is accomplished by preparing trainees from diverse professional disciplines to assume leadership roles in their respective fields, and by ensuring high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence. LEND focuses training on the policy, advocacy, research and clinical skills necessary to affect positive change on all levels, from the individual to systems.
1640 West Roosevelt Rd (MC 626), Room 215
Chicago, Illinois 60608
(312) 996-8905
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Illinois/Iowa Center for Independent Living (IICIL)
The Illinois/Iowa Center for Independent Living serves residents in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in Illinois and Clinton, Scott and Muscatine counties in Iowa. IICIL provides a number of consumer-directed services, including information and referral, advocacy, independent living skills training, and peer support, which are mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In addition to these services, we also have a fully accessible computer lab, state of the art information and referral library, TTY/Amplified Phone acquisition, devices for people who have low vision or are blind, Braille and transcription, sign language, technical assistance on disability laws and policy, Disability Awareness Training, accessibility audits, and a host of volunteer opportunities for consumers and other interested persons.
501 11th St.
Rock Island, IL 61201
​(309) 793-0090
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Individual Advocacy Group is a CARF accredited not-for-profit organization dedicated to community- based supports and personal advocacy for individuals with special needs. IAG provides training programs, behavioral and individual therapies, community- based residential programs, advocacy and case management for individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, brain injuries or physical/medical conditions. All of IAG’s programs are community- based and all residential programs are family scale of four or fewer people using neighborhood housing and apartments. IAG provides its services in 21 counties in Illinois from Chicago to the Quad Cities to Springfield to Peoria and Champaign, as well as the District of Columbia and Maryland.
4366 Kennedy Dr A
East Moline, Illinois 61244
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Iowa Compass connects people with disabilities and complex health-related needs to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa.
100 Hawkins Dr #295
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
(800) 779-2001
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Iowa Vocational Rehabilitations Services
We provide expert, individualized services to Iowans with disabilities to achieve their independence through successful employment and economic support.
3827 W Locust St
Davenport, Iowa 52804
(563) 386-1200
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Iowa Work Incentives Planning & Assistance
Disability Rights IOWA is part of a national network of protection and advocacy systems established in the 1970s by the U.S. Congress to respond to repeated abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities in large institutions. We are an independent, non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation funded through contributions, corporate and foundation funding, and grants from the Federal Government. We are not affiliated with any governmental entity or service provider, but we use federal funding to serve people with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and other disabilities. Because of our efforts and those of other protection and advocacy systems, people with disabilities are now served in a variety of community settings – schools, group homes, employment sites – as well as institutions. Disability Rights IOWA advocates for the rights of Iowa citizens with disabilities wherever they may live.
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Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
As Iowa's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) shares the vision of "a life in the community for everyone." We partner with Iowans with disabilities, their family members, providers, state and local agencies, and many others to improve the health and full community participation of persons with disabilities, and to advance the community supports and services on which they rely. We work towards our goals through University training, community training, technical assistance to state and local agencies/organizations, clinical services and direct community supports, research and policy analyses, and information sharing.
100 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
(319) 353-6900
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Kreider Services is still a private, not-for-profit, charitable organization known in the state of Illinois for its quality services. Over 600 clients are provided an array of programs and services including development/skill training, a production department that provides on-site training and employment, a community employment service, individual supports, respite care and Early Intervention for children 0-3 years of age.
500 Anchor Road
Dixon, Illinois 61021
(815) 288-6691
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Little Friends Center for Autism
At the Little Friends Center for Autism, we have the groundbreaking treatment programs and nationally respected staff to empower clients for life. Treatment starts at a diagnosis––when we create a comprehensive strategy for your child––and continues through social skills groups, applied behavior analysis, speech therapy and more. With a plan tailored to their strengths and needs, your child will develop the skills needed to flourish in our community.
140 N. Wright Street
Naperville, Illinois 60540
(630) 305-4196
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Mississippi Bend Area Education Center
The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency provides programs and services designed to support quality education for all students by improving teaching and learning. Special Education services comprise about 80 percent of the AEA budget and include: Academic Consultants, Behavior Consultants, Hearing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, School Psychology, School Social Work,Speech, and Vision.
Early ACCESS is a partnership between families with young children (birth to age 3) and providers from Iowa’s AEAs, the Iowa Departments of Education, Public Health and Human Services, and Child Health Specialty Clinics. Families and Early ACCESS staff work together to identify, coordinate and provide needed services and resources that help families assist their infants and toddlers in their growth and development.
Early Childhood Special Education services are available to children ages 3-5 who may be identified as needing special education services. The AEA is the system within Iowa who has been given the responsibility for identifying children with special needs.
729 21st Street
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
(563) 359-1371
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We provide ABA therapy, Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Counseling services in home, in clinic or at private school/childcare settings. Expanding to the QC this summer!
1870 W. Winchester Road Suite 203
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
(847) 816-7200
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The National Autism Association is a nonprofit organization focused on addressing urgent issues that families and individuals in the autism community often face, including wandering/elopement, suicidality, bullying, restraint/seclusion, abuse, mistreatment, and discrimination. Project Found provides grants and fundraising suggestions to support autism safety initiatives, such as providing GPS trackers for children with autism who may be at risk for wandering.
National Autism Association
One Park Avenue, Suite 1
Portsmouth, Rhode Island 2871
(877) 622.2884
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Parent Empowerment Groups
Advocacy, educational consulting, and informational conferences.
Eldridge, Iowa `
(563) 484-9402
parentempowermentgroups@gmail.com
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PURPOSE. is not school, church, or law enforcement affiliated and is different from mainstream educational, mental health, and wellness systems. Through a variety of alternative therapy practices and coaching strategies, it is the goal of PURPOSE to empower individuals to identify, define, and express their innate strengths to maintain Life-Balance, Confidence for Learning, and Ongoing Wellness.
1800 7th Ave, Ste 301
Moline, Illinois 61265
309-798-0511
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Regional Autism Assistance Program
The Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) provides community-based clinical consultation, multidisciplinary care planning recommendations, and family to family support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. RAP team members who work with families include advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses and family navigators. They use standardized tools to identify children at risk for ASD and help families find diagnostic services. RAP teams also help families access community-based services and supports to help meet their needs and goals. RAP also provides technical assistance and training on evidence-based screening and assessment tools to medical home providers, Area Education Agencies, and other early intervention community providers.
The University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine Stead Family Department of Pediatrics Division of Child and Community Health Child Health Specialty Clinics 100 Hawkins Drive, 246 CDD
Iowa city, Iowa 52242
1-866-219-9119 Ext. 2
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RI Arsenal Exceptional Family Member Program
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides comprehensive support to family members with special needs. EFMP takes an all-inclusive approach to coordinate military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services to help Soldiers and their Families with special needs.
3438 Rodman Avenue Bldg. 110
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
309-782-4736
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Robert Young Mental Health Center
Full continuum of behavioral health services including outpatient therapies, inpatient psychiatric services, partial hospitalization, continuing care, and chemical dependency treatment services. 24 hours a day, seven days a week crisis intervention services for those people experiencing psychiatric emergencies, those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or those who simply need to talk to someone about the stresses affecting their lives.
4600 3rd Street
Moline, Illinois 61265
309-779-2031
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Rock River Valley Self Help Enterprises Inc
Rock River Valley Self Help Enterprises mission is to provide quality rehabilitative programs and services that promote advocacy, empowerment, and the development of independent functioning skills of individuals with disabilities, which allows for maximum participation in the community.
2300 W. Le Fevre Road
Sterling, Illinois 61081
(815) 626-3115
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Founded in 1990, the Sibling Support Project is the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns.
16120 NE 8th Street
Bellevue, WA 98008
425-362-6421
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St. Ambrose University Accessibility Resource Center
At SAU, all students get the chance to demonstrate their academic abilities. Our Accessibility Resource Center does not lower course standards or alter degree requirements. It does offer services and reasonable accommodations intended to reduce the effects a disability may have on your performance in a traditional academic setting. Services include academic advising, advocacy, alternative exam arrangements, assistive technology, books in alternative formats, assistive listening devices, learning disability specialists, note takers, screening and referrals, sign language interpreters, other accommodations, and staff can serve as a liaison with outside agencies. SAU's Accessibility Resource Center goes beyond federal law to provide strong programming and support services, and has been nationally recognized. This spring, collegechoice.net ranked SAU as one of the 50 Best Disability Friendly Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
STARNET (Northwest Region I and Central Region III)
Family fellowships, family resource directory, conferences, modules and workshops promoting family-centered perspectives. Family resource specialists, who are parents of children with special needs, are available to provide training, information and support to families and providers. Consumer Stipend Funds to attend parent training conferences. Applications and guidelines available on website.
Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education
WIU - Horrabin Hall 32z
1 University Circle
Macomb, Illinois 61455
(800) 227-7537
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The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network is the largest comprehensive statewide provider of autism services in the country. A collaboration of 15 agencies operate 17 centers across the state to provide services to children, families, educators, day care providers, and medical professionals.
The Autism Program of Illinois Hope Pavilion 5220 S. 6th Street Rd., ste 1700
Springfield, Illinois 62703
217) 585-5178
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The purpose of the group is to provide a safe space where people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can increase their capacity for self-determination. Our support and self-advocacy group is open to people 18 and older who have any autism spectrum diagnosis, or who suspect they may be on the spectrum and want to learn more about it. No formal diagnosis is necessary. There is no charge for participation in this group. Family members are also invited.
228 W. Miller Street
Springfield, Illinois 62703
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The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with its headquarters located in Rock Island, Illinois. Founded in 1952, The Arc mission is to empower people with disabilities to believe in their own unique abilities and achieve their full potential by providing quality, innovative services that focus on advocacy, independence, employment, meaningful community life and personal happiness. Through residential options, day programming, work services, and advocacy efforts, The Arc serves the needs of individuals throughout the Quad Cities Area. The Arc’s programs are designed for individuals of all skill levels and offer a variety of options for individuals with developmental and other disabilities. Programs Include: Residential Services, Work Services, Community Employment Services, Assistive Technology, Developmental Training, Autism Spectrum Disorder Services, Community Support Day Programs, and Transition Supports.
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The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
The mission of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (the Council) is to help lead change in Illinois so all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom. Consumer stipend funds to attend parent training conferences, $300 per person per year or $500 per family per year. Call for application and guidelines.
830 S. Spring Street
Springfield, Illinois 62704
(708) 206-1930
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Understood is a comprehensive, free online resource to support parents of kids with learning and attention issues and empower them to help their children thrive in school and in life. Created by 15 nonprofit partners, Understood provides personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a safe community of parents and much more. Our goal is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. We want to empower them to understand their children’s issues and relate to their experiences. With this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving.
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United Action for Youth is a non-profit organization working with youth, parents, and the local community to provide services for all teenagers 12-18 years old. It is a place for youth to have a voice and give back creatively to their community.
P.O. Box 892
Iowa City, Iowa 52244
(319) 338-7518​
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University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development
As Iowa's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) shares the vision of "a life in the community for everyone." We partner with Iowans with disabilities, their family members, providers, state and local agencies, and many others to improve the health and full community participation of persons with disabilities, and to advance the community supports and services on which they rely. We work towards our goals through University training, community training, technical assistance to state and local agencies/organizations, clinical services and direct community supports, research and policy analyses, and information sharing.
100 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
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Annually offers a fall weekend retreat for 20 AEA 9 families with a child with a disability. The aim of the weekend retreat is to provide support, information, relaxation, and opportunities to interact with other families with similar circumstances.
972 N. Lincoln
Davenport, Iowa 52805
(563) 349-2960
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Vera French Community Mental Health Center
Vera French Community Mental Health Center works to enhance the mental health of all in our community by providing quality, accessible and comprehensive care.
1441 W. Central Park Avenue
Davenport, Iowa 52804
(563) 383-1900
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Western Illinois Service Coordination
WISC is a not-for-profit tax exempt agency governed by a Board of Directors representing the counties served and is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services. WISC serves individuals with intellectual disabilities seeking and receiving Medicaid waiver funded services. WISC's mission is to enhance the quality of life for all individuals in need of service coordination. These services will assist and empower individuals to make choices that will maximize their personal development and and growth.
509 N. Lafayette Street - Suite 203
Macomb, Illinois 61455
(309) 833-1621
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Young Adult Support Group YES Group
Young Adult Support Group Social support group for young adults with autism. It is called the YES! Support Group (Young, Exuberant, Spectrumites). It meets the first Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. with locations changing depending on the activity. There is no charge to attend
St. Ambrose University, 1320 W. Lombard St.,
Davenport, Iowa 52804
(563) 333-6279