Funding Assistance

Parent Fellowships
Parent Education Fellowships are now available for individual requests of up to $100 per award, and may be used for workshop registration, lodging, or childcare. Note: Individuals may apply only once during our fiscal year. Parent Education Fellowships are no longer available for fiscal year 2020.  Please check our website for Fellowships that may become available after July 1, 2020.

The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities has a stipend program that pays for Illinois families to attend conferences.
Click here for program details (opens in new tab/window)

Websites for Grants for Families Challenged with Autism
Details on autism grants (opens in new tab/window)

Family Events & Support

FREE Conferences for Parents of Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
North of Eighty-April 18, 2020-Rockford,
City of Chicago-May 2, 2020-City of Chicago/Near Midway
Details (PDF download)

Functional Vision & Hearing Screening Training
April 16, 2020
Details (opens in new tab/window)

We are looking for participants for an exciting research project that will explore the nature of advocacy
conducted by parents of children with disabilities
Details (opens in new tab/window)

S.P.E.A.K. Parent Support Group
Every third Monday of each month
Details (PDF download)

NAMI-Southwestern Illinois Free Family Support Group for Parents/Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Brain Disorders
Details (opens in new tab/window)

Grandparents Support Group
Details (PDF download)

Illinois Center for Autism Support Group
Every third or fourth Wednesday of each month
Details (opens in new tab/window)

Family Resources

The Arc of Illinois Assistive Technology Fund
Details (open in new tab/window)

The Spectrum:
A resource for busy parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other special need!
Parenting Tips, Info, Updates and News from Connie Hammer (parent, coach)
Details (opens in new tab/window)

Free Children’s Vision Screening
Details (opens in new tab/window)

Hope Respite Care for Families
Details (opens in new tab/window)

Air Force Respite Care
Details (PDF download)

Family Needs Survey
Details (PDF download)

Child Dental Services for Patients to age 20 on Medicaid
Details (PDF download)

Insurance Coverage for Autism
Details (PDF download)

Parent Right’s Guide Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois
Details (open in new tab/window)

St. Louis Zoo/UCP Heartland Visual Schedule
Details (open in new tab/window)

Zero to Three – Military Families
Details (open in new tab/window)