Disability Benefits and Information

• Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) enables people with disabilities, so they can fully participate in all aspects of life. Services provided through IATP include:
• TechConnect - assistance in finding devices or lower-cost alternatives
• Device Loan Program
• Demonstration Center to learn about devices and their use
• Legislative Information Pipeline
• On-site workshops
• Evaluation of organizations to meet the technological-services needs of clients, students, and consumers with disabilities.
• TechConnect Low Interest Loan Program, provides all Illinoisans with disabilities with low interest loans for the purchasing of:
• assistive technology devices,
• services
• home modifications
• equipment services, or
• home modifications for home-based employment.

• Social Security Disability Insurance Program- Social Security
• Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) is a medical program that offers healthcare coverage if you are between the ages of 16 and 64, have a job, and have a disability. This program removes one of the biggest fears you may have about losing healthcare coverage should you decide to work. Furthermore, it allows you to have more choices about returning to work...working more hours..or moving to a better, higher-paying job.
• Click here to find out more about HBWD or download an application, or contact your local CWIC.
• Illinois Healthcare and Family Services Medical Programs - also called Medicaid, All Kids, FamilyCare, Moms & Babies, HFS Medical Benefits or Veterans Care.

• Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) is a state-wide organization made up of 24 Centers for Independent Living in Illinois. "The Centers for Independent Living exist to empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of their lives and make their own choices and decisions in order to be as self-sufficient as possible." To find out more about the services provided through this organization, visit the INCIL website.
• Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities:
• Contact your local Center for Independent Living to learn about transportation options in your community.

• Mental Health resources and information for individuals needing mental health services in Illinois - provided by Illinois Dept. of Human Services (Division of Mental Health).
  
  
  Click here to see list of counties being served

To access resources provided through the DHS Division of Mental Health and apply for assistance, visit:

• Mental Health Services Frequently Asked Questions, if you are considering mental health services for you or someone you care for.
• Mental Health Services provides assistance and information on services provided through mental health centers to include:
• Acute: outpatient care,
• Mental health treatment,
• Specialized programs for adolescents and children,
• Rehabilitation and support, and
• State hospital treatment
• For more information and consumer enrollment requirement information, visit the DHS Mental Health Provider/Consumer Guide.

• education,
• employment opportunities, and
• independent living.

To access these resources and to see if you qualify for disability benefits, visit the following DHS/ Rehabilitation Services and federal sites:

• Consumer Opportunity Loans are offered by the Illinois Treasurer's Office to pay for construction projects or purchase equipment that will help them achieve greater mobility and self-sufficiency.
• Disability Determination Services assists citizens of Illinois in determining their eligibility to receive benefits under the Social Security Disability Program.
• Disabilityinfo.gov is the federal government's online resource for people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers and others. It gives quick and easy access to information about disability programs, services, laws and benefits.
• DRS Rehabilitation Services Referral find Rehabilitation Service Providers or Referral Agencies in your area
• Federal Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income helps people to determine their eligibility to receive benefits under several federal programs that provide assistance to individuals with disabilities.
• Home Services Program provides services to individuals with severe disabilities so they can remain in their homes and be as independent as possible.
• Residential education and outreach programs for individuals with disabilities, provided by Educational Services.
• U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services provides information and funding resources to assist adults and children with disabilities.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Program assists individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. Specializing in supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, and Hispanic or Latino.
• Vocational rehabilitation services to people with disabilities in Illinois - provided by Illinois Dept. of Human Services (Division of Rehabilitation Services).
  
  
  Click here to see a list of counties being served

Bond, Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Crawford, Cumberland, DeWitt, DeKalb, Douglas, DuPage, Edgar, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Harding, Iroquois, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jo Davies, Kane, La Salle, Lake, Lawrence, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Marion, Marshall, McHenry, McLean, Montgomery, Ogle, Peoria, Perry, Piatt, Pope, Putnam, Richland, Rock Island, Saline, Sangamon, Shelby, Stark, Stephenson, Tazewell, Vermillion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, Whiteside, Williamson, Winnebago, Woodford, and parts of the northern Cook County

Services for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

• The Guild's Consumer Product Center (CPC) carries a wide variety of products for sale that are designed to assist people who are blind or visually impaired with daily living tasks at home, work, or at school.

Illinois Council of the Blind promotes the general welfare of citizens in Illinois who are blind. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for all blind and visually impaired citizens of Illinois. Their objectives include protecting the rights and privileges of visually impaired Illinois citizens by monitoring legislation, agencies, and organizations that provide services for them. We also provide mutual encouragement and support through social change.


Resources for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Important resources, information, and support for individuals who are are deaf or hard of hearing, and their families, is available from The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services.
 
For resource information, visit the DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing page.

The Center on Deafness, a not for profit Illinois Corporation serves both children and adults who have hearing impairments with additional handicapping conditions such as mental illness or developmental disabilities.

CHOICES for Parents facilitates the optimal development of children with newly identified hearing loss by providing their parents with access to support, information and resources to meet their family's needs.

The Illinois Deaf & Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) serves as a conduit of information about hearing loss to the State of Illinois. This information includes public awareness about hearing loss, demographic information on hearing loss in Illinois, statutes at the Federal and State level affecting the deaf and hard of hearing.

The Illinois Service Resource Center (ISRC) is the coordination center for a wide variety of services tailored specifically for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and exhibit behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges. ISRC provides training, technical assistance and resources for parents and educators.

Statewide directory of State and local services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.


Resources for Individuals who have Developmental Disabilities

• A list and contact information for the nine regional developmental centers located in Illinois is provided by State-operated Developmental Centers.
• Information on the investment of improved delivery services and support of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the State of Illinois is provided by Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities.
• Find Developmental Disability Services Providers or Referral Agencies in your area, visit State Developmental Centers Locator for all Illinois Counties.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Work Incentives generally provide cash assistance to people with disabilities, (non-blind or blind), who have limited income and assets.
• The 2009 & 2010 Federal Benefit Rate is $674.00 and the asset limit is $2000 for a single individual.
• Most individuals are also eligible for a state of Illinois medical card through the Department of Human Services (DHS) Family Community Resource Center (FCRC).
• Contact your CWIC today for your individual benefits analysis.
• Social Security Administration connects to disability-related information
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to individuals with disabilities who are insured workers under the Social Security Act. Your contributions are based on your earnings (or those of your parents) through the Federal Insurance Contribution Act.
• SSDI checks very since they are based on the amount you paid in over your work history. Medicare begins after two years after you start receiving SDDI.
• Your child my receive SSDI benefits as a Childhood Disability Beneficiary if you have a disability, if you are deceased or if you are retired.
• To find out more about SSDI work incentives, contact your local CWIC.

How do I contact the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) expert?

• If you plan to set aside money to pay for a career goals, Click here to learn more about PASS.
• If you receive SSI and have another source of income, the PASS allows you to save for this goal. SSI can be used to pay for basics, such as food and shelter. Income or assets can be set aside in a PASS and not counted when deciding eligibility for SSI.
• PASS can be used to pay for college, training, and business start-up in order to earn enough money to become financially independent.
• To learn more about PASS, contact your local CWIC.