Email Address:

help@ventracarehomes.org

Contact Us Today: 708-576-8770

RESOURCES AND ADVOCACY INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS

At Ventracare, we help our parents and caregivers to connect with medical, governmental, and community resources and agencies. We have provided information and links to agencies that we believe will be helpful to the children and their families.

  • American Academy of PediatricsDedicated to the Health of all Children, this physician-run academy provides an excellent source of information to parents/caregivers.www.aap.org
  • American Lung Association of Illinois – Greater Chicago This statewide health organization has the state’s leading experts on lung disease as members. The mission is to make a world free of lung disease and promote lung health. www.lung.org
  • The ARC of IllinoisStatewide Health Information Resource for Families of Children and Youth with Special Needs. It is committed to empowering persons with disabilities to achieve full participation in community life through informed choices. www.thearcofil.org
  • Access LivingWe equip people with disabilities with the tools to overcome societal barriers to inclusion by imparting independent living skills, teaching economic self-sufficiency, and enabling people with disabilities to transition to autonomous community living www.accessliving.org
  • Birth Injury CenterOur mission is to help anyone who has been dealing with a birth injury. Our website provides helpful information about the different types of injuries. These resources aim to help families with their various concerns. We will continue adding more soon.
    The most prevalent kind of motor disability in children is cerebral palsy, which affects 1 in every 345 children. We have services and information just for people with CP and their families. Check it out below.     www.birthinjurycenter.org
  • The Birth Injury Justice CenterThe Birth Injury Justice Center has compiled the most in-depth resources nationwide to help guide and serve all families with disabilities caused by physical birth injuries www.childbirthinjuries.com
  • The Center for Independence through Conductive EducationProvides a unique intensive group method of special education that expects and demands active learning and participation by the child attempting to overcome their motor disability (i.e., cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury), The founder’s motto: When you do not educate the child to be independent, you educate the child to be dependent. Dr. Andras Peto. www.center-for-independence.org
  • Cerebral Palsy GroupCerebral Palsy Group is a national organization that was created so that it may serve the individuals and families who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. We are here to provide information and support so that we may help provide resources and education to those affected by CP. www.cerebralpalsygroup.com
  • Cerebral Palsy GuidanceCerebral Palsy Guidance covers medical information, like symptoms and treatment, and daily living topics, including counseling, abuse, college/careers, bullying, and more. You can read more at www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com
  • Community Support ServicesA private, not-for-profit service agency that initiates provides, and promotes services for people with developmental disabilities and their families within their communities www.communitysupportservices.org
  • Easter Seals Disability ServicesEaster Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region provide services for infants, children, and adults with disabilities to achieve maximum independence and support the families who love and care for them. www.dfvr.easterseals.com
  • Entertainment Guide for Families of Children with Special NeedsFamily vacations and day trips enrich everyone’s lives. They can provide children and parents with new perspectives, not to mention relaxation mixed with excitement. Unfortunately, vacations are also a source of stress for many families, particularly those that include a child with special needs. But with a little planning, preparation, and information, a trip can be a source of joy rather than distress. Here are some great ideas for families to explore. www.eguide.thecplawyer.com
  • Ever Thrive IllinoisEver Thrive Illinois works to improve the health of women, children, and families over the lifespan through community engagement, partnerships, policy analysis, education, and advocacy. www.everthriveil.org
  • Family Support Network of IllinoisIts mission is to unify individuals with disabilities and their families to advocate for funding, services, and community resources that strengthen and support them and empower them to live in their own homes. www.familysupportnetwork.org
  • Helping Children with Cerebral PalsyCerebral palsy (CP) is a disability caused by brain damage that restricts normal movement and coordination. Each year, 10,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Cerebral Palsy Guide provides free educational materials, financial options, and support to help those across the country affected by this disorder. www.cerebralpalsyguide.com
  • Make-a-Wish FoundationSince 1980 this foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. www.wish.org
  • National Center for Learning DisabilitiesSpecial Education Services for students with learning disabilities are covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Learning Act (IDEA) which provides states with federal funds to help make special education services available to students with disabilities. www.ncld.org
  • Normal Moments, Inc.Helping parents/caregivers of children with critical illnesses by providing support to them in the home, hospital, and via web resources. www.normalmoments.org
  • PACT, IncAn independent Services Coordination Agency in DuPage County, providing individual service coordination for people with disabilities. www.pactinc.net
  • The Kids Equipment NetworkWe are a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to connecting children with special needs, from birth to 21 years of age, who have little or no funding, with needed durable adaptive equipment. www.tken.org

Governmental Agencies –

Specific websites for childhood immunizations and the WIC programs in some Northern Illinois counties are given below:

WIC: Women Infants & Children Clinics

WIC is a federally funded program to aid low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women and children up to the age of 5 who are at nutritional risk. The Food and Nutrition Services branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes grants to states to provide supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to women, infants, and children.

Childhood Immunizations

Division of Specialized Services for Children

The link below provides an information library and resources for families and children with special health care needs. http://dscc.uic.edu/browse-resources

This link brings you to a pamphlet entitled “Planning for your Teenager’s Future” for families of teenagers with special needs. http://dscc.uic.edu/resources/healthcare-transition

Teledentistry

Byte

Byte is a teledentistry platform meaning all our services are offered online and accessible to everyone, no matter the geographic location! We serve all U.S. states, and our team is available for questions by phone or online at any time. We have communities all across the country as well as internationally that share our resources on their website as a means of valuable information for their communities. Here are just a few: