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Resources to help families, educators, and caregivers support children with disabilities in school.
Chicago Public Schools – Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS)
Helps students with disabilities in Chicago get the services they need to succeed in school.
Phone: 773.553.1800
Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford
Provides early education, therapy, and support for children with disabilities and their families.
Phone: 312.491.4110
Esperanza Community Services
Offers education, therapy, and community support for people with developmental disabilities from birth through adulthood. Services available in English and Spanish.
Phone: 312.243.6097
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center
The Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) website provides education, support, and resources for families navigating the special education system in Illinois. As the state’s only federally funded PTIC, it offers individualized coaching, workshops, IEP guidance, and tools to empower families and foster inclusive educational experiences.
Phone: 866.4FMPTIC (866.436.7842)
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) – Special Education
Shares information about special education laws, programs, and services in Illinois.
Phone: 217.782-5589
Illinois State Board of Education – 504 Plan Guidance
Provides guidance on 504 Plans for students with disabilities.
Phone: 217.782-5589
Illinois Transition Resources
Helps students and families plan for life after high school, including work and college.
Phone: 800.843.6154 or 877.581.3690
Kids’ Chance Educational Scholarships
Provides scholarships to children whose parents were injured on the job and may not be able to return to work.
Phone: 401.405.4028
LD Online
Gives easy-to-understand information about learning disabilities and ADHD.
Email: Idonline@weta.org No phone number listed
PACER Center – National Parent Center on Transition and Employment
Offers tools and advice for planning a child’s future after high school.
Phone: 800.537.2237 or 952.838.9000
Tuesdays Child
Tuesday’s Child provides evidence-based behavioral intervention programs and parent coaching to help families in Chicago manage challenging behaviors in young children. The organization emphasizes early intervention, social-emotional learning, and inclusive support to foster resilience and success at home, in school, and in the community.
Phone: 773.573.6936
U.S. Department of Education – Section 504 FAQ
Answers common questions about Section 504 and the education of children with disabilities. Go on line to click on your state to obtain a contact number for your state department of education.
Understood.org
Helps families with kids who learn and think differently discover their strengths and stay on a positive path.
Phone: 646.757.3100
