IDD Navigator

The IDD Navigator website is a free public directory that connects you with service providers, support organizations, government programs, advocacy tools, and more in Illinois. If you’re unsure where to turn or are having difficulty navigating the options on your own, the IDD Navigator can assist individuals or families seeking services for those with IDD. 

On the homepage, watch the video titled “How to Use the IDD Navigator Website” for additional guidance. Use the navigation bar to access the resource library, media library, IDD acronym guide, and to locate independent service coordination agencies (ISC).

Class Central

The Class Central catalog brings courses from many providers into one place with a catalog of over 100,000 online courses in the online learning-verse. Take courses from Coursera, edX, Udemy, Google, TEDx, and universities worldwide on almost any subject. Class Central’s goal is to make online education work for everyone. Note: Class Central is not involved in running courses; their goal is to connect users to the right course.

Autism Support Chicago

Autism Support Chicago is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the children and families served by providing them with tools and techniques to better communicate and learn. Their focus is on increasing your child’s behavior to communicate and decreasing the number of challenging behaviors they face throughout the day. They want to meet your child where they are and help them live their life to the fullest. Autism Support Chicago believes in-home treatment is the most beneficial form of ABA therapy – your child will feel most comfortable in their home, and you can watch your child’s progress and take part in their therapy.

JCFS Chicago

JCFS Chicago provides integrative counseling services and psychological testing to understand learning differences and cognitive, emotional, and other mental health disorders. Their expert therapists offer guidance to help children, teens, and adults find solutions to the challenges they face. With services infused with Jewish values and compassion, JCFS Chicago works to make the community inclusive and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

The JCFS family of services includes:
-therapeutic day school, speech-language, occupational therapy, psychological testing and evaluation, and behavioral assessments and interventions for children and young adults;
-individual and family counseling, support groups, marriage counseling, career services, and training;
-community-based group living, support, and assistance for independent living, customized employment, and job training for people with disabilities and their families;
-immigration, citizenship, and refugee resettlement services;
-clinical support for children and families in the child welfare system;
-and Jewish community programs, such as addiction services, abuse prevention, spiritual support, and connections to JCFS services through community partnerships.

Udemy

Udemy is committed to improving lives through learning. Whether you want to learn a new skill, train your teams, or share your knowledge with the world, you’re in the right place. As a leader in online learning, Udemy strives to help you achieve your goals and transform your life.

Udemy offers courses from critical workplace skills to technical topics, plus prep content for over 200 industry-recognized certifications. The Udemy catalog supports well-rounded professional development and spans multiple languages. Many free courses on various topics are available, including wellness, personal development, office productivity, and more.

Udemy is available for personal use through enterprise access. Enjoy a free trial or request a demonstration. Parenting-focused courses are available under Personal Development. In the Business category, HR professionals can benefit from options on recruiting, talent management, DEI, interviewing skills, and more. Development teams can benefit from sessions on marketing strategies, storytelling, and social media. Take courses on AI and ChatGPT. Choose courses taught by real-world experts and learn at your own pace, with lifetime access on mobile and desktop.

National Wellness Institute

The National Wellness Institute (NWI) is the leader in providing professional development and engagement opportunities that support individuals from various disciplines in promoting whole-person wellness. In addition to certificate programs, NWI offers live and on-demand webinars, events, & eLearning courses.

Some of NWI’s current certificate programs include:
Worksite Wellness Specialist
Mastering Workplace Wellness Laws
Financial Wellness Facilitator
Health and Wellness Certificate Program
Become a Change Agent

The National Wellness Institute is joining the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) to create the Wellness Alliance. Learn more on the website above!

Find Food IL

Find Food IL is a community food map that shows places in your community that offer free food or meals. Use the map to find local food pantries, stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons, school and summer meal sites, older adult resources, farmers markets, and more.

This easy-to-use map lets you search by your town or zip code, use the filter to narrow your search, or print the list of resources.

The Find Food IL Community Food Map is part of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children: https://dscc.uic.edu/dscc_resource/find-food-il-community-food-map/.

Pathways

Pathways offers educational resources for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to support the growth and development of children. Their mission is to provide free tools to maximize all children’s motor, sensory, and communication development. They empower parents to understand and encourage their baby’s development to keep them on track or catch potential delays early.

Pathways provides free parenting videos on its website and app to show parents exactly what to expect. They also offer on-demand courses, webinars, and more to help keep children on track and catch potential delays early. Brochures and milestone checklists are available for free in many languages, and their free baby milestones app helps parents monitor baby’s progress.