Partners/Links

Enhancing the Lives of People with Down Syndrome

Our multi-disciplinary experts have served the health and psychosocial needs of thousands of teens and adults with Down syndrome since our nationally recognized Adult Down Syndrome Center opened in 1992. Our mission is to enhance their lives by providing comprehensive, holistic, community-based care and services using a team approach.

Advocates for Access

HOIDSA partners with Advocates for Access to bring monthly workshops the 3rd Monday of the month.

Formerly the Central Illinois Center for Independent Living, Advocates for Access is an organization managed by and for people with disabilities.

Beyond Down syndrome
Plans and Actions for Independence at Every Stage of Life
College for Students with Disabilities
A Guide for Students, Families, and Educators

The guide called "College for Students with Disabilities: A Guide for Students, Families, and Educators" was created by Maryville University Online and offers information for students with disabilities and their families to find resources to help with their dream of a college education. There are many pathways to achieve independence through higher education, and Maryville University has created this helpful “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) to give you an idea of what to expect as you research your options.

College Support for Students with Disabilities

The Center for Online Education published a guide for students with disabilities that:

  • Outlines legal rights
  • Shows where and how to find assistance on campus
  • Provides an extensive list of websites, apps and software resources designed for students with disabilities.
Disability Care Center
Helping Disabled Americans Receive Benefits

Disabiltiy benefits for Down syndrome

Down Syndrome: A Preventative Checklist

Helping Individuals with Developmental Disorders and Injuries Unlock Their Potential.  Preventive Medical Checklist from birth to 18 years - Kennedy Krieger Institute

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network

DSDN is the largest national organization supporting new and expectant parents with a Down syndrome diagnosis. The mission of the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network is to connect, support, and provide accurate information to parents - and the medical professionals who serve them - from the time of diagnosis through age 3 while fostering the opportunity for lifelong connections. Our vision is that every Down syndrome diagnosis will be delivered in an unbiased, factual, and supportive way every time and that families can quickly find meaningful connections.

Down Syndrome and Dental Care
Guide for Care Givers and Family Members
EP!C
EP!C empowering people. inspiring capabilities

EP!C is a human service agency based in Peoria serving adults with developmental disabilities.  Programs include early intervention, community-based residential, rehabilitation, vocational training transitional employment, supported employment & respite.

Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center

The mission of the Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center is to build upon families' strengths, empower parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes for students with disabilities, and to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities.

GiGi's Playhouse
Down Syndrome Achievement Centers

Our Mission and Purpose:

To change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.

Our Vision:

To see a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools and communities.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through RESEARCH, MEDICAL CARE, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACTY.

Global Prenatal Testing Pamphlet

The pamphlet is for pregnant women who are considering, or who have had, prenatal testing for Down syndrome.  It provides important information about prenatal testing and facts about Down syndrome.

HISRA
Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association

Welcome To The Heart Of Illinois Special Recreation Association


 

The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is the result of a desire on the part of your park district to provide quality recreation programs and services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. HISRA and its member districts enthusiastically support the spirit and intent of the Americans With Disabilities Act. HISRA is committed to providing opportunities for each individual to enjoy recreation activities in the least restrictive environment possible.

Illinois Life Span

Statewide Information Resource & Referral for Advocacy 

& Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

Illinois State Board of Education

The Illinois State Board of Education will provide leadership, assistance, resources and advocacy so  that every student is prepared to succeed in careers and postsecondary education, and share accountability  for doing so with districts and schools.

Institute on Disability and Human Development
UIC Department of Disability and Human Development

The Institute on Disability and Human Development, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD) is dedicated to promoting the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities.

National Association for Down Syndrome

Primarily serving the Chicago Metropolitan area, NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

National Down Syndrome Adoption Network

The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network provides information to birth families who may be seeking alternatives to parenting as they prepare for the arrival of their child and makes connections with adoptive families.

National Down Syndrome Congress

The mission of the NDSC is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

National Down Syndrome Society

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy.

Reece's Rainbow
For orphans internationally with Down syndrome

Reece’s Rainbow advocates and finds families for orphans internationally with Down syndrome and other special needs by raising funds for adoption grants and promoting awareness through an online community, media communications, and other events.

Social Security and Disability Resource Center

The Social Security and Disability Resource Center website provides answers to questions concerning how to apply for SSD or SSI benefits.

Social Security Disability Benefits Guide

Understand how Social Security Disability works and how to calculate your benefits.

The Lucky Few Podcast
To create a more inclusive world.

For 3 seasons, Heather Avis, Micha Boyett, and Mercedes Lara has become even closer friends than ever before. Together, they take on conversations in the Down Syndrome Community that not only we want to hear, but need to hear and share as we shout the worth of our loved ones with Down Syndrome.

Sleepopolis Advancing Better Sleep

Sleepopolis is a community devoted to improving sleep hygiene, health and wellness through the creation and dissemination of comprehensive, unbiased, free web-based resources. Our guide covers everything from a comprehensive overview of ASD, how it affects sleep, expert sleep management information for people with ASD and much more.

Check out our guide