State Programs

Here’s a curated list of key Illinois state programs serving individuals with special needs, along with their mission, focus and contact details.

Support Waiver for Children & Young Adults (ages 3–21)

  • Agency: Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services (HFS) / IDHS Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

  • Purpose: Delivers adaptive equipment, home modifications, behavior support, therapy, and caregiver training via Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) to Medicaid-eligible youths at risk of institutional placement.

  • Contact: Independent Service Coordination Agencies (via Developmental Disabilities Helpline at 1‑888-DD‑PLANS or 1‑866‑376‑8446 TTY); or IDHS-DDD local office; general DHS line at 1‑800‑843‑6154 (#4) or 1‑800‑447‑6404 TTY

Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

  • Agency: IDHS

  • Purpose: Promotes employment, education, and independent living through counseling, vocational training, job placement, and assistive tech.

  • Contact: DRS Hotline at 1‑800‑843‑6154 (voice) / TTY: 1‑800‑447‑6404; see DHS website

Persons With Disabilities (PD) Waiver

  • Agency: HFS / IDHS‑DRS

  • Purpose: HCBS offering home-based supports—personal care, respite, environmental adaptations, and therapies—to Medicaid recipients who would otherwise need nursing facility care.

  • Contact: DHS‑DRS local offices (use DHS Office Locator or call 1‑877‑581‑3690 / 1‑800‑447‑6404 TTY

ISBE Special Education & Tech Assistance

  • Agency: Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

  • Purpose: Ensures districts provide FAPE, with assistive tech, plus specialized projects like autism training, behavior intervention support, and technical assistance for educators.

  • Contact: Special Education Services Dept. at (217) 782‑5589; ATTA and FBA/BIP training via ISBE grants

Division of Mental Health (DMH) & Deaf/Hard‑of‑Hearing Program

  • Agency: IDHS

  • Purpose: Provides mental health screening, crisis intervention (SASS), long-term care (ICG), and Deaf services coordination via statewide centers.

  • Contact: DHS Help Line 1‑800‑843‑6154 (voice) / TTY 1‑800‑447‑6404