Services (Submit a Request)
Interested in connecting with the Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP)? Use the buttons below to request a service or to connect with us.
MHFP Advocacy Resources
Let the MHFP assist you in finding advocacy services! Check out the available resources below.
Contact the MHFP to help you navigate each resource and let us make the direct referral to each organization. Fill out the form below and we’ll email you back or give you a call!
You can also call the MHFP directly at 773-795-0622.
MHFP Resources
See our patient and family resources here: https://mhfcp.uchicago.edu/for-patients/
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Insurance 101
IEP and 504 Services
Special education services provided by Chicago Public Schools through the Office of Diverse Learners Supports and Services are aligned with state and federal regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is important to understand. As the nation’s special education law, IDEA provides rights and protections to children with disabilities and to their parents. It ensures a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities and ensures that special education and related services are provided to those children. Access the following resources:
- Special Education Process Overview
- How to identify if your child qualifies for IEP or 504 services
- Ensure implementation of your child’s 504 or IEP
Contact CPS Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services:
- Website: https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/special-education/
- Email: ODLSS@CPS.EDU
- Phone: 773-553-1800
Specialized Transportation
Your child may be eligible for specialized transportation services to their school – contact CPS to determine their eligibility.
Transportation Services for CPS Students
Your student’s school is your main source for information about eligibility for transportation services provided by CPS.
If you have questions about your student’s eligibility for transportation, please contact his or her school. If your student is eligible, the school can provide you with the appropriate transportation application form. The form must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian, and signed by the principal. The school will send in the form for processing by CPS.
Financial Assistance Program
Current students eligible for transportation services from CPS are eligible for a $500 per month financial aid incentive, to enable families to self-transport their student to school for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year. As long as the student maintains enrollment at a CPS school and remains eligible for transportation services for the 2022-2023 school year, this student is eligible for this financial aid.
Contact CPS Transportation Services with Questions:
- Website: https://www.cps.edu/about/departments/student-transportation-services/
- Phone: 773-553-2860
Early Intervention
Developmental Screenings & Assessments
CPS provides developmental screenings and assessments for children living within the boundaries of Chicago.
Child Find
Developmental screenings can indicate if a child is having difficulties with cognitive/academic, communication, social-emotional, and fine/gross motor skills. A hearing and vision screening is also available. Regional screenings are held monthly at several Chicago Public Libraries across the city. No appointment is necessary.
A child who was eligible for Early Intervention (EI) services should be evaluated to determine eligibility for Early Childhood Special Education services through CPS prior to their third birthday.
If you are interested in scheduling a developmental screening for your child – contact CPS Child Find Coordinator:
- Website: https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/special-education/early-childhood/
- Phone: 773-251-4855
- Email: dmfuller-clark@cps.edu
State of Illinois Resources at UIC
How we help you and your child depends on your specific preferences and needs, but care coordination is always at the heart of how we help.
We will assign your family a Care Coordinator. Our Care Coordinators draw on the knowledge and expertise of our entire network and 85-year history to serve your family. Our Care Coordinators and support teams’ backgrounds include:
- Registered nurses
- Social workers
- Speech-language pathologists
- Audiologists
- Respiratory therapists
- Health insurance specialists
- Other human service-related professionals
Your Care Coordinator, along with a Program Coordinator Assistant, will be based in the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) office that covers your geographic region.
Your Care Coordinator is your main point of contact at DSCC, answering your questions and leading the team that’s dedicated to meeting your child’s medical, social, behavioral, educational and financial needs. Your Care Coordinator will partner with your child’s doctors and teachers as needed to ensure everyone is working together.
Our vision is to put you and your family at the center of a seamless support system that improves the quality of your lives.
Contact Division of Specialized Care for Children at UIC:
- Website: uic.edu
- Call referral: (800) 322-3722
- Web form referral: https://dscc.uic.edu/how-we-help/refer-a-family/
Adaptive Sports Programming
Lincolnway Special Recreation Association
Since 1976, the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) has provided recreation services for individuals with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with its eight member park districts: Crete, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Park Districts. Participants enjoy active, healthy and more independent lifestyles through a variety of recreational and social opportunities.
LWSRA offers a wide variety of quality programs including participation in Special Olympics Illinois, Paralympic sports, social programs, trips, special events, summer camps, after school care and adult daytime activities.
- LWSRA offers adaptive sports ages 2 to adult including basketball, softball and more!
Phone: 815-320-3500 or Email: support@lwsra.org
Dare2tri is an Illinois-based 501(c)3 non-for-profit organization with the mission to enhance the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments by building confidence, community, health and wellness through swimming, biking, and running.
Since its 2011 inception, Dare2tri has encouraged recreation, racing, and competition in this trifecta of sports, while also cultivating a sense of community for all athletes, who are not labeled by physical ability, but rather their determination and will to succeed.
Dare2tri empowers athletes of all ability levels from beginner to elite to be physically active, engaged with their community, and set and reach goals. We transform lives by boosting individuals’ self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth.
- Dare2Tri offers adaptive sports training in cycling, swimming, strength training and more for youth and adults!
Phone: (312) 967-9874 or Email: info@dare2tri.org
Job Support
Jobs and Education for People with Disabilities
Learn about employment resources on how to find a government job and prepare for a job interview. You can also find information on employment laws and how to file a workplace harassment or discrimination complaint. Also, search educational programs for students with disabilities.
Education Programs for People with Disabilities
Learn how to find government education programs and financial aid for people with disabilities.
- Develop work and job seeking skills
- Utilize Job Search Board
- Learn about your rights as an employee
Contact USA.Gov for job resources:
- https://www.usa.gov/disability-jobs-education
- Phone: 1-844-872-4681
- Live Chat: https://www.usa.gov/chat
Financial Support
Financial Assistance and Support Services for People with Disabilities
Explore a wide range of programs and tools to help with housing, taxes, medical bills, service and emotional support animals, and more.
Housing Resources for People with Disabilities
A variety of federal, state, and local housing programs can help you:
- Find and afford a place to live
- Modify an existing home for disabilities, or
- Help you develop skills to live independently
How Do I Get Help With My Medical Bills?
Learn how to find help from the government with medical bills and insurance options.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
Service animals are trained to complete work and tasks for the specific, individual needs of people with disabilities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), dogs may qualify as service animals. In some cases, the ADA also recognizes miniature horses as service animals.
Phone: 1-844-872-4681 or Live Chat: https://www.usa.gov/chat
Transition from Pediatric to Adult Health Care
Got Transition® is the federally funded national resource center on health care transition (HCT). Its aim is to improve the transition from pediatric to adult health care through the use of evidence-driven strategies for clinicians and other health care professionals; public health programs; payers and plans; youth and young adults; and parents and caregivers.
Got Transition is a program of The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health and is funded through a cooperative agreement from the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration.
- Equip teens with resources to manage own healthcare needs (Quizzes, videos, articles)
- Equip parents with resources to help their teen transition to adult care (FAQs, Apps, Quizzes)
Reach out to Administrative Director Jodi Shorr from “Got Transition” for resources and questions:
- Website: https://www.gottransition.org/
- Phone: (202) 769-0486
- Email: jshorr@thenationalalliance.org
Conquer Chiari
Conquer Chiari
The C&S Patient Education Foundation is dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes of Chiari & syringomyelia patients by:
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Providing accurate, up-to-date, and easy to understand information to patients so that they can take control of their health care and make intelligent, informed decisions
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Raising awareness among family, friends, and the general public so that they can understand what patients are going through and are better able to provide support
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Raising awareness among, and providing accurate, up-to-date information to, the medical community, so that errors in diagnosis and treatment are reduced
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Sponsoring research to advance the understanding of these conditions and in the end Conquer Chiari
Access educational materials, links to new research, get in contact with support groups or join a fundraiser!
Email Heather Nebel at hnebel@conquerchiari.org or Phone: 724-940-0116https://www.conquerchiari.org/about-us/conquerchiari.asp
Hydrocephalus Association
Founded in 1983 by the parents of children with hydrocephalus, the Hydrocephalus Association (HA) is the nation’s largest and most widely respected organization dedicated to hydrocephalus. We fund high-impact research, provide support and educational resources for patients and caregivers, and advocate on behalf of the hydrocephalus community on key policies and legislation.
Since 2009, HA has invested over $13 million in cutting-edge research, making us the largest non-profit, non-governmental funder of hydrocephalus research in the United States.
HA’s mission is to find a cure for hydrocephalus and improve the lives of those impacted by the condition.
Our vision is a world without hydrocephalus.
Email Lakisha Harris at lakisha@hydroassoc.org or Phone: 888-598-3789
Illinois Spina Bifida Association
Spina bifida is a lifelong neurological condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. Spina bifida can cause physical and developmental disabilities that range from mild to severe. Spina bifida is a complex condition that, for many, requires specialized medical care and daily attention to health and wellness. More
ISBA works to accomplish its mission with a three-part program strategy:
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Promote skills development and independence;
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Support individuals and families through outreach, education and advocacy; and
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Invest in people by helping pay for medical care and supplies, post-high school tuition, emergency needs, and research. More
Email Matt Larsen at matt@i-sba.org or Phone: (773) 444-0305