What We Do 
Information and Referral Services 

In one year FRCD answers more then 8,000 telephone and mail requests for information and assistance. During its 30-year existence FRCD has answered more then 200,000 requests for information, training, and support services. 

Family Support Services 

The FAMILY SUPPORT PROJECT, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, provides individualized support services for low-income Chicago families. 

Services Include: 

  • Individualized family service plans
  • Linkage to needed services
  • Support groups and advocacy
  • Direct financial assistance

Transition Services 

The YOUTH ADVOCACY PROJECT, prepares Chicago youth for adulthood, using a family-centered approach. The project is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services. 

YAP provides the following services: 

  • Individualized transition planning using a family centered  approach.
  • Transition workshops
  • Linkage to needed services
  • Advocacy and networking.

Special Education Rights Training 

FRCD conducts free seminars on the special education rights of children with disabilities-at its Chicago Loop office and at locations selected by requesting organizations.  

Trained speakers are available to conduct training activities at meetings and conferences on: 

  • The special education rights of children with disabilities
  • How to participate effectively in the IEP process
  • How to participate effectively in the Section 504 process
  • How to prepare for a successful due process hearing
  • How to train effective advocates
  • How to communicate effectively with parents/professionals
  • How to organize an effective parrent/advocacy group and move bureaucracies
  • How to get services by being assertive
  • Transition and future planning
  • Other requested topics.

Training for Parent Leaders 

The PARENT-TO-PARENT TRAINING PROJECT offers opportunities for parent leaders to become effective trainers in their own comunities. 

Participants learn to: 

  • Provide information/referral/linkage and individual assistance
  • Become effective advocates and problem solvers
  • Conduct training seminars on special education rights
  • Conduct outreach and publicity activities to publicize their services
  • Become effective communicators and presenters.

All partcipants in the Parent-to-Parent Project receive a free training manual that includes state and federal special education regulations, and other FRCD publications. 

For the upcoming Parent-To-Parent training series, click here.

Family Resource Center on Disabilities (formerly Coordinating Council for Handicapped Children) 20 East Jackson Blvd., Room 300 * Chicago, Illinois 60064 312/939-3513 (voice)----800/952-4199 (Illinois only, Outside Chicago Area)----312/939-3519 (TDD) 

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