Additional Resources
Illinois State Board Of Education (ISBE): Information at ISBE related to Special Education and Support Services.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.
RAMP: RAMP is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL) that emulates the Independent Living Philosophy with a mission that promotes an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.
Service, Inc. of Illinois: Service, Inc. of Illinois is dedicated to helping people with developmental delays and disabilities find the services and supports they need to live a better life. Service, Inc. also supports families that are interested in the PUNS List. Illinois Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) is a statewide database which serves as a waiting list for individuals who are planning or seeking Developmental Disability Waiver Services through the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Developmental Disabilities. Individuals who are eligible for PUNS enrollment are those suspected to have a developmental disability or a related condition (i.e. Intellectual Disability, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injury). All new PUNS enrollments are conducted face-to-face with one of our Individual Service Coordinators (ISC) who is a registered Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). Once enrolled on the database, the registration must be updated annually and this can be conducted over the phone with the option for a face-to-face meeting. A face-to face is required if there is a change in categories. It should be noted that inclusion on the database does not assume eligibility for services or receipt of waiver services. Please reach out to Lisa Becker, Assistant Director of Student and Family Services at 815-754-1736 for more information on the PUNS List. See flier here for ENGLISH and SPANISH.
Illinois ABLE:
Public Act 104-0314 expands requirements related to the Illinois Achieving a Better Life Experience (IL ABLE) account program. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, districts will also be required to post information about IL ABLE on their district websites.
For additional details, please review the following resources:
Illinois ABLE website
ABLE brochure