Resources for teens with spina bifida

Financial

  • Division of Specialized Care for Children, University of Illinois at Chicago: 800.322.3722
  • Social Security: 800.772.1213 or http://www.ssa.gov/disability/
  • Department of Human Services (Public Aid): 312.793.4131
  • Health and Disability Advocates (assistance with SSI appeals): 312.223.9600

Medical resources

  • Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health: 312.427.4460
  • Health Resource Center for Women with Disabilities at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: 312.238.1051 or 312.238.8003

Educational resources

  • Family Resource Center for People with Disabilities (academic/IEP assistance): 312.939.3513
  • Chicago Communities in Schools: 312.829.2475

Transportation resources

  • First Transit (Public Aid Transportation (must have a medical card)): 877.725.0569
  • Chicago Transit Authority: 1.888.YOUR CTA or http://www.transitchicago.com/
  • CTA ParaTransit: 312.432.7025

Vocational/work programs

  • Anixter Center: 773.973.7900
  • Bridges from School to Work: 312.432.6240
  • Illinois Department of Employment Security: 312.793.5700
  • Seguin Services: 708.863.3803

Nutrition clinics

  • Linda Somers, RD, Outpatient Dietician, Children's Memorial Hospital Outpatient Nutrition: 1.800.KIDS DOC
  • La Rabida Children's Hospital (sees people ages 12-18): 773.363.6700
  • Nutrition and Wellness Center at University of Illinois at Chicago (run by Christiane Stahl, MD): 312.740.6574

Fitness

Support services

  • United Way Referral Line (call for general info): 800.772.1213
  • E-buddies (for over 12 years of age): http://www.ebuddies.org/
  • Illinois Spina Bifida Association: 800.969.ISBA

Web sites