Resources and Links
There are many helpful web sites on the
Internet. To help you find the most useful information, MedCare provides
links to some particularly useful sites about:
MedCare provides the following links for more
information about Speech Therapy:
- American Speech Language Hearing Association
www.asha.org
ASHA's mission is to ensure that all people with speech, language, and
hearing disorders have access to quality services to help them communicate
more effectively.
-
Audiology Foundation of
America
The Audiology Foundation of America is committed to fostering the education
and training of audiologists to meet the needs of the public, especially
those with impaired hearing.
- Speech and Language Disorders
www.speakingofspeech.com
- Augmentative/Alternative Communication
www.aacintervention.com
- National Aphasia Association
www.aphasia.org
- Speech Delay Info for Parents
www.speechdelay.com
- American Academy of Audiology
http://www.audiology.com/
The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional
organization of, for and by audiologists.
MedCare provides the following links for speech
databases and research:
MedCare provides the following links for more
information about Physical Therapy:
- American physical therapy association
www.apta.org
American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
www.oandp.org
American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
www.aapmr.org
- American Kinesiotherapy Association
www.akta.org
- National Spinal Cord Injury Association
www.spinalcord.org
- American Society of Biomechanics
www.asb-biomech.org
- General Physical Therapy Information
www.ptcentral.com
- Arthritis Foundation
www.arthritis.org
- American Academy of Orthotists and
Prosthetists
http://www.oandp.com/
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is the global
resource for orthotics and prosthetics information.
-
American Academy of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)
www.aapmr.org
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation is the national medical society representing more than 6,400
physicians who are specialists in the field of physical medicine and
rehabilitation.
-
International Association of Rehabilitation
Professionals
www.rehabpro.org/iarpindex_msie.html
IARP unites rehabilitation professionals across North America and beyond to
promote the availability of effective, interdisciplinary services for persons
with disabilities.
-
Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission
www.carf.org/
CARF is a private, not-for-profit organization that accredits programs and
services in Adult Day Services, Assisted Living, Behavioral Health, Employment
and Community Services, and Medical Rehabilitation.
-
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology
of North America
www.resna.org/
RESNA is an interdisciplinary association of people with a common interest in
technology and disability. Our purpose is to improve the potential of people
with disabilities to achieve their goals through the use of technology.
-
PT Manager
www.ptmanager.com/
PT Manager is the rehabilitation leadership and management electronic community.
-
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
www.acrm.org/
The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine serves people with disabling
conditions by promoting rehabilitation research and facilitating information
dissemination and the transfer of technology.
-
American Medical Rehabilitation Providers
Association
www.amrpa.org/
AMRPA provides active advocacy about what people with disabilities need in their
medical rehabilitation recovery.
-
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
www.aofas.org/
The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) is an organization of
more than 1,600 orthopaedic surgeons who have special interest and training in
the foot and ankle.
-
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
www.sportsmed.org/
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) is a national
organization of orthopaedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine, including
national and international sports medicine leaders.
-
American Society of Hand Therapists
www.asht.org/
The mission of ASHT is to advance the specialty of hand therapy through
communication, education, research and the establishment of clinical standards.
-
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
www.atra-tr.org/
The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is the largest, national
membership organization representing the interests and need of recreational
therapists.
-
National Institute on Disabilities and Rehab
Research
www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/NIDRR
It is the mission of NIDRR to generate, disseminate and promote new knowledge to
improve the options available to disabled persons.
-
National Rehabilitation Association
www.nationalrehab.org/
As the oldest and strongest advocate for the rights of persons with
disabilities, our mission is to provide advocacy, awareness and career
advancement for professionals in the fields of rehabilitation.
MedCare provides the following links for more
information about Occupational Therapy:
- American Occupational Therapy
Association
www.aota.org
The American Occupational Therapy
Association advances the quality, availability, use, and support of
occupational therapy through standard-setting, advocacy, education,
and research on behalf of its members and the public.
- Illinois Occupational therapy
Association
www.ilota.org
-
National Board for
Certification in Occupational Therapy
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)
is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification
for the occupational therapy profession.
-
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is
the Federal agency responsible for conducting research and making
recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury.
MedCare provides the following links for more
general information:
-
Adaptive Technology Resource Center
www.utoronto.ca/atrc/
ATRC advances technology to meet challenges faced by people with
disabilities.
-
American Association of People with Disabilities
www.aapd.com/
AAPD sees the need for one unifying membership organization to leverage the
numbers of people with disabilities and their families and friends to access
economic and other benefits to form an organization which will be a positive
private-sector force.
-
American Health Care Association
www.ahca.org/
AHCA represents the long-term care community to the nation at large -- to
government, business leaders, and the general public.
-
American Medical Association
www.ama-assn.org/
The AMA is much more than an organization of physicians. We are the
patient's advocate and the physician's voice.
-
American Music Therapy Association
www.musictherapy.org/
The mission of the American Music Therapy Association is to advance public
awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality
music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.
-
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(formerly the Health Care Financing Administration)
www.hcfa.gov/
CMS's mission is to serve Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The vision is
to become the most energized, efficient, customer friendly Agency in the
government.
-
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
www.ideapractices.org
-
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care
Organizations
www.jcaho.org/
The mission of JCAHO is to continuously improve the safety and quality of
care provided to the public through the provision of health care
accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in
health care organizations.
-
Department of Professional Regulations
www.dpr.state.il.us
-
National Institute of Disability and
Rehabilitation Research
www.ed.gov/offices/osers/nidrr
-
United Cerebral Palsy
www.ucpnet.org
-
American Medical Association
www.ama-assn.org
-
Chronic Illness Information source
www.chrionicillnet.org
-
Discovery Health
www.discovery.com/?channel=DHC
-
Dr. Weil
www.drweil.com
-
Aetna and John Hopkins Health Information
www.intelihealth.com
-
Kids Doctor
www.kidsdoctor.com
-
Kids Health
www.kidshealth.org
-
Lifelines Health
www.lifelines.com
-
Mayo Clinic
www.mayoclinic.com
-
Medicine Net, medical information
www.medicinenet.com
-
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
www.pcrm.org
-
National Academy for Continuing Education
www.nationalacademy.com/
The mission and objective of the National Academy for Continuing Education -
NACE - is to provide quality continuing education to professional
individuals, businesses and organizations, through home studies and audio
cassettes.
-
The Black Health Network
www.blackhealth.com
-
The Fitness Jumpsite
www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/
-
US National Library of Medicine
www.nlm.nih.gov
-
World Health Organization
www.who.int/en/
-
National Association for Continence
www.nafc.org/
National Association For Continence (NAFC), formerly Help for Incontinent
People (HIP), is a not-for-profit organization established in 1982 dedicated
to improving the quality of life of people with incontinence.
-
Senior Health
www.healthandage.com
-
Health Information
www.medlineplus.gov/
-
National Spinal Cord Injury Association
www.spinalcord.org/
The mission of The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) is to
educate and empower survivors of spinal cord injury and disease through our
toll-free help-line, nationwide chapters and support groups to achieve and
maintain higher levels of independence.
-
Therapy Information Services, Inc.
www.therapyedu.com/
Therapy Information Services, Inc. provides quality CEUs to healthcare
professionals.
-
http://www.advanceforot.com/
-
http://www.advancefordr.com/
-
http://www.advanceforspanda.com/
-
http://www.alz.org/
MedCare provides the following links for Parents
and Children:
Speech Game Sites for Kids
General Games for Kids
Aging
American Association of Retired Persons
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization of persons 50 and older dedicated to
addressing their needs and interests.
Gerontological Society of America
The mission of The Gerontological Society of America is to promote the conduct
of multi- and interdisciplinary research in aging by expanding the quantity of
and improving the quality of gerontological research, and by increasing its
funding resources and to disseminate gerontological research knowledge to
researchers, to practitioners, and to decision and opinion makers.
International Council on Active
Aging
The mission of the ICAA is to change the way we age by creating a community of
like minded individuals and organizations; offering them the support that they
need to achieve greater success with the active older adult and the rapidly
growing baby boomer populations. We do this with education, information,
resources, courses and tools.
National Institute on
Aging
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 25 institutes and centers of
the National Institutes of Health, leads a broad scientific effort to understand
the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life.
AIDS/HIV
National AIDS Hotline
P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park
North Carolina 27709
(800) 342-2437; M-F 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Provides information to the public on the prevention and spread of HIV/AIDS. The
hotline is a service of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Alcohoholism and Drug Dependence
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
1511 K St. NW, Suite 926
Washington, D.C. 20005
202-737-8122
Provides a 24-hour crisis helpline and referral assistance for drug and alcohol
problems. Books, videos, pamphlets and films available in English, Spanish,
Vietnamese and Cambodian. Education and training programs available.
Allergies and Asthma
American Academy of Allergy and Immunology
611 E. Wells St.
Milwaukee, WI53202
800-822-2762; M-F 8 am - 5 pm CST
Covers current testing, treatments and medications, and information on
exercise-induced asthma.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's Association
919 N. Michigan Ave.
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611
National: 800-621-0379; M-F 8 am - 5 pm CST
{answering machine after hours)
Greater Chicagoland Chapter: 847-933-2413
Refers callers to one of more than 200 chapters that sponsor family support
groups and offer information about nursing and respite care.
Arthritis / Fibromyalgia
Arthritis Foundation
GREATER CHICAGO CHAPTER
303 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60601
312-616-3470; M-F 9 am - 5 pm CST
Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals
The Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, a division of the American
College of Rheumatology, is a professional membership society composed of
non-physician health care professionals specializing in rheumatology.
National Arthritis
Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that
supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions with
advocacy, programs, services and research.
Autism
Autism
Society of Illinois
2200 S. Main Street, Suite 317
Lombard, IL 60418
603-691-1270
Provides information and education to anyone Interested in autism. Hosts
educational conferences.
Birth Defects
March of Dimes Birth Defects
Foundation
111 W. Jackson Street, 22nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
312-435-4007; M-F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CST
Provides information on children with birth defects. Also provides educational
materials on the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality. Local support
groups available in some areas.
Blindness / Dyslexia
Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic. Inc.
18 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 806
Chicago, IL 60603
312-236-8715; Monday- Saturday
Assists individuals who are blind, visually impaired and physically or learning
disabled. Provides educational textbooks on audio cassette.
Breathing (Also see Lung)
American Lung Association
1440 W. Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607
312-243-2000; M-F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CST
Programs available for the control and prevention of lung disease. Programs
include asthma, quitting smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
promotion of clean air and more.
American Association for Respiratory Care
AARC is the only professional society for respiratory therapists in hospitals
and with home care companies, managers of respiratory and cardiopulmonary
services, and educators who provide respiratory care training.
Cancer
American
Cancer Society Information Service
77 E. Monroe St., #1300
Chicago, IL 60603
800-ACS-2345, (227-2345); M-F 9 am – 5 pm CST
Refers callers to counseling and support groups for patients and families.
Fields questions about all types of cancer, prevention, causes, research,
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and continuing care.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health
organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by
preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through
research and education.
y-ME. National Organization for Breast Cancer Information and Support
212 W. Van Buren
Chicago, IL 60607
800-221-2141; 24 hrs.
Phones staffed by breast cancer survivors, who provide peer support and refer
callers to local cancer centers and support groups.
Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy Association
160 N. Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60606
312-368-0380; M-F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CST
Provides a package of information on cerebral palsy and all offices located in
the state. Also provides information on other related associations and resources
on a local level.
Colostomy / Urostomy / Ileostomy
United Ostomy Association. National Office
19772 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92612-2405
800-826-0826; M- Th 6:30 am - 4:30 pm, F 6:30 am - 3:30 pm
Self-help organization for people who have or will have a colostomy, urostomy or
ileostomy.
Crohn’s and Colitis
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Inc.
800-932-2423; M-F 9 am - 5 pm
Provides a program of support and informational services. A membership fee of
$25 will provide a quarterly newsletter. Support meetings are held at various
locations.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
150 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60601
312-236-4491; M-F 8:00 am - 5:30 pm CST
Education and referrals for cystic fibrosis patients.
Diabetes
American Diabetes
Association
6 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1202
Chicago, IL 60602
312-346-1805; M-F 8:30 am - 5 pm CST
800-DIABETES; 24 hrs.
Provides informational literature and educational programs relating to diabetes.
Information on events, seminars and support groups.
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
500 N. Dearborn, Suite 305
Chicago, IL 60610
312-670-0313
Offers information on juvenile diabetes and supports research for the cure of
the disease.
Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
P.O. Box 161810
Austin, TX 78716
800-799-7233
Provides 24-hour information and referrals for persons involved with domestic
violence. Referral to a local agency will usually include comprehensive services
for battered persons and children, crisis counseling, psychological assistance,
legal assistance, divorce legal advice, legal advice in issues of custody,
support groups and emergency shelter. English and Spanish spoken, plus a
language line in more than 100 languages.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy
Foundation of Greater Chicago
20 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1300
Chicago, IL 60604
312-939~8622; M- Th 8:30 am - 5 pm, F 8:30 am - 1 pm, CST
800-273-6027; 24 hrs.
Provides information and resources relating to epilepsy.
Family Planning
Planned Parenthood
Federation of America
14 E. Jackson
Chicago, IL 60604
312-427-2276; M- Th 8:30 am - 5 pm, F 8:30 am - 1 pm, CST
800-230.PLAN; 24 hrs.
Provides family planning, reproductive, and sexual health care information.
General Health
National Health
Information Center
800-336-4797; M-F 9 am - 5 pm EST
E-mail: NHICinfo@health.org
Callers are put in touch with the national organization best suited to answer
their particular medical questions.
Headaches
National Headache Foundation
428 W. St. James Place
Chicago, IL 60614
800-843-2256; M-F 9 am - 5 pm CST
Provides written information about migraine, menstrual, tension, sinus, cluster
and other common types of headaches.
Hearing
American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association
800-638-8255; M-F 8:30 am – 5 pm, EST
Provides brochures on speech and hearing impairments, such as noise-induced
hearing loss and tinnitus. Sends listings of local certified speech-language
pathologists and audiologists.
House Ear Institute
The House Ear Institute has sought to improve hearing aids and auditory implants
and develop innovative treatments and intervention methods.
Heart
American Heart Association
208 S. LaSalle Street, #900
Chicago, I L 60604
312-346-4675; M-F 9 am - 5 pm CST
The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose
mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and
stroke.
National Stroke Association
The mission of the NSA is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke. We are
here to save lives, improve quality of care and increase patient outcomes.
Home Care / Long-Term Care
Medicare -
Nursing Home Compare
The primary purpose of Nursing Home Compare is to provide detailed information
about the performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in
the country.
National Association for Home Care
NAHC is the nation's largest trade association representing the interests and
concerns of home care agencies, hospices, home care aide organizations, and
medical equipment suppliers.
National Association for the
Support of Long-Term Care
The National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL) represents
professional medical services delivered to the post-acute care industry by
providing a national communication forum as well as legislative and regulatory
representation.
National Home Care Association
NAHC is committed to representing the interests of the home care and hospice
community.
Injuries and Accidents
American Trauma Society
800-556-7890; M-F 9 am - 5 pm
Provides written information on how to prevent injuries and handle emergencies.
Kidney Disease
National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
600 S. Federal Street, Suite 201
Chicago, IL 60605
312-663-3103
Offers information and referrals relating to kidney disease .
Leukemia
Leukemia Society of
America
100 W. Monroe, Suite 1610
Chicago, IL 60603
800-742-6595 or 312-726-0003
Information provided on leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and multiple
myeloma.
Lung (see also Breathing)
American Lung Association
1440 W. Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607
312-243-2000; M-F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm CST
Founded in 1904 to fight tuberculosis, ALA today fights lung disease in all its
forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and environmental
health.
National Board for Respiratory Care
The National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. (NBRC) is a voluntary health
certifying board which was created in 1960 to evaluate the professional
competence of respiratory therapists.
Lupus
Lupus Foundation of America
800-558-0121; M-F 9 am - 5 pm
Provides a medical library, an audio visual lending library and educational
seminars.
Lupus Foundation of America,
Illinois Chapter
11102 S. Artesian Ave.
Chicago, IL 60655
773-779-3181; M,W,Th, F 8am – 4 pm, Tu 8 am – 3 pm CST
Provides information and services related to lupus.
Mental Health
National Mental Health Association
800-969-6642; M-F 9 am - 5 pm
Provides information on anxiety disorders, stress, depression, panic attacks,
manic depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and other psychological
disorders. Will refer callers to local chapters.
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional
organization that represents psychology in the United States.
Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
MADD
203 N. Wabash, Suite 2118
Chicago, IL 60601
312-782-6266
Victim Hotline: 800-253-MADD
National Office: 800-GET -MADD, 800-438-6233
MADD is a community action group working for stricter penalties for drunk
driving. They will support victims in the court process and help with grieving
and healing process. MADD also has an educational program in schools and
communities regarding the potential dangers of drinking and driving.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
600 S. Federal Street, Suite 204
Chicago, IL 60605
312-922-8000; M-F 8:30 am - 5 pm CST
Offers information, referrals to community resources relating to MS.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy Association
2101 S. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 145
Arlington Heights, IL, 60005
847-427-8611; M-F 8:30 am – 5 pm CST
MDA provides diagnostic and outpatient clinic services. Provides financial
assistance for wheelchairs. There si also a summer camp program for children
with MD ages 6 to 21.
Pain
American
Chronic Pain Association
The purpose of the ACPA is to provide a support system for those suffering with
chronic pain through education and self-help group activities
North American
Chronic Pain Association of Canada
The North American Chronic Pain Association, NACPAC, is a national association
of self-help groups dedicated to providing support to people in chronic pain and
to giving them assistance in living their lives to the fullest.
Parental Support – Adolescent Behavior
Toughlove International
Support Groups
P.O. Box 1069
Doylestown, PA 18901
800-333-1069
Parent-run program to help parents cope with adolescent behavior. The program
includes a series of support groups that meet on a regular basis, 52 weeks a
year. Teens support also available with teenline office open 9 -5, Monday-Friday
EST.
Parkinson’s
Parkinson's
Institute
408-734-1593
Educational material on Parkinson's disease, support groups, linkage to services
available are provided.
Red Cross
American Red Cross
800-234-5272
Emergency services including food, clothing, communication assistance and
shelter for victims of natural disasters. Educational classes regarding disaster
preparedness, CPR, first aid, water safety and HIV / AIDS prevention. Offers an
outreach program to help single parents cope with problems of single parenting.
Reye's Syndrome
National Reye's Syndrome
Foundation
800-233-7393; M-F 8 am - 5 pm EST (answering machine after hours)
Helps tell how to prevent, spot symptoms of and treat this syndrome, often
associated with aspirin use, which can affect adults and children after a viral
illness or respiratory infection.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army
Metropolitan Division
5040 N. Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL 60630
773-725-1100
For emergencies: 312-275-9383
Provides emergency service. Will refer to other local Salvation Army sites and
services.
Sexual Transmitted Diseases
National STD Hotline
800-227-8922; M-F 8 am - 11 pm EST
Responds to questions on the entire range of sexually transmitted diseases,
including pelvic inflammatory disease, Chlamydia, herpes and AIDS.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle Cell
Disease Association of Illinois
200 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 605
Chicago, IL 60601
312-345-1100; M-F 9 am - 5 pm CST
Provides educational materials and a variety of support services.
Social Security, Supplemental Security
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
800-772-1213; 24 hrs.
Numerous offices across the state. General information, card replacement /
obtainment, Medicare information, local office information.
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida Association of America
Washington, D.C.
800-621-3141 - General information; 24 hrs.
202-944-3285 - Office
Provides information on spina bifida. Information can direct interested people
to local support groups where available.
Sports / Wellness / Family Health
National Athletic Trainers Association
The mission of the National Athletic Trainers' Association is to enhance the
quality of health care for athletes and those engaged in physical activity, and
to advance the profession of athletic training through education and research.
National Strength and
Conditioning Association
In 1985, the certification body of the National Strength and Conditioning
Association (NSCA) was established in order to create a certification program
for those in the field of strength training and conditioning.
YMCA of the USA
101 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
800-872-9622; M-F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST
Provides numerous health and fitness programs. Child care available at some
locations.
YWCA of the USA
726 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10003
888-992-2463; M-F 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST
Provides numerous health and fitness programs in addition to many social
programs including child assault prevention, rape crisis centers, family
education programs, career center, kids connection and child care. Some programs
not available at all YWCA offices.
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