Illinois Department of Human Services


The first and most important step you and your family can take to get help is to meet with an Independent Service Coordination Agency (ISC) if you are interested in community-based services. They can also link you directly to Intermediate Care Facilities for People with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD). They can enroll you in the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) database, the waiting list, to learn about more possible services and support.


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Finding Your Way Through The Developmental Disability System In llinois


If you are reading this, you are most likely trying to find information about service options for yourself or your family member. We offer some necessary information as you get started, no matter where you live in Illinois. Our site describes the basic steps in accessing Developmental Disability services in Illinois. Across the state, every county has an Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency to help you coordinate everything you need. Our site describes what you can expect, lets you know who you will talk with or who will be involved along the way, provides local contact information for assistance, lets you know how to prepare/what to have with you to make the most of each step and provides a resource where you can find more information


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Department of Developmental Disabilities


The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilies provides leadership for the eecve management of the design and delivery of quality outcome-based, person-centered services and supports for individuals who have developmental disabilies. These services and supports will be appropriate to their needs, gi"s, talents and strengths accessible life-spanning based on informed choice and monitored to ensure individual progress, quality of life, and safety.

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Department of Rehabilitation


DHS's Division of Rehabilitation Services is the state's lead agency serving individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.


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Department of Aging


The Illinois Department on Aging helps older adults live independently in their own homes and communities. As the population ages, services and programs for older adults must evolve as well because longevity means more when quality of life is enhanced. To best serve older adults, we must also serve their families and teach younger people about the realities of aging, so many of our programs have an intergenerational emphasis. Working with Area Agencies on Aging, community-based service providers and older adults themselves, the Illinois Department on Aging strives to improve quality of life for current and future generations of older Illinoisans.


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Department of Mental Health


As the State Mental Health Authority, the DMH is responsible for assuring that children, adolescents and adults, throughout Illinois, have the availability of and access to public-funded mental health services for those who are diagnosed with a mental illness or emotional disturbance and an impaired level of functioning based on a mental health assessment.. Service delivery in DMH is provided within five geographically organized service Regions, through 162 community mental health centers/agencies (called 'Providers') , 27 community hospitals with psychiatric units and seven state-operated hospitals, the latter containing both civil and forensic beds. The DMH also provides statutorily required treatment services for sexually violent persons through its Treatment and Detention Facility.


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Health Care and Family Services for Medicaid and SNAP Benefits


With Illinois Medicaid, you and your family can get the care you need to go to school healthy, work hard, and achieve the American dream.


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