living with a disability

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Help ILAO open opportunities for justice

Legal resources for anyone who is living with a disability A substantial impairment that functionally limits a person in carrying out major life activities, such as walking, lifting, seeing, or learning. . Find more info for legal problems under Resources.

Being admitted to a mental health facility in an emergency

If you need immediate hospitalization to protect yourself or others from physical harm, you may be admitted through the admission by emergency certification process.

How-To

504 plans

Learn about when a student may be eligible for a 504 plan, how 504 plans are different than IEPs, and what to do if you disagree with the school about a 504 plan.

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Getting mental health care for a loved one

Information about rights in a voluntary or involuntary admission, transfer, and discharge.

Guide

Dedicated accounts for SSI benefits

When Social Security pays a large amount of past-due SSI benefits for a child, the money must go into a special account called a “dedicated account.” Learn about how to set up and use dedicated accounts as a representative payee.

FAQ

Requesting a special education evaluation

Learn how to ask the school to evaluate your child for special education and related services.

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Assistance for older adults and people with disabilities

Explains who qualifies for AABD benefits in Illinois. Recipients receive cash and medical assistance.

Guide

Understanding nursing home resident's rights

Explains what you can expect if you are moving to a long-term care facility.

Guide

Housing discrimination basics

Defines and describes housing discrimination and how to fight against it.

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Eligible for supplemental security income or SSI benefits

Explains qualifications to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits.

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Renting property with an assistance animal

Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant when renting an apartment or condo with an assistance animal.

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Understanding discipline of special education students

A student with a disability can be suspended for the same reasons as a student without a disability. But there is a limit to how many days a student with a disability may be suspended in the same school year.

Guide

Special education evaluations and eligibility

Learn how the testing process for special education works and the eligibility criteria for children to qualify for help.

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Going to a due process hearing for special education

Step-by-step guide on how to request a due process hearing for a special education issue, and how the hearing works.

How-To

Aid to the aged, blind, and disabled or AABD benefits

Steps to apply for Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) benefits including how to appeal an AABD decision.

How-To

Expelling a student with a disability

Describes the process of expelling a student with disabilities.