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Special Needs Resource Center

The Special Needs Child Passenger Safety Resource Center is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation. We educate parents and caregivers of children with special needs on the importance of proper child passenger safety.

The Special Needs Child Passenger Resource Center’s main location is at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. A satellite site is located at LaRabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

Special Needs Services We Provide

Our services include:

  • A resource center for nurseries and organizations across Illinois that provides over-the-phone and in-person consultation and guidance for proper car seat usage and optimum safety.
  • Education to parents, groups, hospital staff and certified child passenger safety technicians on changes in national guidelines and new seat choices.
  • Proper selection, installation and fitting of special needs restraints for parents and their child.

Short-Term Loan Program

Our short-term car seat loan program helps you keep your child safe during travel when they need a special seat for medical reasons. We provide the right seat for your child’s needs and show you how to use it correctly until you no longer need it.

See the Loan Program

Special Needs Restraints

Special needs car restraints keep children with medical or physical challenges safe and comfortable in vehicles. These seats or harnesses provide extra support and fit your child’s unique needs during travel.

Learn about the Restraints

Advanced Training

The Special Needs Child Passenger Safety Resource Center provides advanced training across Illinois for certified child passenger safety technicians, which includes:

  • “Safe Travel for All Children,” a special needs CPS enrichment course (curriculum designed by the National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children with Special Health Care Needs).
  • Continuing education workshops throughout the State of Illinois for those trained in special needs child passenger safety.

Ask for a Referral

If you or your child could benefit from the Special Needs Resource Center, contact your child’s doctor for a referral or call the toll-free safety information number below with questions.

1-877-277-6543

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