Lifespan Disability Clinic

Accessible Resources at UI Health

Lifespan Disability Clinic

The UI Health Lifespan Disability Clinic offers comprehensive, disability-inclusive primary care for both children and adults with a wide range of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, including complex, multifaceted conditions.

Disability Care Philosophy DiagramOur team has expertise in managing common diagnoses such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and other developmental disabilities, as well as physical conditions like spinal cord and brain injuries. We place a strong emphasis on whole-person care, recognizing the evolving needs of our patients and tailoring services to support their medical, developmental, and functional goals.

With a focus on seamless transitions from pediatric to adult care, UI Health addresses the unique needs of individuals at each life stage, including home and community-based services, essential medical equipment, educational resources, and vocational support. Our integrated approach to care coordination ensures that all providers involved in a patient's health journey remain informed and aligned. Recognizing the challenges patients may face, we prioritize identifying and addressing social determinants of health, with screenings designed to uncover and mitigate barriers to care.

Additionally, we offer critical caregiver/care partner support, fostering a network of care that goes beyond clinical treatment to improve overall quality of life.

Our Services include:

  • Disability-inclusive Primary Care
  • Coordination of medical and social care
  • Management of medical supplies
  • Mobility Equipment and Services
  • Assistance with coordinating Transportation Services
  • Referral to accessible dentistry
  • Accessible clinic space
  • Accessible and free parking
  • Behavioral Health (with telehealth option)
  • Physical and Occupational Therapy at 55th and Pulaski
  • Coordination with subspecialty care (i.e., Genetics, Wound Care, Pulmonology)
  • Laboratory and radiology services
  • Bilingual staff (Spanish)

Primary Locations

To Schedule a New Patient appointment for Primary Care at the Lifespan Disability Clinic:

Affiliated Partners:

  • Developmental Disabilities and Autism Clinics
    Department of Disability and Human Development
    1640 W. Roosevelt Road
    Chicago, IL 60608
    312-413-1871
    • Developmental Disability Family Clinics
      Mental Health and Wellness, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy
    • Child and Family Development Center
      Early Intervention Services


Dental Locations

  • Inclusive Care Clinic (Dental)
    801 S. Paulina St. Rm 127
    Chicago IL, 60612
    312-355-1641
55th and Pulaski health Collaborative at Gage Park
55th & Pulaski Health Collaborative provides comprehensive healthcare services for the residents of Chicago's Gage Park and West Elsdon communities.

Meet the Core Team

Dr. Erin Hickey, Medical Director
Erin Hickey, MD
Medical Director and Primary care physician for children and adults with disabilities

Our team will work together to help you achieve your health goals.

  • Erin Hickey, MD
    Medical Director and Primary care physician for children and adults with disabilities
  • Caroline Skolnik, MD
    Primary care physician for children and adults with disabilities
  • Molly Fausone, MD
    Primary care physician for adults with disabilities
  • Sarah Ushkow, MSW, LCSW
    Social Worker and Care Coordinator
  • Yolanda Manrique, MSW, LSW
    Social Worker and Community Navigator
  • Lori J. Peculis, PT, MS, ATP
    Physical Therapist, Seating and Positioning Clinic – Assistive Technology Unit
  • Shayna Oshita, RD, PhD
    Nutrition services
  • Susan Kahan, LCPC
    Director of Clinical Administration, Department of Disability and Human Development, and Behavioral Health services
  • Gillian McLean, PT, DPT
    Physical Therapist
  • Heidi Fischer, OTR/L, OTD
    Occupational Therapist

Education

The Lifespan Disability Clinic is committed to training future health professionals in the inclusive care of people with disabilities. During a clinic visit, patients may encounter health professions students.  We believe that interactions between students and patients are important learning opportunities during which patients can share information about their disability or about their healthcare experiences with the students but are under no obligation to do that. It is entirely up to the patient. 

As an example of our commitment to education, many members of the Lifespan Disability Clinic are part of a team working on developing disability curriculum for health professionals through a government grant:  "Working to right a wrong: Training medical students to care for people with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities”. The primary investigator is Dr. Erin Hickey HRSA award; FAIN# T5C52052). 

A website with access to this curriculum is under development. 

Requesting Accessible Services

To access disability services or for more information, please contact the Disability Coordinator at UIHealthDiversity@uic.edu or call 312.355.1803.

Other Helpful Tools

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