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• ADA Distance Learning Sessions
  The Bureau of Accessibility and Job Accommodation (BAJA) and the Illinois ADA Project are inviting interested persons to participate in a training session concerning issues on the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Illinois ADA Project is a steering committee of the DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center of which DHS serves as a member organization. The ADA distance learning programs being offered by Great Lakes ADA are scheduled:
  When: Call for future dates. 
  Marketing for Accessibiltiy: Tips and Tools for the Hospitality industry.
  All sessions will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. CT. All sessions will have a written transcript as well as a digital recording of the session archived at www.ada-audio.org. The schedule is subject to change. BAJA has arranged for the sessions to be available via a toll-free conference line. The program is free to those who call and register. You must pre-register prior to the training date in order to receive the dail-in number and pass code. Contact the Bureau of Accessibility and Job Accommodation at (312) 793-0034 (voice), (312) 793-3917 (fax), or (888) 614-2384 (TTY), to preregister. Once registered, handouts will be e-mailed upon being made available by the Great Lakes ADA. 

• "The ADA In Your Community" Survey
  How do people with disabilities rate their community's implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act? To find out this answer, The Illinois ADA Project, in conjunction with the DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center is conducting a survey. People with disabilities, their family members, and their advocates are invited to complete the ADA survey so that your voices are heard when accessibility issues are being addressed in your communities. Print copies and alternative formats are available upon request. To request the ADA survey in an alternative format, or for additional information, contact Alan Goldstein at (312) 341-0022 or alan@equipforequality.org.
   
• Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital
  Sibsensations
  Program for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs
  Kathryn Smart, MS, RN
  Where: Yacktman Children's Pavilion
  1675 Dempster St., Room Y2109, second floor
  Park Ridge, IL 60068
  (847) 723-9484
  Cook County
  email: kathryn.smart@advocatehealth.com
  "Sibsensations" is a program for brothers and sisters of children with developmental and physical disabilities and selected chronic illnesses. Children meet peers with similar experiences in a fun and friendly atmosphere, where they can discuss their common joys and concerns. They learn how to handle situations they all face regularly and discuss the implications of having a brother or sister with special needs. Offers recreational and educational experiences in a supportive setting (e.g. games, activities, crafts, and age-appropriate discussion). Parents are welcome to visit the Children's Health Resource Center, located adjacent to their meeting room.
  When: call for upcoming dates.
  Ages: 8 to 15.
  Cost: $10 (for each session); $5 (for each additional family member).
  No wait list. Registration is required.
   
• Alexian Brothers Health System
  Autism Round Table Discussion 
  1650 Moon Lake Blvd., Room 1205
  Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
  The Autism Round Table Dsicussion is intended to provide professionals in the community educational information about Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as opportunities to meet and connect.  Each month we invite a different speaker to talk and address a variety of issues specific to this population, including diagnosis and treatment, future planning, behavioral therapy, government benefits, and more topics of interest.
  When: Call for upcoming events.
  Contact: Ana Garcia (847) 755-8536
  email: ana.garcia@alexian.net 
  Cost: Free for professionals in the community.
  One CEU/CPDU provided for attendance
   
• Autism NOW Webinar: Transportation Options and Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
  When: Call for future dates.
  Speakers: Amy Goodman, Autism NOW, Krystian Boreyko, Easter Seals
  Krystian Boreyko of Easter Seals Project ACTION joins Co-Director Amy Goodman for this webinar to discuss the various transportation options that are available to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities! Presenters will discuss regulations that protect the rights of people with disabilities including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act; accommodations that are offered to individuals who use public transportation, aircrafts and other modes of transportation; issues regarding touch and personal space; the process of obtaining a driver’s license and more. Learn more. 
• The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)
  The autism program is looking for parent advisors. Advisors must be a caregiver of a child with autism spectrum disorder who had either been diagnosed or is awaiting a diagnosis; must be receiving services from a TAP center, which could include visits to one of the TAP resource rooms; and is willing to learn about advocacy for evidence based practices in regards to ASD. Advisors will receive training. To sign up for this program, please contact Dwight Robinson at (312) 285-3347 or e-mail: drobinson@thehopeinstitue.us.
   
• Autism Speaks
  Provides comprehensive information packet available to families who have had a child diagnosed with autism within the past six months. 
• Walk Now for Autism Speaks
  Where: Soldier Field
  1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
  Chicago, IL 60605
  (224) 567-8573
  Please join the Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks and help raise money to fund research into causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism. This fun-filled day is our single most powerful event to raise funds for critical research and awareness. Register today and help make tomorrow a better day for all who struggle with autism.
  When: Saturday, May 18
  Registration: 8 a.m.; opening ceremony: 9:30 a.m.; walk start: 10:30 a.m.
   
• Autism/Special Needs Conference
  When: Call for future dates.
  Join us at the Hilton Garden Inn in O\'Fallon, IL for the second ASNIOA conference of April, featuring keynote speakers Eustacia Cutler, Darryl and Tracy Strawberry, and Dr. James Ball.
  Where: Hilton Garden Inn in O\'Fallon, IL 360 Regency Park O'Fallon, IL 62269
  Contact: Tony Hiles at tony@asnioa.com
   
• A Big Blast, Gymnastics for Special Kids
  (847) 650-8161
  One to one ratio and small group gymnastics and cheerleading classes taught by licensed therapists. 
  six locations: Countryside, Elk Grove, Highland Park, Lake Forest and Mundelein.
   
• Breaking the Silence 5: A Benefit for Autism Awareness Fundraiser
  When: Call for future dates.
  Breaking The Silence is an annual concert founded by drummer, Ron Thomas of Chicago's up and coming rock band, Veilside. After years of struggle with their own son's diagnosis of Autism, Ron and his wife Jean, composed the idea of having a fund raising event to benefit one of the various supportive non-for-profit organizations within the state of Illinois.
  All funds collected are donated to the Autism Society of Illinois.
  Where: Durty Nellie's, 180 North Smith St. Palatine, IL 60067
  Contact: Jean Thomas; email: jean@autismillinois.org
  Visit website for more information.
   
• CafeMom
  The largest online community for women created for parents of autistic children. In addition to the typical symptoms, treatments, and advice most guides have, they are interviewing parents of autistic children to get their real world stories in an effort to help parents who are just finding out about the ups and downs of parenting an autistic child.
   
• Camp Big Blast
  The Gym Spot
  915 Tower Road
  Mundelein, IL 60060-3811
  (847) 987-3940
  email: info@abigblast.com
  Keep the kids happy and active with gymnastics, games, arts & crafts, sports, science projects, story time, yoga and lots fun, fun and more fun.
  Ages: 3 and up; siblings welcome.
  Cost: $200 entire two-week session.
   
• Chicago Commons
  Where: Guadalupano Family Center
  1814 S. Paulina St.
  Chicago, IL 60608
  (773) 722-0115
  Contact: Felicia Martinez to confirm your participation.
  When: call for upcoming events.
  Chicago Commons is a non-for-profit agency that provides Head Start Childcare services for three communities.  The bi-annual Parent Training Forum provides resources to 80-100 families.  
   
• Chicagoland Autism Connection
  The Junior "A" Team is a new subdivision of Chicagoland Autism Connection for children on the ASD spectrum ages 5-12. They are hosting a mini-carnival. Space is limited!
  When: Call for upcoming events.
  Ridge Park -Chicago Park District
  9625 S. Longwood Drive
  Chicago, IL. 60643
  Cook County
  Ages: 5-12
  Cost: Free
  Contact: Paul Butler 
  (773) 329-0375
  email: pebutler@chicagoautism.org or
  Kimberly Johnson-Evans
  (708) 296-9712
  email: kevans@chicagoautism.org 
   
• Cougars Cupcakes for Autism
  When: Call for upcoming events.
  Join us for an incredible event to raise money for Conant High School Special Olympics, Cougars In Need, Local Autism Support Groups, and resource agencies by eating cupcakes!
  Entry is free, cupcakes are $2.00 or a dozen for $20.00. (There will be drinks available). Free kids entertainment including face painting!
  Where: Conant High School 700 East Cougar Trail, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
  Email: Lauren Lombardo LLombardo@d211.org Jo
    
• Disability Scoop
  Disability Scoop is nationally focused online news organization serving the developmental disability community including autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, Fragile X and intellectual disability, among others. Website provides the latest developmental disability news and original reporting on hot-button issues like behavior, medication, IEPs and more that impact the daily lives of people with developmental disabilities and those around them.
   
• Dispute Resolution: Free IDEA Class
  When: Call for upcoming events.
  This one hour phone training will cover information about options for resolving disputes related to special education; dispute resolution options available to parents and schools; how to prepare for and participate in informal meetings.
  For more information, call the Family Resource Center on Disabilities at (312) 939-3513
   
• Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research - What's New? Listening Project Clinic
  Contact: Kimberly McCue
  1939 W. 13th St., Suite 203
  Chicago, IL 60608
  (312) 491-4134
  Cook County
  email: kimberly.mccue@eastersealschicago.org
  Provides a research-based intervention known as the listening project protocol (based on the polyvagal theory developed by Porges). It is designed to exercise processes involved in listening to human voice that may improve social communication by reducing hearing sensitivities and improving auditory processing. The intervention requires listening to music and stories that have been computer modified to exercise the nerves and muscles that help people listen to human voice, while dampening the distracting effects of background sounds. Based on preliminary research, the intervention best serves individuals with or with a history of auditory hypersensitivities. Involves five consecutive days, one to one and a half hours per day and optional research assessments.
  Insurance not accepted.
  Cost: $750. One time fee-for-service to be paid at initial visit.
  No wait list.
   
• Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago Autism Therapeutic School
  The New Diagnosis Family Orientation
  1939 W. 13th St.
  Chicago, IL 60608
  (312) 564-4060
  Cook County
  Program is designed to assist parents and family members in understanding autism spectrum disorders. It provides an opportunity for families to ask questions about this developmental disability and to meet other families who are on the same journey. Topics covered: introduction to autism spectrum disorders, research-supported interventions and available resources.
  When: call for upcoming events.
  
• Emergency Contact Update for Illinois Driver's License
  The state of Illinois is offering a new service connected to your driver's license. Click on this link and add two emergency contacts to your license data. Therefore, if you are incapacitated in some way, your license can be scanned and the emergency contacts retrieved so your loved ones can be contacted. It only takes two minutes to complete. Take advantage of this new service.
   
• Family Matters Presents: Keeping It Positive-Meeting Behavior Needs in the IEP
  Presenter: Tiffany Leischner
  Where: Bourbonnais Public Library
  250 E. John Casey Road
  Bourbonnais, IL 60914
  Participants will learn at workshop how behaviors should be assessed; how to deveolop positive behavior goals for students; and what should be included in a behavior intervention and support plan.
  When: call for future events.
  To register, call (866) 436-7842, ext. 107.
   
• FuntasticGymnastic
  Patricia Ostrow, (414) 254-2291
  Kelly Donley, (224) 515-9060
  Locations served include: Western and Northern Chicago suburbs as well as Milwaukee area.
  (414) 254-2291
  email: funtasticgymnastic@yahoo.com
  Provides one-on-one instruction for special needs children using gymnastics as a means to enhance the therapeutic experience. Classes are 30-45 minutes in length depending on the skill of your child. The goal is to graduate each child into the small group sessions. Instruction is provided from licensed therapists including occupational, physical, speech, and the aid of one or more assistants. They use balance beams, trampolines, springboards, tumbling exercises, pummel horse and swings.
  Ages: 2-21.
  Cost: all sessions are insurance eligible; public insurance not accepted.
  No wait list. 
   
• Third Annual Giant Steps Autism Community Resource Fair
  When: Calll for upcoming events.
  Where: Giant Steps, 2500 Cabot Drive, Lisle, IL 60532
  Resource fair is free and open to public. For parents, educators, community members, and those interested in learning more about resources available in the Chicagoland area for students and families impacted by autism.
  Contact Holly Lechniak Giant Steps at 630.864.3855 or email: hlechniak@mygiantsteps.org or visit their website www.mygiantsteps.org
   
• Grupo SALTO Annual Fundraiser
  When: Call for upcoming events.
  Where: WishingWell-Concodia Banquet Halls 5838 W. 26th St Cicero, IL 60804. For tickets and information call Jose Ovalle (708) 770-1401 or Luz Maria Limon (773) 574-3868
  Donation: $50
   
• Have Dreams
  REDI Retail Program Open House
  2020 Dempster St.
  Evanston, IL 60202
  When: call for more information.
  For transition staff, parents, and other professionals
  Overview of our new retail training course
  Visit our on-site Walgreens Training Store
  In partnership with Walgreens Corp., Have Dreams is proud to announce a new retail training course designed to increase employment opportunities!
  Ages: teens and young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities.
  Our nine-week REDI training is designed to teach retail competencies, as well as the social and communication skills necessary for success in a variety of employment settings: retail vocabulary and concepts; organizing store merchandise; customer service; communications skills; teamwork; and getting the work done. This course meets two sessions per week (2½ hours each) for nine weeks.
  Cost: $900
  Space is limited.
  Contact: Tom Dempsey, Have Dreams (847) 905-0702 x 229
  email: tdempsey@havedreams.org to enroll, or to attend the Open House Event.
   
• Health Care for America Now (HCAN), a major campaign of Citizen Action/Illinois is a national grassroots effort of hundreds of organizations and millions of people dedicated to winning qualify, affordable health care. It is up to us to make sure Congress acts this year.
   
• Health Matters 4 Kids Health Fair
  Where: Access Living
  Contact: Parul Arora
  115 West Chicago Ave.
  Chicago, IL 60654
  (847) 731-5719
  email: hm4kidsinfo@northpointeresources.org
  Cook County
  When: Call for upcoming dates.
  Children and adolescents are welcome with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, educators, and health care providers to learn about the benefits of food, fun and play. Interactive workshops will also be available to build your health profile. Free CEUs/CPDUs available for those who qualify.
   
• 9th Annual Night of Hope Gala - The Hope Institute
  When: Call for upcoming dates.
  Where: Marriott Downtown Chicago, Chicago, IL
  Annual gala features an extraordinary evening of fine food, dancing, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions – benefiting the children of the Hope Institute
  Cost: $200 (per ticket)
  More information
    
• Kane County Cougars Baseball
  Visit the CVS Geneva Store on Saturday, June 8 to attend any Monday through Friday Kane County Cougars baseball game
  Part of the ticket proceeds will go to the EASTER SEALS!!
  Where: CVS - Geneva
  34W002 Cherry Lane
  Geneva, IL 60134
  (630) 232-8811
  Cost: $10
   
• Illinois Bureau of Early Intervention
  Department of Human Services
  401 S. Clinton St.
  Chicago, IL 60607
  (800) 447-6404
  Cook County
  Infants and toddlers, ages birth to three years, are tested for delays in movement, learning, and behavior self-help skills. Use the Department of Human Services office locator online to find the early intervention office in your area or call. For automated service, call (800) 323-GROW.
   
• Illinois Department of Human Service Offices and Service Providers
  Looking for Early Intervention services? See link for office locations in your area that provide assessments for children ages birth to three years for developmental delays.
   
• Illinois Department of Insurance
  Many families report to us (and we experience it too!) that it is difficult or impossible to obtain insurance coverage for the various treatment interventions available to support their children’s needs. In Illinois, there is a law requiring that certain evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorders be covered, but all the loopholes make a tangled mess, indeed. Check out this link for more information.
   
• Illinois General Assembly
  Copy of Illinois' bills and resolutions (2009-2010).
   
• Illinois Includes presents: Inclusion Conference
  Where: Chicago Marriott Oak Brook
  1401 West 22nd St.
  Oak Brook, IL
  (773) 766-7461
  email: info@illinoisincludes.org 
  If you are a parent of a child with a disability seeking a more inclusive educational experience for your child, or an advocate who wants to experience more inclusion in your own life or in the lives of others you support, or a general education teacher needing more information and inspiration when it comes to differentiating instruction, supporting diverse learners in the inclusive classroom, and challenging all students appropriately, then this conference is for you.
  When: Call for upcoming dates.
  Fee for professionals: $250 (for 2 days); $140 (for 1 day)
  Fee for parents/self advocates: $175 (for 2 days); $98 (for 1 day).
   
• Illinois Insurance Facts
  Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  Insurance Coverage for Autism
   
• Illinois Main Street Alliance, a project of Citizen Action/Illinois, is a coalition of more than 500 Illinois small businesses fighting for better health care options, including a public plan that will enable more small businesses to offer coverage to their employees.
   
• Illinois Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
  Provides reliable information and support.
  State Yellow Pages: Provides many useful resources, evaluators, educational consultants, academic tutors, support groups, grassroots organizations, advocates, attorneys and others who help parents get services for their children.
   
• iPad Training to Aid Communication and Vocational Independence
  When: Call for upcoming dates.
  Where: 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Room E120
  Cost: $30.00 checks made payable to ESMC and write TAP Rockford in the memo line.
  10 a.m.-noon: Basic Overview of iPad and Strategies for Adaptations to meet Individual Needs
  noon-12:30 p.m.: lunch break
  12:30-3:30 p.m.: Overview of Apps for Communication, Visual Supports and Vocational Independence
  Credits: 5 CPDUs and EI Credits pending approval
  Contact: Emily Lang at emily.lang@eastersealschicago.org
   
• Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago
  500 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1450
  Chicago, IL 60611 presents
  "Peter and the Wolf" and Autism
  Photo Exhibition and Lecture
  by Daniele Sanna and Mauro Sarzi
  Silvio Marchetti the Director of the Italian Cultural Institue 
  is pleased to invite you to attend the photo exhibition and lecture.
  When: Wednesday, May 15, 2013
  6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  Cost: Free.
   
• Lake County Health Department
  Behavioral Health Services
  Contact: Ted Testa, director
  2645 Washington St.
  Waukegan, IL 60085
  (847) 377-8180
  Lake County
  Government website that assists family finding the following resources in the Lake County area: AllKids, behavioral health services, child and adolescent behavioral health services (CABS), Child and Family Connections, child care nurse consultant, community dietitian, community health assessment and services (now a part of Population Health Services), community support services, Crisis Care Program (CCP), dental services, Early Intervention, family case management (see public health nursing), family planning, immunizations, outpatient mental health services, primary care services, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program (PRP) and vocational services.
   
• Legislator Lookup (to get your legislator's information) 
   
• Little Friends Center for Autism, Inc.
  Visual Training Systems Catalog

• New Illinois Legislation Related to Special Education
  Two key special education bills approved by Illinois legislature await the governor's signature:
  1) HB 628 amends the school code to give parents and their children's clinical providers the right to observe the child at school, with some reasonable safeguards regarding notice and scheduling.
  2) HB 979 amends the Illinois school code to explicitly incorporate the expanded transition requirements of IDEA 2004. In addition, it explicitly provides that the transition plan be incorporated into the IEP and IEP process and be developed and reviewed consistent with IEP requirements. Finally, and importantly, it requires that if the transition plan includes involvement of other agencies, the school district must monitor the other agencies to assure that the needed service is being implemented.
   

• NIA Comprehensive Center for Developmental Disabilities
  Parenting Class Program
  Janice Eros
  1808 S. State St.
  Chicago, IL 60616-1611
  (312) 949-1808, ext. 26
  Cook County
  Provides weekly parenting classes that offers hands-on parenting instruction. Learn effective discipline, potty-training, health care, child safety, nutrition, milestones for children's development and growth, or a sleep schedule system. Guest speakers will be invited to the parent class for presenting some workshops and in service trainings.
  When: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon for 6 months.
  Cost: no fee.
  No wait list.
  

  Prioritization of Urgency of Needs for Services (PUNS)
  PARENTS: Register with the PUNS database is the FIRST and most important step you and your family can take to receive assistance now or within the next five years. What assistance can I receive if I sign up for PUNS.

• •    In-home supports
  •    Respite care
  •    Job coaches
  •    Residential living arrangements
  •    Adaptive equipment
  •    Other supports
  For more information and to sign up for services, click here. 
   
• Protected Tomorrows Presents: SEARCH, Inc.
  When: Call for upcoming dates.
  Where: Protected Tomorrows LifeCare Center, 103 Schelter Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
  Search, Inc. has offered innovative alternatives to outdated, one-size-fits-all services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 45 years. Search Shared Living Arrangements match persons seeking services to host families in the community and works side by side with families every step of the way to develop the living arrangement and services that best meet their desires and needs.
  Registration: RSVP to registration@protectedtomorrows.com or call (847) 522-8086
   
• PUNS - The Basics
  From the Arc of Illinois
  Family to Family Health Information & Education Center
   
• PUNS Prioritization of Unmet Need for Services Victory and Confusion

The information on this website is provided for general reference purposes. It does not constitute medical or other professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your child and adolescent psychiatrist or other physician. Only a qualified, licensed physician can determine the individual treatment that is appropriate for your particular circumstances. All decisions about clinical care should be made in consultation with a physician. Inclusion of information on this website does not constitute an endorsement of views, persons, methodologies or products. The health care providers whose information is available on the website are not necessarily the agents or employees of Rush University Medical Center. In consideration for use of this website, Rush University Medical Center or any other party involved in producing or delivering this website will not be liable to you for any action or nonaction that you take in reliance upon the information provided on this website.
 

Autism is a complex disorder. Our website provides information and resources for families with a child with autism. If you feel your child is experiencing behavior and/or symptoms that may be associated with autistic spectrum disorders, please contact your pediatrician or a licensed physician. A comprehensive evaluation may be needed from a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist and other professionals.
 

The Autism Resource Center's referral and resource list is not an all-inclusive list and is subject to change. Each day the team will be adding new resources and building to our website. If you have trouble finding a referral within your area, we encourage you to call (312) 563-2272 for further information. We hope that you visit our website again for any future referrals.