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 (ADA). 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. CST. 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 pre-register. 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 by phone: (312) 341-0022 or e-mail: 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, Room Y2109, 2nd 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.
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.
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 12
Registration: 8 a.m.; Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m.; Walk Start: 10:30 a.m.
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.
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 Park District
Vittum Park-Special Recreation Programming 5010 West 50th St.
Chicago, IL 60638
(773) 798-1747
Young Athletes/Kid Fitness Introduction to physical activity. This class will allow young participants to not only learn the basics of sports but increase fine and gross motor skills, socialization, coordination, and sensory integration (inclusion programming). When: 2:30-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Ages: 2-7.
Cost: $10. Creative Arts Take this opportunity to explore artistic expression. This class will include: drawing, painting, dance, music/multimedia, visual art and much more! When: 5-7 p.m., Tuesdays. Ages: all ages.
Cost: $10. Fun and Games After school programming that is filled with physical activity, arts and crafts, games and much more. An excellent opportunity for growth in socialization, fine and gross motor and sensory integration. When: 12-3 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. , Saturdays; and 12-3 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and some Saturdays. Ages: 7-13.
Cost: $15. Social Club Join us for a great time! An opportunity to promote independence and socialization. This program includes: cooking classes, field trips, parties, holiday events, physical activity and games. When: 5-7 p.m. and 12-3 p.m. Saturdays: Fridays and some Saturdays 12-3 p.m. Ages: all ages.
Cost: $10. Special Olympic Training This class includes training and registration to Special Olympic competitions. Sport activity changes throughout the session. The fall session will include: soccer, floor hockey, gymnastics, basketball and snowshoe. When: 5-7 p.m. and 12-3 p.m. Saturdays; Wednesdays, Thursdays and some Saturdays 12-3 p.m. Ages: 8 years and up.
Cost: $15. Homework Help and Reading Program This program not only provides help with homework but also an adaptive reading program for comprehension, reading and ability levels. When: 4-5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ages: 8 years and up.
Cost: Free
Developmental Differences Resource Fair
Where: Gordon Tech High School
3633 N. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
email: leslye@npnparents.org
We would like you to be a part of this great event that will be beneficial for parents/caregivers looking for resources/guidance in regards to developmental differences. Thank you to our sponsors Leep Forward and Chicago Parent Magazine for their amazing efforts as we launch this new event! When: February 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: The prices to exhibit are as follows: private school: $75; non-profit organization: $100; and business service provider: $150.
To register: www.npnparents.org/general_payment and choose “SCHOOLFAIR” from the drop down list.
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.
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 Katie Hench
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 dates.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Little Friends Center for Autism, Inc. *** They are offering evaluations and re-evaluations and therapy for families in need. They are aware that many families who have children with autism have excessive bills, inadequate insurace coverage and in the economy have lost jobs. If you are interested in learning abuot applying for our subsidized services, contact us at: (630) 305-4196. Their evaluations are comprehensive and completed by a team of experts, including a psychologist, occupational therapist and speech therapist that specialize in autism. The evaluation will provide testing for autism, a cognitive assessment that will define the child's strengths, weaknesses and how they learn. Also, extensive recommendations will be provided in areas such as communication, behavior and socialization for the home, school and community.***
Lose the Training Wheels Contact: Jordan McDonald
e-mail: jordanmcdonald@rockfordparkdistrict.org
Where: Indoor Sports Center
8800 E. Riverside Blvd.
Loves Park, IL 61111-5713
(815) 987-1609
Winnebago County
This program works with youth and teens with disabilities who experience difficulty in getting past training wheels and on to conventional two-wheeled bikes. Lose the Training Wheels staff, in collaboration with Park District staff and volunteers, will assist each rider as they progress through a series of adapted bicycles toward their ultimate goal of losing their training wheels. Riders must have the ability to ride a bicycle with training wheels, and must attend each day, as skills will be built progressively throughout the week. Bring your own biking helmet all week, and on Thursday we ask that you bring your own bike from home so the trained Lose the Training Wheels staff can make sure the bike is appropriate for learning, and make small adjustments for the individual. Register for your preference of an a.m. or p.m. session; once registration closes and individual skill assessments are completed each family will be assigned their 75-minute session time for the week.
Ages: 8-21. Cost: residents:$65; non-residents: $95.
Financial assistance is available. Contact Customer Service for more details (815) 987-8800.
The Morton Arboretum Animal Houses
4100 Illinois, Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 968-0074
DuPage County
See, touch, and explore eleven imaginative animal houses, all built to human-scale. It's your chance to imagine life as an animal and learn how trees provide animal habitats. Climb in a squirrel drey. Rummage through a raccoon den. Perch in a heron nest.
Ages: all. Cost: $11 adults (18-64) ($7 Wednesdays).
$10 seniors (65+) ($6 Wednesdays).
$8 youth (2-17) ($5 Wednesdays).
Free (under 2 yrs. old). Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission includes free parking.
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.
Planning Asperger Syndrome Success and Generating Experiences (PASSAGE)
Donna Alexander, Teri Dudasik & Sue Demma
Where: Harper College
1200 W. Algonquin Road, Bldg. A, room A-238
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 524-1089 (Donna)
(847) 923-7173 (Terri)
Cook County
email: ddudasik@aol.com
Support and educational group for teenagers and adults with Aspergers syndrome. Focus of PASSAGE is teaching skills for appropriate behavior for finding a job or internship. When: Meets the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m.
Next meeting: Call for future dates.
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.
Red Kite Round Up Theater Adventure for Kids with Autism Where: Jay Pritzker Pavilion - Choral Rehearsal Room of Millennium Park "The Red Kite Round Up is a 40-minute multi-sensory adventure created for children with autism spectrum disorder. Guides take ten children and their chaperones on a digitally simulated outdoor trip where they can chase butterflies, hike trails, star gaze and more. When: visit next summer for future dates and times. Ages: 5-13.
Cost: tickets are $10 ($20 covers total cost for a child and one chaperone; $10 observer tickets subject to availability). Capacity for Red Kite Round Up is extremely limited and advanced reservations are required. For more information call (773) 227-0180, ext. 15.
SAVE OUR DISABILITY AND HUMAN SERVICES... Find more information on the pending budget cuts here. Action Alert: click here to send an e-mail to your representatives. If you haven't, call your state senator. Identify them here. Things you can do to get involved:
Become a key communicator coordinator.
Call (309) 693-8981, to volunteer.
Contact the media: write a letter to the editor, hold a press conference, contact a reporter, urge Congress to provide more funding for autism, and/or call the Family Support Network for help.
Social Security Administration/Ticket Holder Pilot Program
The Chicago Region of Social Security is initiating a pilot program involving expanded consideration of SSA ticket holders for job openings within our agency. This pilot program is intended to help increase career opportunities for persons with disabilities. Additional questions may also be directed to the area work incentive coordinators and regional recruitment committee chairpersons in your area in your area. For more information.
Temple Grandin will be coming to speak at:
Willow Creek Community Church 67 E. Algonquin Road
South Barrington, IL 60010-6132 When: Call for future dates.
Scholarships are available upon request.
To register, click here.
Transition Timeline This timeline is a guide for parents of students with special needs planning for life after high school. Regardless of your childs age, we recommend that you review the timeline in its entirety so that you will have a complete understanding of the transition process. It is intended to be used by all members of your childs educational team. In order for transition planning to be successful, it must be a true partnership between students, parents and educators.
Transition Tool Kit Provided by Autism Speaks, Family Services. Tool kit serves as a guide that can provide you with options to think about and explore as you and your adolescent with autism begin to plan for adulthood. The kit is broken down into different sections. At the end of each section, resources are provided specific to that section, as well as forms to help you keep track of the many pieces that constitute a transition plan. Since the transition process is different in each state, they have developed timelines for each state, with state agency information that may be helpful to you throughout the process. Download FREE Tool Kit.
Trinity Services Inc.
Autism and Family Resource Center Resource Library Contact: Katie Decker
13318 W. Lincoln Highway
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 462-4273
Will County
email: kdecker@trinity-services.org
Resource library provides information about various resources, services, and upcoming community events. Families can borrow books, games, toys, and other learning aids for short periods of time. Announcing Make and Take Fridays at the Resource Room. When: every Friday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: One project per person is free, additional projects cost $1 to $2 each. Library hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.or by appointment.
Other Events atTrinity Services, Inc.
Sib Shops Contact: Katie Decker
(815) 462-4273
Will County
email: kdecker@trinity-services.org
Helping children meet friends and learn how to cope with the challenges of having siblings affected by autism spectrum disorders. When: call for next date of Sib Shops. Cost: $20 (1 child); $25 (2 children); $30 (3 children).
No wait list.
Other Events at Trinity Services, Inc.
New Diagnosis Family Orientation Program Contact: Katie Decker
(815) 462-4273
email: kdecker@trinity-services.org
Program is designed to assist family members in understanding autism spectrum disorders. The program provides an opportunity for families to ask questions about this developmental disability and to meet other families who are on the same journey. Program topics include Session One: Introduction to ASD; Session Two: Research-Supported Interventions; and Session Three: Available Resources and Parent Tools. If you would like additional information, call Katie Decker.
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Department of Disability and Human Development
Self-Advocacy Social Skills Groups Contact: Jennifer Gorski, PhD or Lana Roth, LCSW
Where: UIC, 1747 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 413-4624
Cook County
Eligible participants: Chicago area University and Community College students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (and not restricted to UIC). Groups will focus on: your rights as a student with ASD; assertiveness skills for college survival; how to talk to teachers and professors; self-disclosure about your diagnosis (when to do it, when not to do it); how to talk to others about the way ASD impacts you; finding and accessing important campus resources; and making friends who have similar interests. Contact Jennifer Gorski or Lana Roth for a telephone interview and further information. Cost: free.
Yoga Calm® for Children and Teens
Integrated Approach to Wellness, Summer Intensive with Lynea Gillen, MS, RYT, Jim Gillen, RYT and Wendy Handrich, MS, Ed, Director of Education, Genesee Lake School
Where: Genesee Lake School at ODTC
Oconomowoc, WI
(45-minutes from Milwaukee International Airport)
(503) 977-0944
Professional development for educators, counselors and therapists. Yoga Calm is an award-winning, K-12 wellness curriculum used by thousands of educators and therapists. It integrates simple yoga-based activities, mindfulness exercises and social/emotional skills-building games that help children improve their focus, learning readiness, behavioral skills, physical health and emotional stability. Developed from over 30 years of classroom, counseling and clinical experience, it works for a wide range of students, including those with severe behavior disorders. When: call for future dates. Cost: $795 (includes textbook and healthy lunches). 3 graduate credits available from Alverno College. Lodging: $420 for 6 nights and meals (double occupancy).
Register by calling or visiting their website.
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.
Child Psychology
Autism Resource Center