Wilmette – Loyola Academy, 1100 Laramie Avenue
September 2023 – March 2024 Tuesdays 4:15-5:30 pm High School Musical, Jr.

Winnetka – The Skokie School, 520 Glendale Avenue
September 2023 – March 2024 Mondays 4:15-5:30 pm High School Musical, Jr.

Adaptive Dance is a class offered at North Suburban School of Dance at the NSYMCA in Northbrook. This class is designed for individuals age 9 and up with different abilities to have a fun and energetic dance class in a variety of styles each week. From hip hop to jazz, contemporary to ballet, this class will cover it all! Students also have an opportunity to perform in our annual spring recital! The class is perfect for tweens, teens, and young adults who love music and dance and may want to work on flexibility, strength, coordination, agility, and other skills through classwork and creating combinations.

Click here to register or email lbrockley@truenorth804.org with any questions.

CLINIC DATES:

October: 7, 21, 28

November: 4, 11

December: 2, 9

CLINIC TIME

Saturdays from 4:00–5:30 pm

LOCATION

Combe Tennis Center

2311 Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208. (at Northwestern University)

PROGRAM COST

Session Cost*: $130/Session

*You may pay online for the entire session or pay at the door per clinic or entire session.

CONTACT INFORMATION

NWChicagoTennis@buforlife.org

For questions or further inquires, please contact your local coordinator via email.

https://buddyupforlife.org/chapter/evanston-il/

Sometimes, people may think that people with disabilities cannot vote. That is not true. People with disabilities can and do vote! Join us to learn about your voting rights as an individual with a disability and how adding voting education rights to your student's transition plan can benefit your student and our Country!

Register HERE

Registering to vote is a right and a responsibility!

There are over 38 million people with disabilities who are eligible to vote, but access barriers keep many disabled voters from accessing their right to vote.

In 2016, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) took the initiative to launch the REV UP Voting Campaign and Disability Voting Rights Week, to address the 6% voting turnout disparity between people with and without disabilities. The disability community has the imperative to engage in electoral processes, given that the outcomes shape accessibility to community integration, healthcare, employment, transportation, privacy, and an array of other fundamental facets of life.

Voting is a way for your voice to be heard so that those in a position can consider your needs to create change.

REV UP is about protecting the rights of people with disabilities to participate fully in our democracy.

Register, Educate, Vote, and Use Your Power!

Carole Rosen, Advocacy Program Specialist at The Arc of Illinois is available to do voter registration presentations and events for your organization.

For more information contact:

Carole Rosen

815.464.1832 ext 1027

carole@thearcofil.org

Useful for families, practitioners, educators, and administrators in early intervention or early childhood. Click below to access the modules.

Wed, Sep 13 @ 12:00 pm CDT - 1:00 pm CDT

FREE

Link: https://glenbard.zoom.us/j/81703581010

Tuesday, September 12 @ 12pm via Zoom

Register Here

12-1pm CST via Microsoft Teams

Register HERE

This fall we will be offering Sibshops for both children and teens at our Northbrook location. We will begin each Sibshop as a large group for an opening activity and then separate into age groups (children and teens).

Fall In-Person Sibshop Dates for Children/Teens, ages 6-16 are as follows:

August 27
October 15
November 12
December 10

All In-Person Sibshops are on Sundays from 1pm to 3:30pm at our Northbrook location, 255 Revere Drive, Suite 200.

Virtual Sibshops, ages 7-12 (will be offered for Teens if there are enough participants)

Thursdays, 6-7pm

September 21
October 26
November 30

*Virtual Sibshops are for children who cannot participate in person AND for siblings who wish to connect between the in-person Sibshops.

In-Person Sibshops are $30 per session; partial scholarships are available. Virtual Sibshops are free of charge. Pre-registration is required for in-person and virtual Sibshops. Please contact Yuto Kanii or Tammy Besser if you have any questions and/or to request registration materials.

Registration is per Sibshop. Virtual Sibshops are free but registration is required to attend.
Children can attend one, two, three, or all of the Sibshop series. To register email: mailto:TamaraBesser@JCFS.org

LOCATION

Elaine Kersten Children's Center

September 26, 2023

6:00 PM-7:30 PM

In Person at Madison Early Childhood Center

Come and join us in a parent education workshop like you’ve never attended before. We will take a light-hearted approach to learning about sensory processing. In this workshop we will explore the question “Why do kids do the goofy the things they do?”

Participants will:

-Define sensory processing why it’s important for development, behavior and learning.

-Apply the interrelated components of sensory processing framework and/or the thresholds continuum model in the service of understanding a child's behavior

-Describe the ways in which sensory processing differences impact development, behavior, learning

-Make home modifications that are quick and low to no cost utilizing a sensory processing approach.

Registration Deadline: September 26, 2023

Register Here: https://web.cvent.com/event/6bb5a5a4-98a0-4707-94b5-ca7e257d78cf/regProcessStep1

Please join us as we hear from local families who have found housing solutions for family members ready to live more independently. Panelists will share their experiences developing, creating, and implementing successful housing solutions for adults with IDD. This event is in person at Highland Park Police Station Meeting Room

We have families representing these models:

-CILA

-3 intentional communities- Matthias Academy, Lambs Farm and Westin Bridges

-Apartment/Condo living

If you are planning on attending please R.S.V.P. by September 22! R.S.V.P. Here

We will share more information about this event in the upcoming weeks! Any questions or need special accommodations please email info@thecchi.org.

CCHI promotes Round Table Discussions to encourage in-depth discussions and diverse viewpoints on specific subjects. This format can generate new ideas, fosters collaboration and helps our members gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues we face in the IDD world.

Lurie Children's SAILS (Supporting Adolescents with Independent Life Skills) program offers a six-week curriculum to teach teens to prepare for their future in work, college and managing their healthcare. There are also sessions for parents for more information and support.

Click the picture below to learn more.

Date/Time Date(s) - September 14, 2023

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Speaker: Mary Anne Ehlert, President & Founder, Protected Tomorrows, Inc. and JJ Hanley, ABLE Director for IL State Treasurer

Throughout the presentation we will cover:

-IL ABLE Account basics and how the program can increase financial independence for many eligible individuals.

-Any changes that have been implemented regarding ABLE Accounts

-How to best utilize your ABLE Account.

Click Here to Register!

September 21, 2023
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Sponsored by: Protected Tomorrows’ 2023 Parent University™
Speaker: Mary Anne Ehlert, President & Founder, Protected Tomorrows, Inc.

Description: Our guest speakers will talk about the stress we often face as caregivers (or as the person with the disability); maybe we can’t avoid it, but we certainly should be able to find professionals who can guide us to survive it. What everyday techniques can we learn, and if we need professional assistance from a medical professional, can we find someone who really understands what we are going through?

Click here to register!

Chicago’s Metropolitan Area Parent Training and Information Center!

Are you a parent of a child with a disability or a community member interested in gaining a strong understanding of the special education system? The Parent Advocacy Leadership (PAL) program is a free training series designed to help you navigate the special education process Illinois.

Requirements:

-Willing to attend all eight sessions,

-Willing to complete pre and post-survey

Training will cover:

-The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

-State law (Part 226)

- The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

- Section 504

- Advocacy

- Current Special Education Issues

- Conflict Resolution

Each training session will be on Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm (excluding holidays) via Zoom Meeting.

The PAL Session Dates Meet: September 30th, October 7th, October 14th, October 21st, October 28th November 4th, November 11th, November 18th.

Family Resource Center on Disabilities is excited to announce that registration for our Fall PAL Training Cohort of 2023 is open. All training will be virtual. The PAL is eight sessions long. Participants who complete all eight sessions will receive a Parent Advocacy Leadership Certificate of Completion.

For more information contact Paula Wills at paula.wills@frcd.org or call (312) 939-3513.

REGISTER

September 9, 2023 10:00 AM via Zoom

Preparing your child to transition to adulthood can be a daunting task. This webinar will focus on the initial steps of the transition process in the Illinois special education system from an academic perspective.

The topics covered include:

-Defining transition plans and its components

-Understanding transition services

-Tips for parents preparing their child for adulthood.

REGISTER

September 23, 2023 10:00 AM via Zoom

Do you have questions about your child’s IEP, but don’t know how or when to ask them? Are you concerned about how your child’s IEP is being followed? Do you want to learn how to effectively prepare for your child’s IEP Meeting?

This webinar provides an overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and discusses the parents role as a member of the IEP team.

The presentation will also focus on:

-Individualized Education Program (IEP),

-Least Restrictive Environment (LRE),

-Procedural Safeguards.

-Preparing for your child’s IEP meeting.

-What to do after the meeting.

REGISTER

Get your family and friends together and join us for the NSSRA Run for All 5K and 1-mile run! Check-in will open at 7:45 am, and the race will begin at 9:00 am. The registration fee includes a race t-shirt, race timing, post-race refreshment, music, and games. Please note that NSSRA staff will not be available to supervise participants.

Check-in will open at 7:45 am, and the race will begin at 9:00 am. The registration fee includes a race t-shirt, race timing, post-race refreshment, music, and games. Please note that NSSRA staff will not be available to supervise participants.

Fee: $25.00

Register HERE

Please reach out to us as soon as possible to reserve a spot for your child, teen, or young adult.

If you have any questions about our social skills group therapy, neuropsychological evaluations (and autism-specific testing), or individual one-on-one counseling, please reach out to us for a:

Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation

(847) 559-3240

If you prefer to send a confidential email, please send all inquiries to staff@sociabilitychicago.org

Looking for a warm and cozy place to hang out on a Monday morning, either by yourself or with friends? Come by to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and fresh scone while you support TrueNorth Transition students demonstrate their amazing job readiness skills at this job training site. We're open for business every Monday that school is in session, from 9-11 am. Curt's Cafe is located at 1766 2nd Street in Highland Park.

**Click here for full brochure**

Español – Las presentaciones serán en inglés con subtítulos en español.

Register HERE

Thursday, September 14, 2023

College of Lake County

Grayslake Campus 19351 W Washington Street Grayslake, IL

October 5-6, 2023

Hybrid

This year’s 2-day SUSO Summit will be HYBRID - ONLY 250 in person, the rest VIRTUALLY, using Zoom Webinar

$50 Summit Registration fee is required for all attendees, including personal support workers. Financial assistance for registration fee is available.

This year the theme is “Building a Better Future Together” and will focus on providing attendees with information to help empower them to use their voice to make positive choices and changes in their life.

Click here for the brochure in English.

Click here for the brochure in Spanish.

Visit the https://www.speakupspeakoutsummit.org/ for additional information, including the full agenda and registration/stipend information.

Going Home Coalition’s September meeting will be discussing Equip for Equality’s recently released report on Clyde L. Choate Developmental Center located in Anna, IL, and updates on the Ligas Consent Decree with Attorneys Stacey Aschemann and Laura Miller from Equip for Equality.

Please email Carole Rosen at carole@thearcofil.org if you would like me to add someone to the email listserv and/or receive a virtual meeting link.

Reports

• 08.13.23 Equip for Equality Statement on Choate Report
• Equip for Equality Calls for Immediate End to Placements at Choate Developmental Center and Urges That All Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Be Moved Out
• Plain Language Version
• 08.10.23 - Response from the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities
• 08.16.23 Equip for Equality Full Report:
• Choate Developmental Center Repurposing Plan: Why No One Should Be Left Behind
• 08.16.23 Beth Hundsdorfer, Molly Parker Choate ProPublica Story
• Choate Director Replaced as New Report Says Abuse at the Facility Hasn’t Stopped
• 08.17.23 The Arc of Illinois Statement about Equip for Equality’s Report on Choate

Una investigación sobre familias hispanohablantes y personas que usan la comunicación aumentativa y alternativa (CAA)?

¿Usted es o conoce a un familiar hispanohablante

de alguien que usa la CAA?

QUÉ: Investigadores de la Universidad de Illinois en Chicago están realizando un estudio para conocer las experiencias y perspectivas de los familiares

hispanohablantes de personas que utilizan la comunicación aumentativa y

alternativa (CAA). Se les pedirá a los participantes completar un cuestionario y una entrevista remota.

Los participantes familiares y expertos que utilizan la CAA recibirán

una tarjeta de regalo Visa de $75 al finalizar.

QUIÉN:

Adultos hispanohablantes que tienen familiares que usa la CAA

Terapeutas o profesionales adultos quienes son bilingües y biculturales y que

brindan servicios de la CAA

Expertos adultos en diversidad culturallingüística y comunicación aumentativa y alternativa

POR QUÉ:

La investigación sobre la diversidad culturallingüística en CAA es limitada. Este estudio ayudará a llenar el vacío y aprender acerca de las necesidades únicas de los compañeros de comunicación familiares hispanohablantes y las personas que usan CAA.

Para participar en esta investigación, por favor póngase en contacto con Ellyn McNamara al(312) 343-6348 o emcnam3@uic.edu.

The Illinois Autism Taskforce (IATF) is seeking feedback from parents and guardians on their understanding of the high school (Secondary) transition process.

The Autism Transition Subcommittee is conducting The IATF: Transition Sub-Committee Survey 2023 to assess parent/family knowledge when it comes to understanding services available for the autism population leading up to and during their high school transition years. By gaining understanding of this, the IATF as well as autism-based service entities and schools can target their messaging and parent education to better guide parents, students, and families with the goal of improving student success after high school.

This Survey makes no distinction between educational classification of autism or medical diagnosis, all are encouraged to complete the survey.

The survey will be available beginning September 1, 2023, ending December 1, 2023:

The survey should take 15 minutes and your responses are completely anonymous.

For example, dentists or doctors available to families.

Winnetka Voices is a podcast hosted by The Winnetka Public Schools, featuring candid conversations on issues relevant to education and shared resources to support our students and families.

Listen Here

This month's hang-out will be at 7:00pm at Spears in Wheeling.

Email: hello@cityofsupport.org with any questions or to sign up for email alerts. No RSVP required.

Are your child's mental health struggles impacting you and your family? Are you wondering how to start finding help?

We recommend seeking support for yourself first with a CATCH Conversation.

Sign up and a CATCH volunteer will reach out to schedule a time to talk, meet for a cup of coffee, or go for a walk to give you a chance to share what's going on and learn how CATCH can support you.

Sign Up Here

Join us for information, resources, tips and strategies on a variety of topics to empower you in your parenting or caregiving journey with your child with autism. Come to connect and interact with others navigating a similar journey! Parents of newly diagnosed children are strongly encouraged to attend.

Lurie Children's Sound Experience is a social experience for families of children with hearing loss. We offer Sound Experience four Saturday afternoons throughout the school year at our Outpatient Center in Westchester.

The program aims to provide:

• A network of parents of children with hearing loss who are going through or have gone through similar situations and to share experiences and information
• Information for families about hearing loss and how it affects our children
• An opportunity for children with hearing loss to meet other children with hearing loss

What to Expect at Sound Experience

• Parents informally share information and stories before the formal breakout sessions
• Children and siblings of all ages are entertained with a dedicated staff of volunteers
• Parents meet in an adjoining room to discuss the meeting’s topic

How to Get Involved

To learn more about Sound Experience, ask your audiologist or contact Cara Donahue at 312.227.3061 or cdonahue@luriechildrens.org.

APH FamilyConnect and The Chicago Lighthouse are pleased to offer this virtual support group for parents and families of children who are blind or visually impaired. These monthly sessions are for families to connect with and learn from each other about the joys, challenges, and adventures of raising children with visual impairments and blindness. These sessions are open to families. You only need to register once for this ongoing series. The No ACVREP or professional development credits will not be available.

Register Here

The Association of Parents and Staff (APS) is an organization of parents who have children in any of TrueNorth's 18 member school districts, and the staff who serve them. Our mission is to make a difference in the lives of our children with disabilities through advocacy, partnership and support. Together with our staff partners, we hope to heighten awareness and understanding of learning differences, provide ongoing training and education, and offer support and connections to all.

Whether children are enrolled in a TrueNorth instructional classroom or receive services through their local school district, all parents of children with learning differences are welcome.

If you would like to connect with your district representative or have questions for our Parent Engagement Facilitator, Nicole Magesis, please email us at apsnewsletter@truenorth804.org