Family Bi-Weekly Update
October 6th, 2022
Getting to Know the Association of Parents & Staff (APS)
Introducing Laura Peace, Lake Forest District 115
Laura Peace and husband Adrian have been Lake Bluff residents for 9 years. They have two sons, Austin is in 6th grade and Alec in 2nd grade, and an adult daughter, Brianna. Laura works in Information Technology in Humana, as an Associate Vice President - Site Reliability Engineering. In her free time, in addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys yoga, volunteering and cheering on her alma mater, Purdue, in basketball and football.
If you would like to connect with your district representative or have questions for our Parent Engagement Facilitator, Nicole Magesis, just click the button below and leave a detailed email.
Event Details:
In-person
Saturday | March 4, 2023 - April 29, 2023
10:00 AM - Noon
St. Peter's United Church of Christ 8013 Laramie Avenue, Skokie, IL
(847) 716-2252
Share Your Experience in the FINDS Survey!
Caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have unique experiences and needs in their roles compared to caregivers of other populations. Now is your chance to share your input. The Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS) survey seeks to understand these experiences and perspectives to better support families like yours.
The survey can be completed online and is available in English, Spanish, and French.
Those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win one of six $250 gift cards.
Your perspective is important and can help create a future of better supports and opportunities for people with IDD and their families!
2023 Parent University Webinar Class Schedule
These classes are designed to help you and your loved one with special needs plan for the future. Presented by Mary Anne Ehlert, along with her many guest speakers and panel members, all webinar classes will be held via Zoom and attendees are required to register. Click here to view the 2023 Parent University Webinar Class Schedule.
Has your family member with intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD) talked about what they want for their future? Not sure on how to prepare your family and loved one with IDD for their future?
If yes, you might be eligible to join the VFIN research study, which consists of an online & interactive training program offered by the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois Chicago. The VFIN training program is for adults with IDD & their family members residing in Illinois to help them initiate the future planning process. This training will consist of weekly 1-hour Live Zoom classes and self-paced materials on Google Classroom for 8 weeks in Winter 2023. To know more, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SDwbtfEXFP3WdGDVKJm5Hm4gU0cXlWlZ/view?usp=share_link
For screening your eligibility, please visit: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9p0UElW9Ovsk63A or contact us at phone: 312-996-1002 or E-mail at kkeiling@uic.edu
Dr. Michele Polfuss from U of W – Milwaukee is doing a nationwide research study on individuals ages 5-18 yo with a dx of Down Syndrome or Spina Bifida. Families who participate and complete a weeklong program get $250 gift card from Amazon.
For more information click the PDF below or contact Dr. Michele Polfuss Phone: 920-470-2150 Email: mpolfuss@uwm.edu
DISCIPLINE AND IDEA
Date: 01-28-2023
Time: 10 AM-12 PM
Location: WEBINAR (Link to actual webinar will be emailed to you.)
Description:
This webinar discusses your child’s rights about discipline in the special education system while dispelling any myths and misunderstandings.
THE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION PLAN: SPECIAL EDUCATION RIGHTS WEBINAR:
Date: 02-04-2023
Time: 10AM-12PM
Location: Webinar (The link will be mailed to you.)
Description: The Behavior Intervention Plan
Do you receive frequent phone calls from your child’s school regarding his/her behavior? Perhaps, you noticed some behavior concerns during remote learning.
This training will discuss
- the components of the Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP),
- the purpose of the BIP,
- and steps to acquire one for your child if appropriate.
Free Family Movie Night: Top Gun Maverick
February 25 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bring the whole family and your own movie snacks for our FREE Family Movie Nights.
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.
These are FREE events; advance registration is required.
Please note that NSSRA staff will not be available to supervise participants.
All Ages
FREE
Top Gun: Maverick
Date: Saturday, February 25
Time: 6:00 pm
Rating: PG-13
Program Code: 137002-02
Ceramic Creations
March 5 @ 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
$71
Join us for a fun and interactive ceramics class led by a professional. The ceramics professional will help us build upon our skills or help teach us new skills in the art of pottery. You’ll have the freedom to create a sculptural masterpiece that you can bring home to display. Afterward, we’ll head to Barnaby’s of Northbrook and enjoy a delicious pizza lunch.
Age: 7 – 21
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 10
Program Code / Fee: 137009-61 / $71
Virtual Friday Forum: Reimagining Behavioral Supports
Friday, February 10, 2023
11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
https://ctcfebruary2023fridayforum.eventbrite.com
Reimagining Behavioral Supports
PRESENTED BY: Diane Gould, LCSW, BCBA
Diane Gould received her undergraduate degree in behavioral psychology in 1979 and has been providing services to families with neurodiverse children for over 40 years. Her work with Individuals with challenging behaviors has led to her development of an approach that is sensitive, effective, and respectful. Join us for a discussion on how to achieve behavior change through a process that includes careful thought, productive discussions, and a focused plan.
Event is FREE but ADVANCED REGISTRATION is required by
Wednesday, February 8th
The Zoom link will be sent out the day before the event
to those who have registered.
Curt's Cafe...the place to be!
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.
ILS & F2F Lunchtime Webinar: Special Recreation/Leisure Activities: Planning for Summer
Description
Now is the time to plan for Summer Camp!
Join us today to learn about programming available through Special Recreation Associations located in northern and central Illinois.
Feb 14, 2023 12:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)
Seminario Web del Centro de Información de Salud Familia a Familia / ILS
febrero de 2023
1 Illinois Life Span
Family to Family Health
Information Center
Ahora es el momento de planificar las
actividades de los Programs Especiales del
Distrito de Parques y Recreaciones disponibles
para el verano.
14 de febrero
SEMINARIO WEB
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Acompáñenos para escuchar a los cuatro
directores sobre las oportunidades de los
campamentos de verano y más.
¿PREGUNTAS?
Escanee para Registrarse
Regístrese con anticipación
para este siminario web en
“My Disability Roadmap” Virtual Screening & Talkback
Wed., February 1 | 7-8:30pm
FREE!
All are welcome to kick-off JDAIM with a virtual screening of the award-winning short documentary, “My Disability Roadmap” about Samuel Habib, a 21-year-old, who wants to date, leave home, go to college. But he drives a 350-pound wheelchair, uses a communication device, and can have a seizure at any moment. Determined to find his path forward, he seeks out guidance from America’s most rebellious disability activists. Will they empower him to launch the bold adult life he craves?
Before the film, disability advocate and author of “Demystifying Disability” Emily Ladau will join for a live virtual conversation. After the film, JCC Chicago Inclusion Coordinator Rena Rosen will chat with the film’s co-director and star, Sam Habib. Closed captioning will be provided.
Messy Day At The J: Sensory Friendly Edition
Sun., February 12 | 1-2:30pm
FREE!
Get ready to get messy! Join us for an afternoon of paint, kinetic sand, slime and more at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. This program will be geared for children 3-10 years old and is sensory-friendly with moderate lighting, to accommodate sensitivity to light, noise cancelling headphones will be provided to support reduction of sensory overload and a quiet zone with fidgets are available on hand for anyone looking to take a step away from the mess.
Winnetka Voices
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.
Episode #2: Prioritizing Social Emotional Learning & RULER in our Schools
Dad's Meet-Up Group
All dads are invited to join this meet-up group sponsored by the Special Father's Network and C.I.T.Y. of Support. The group will be meeting on a monthly basis for the purpose of creating a safe place for dads raising children with special needs to learn from one another, discuss issues of concern, and form long-lasting friendships. https://cityofsupport.org/event/dads-meet-up-group-2
Dads who are interested in joining are encouraged to send an email to: hello@cityofsupport.org for sign-up information.
Sound Experience: a social experience for families of children with hearing loss
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.
ParentConnect: a family support group offered in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse’s Virtual Parent Support Group
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.