• Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Event

    Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Event Are you interested in learning about how work will affect your Social Security disability benefits? The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) – Work […]

  • Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Event

    Are you interested in learning about how work will affect your Social Security disability benefits?

    The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) – Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program has partnered with the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation (DRS) to host free online Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE)
    webinars. WISE webinars can help you and your family members learn about the Ticket to Work Program and Social Security work incentives.

    To make WISE webinars more convenient for our beneficiaries and their families, we host them multiple times a month, both day and evening.

  • Popcorn With Purpose: Expanded Double Good Days Returns June 8 To Bring Joy To Chicagoland Kids With Special Needs

    Designed to bring joy to kids with special needs and their families and caregivers, the third annual Double Good Days will take place June 8 at the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview. Registration is now open for this free event, which runs from 9 am to 1 pm and features a dynamic lineup of 10 multi-sensory activities, from therapy animals to adaptive sports and even popcorn. Double Good Kids Foundation created Double Good Days to address the need for more social opportunities for children with special needs.

  • New Transition to Adulthood Webinar Series for Families Begins June 26 

    Join the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) this summer for our new two-part webinar series on "Preparing for Adulthood: A Roadmap for the Future."

    Bring your questions and learn more about navigating this journey with Claire Cook, DSCC Title V Transition Specialist, and Suzanne Aaron, Northern Illinois Outreach Specialist for Illinois Life Span.

  • New Transition to Adulthood Webinar Series for Families

    Session Two: Empowering Parents and Caregivers” on July 31 at 6 p.m.
     
    Building on session one, participants will dive deeper into adult guardianship, health insurance, benefits and programs for youth with complex needs. The session will focus on creating meaningful daily routines while managing evolving family dynamics. It will also explore the role of support circles and how to make decisions that support youth and caregivers in the long run. 

  • Upcoming Training Opportunity to Become an Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP)

    Virtual Event

    On Monday, September 8th, 2025, the Illinois State Board of Education and Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center are hosting a free virtual training on Zoom from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

    This training will show you how to become an Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP)—a volunteer who steps in to support students with disabilities when their parents can’t. ESPs attend IEP meetings, review school records, and speak up to make sure each student’s needs are being met. Don’t worry—no experience is needed! You’ll get all the training and support you need to feel confident in the role.