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Tag Archives: autism
17 Organizations Every Parent of a Child With Autism Should Know
As we enter the second week of Autism Awareness Month, it important for families of children with
Autism to know that you are not alone. You have options. There are organizations and people working around the clock to understand and navigate Autism Spectrum Disorder. So this week, FRCD is bringing you 17 Organizations that every Illinois parent raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder should know about.
1 .Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center/The Autism Treatment Program
Our program for children with autism stresses early diagnosis, intensive treatment, and support for parents and caregivers. Utilizing our approach, children with autism face a better prognosis than ever before. http://www.advocatehealth.com/immc/theautismtreatmentprogram
2. AUTISM SOCIETY OF ILLINOIS
Autism Society of Illinois provides education, training, individual assistance and practical support for parents and increases public awareness of autism, and offers a referral network of professionals. 2200 S. Main Street, Suite 205 Lombard, IL 60148 Tele: (630) 691-1270 Contact: Mary Kay Betz email:info@autismillinois.org WEBSITE: http://www.autismillinois.org.
3. Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is a leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. http://www.autismspeaks.org/ Please email Chicago@AutismSpeaks.org or call 224-567-8573 at any time to connect to your Autism Speaks Chicagoland Chapter staff person.
4.The Autism Resource Center at Rush University Medical Center
The Autism Resource Center at Rush University Medical Center provides referrals for families who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder. The Autism Resource Center’s team has developed an online resource guide to help families find referrals in the following counties: Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Kankakee. http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1213718660256.html
5.The Autism Program of Illinois
The Hope Institute for Children and Families lead the development of The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP), to provide services and supports for the increasing number of children and their families. Through a service network of community agencies and university partners, TAP offers local programs and services based upon best practice standards and current research. http://www.theautismprogram.org/
6.BoardmakerShare
BoardmakerShare is the perfect community for finding thousands of Boardmaker activities on hundreds of topics. Now, the redesigned BoardmakerShare makes it easier than ever to share Boardmaker activities, and find the groups who are using them along with you. https://www.boardmakerachieve.com/default.aspx
7. CHICAGOLAND AUTISM CONNECTION
CAC holds monthly parent meetings, and numerous activities to increase awareness for children and adults with autism. 1803 West 95th Street, #268 Chicago, IL 60643 Contact: Paul Eric Butler Tele: (773) 329-0375 EMAIL: info@chicagoautism.org WEBSITE: http://www.chicagoautism.org
8. Child & Family Connections (CFC) Office Locator
Search for a DHS Office or Service Provider by selecting your county, and, for Cook County, your ZIP Code. Early Intervention eligibility services are conducted through your local CFC office. http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12&officetype=4&county=
9. Easter Seals’s Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research
The new center allows Easter Seals to expand its landmark autism program and custom design a facility to meet the special needs of students with autism, emotional behavior disorders and severe learning disabilities. Interior plans and features from special acoustic finishes and lighting fixtures to therapy and gross motor skills rooms help reduce distractions and promote more effective learning. Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research, 1939 West 13th Street, Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60608-1226. 312-491-4110 Main Phone 312-733-0247 Main Fax
http://www.easterseals.com/our-programs/autism-services/
10. Family Resource Center on Disabilities
Learn about your Rights and Responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Make informed decisions about your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Learn more about Early Intervention and transition services. www.frcd.org
11. Interactive Autism Network
IAN, the Interactive Autism Network, was established in January 2006 at Kennedy Krieger Institute. IAN’s goal is to facilitate research that will lead to advancements in understanding and treating autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). To accomplish this goal, we created the IAN Community and IAN Research. http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/about_ian
12. Organization for Autism Research
Led by these parents and grandparents of children and adults on the autism spectrum, OAR set out to use applied science to answer questions that parents, families, individuals with autism, teachers and caregivers confront daily. http://www.researchautism.org/about/index3.asp
13. Exercise Connection
The Five Components is a systematic approach to educating and designing exercise programs for children, schools and anyone involved in lives of children with autism spectrum disorders. These components have similarities to the current physical education components, but, emphasize quality of movement, not quantity. They focus on the human body in its natural form while giving parents, educators and physicians exercises that are not only developmentally appropriate but cost effective. Contact David 7 at (773)575-5100 , Email: david@eautism.com 1871 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 http://www.ecautism.com/
14. Continuum Autism Spectrum Alliance
Continuum Autism Spectrum Alliance addresses the needs of those who present with signs or symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related developmental disabilities, and we’re unique in our ability to provide a seamless continuum of care starting with diagnosis and extending through assessment and treatment. 3501 Algonquin Road Suite 210, Rolling Meadows, Il 60008 http://autismspectrumalliance.com/
15. RCADD Services
The Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays (RCADD) was established in partnership with the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services, and The Autism Program in Illinois (TAP). This initiative was developed to share resources, referral information, and training for families and educators of children with Autism and/or Developmental Delays. https://cfl.uic.edu/programs/resource-center-for-autism-and-developmental-delays/rcadd-services/
16. StarNet
We provide a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, age’s birth through eight, with an emphasis on the preschool years and children with special needs. http://www.starnetchicago.org/
17. TASH
TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy, and information and resources for parents, families and self-advocates. The inclusive practices TASH validates through research have been shown to improve outcomes for all people. www.tash.org
The Autism Society of Illinois 10th Annual Parent and Professional Networking Conference
Autism Society of Illinois 10th Annual Parent and Professional Networking Conference
Save The Date!
Saturday, March 15, 2014 8:30 am-4:30 pm
20 Different Speakers, 5 Different Tracks
Adults, Biomedical, Behavioral, Advanced, Advocacy
60 Plus Vendors!
Speakers include: Ann Rigby, Brian King, Marrera Winnega, Dr. Margret Creedon, Dr. Ashely Oshner, Sym Rankin, Dr. Usman, Kathy Gould, Sherri Schneider, Dave Geslak, Thomas Clark and More!
All attendees will receive lite breakfast, lunch and snack, attendance certificate and 8 CPDUs.
Purchase Tickets
(Please put in the Note Area what Lunch you would like, Turkey, Veggie or Beef)
Location: Lagrange Highlands Middle School, 1850 West Plainfield Road,
La Grange, IL 60525.
Contact: The Autism Society of Illinois at 630.691.1270 or email libby@autismillinois.org for more information. Please do not call the school for information.
This networking conference will help you gain information to assist in your quest to make a difference in your own life or in the lives of those whom you love, teach and support with Autism.
Download Conference Brochure
NEXT STEPS Transition: Making it in the Real World/Roadmaps to the Future
For all young people, the transition from student life in school to adult life in the community is complicated. For students with disabilities and their families, this change can be particularly challenging, overwhelming and exciting. For young people to experience transitions to satisfying adult lives there must be teamwork among students, parents, educators and others. During this workshop, participants review the three critical goals of transition, consider practical opportunities which promote their achievement, become familiar with pertinent federal legislation and understand the important roles of family members in the transition
process.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires transition planning for all students with disabilities. Is a transition plan a written document? If so, who writes and signs it? Is transition planning a meeting? If so, who attends? This workshop is designed to give parents, students, educators and adult service providers answers to these questions and more. Participants learn how transition planning can be incorporated into
students’ on going special education plans. They discuss the influence of competency testing, graduation requirements, diplomas, integration and curriculum emphasis on transition plans. Sample transition forms are reviewed and participants develop transition goals.
Self-Employment Guide for People with Disabilities
Self-Employment Guide for People with Disabilities
One of the objectives of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois in the new State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) within the Employment Priority Area, is that Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois would identify resource material regarding self-employment (year 1 of the SPIL-2013-2014), develop a resource guide (year 2 of the SPIL 2014-2015) and distribute the resource guide to all CILs (year 3 of the SPIL- 2015-2016) so that they could in turn distribute the resource guide to 200 customers during the third year of the SPIL.
The council reports- because of their work on developing the Toolbox to Employment Seminars- they were able to identify and update a Self-Employment Guide for People with Disabilities that was developed by Health and Disability Advocates years ago and updated, for the council, by Marsie Frawley with Griffin-Hammis Associates.
Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois is sharing this Guide with the Centers, the Employment Advisory Group members and our Board Members. It is encouraged for the CILs to use and distribute this guide with their consumers.
10th Annual Piecing It All Together Conference
10th Annual Piecing It All Together Conference
March 14 & 15, 2014
Morris University Center
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
PIAT South (Edwardsville) Conference Registration
PIAT brings school and mental health professionals, along with parents/caregivers/youth, together under one roof to hear the same message of hope for kids living with mental health conditions.
The Bradley Cameron Association : Membership Get Together
The Bradley Cameron Association Cordially Invites you to attend their “Membership Get Together”
Saturday February 22, 2014
9:30am – 12:00pm
The Bank is located 645 East 87th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60619
At the Seaway Bank in the Community Room
Refreshments will be served
For more information or to RSVP call: 773 746-1574
Come and make new friends, and go fun places!
If you have a disability or special need that has limited your ability to participate in activities or make friends then come on out and see what The Bradley Cameron Association has to offer.
At the meeting you will get the opportunity to learn more about what we do and how we fit into the community. We are looking for youth between the ages of 16-26 who have the desire to be socially active but may be challenged because of their special need or disability. We are looking to build community among the many young adults in the Chicago-land area who are looking to become involved or increase their level of activity in the community.
Some young adults with disabilities may not have difficulty becoming engaged with others, but many do find this difficult. The difficulty does not arise because of their lack of desire, sometimes the mobility issue or having someone who understands their needs is the issue, for this reason we are inviting you and those whom you serve to find out more about The BCA.
We are waiting for you!
IEP SUPPORT AT YOUR CHILD’S IEP MEETING
IEP SUPPORT AT YOUR CHILD’S IEP MEETING
Do you attend your child’s IEP
meeting alone?
Do you have questions about your
child’s IEP?
Are these questions preventing you from
making informed decisions at your
child’s IEP meeting?
Our knowledgeable Volunteer Parent Advocates will:
- Help you prepare for your child’s next IEP meeting.
- Attend your child’s IEP meeting with you.
- Help you understand IDEA (the law that protects your child’s rights to a free and appropriate public education.)
- Help you navigate the educational system.
- Help you communicate effectively with yourbchild’s school.
Requirements:
- You must be the legal parent or guardian of the child with the IEP.
- Must work with the parent advocate prior to your child’s IEP meeting.
- Complete our parent questionnaire.
- You must live in one of the following counties: Cook, Dupage, Grundy, Kane,Kendall, Lake, McHenry, or Will.
As a parent, you are your child’s best advocate.
An appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP)
is crucial to your child’s academic future.
To partner with one of our Parent Advocates, contact
Paula Wills at paula.wills@frcd.org or call 312-939-3513.
This project is funded through the U.S. Department of Education O ce of Special Education Programs
Developmental Differences Resource Fair February 9th
The 3rd Annual Fair is dedicated to providing Chicago families with school options, service providers, and nonprofits in one place that focus on serving parents of children with developmental differences. Categories of needs include, but are not limited to, developmental delays (i.e., speech, motor skills), sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down Syndrome, and physical disabilities. The event is geared toward families with children ages infant through 8th grade.
WHERE: Gordon Tech High School – GYMNASIUM – 3633 N California Ave, Chicago, IL
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9th, 10am – 2pm
WHO: Open to the public. Free admission. RSVP below to expedite your check in process.
PARKING: Gordon Tech High School Parking lot and neighborhood parking options.
EXHIBITOR LIST: Access the 2014 DDRF Exhbitor List HERE.
NOTE: We recommend, where possible, to make this an adult-only event. This convention style event and workshops are not ideal for children.
PLUS… Join us for any of our FREE event workshops (each session is limited to the 1st 50 attendees).
10:30 am -11:15 am – Managing Challenging Behaviors – Tuesday’s Child Parent Panel
11:30 am – 12:15 pm – Finding the Right Community Programs for your Child – Lorell Marin, MST, DT & Michaja Prendergast, M.S. OTR/L
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm – Charting Your Child’s Educational Path: Know the Options – Barbara Cohen & Ellen Sternweiler
Have a question or topic you want addressed during one of the workshops? Please email schoolfairs@npnparents.org.
Register Now for the 2nd Annual TAG Special Needs Workshop!
Building Your Advocacy Toolkit: Empowering Families for Effective School Programming
Friday, March 7th, 2014
(Registration begins at 9:00 am)
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Morton Arboretum Visitors Center
4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532
REGISTRATION DEADLINE (Enrollment Limited): February 5th, 2014,
Registration Link/Flyer: http://www.iepguardians.org/TAG/2014%20TAG%20FLYER%20&%20REG.pdf
WHAT: A roundtable of special education consultants and advocates provide practical and helpful information for your child’s unique educational needs. Conference Based on feedback from last year’s participants, we will provide more interactive and in depth training on how best to advocate for your child’s school-based supports. Topics will include executive functioning, evaluation and assessment, goals, Response to Intervention (RTI), 504 plans, Transition, and private placements.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Families and services providers of students with learning differences who seek practical and effective strategies to strengthen their partnerships with schools.
PRESENTERS: The Advocacy Group (TAG) is a diverse alliance of Chicagoland advocates and consultants who are dedicated to meaningful outcomes for all individuals who learn differently. Elizabeth Hooper, MA; Paige Koos, EdD, MSW, LCSW, CAS; Sarah Sebert, MA; Matthew Wanzenberg, PhD; Valerie Moreno-Tucker, MA, CRC, LCPC
Registration Fee: $90.00 (Check or Credit Card)
Registration Link/Flyer: http://www.iepguardians.org/TAG/2014%20TAG%20FLYER%20&%20REG.pdf
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Email or call Paige K. Koos, Consulting, Counseling & Advocacy, 630-234-0466, pkoos@yourkidsrights.com for conference or registration information.