African American Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Needed for Research on Experiences Accessing Services

African American Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Needed for Research on Experiences Accessing Services

Jamie Pearson is a doctoral student in Special Education at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is looking for participants for an exciting research project that will focus on the experiences of African
American parents gaining access to services for their children who have ASD. Below is a description of the study.

Title of the Project: African American Parents’ Experiences Accessing Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

About the Project: As a participant, you will complete two 10-minute surveys and be interviewed face-to-face for approximately one hour. This will help us to understand of the experiences of African American Families when accessing services in school and outside of school for children with ASD. We believe that your experiences will help to inform the practices
in schools and homes, particularly for children of color with autism.
Potential Participants: Please consider participating in this study if:

1. You are an African American parent or caregiver of an African American child who has a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder,

2. Your child is in grades K-5 at a public school in Illinois and qualifies for special education and related services, AND

3. Your total yearly family income is more than $27,910
In appreciation for your time, you will receive $50 for participating in this study.

For more information please contact: Jamie Pearson, jnpears2@illinois.edu, 217-333-0260 Hedda Meadan, meadan@illinois.edu, 217-333-0260

 

 

SIBSHOP IS FOR AGE 7 to 12.

sibshopOUR SIBSHOP IS FOR AGE 7 to 12.

Sun, October 19, 2014 10:00AM to 1:00PM (Central) 
Lunch will be served!

Frequently Asked Questions about Sibshops

What are Sibshops? For the adults who run them and for the agencies that sponsor them, Sibshops are evidence of their loving concern for the family member who will have the longest-lasting relationship with a person who has a disability. However, for the kids who attend them, Sibshops are pedal-to-the-metal events where they will meet other sibs (usually for the first time), have fun, laugh, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs, play some great games, learn about the services their brothers and sister receive, and have some more fun.
Who attends Sibshops? Sibs, of course! Most Sibshops are for sibs of kids with developmental concerns. Increasingly, Sibshops are being offered for brothers and sisters of kids with health concerns and we’re beginning to see Sibshops emerge for sibs of kids with mental health concerns.

UNDERSTOOD: National Center for Learning Disabilities

National Center for Learning DisabilitiesUNDERSTOOD

The National Center for Learning Disabilities is due to launch a new online tool for parents:

Understood is part of a bold new plan to support parents of children with learning and attention issues. Through research and interviews with thousands of parents, we have learned a lot about what people need to help their kids thrive at home, at school and in life. We developed Understood with that in mind.

Here’s just some of what you’ll find on Understood:

  • Personalized resources—all you have to do is tell us what’s important to you and your child
  • Over 1,500 searchable articles, infographics, slideshows, quizzes, and videos, with more added every day
  • State-of-the-art technology that allows you to experience the world through the eyes of children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD and executive functioning issues
  • Daily opportunities to connect with experts and get your questions answered
  • A community of parents and experts, creating a safe place to ask and answer questions
  • Tools to help navigate daily parenting challenges, find the technology that’s right for your child, choose a school and more

Visit www.ncld.org for more information.

 

 

Jobs Galore II” Fair for People with Disabilities -August 12

Jobs Galore IIChicago Lighthouse Teams with MOPD to Host August 12th “Jobs Galore II” Fair for People with Disabilities

In an effort to boost employment prospects for people with disabilities and Veterans, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired, The Chicago Lighthouse is joining forces again with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) to host a “Jobs Galore III” Fair on Tuesday, August 12th

This event will take place from 11 am to 3 pm at the MOPD field office located at 2102 W. Ogden on Chicago’s near west side.

The Lighthouse will be pre-screening candidates for more than 100
positions, ranging from entry level to management. Included will be
call center supervisors, call center agents, mailroom processing
clerks and retail sales associates.

Candidates must be able to work with a database and navigate
through a windows environment; type a minimum of 25 words per
minute with 90 – 95% accuracy; possess basic math skills; and be
able to maintain a flexible work schedule, including days, nights,
weekends and holidays.

Seminars will be offered during the Job Fair. MOPD and Chicago
Lighthouse information will also be available.

Limited free parking is available at the 2102 W. Ogden location. The
site is also close to public transportation, including the #157 CTA bus
route and the Pink and Blue rapid transit lines. In addition, the
Lighthouse will provide shuttle service every 30 minutes between its
headquarters building at 1850 W. Roosevelt Road and 2102 W.
Ogden.

For additional information on the event, call Dominic Calabrese at
312/997-3662.

Ligas Family Advisory Council Needs Your Input.

Arc LogoThe Ligas Family Advisory Council and PAS/ISC agencies are currently reviewing the draft changes to thLigas Transition Service Plan Form and Ligas Transition Plan Instructions.  We are sharing them with you as well in case you or your members have comments.  We have asked for comments back by 8/8/14, but if you need more time, please let me know.

Please submit your comments to Jim Eddings (jim.eddings@illinois.gov)  by August 8, 2014

Way to Grow Support Group Meeting

Mothers on a Mission, Inc. & West Suburban Special Recreation

FREE!!!

Location: The Town of Cicero Community Center- Room 106 & 107
Time: meetings will start Way to Grow

Support Group Meeting PROMPTLY@ 6:00pm until 7:45pm
Monday, August 18th, 2014

The Family Resource Center on Disabilities
Questions and Answers!
Back to School/Getting Prepared/IEP’s

For more information call: 708-357-4117
Español, por favor llame: Margarita or Eli at 708-656-8340

Specialized Child Care offered by West Suburban Special Recreation Association!

Navigating the IEP Process

Navigating-IEP-March-4This webinar is an overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and how to navigate the IEP meeting. Our presenters will discuss the:
Evaluation process
Individualized Education Program (IEP),
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE),
Procedural Safeguards.
Preparing for your child’s IEP meeting.
What to do after the meeting.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS: LIGAS FAMILY ADVOCATES INFORMATIONAL SESSION

Arc LogoRound Table Discussion with Kevin Casey, Director of Developmental Disabilities,

LIGAS FAMILY ADVOCATES INFORMATIONAL SESSION

Friday, August 8, 2014
Heritage Plaza- Bethune Room
1551 West 95th Street
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chicago, IL. 60643

(Located across the street from Third Baptist Church-Free parking in Church parking lot)

NO PARKING IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE LOT

**Cost: Free – Light Lunch provided to participants**

REGISTRATION: There is no cost – but you will need to register so that we can have an accurate count for lunch. Please register by calling The Family Support Network (FSN) at 708-331-7370 or emailing Cynthia at Cynthia@familysupportnetwork.org.

*(If you need a vegetarian lunch, please let us know when you call to register.)

The Department of Human Services (DHS)
Come to the table and let your Voices Be Heard in Springfield ……..

This will be a rare opportunity for families to meet directly with Director Casey to share their experiences/concerns in their efforts to obtain services. It will also be an opportunity for families and individual’s to share with each other the creative ways they are using their Home Base and CILA Funding.

The Ligas Family Advocates (LFA’s) team are here to help you connect with other families and inform you about additional options through the Ligas Family Advocate Program.

  • Have you heard about the Ligas Consent Degree and want to know what it is all about?
  • Are you a Ligas class member who recently received a letter stating you are eligible to apply for services and you want to know ALL the options available to you and your family?
  • Have you been approved for funding and not sure what options are available for you/your loved one? Laura Miller, attorney Equip for Equality, will answer questions about the Ligas lawsuit.
  • John Fallon, Senior Program Manager CSH, will be sharing some information about “Supportive Housing”.

Understanding Autism: An Overview for Parents & Professionals

RCADD logoRESOURCE CENTER FOR AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS

“Understanding Autism: An Overview for Parents & Professionals”

When: July 23rd, September 17th, November 19th, 2014 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: 10 S. Kedzie, Room 205

“Understanding Autism: An Overview for Parents & Professionals”

When: July 9th, September 3rd, November 5th, 2014 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: 4314 S. Cottage Grove, Lower Level Canteen Room
To register online visit rcaddsouth.eventbrite.com
To register by phone call 312-747-8311