Family Bi-Weekly Update
Family Bi-Weekly Newsletter
October 6, 2023
Open email in a browser so you don't miss ALL the GREAT opportunities available!
Social, Recreational & Learning Opportunities
District 109's Kipling Elementary Pumpkinfest - Click flier below for tickets
Registration is still active!
CP SOCCER Fall 2023
When: Sundays, October 1-November 12 (no practice 10/22)
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Where: FC United Falcon Field
3090 North Lake Terrace
Glenview, IL
Registration: Free! Please pre-register here to attend: PLAY — CP Soccer
If you have already registered with CP Soccer you do not need to do so again, just make sure you have completed the Team Snap registration.
Learn more about CP Soccer: CP Soccer
Who Qualifies for CP Soccer: Participants must be between age 8-18 and have ambulatory cerebral palsy, stroke, hemiplegia or traumatic brain injury which affects their motor coordination yet still enables them to run and kick a ball. Coaching will be led by FC United coach Shannon Hartringer. For more information, visit our website .
If your loved one is not yet registered with PUNS, you may sign up to register below. Please click the flier for the TrueNorth PUNS registration event sign up.
More information below.
PUNS Night Registration Event
WHAT IS PUNS AND HOW IS IT USED?
- PUNS is a statewide database that records information about individuals with developmental disabilities who are planning for or seeking services.
- The State uses the data to select individuals for services as funding becomes available, to develop proposals and materials for budgeting, and to plan for future needs
WHY ENROLL IN PUNS?
- To assist with identifying service needs and wants
- register individuals on the PUNS
WHO CAN ENROLL IN PUNS?
- Children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities who need or want services or supports
For additional information: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=41131
Registro PUNS Evento
¿QUÉ ES LA PUNS Y CÓMO SE UTILIZA?
• La Priorización de la Urgencia de la Necesidad de Servicios (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services, PUNS) es una base de datos estatal que registra información sobre personas con discapacidades del desarrollo que están planeando o buscando servicios.
• El estado utiliza los datos para seleccionar a las personas que recibirán servicios a medida que se disponga de fondos, para elaborar propuestas y materiales para la elaboración de presupuestos y para planificar las necesidades futuras.
¿POR QUÉ INSCRIBIRSE EN PUNS?
• Ayuda a identificar las necesidades y deseos de los servicios.
• Registra a las personas en la PUNS.
¿QUIÉN PUEDE INSCRIBIRSE EN LA PUNS?
• Niños, adolescentes y adultos con discapacidades del desarrollo que necesitan o desean servicios o apoyos.
Para más información: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=47621
Sensory Friendly Dining Hour
Accessible and Inclusive for All
We are happy to announce a continuation of our sensory friendly dining hour! The sensory friendly hours will be held on the last Saturday of the month October through December (October 28th, November 25th and December 30th) at 3:45 pm
This time will provide an inclusive atmosphere for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy a meal in a relaxed and crowd-free dining experience with limited people and contact. The sensory friendly hour creates a safe and comfortable environment for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, or development disabilities, and their families, friends, and caretakers.
We want to give neurodiverse restaurant patrons a positive dining experience in a welcoming environment. Patrons can bring fidget objects, noise-reducing headphones, and other sensory tools or devices. Noise will be limited and lights will be dimmed. Our staff provides efficient service with minimal contact but are always available if you need extra assistance.
Chef Sarah designed a special limited menu that eliminates long wait times. (Please be aware that beef dishes ordered well done will take longer to prepare). At 5 pm, the servers will provide all customers with their checks and alert them that the restaurant opens for regular business at 5:15 pm and guests will begin arriving, lights will be turned up, and the music will go on. Guests are welcome to stay as long as they like.
Reservations are required. Please call to make a reservation by the Wednesday prior to your desired dining date. (847) 205-4433.
Imagine U Theatre Production
Sensory Friendly Performance November 5 at 2 p.m.
This specialized performance facilitated by Seesaw Theatre in collaboration with Imagine U will provide a relaxed and safe environment for disabled audience members. This performance is open to all with an enhanced focus on theatrical accessibility.
Modifications to the experience include:
- A detailed social story will be sent to audience members the week of the show. This guide can help prepare your child for the experience of visiting the theatre and seeing Frida Libre
- Select changes to light and sound cues to minimize sudden changes and high-volume effect.
- A quiet space for audience members, if they need a break from the performance at any time.
- Theatre teaching artists with a background in theatrical accessibility will be present.
- Sensory kits (including items such as headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc.) will be available to audience members upon request.
All audience members for this performance will experience this sensory-friendly performance. Fidget toys and communication devices will be welcome in the theatre. If there is anything additional we can do to support you and your child’s experience for this performance, please reach out to us wirtz@northwestern.edu
Fall Session
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
For questions or further inquires, please contact your local coordinator via email.
Glenbard Parent Series (GPS): Navigating Healthy Families
What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
A webinar with author Dr. Bruce Perry
Renowned brain and trauma expert, Perry offers a groundbreaking shift from asking, “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” This puts the focus on having compassion for other people and ourselves. It’s a subtle but profound shift in an approach to trauma. It also allows an individual to understand their past in order to clear a path to their future, opening the door to resilience and healing. With these powerful insights, individuals can strengthen their self-worth and change their lives.
Virtual on Wednesday, Oct 11 @ 12:00 pm CDT - 1:00 pm CDT
ZOOM LINK:
https://glenbard.zoom.us/j/84505392448
Virtual on Wednesday, Oct 11 @ 7:00 pm CDT - 8:00 pm CDT
ZOOM LINK:
Kohl Children's Museum - Everyone at Play
Kohl Children's Museum Everyone at Play
Sunday, Oct 22, 2023, 02:00 PM
2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026, USA
Have Dreams Counseling & Employment Services
Are you looking for a therapist who understands autism?
Please join us for a Virtual Open House Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 12:00PM on Zoom
Do you or your child/student need support in:
- Better managing stress and anxiety
- Building executive functioning skills
- Developing social communication skills
- Understanding your autism and how it affects you in school, at work, or in your
- interpersonal relationships
- Navigating a job search, exploring disability disclosure, and gaining confidence in your
- interview skills
Did you know that you can receive support in building these (and many more!) skills
from a licensed professional counselor, and that these services can be covered by
insurance? We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO/Blue Choice and Cigna.
Have Dreams’ Counseling and Employment Services are available for children, teens, and
adults through weekly one-on-one telehealth or in-person sessions. Attend our Virtual
Open House to learn more!
Questions? Contact Lora Slutsky at lslutsky@havedreams.org and check out
www.havedreams.org/events for more information
Protected Tomorrows Parent University
Financial Planning for the Whole Family: Now and In the Future
Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT.
Registration is required.
Please click here to register for this class
Class Description: Our financial planning needs to be different. We have to take care of ourselves, our whole family, sometimes our extended family, and we have to do it during our working years, our retired years, and even beyond our lifetime. We need to know how to fit all of this into our planning - think about social security differently, build our portfolio differently, and thoroughly understand the insurance we need or don't need. The whole planning process can be overwhelming, but one step at a time makes it much easier to make progress.
Ehlert Financial Group Proudly Presents Our "LEARNING TO SAVE" Series
Mark your calendars for a new series geared towards teens and young adults (ages 16-35). Please feel free forward this email to your children or grandchildren, ages 16-35, that may be interested in participating. This 3 part series will include the following classes:
- Class #1 Cash Flow - "What is it and How do I Start?" to be held on 10/19/2023 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
- Class #2 Investment Choices - "What are the Differences?" to be held on 02/13/2024 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
- Class #3 Powers of Attorney - to be held on 05/14/2024 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm.
Full class description provided here.
Registration is required. Click here to register for the first class. Each webinar will be recorded and sent to the registrants.
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.
Ilinois Life Span (ILS) & Family to Family Health Information Center (F2FHIC)
October 2023
Virtual Webinar
Transition Resources through Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
October 18, 2023
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Illinois Life Span (ILS) y el Centro de Información de Salud Familia a Familia (F2FHIC)
Seeking Your Input: Public Policy Survey
This month, The Arc of Illinois is seeking input from the intellectual and developmental disabilities community in Illinois to guide our 2024 legislative priorities. Please complete this survey (available in English and in Spanish) by visiting this link by October 31, 2023. Thank you for helping The Arc of Illinois advocate for you!
Este mes, The Arc of Illinois busca opiniones de la comunidad de discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo en Illinois para guiar nuestras prioridades legislativas para 2024. Complete esta encuesta (disponible en inglés y en español) visitando este enlace antes del 31 de octubre de 2023. ¡Gracias por ayudar a The Arc of Illinois!
Chicago Hearing Society Events
Do you want to learn Sign Language? Or improve your current skills? CHS offers a variety of classes and tutors to meet your needs!
Adult Classes
CHS offers sign language classes both in person and through Zoom. We offer Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level classes for adults.
At this time, Youth Classes are being restructured and will be offered at a later date.
Class schedules and registration information: Click Here
*All classes are non-credit*
**All times are CST**
Questions? Contact CHSLearn@anixter.org
Custom Classes
CHS offers classes for companies and organizations. We make sure that we also adjust our curriculum based on your need. For example, we can add banking signs, residential living signs, medical signs, etc. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Tutoring
If you're looking for one-on-one support, CHS has sign language tutors ready to create lesson plans to meet your needs. Tutoring packages come in 10-session packs and are scheduled based. To request tutoring from CHS, Click Here.
Lyric Opera of Chicago SoundShirt Performances
You may also call our Audiences Services team at 312.827.5600.
Due to limited availability, only two SoundShirts are available at a time.
Research and Survey Opportunities
Virtual Future is Now (VFIN) Research Study
Online future planning for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) & their families for ILLINOIS
Are you worried about what will happen to your loved one as you get older? Do you find the process of planning for the future overwhelming?
If yes, you might be eligible to join the VFIN research study, which is testing the effectiveness of an online future planning training at the University of Illinois Chicago for adults with IDD & their families in Illinois. The VFIN research study will randomly assign families to be part of the intervention or control group. All family caregivers and adults with IDD will complete pre- and post- tests.
- Families assigned to the intervention group will receive a 6-week training with weekly 1.5 hour Zoom classes from October 2-November 6, 2023 on Mondays and two Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm CT.
- Families assigned to the control group will receive access to the self-paced materials after the post-test is completed.
Learn more by visiting our website: go.uic.edu/VFINIllinois and check out a short video to get a taste of the training: https://youtu.be/WUrfmMDonXc
To participate, please fill out this form: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5dukbZuT2l43TZs or contact Katie at: 312-996-1002 or by email at kkeiling@uic.edu
A Research Study about Spanish-speaking Families and People who Use AAC
Communication Are you, or do you know, a Spanish-speaking family member of a person who uses AAC?
WHAT:
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago are conducting a study to learn about the experiences and perspectives of Spanish-speaking family members of people who use augmentative-alternative communication (AAC). Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire and a remote interview.
Family participants and experts who use AAC will receive a $75 Visa
gift card upon completion.
WHO:
Spanish-speaking adult family members of people who use AAC Adult bilingual-bicultural clinicians providing AAC services to Spanish speakers and their families
Adult experts in cultural-linguistic diversity & AAC
WHY:
Research on cultural-linguistic diversity in AAC is limited. This study will help fill the gap and learn about the unique needs of Spanish-speaking family communication partners and people who use AAC.
Please contact Ellyn McNamara,
(312) 343-6348 or emcnam3@uic.edu
to participate in the research.
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 Task Force: Transition Sub-Committee Survey 2023
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.
Admitted to the Hospital? Call on Aaron's Coffee Corner for a Free Cup of Coffee
APS board member, Carolyn Koppel is founder of this important non profit organization that provides 24/7 access to free, fresh, quality coffee to the family, friends and caregivers of critically ill children admitted to the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at Lurie Children’s Hospital. For more information Click Here!
RESOURCES
Mental Health Resources
Rush Resource Directory
Although the Autism Resource Directory is targeted to families with a family member with Autism many of the resources listed are for individuals with varying disabilities.
For example, dentists or doctors available to families.
Podcasts
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.
Ongoing Support Groups
Fall 2023 JCFS Sibshops for Children and Teens, ages 6-16
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
255 Revere Drive, Suite 200
Northbrook, IL 60062
Click the Flier to find other parent support events in the North Shore!
Children In Therapy and You - Dad's Hang Out
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.
New! CATCH Conversations
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.
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.
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.
About the Association of Parents and Staff
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
TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 neither endorses nor sponsors any external organization or activity represented in this material. The distribution or display of this material is provided as a community service.
Want to share this update with others? Feel free to forward this email or have them subscribe.