Family Bi-Weekly Update
Family Bi-Weekly Newsletter
November 3, 2023
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Social, Recreational & Learning Opportunities
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
Housing Panel at the EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS COLLABORATIVE
Sign up today! Registration closes Tuesday, November 7th
This exciting day will allow you to hear from a total of 8 providers all providing a variety of residential programs and services for young adults and adults with disabilities. This program is geared toward all families regardless of your child's age to learn about the variety of housing models for individuals with disabilities.
The following providers have confirmed their attendance on November 10th. Please take the time to explore their services by clicking on the links in this email. Below is the tentative schedule for November 10th. Times are approximate and subject to change.
9:30 - CCHI
10:00 - Clearbook
10:30 - Glenkirk
11:00 - CIF
11:45 - AID
12:15 - Matthias Academy
12:45 - Avenues to Independence
1:15 - Orchard Village
Registration is almost full so please do not delay in registering for this event. We will begin promptly at 9:30 and anticipate being done by around 2pm. Light lunch and snacks will be provided as well!
Please register today by clicking here. Once we reach capacity we will have a waiting list.
Kohl Children's Museum - Everyone at Play
Kohl Children's Museum Everyone at Play
Sunday, Dec 10, 2023, 02:00 PM
2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026, USA
The EVENT BELOW has been postponed! Look for a new date to be announced soon!
How to Be Successful in Obtaining Funding for a Person with a Disability
How to Be Successful in Obtaining Funding for a Person with a Disability (Developmentally Disabled; Mental Health Condition & Others)
ZOOM Workshop:
November 9, 2023
Thursday, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Please RSVP by email to farleylaw@aol.com if you will be attending so we can email to you the ZOOM invitation.
Download "The Book" – How To Navigate The Illinois Disability System.
This ZOOM Workshop Is Offered Free Of Charge
This Workshop will address the following issues:
Why It Is Essential To Get On State of Illinois "Waiting List."
What To Do If You Cannot Wait For Your Child's Name To Be Pulled From The Waiting List.
What Services Are Available For Your Child From The State of Illinois.
Guardianship – How To Obtain / Is Guardianship Necessary?
Special Needs Trusts.
Applying for SSI Benefits at age 18.
Update on Current Litigation in Illinois On Behalf of Disabled Persons & How It Will Affect Your Child.
Strategies To Obtain Funding For Disability Services & Overcome Those Persons Who Say You Cannot Succeed Because You Are Not An Emergency.
Attorney Robert H. Farley, Jr. has specialized experience planning and developing Special Needs Trusts to protect assets and improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please email Attorney Robert H. Farley, Jr., at farleylaw@aol.com or call at 630-369-0103.
Click the Picture Above to Purchase Tickets!
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association
Join NSSRA as a Creative Companion
As a Creative Companion, you will have the unique opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be paired with a talented performer with special needs, offering your support and friendship while helping performers hit their mark, reciting lines, and assisting with stage directions as we prepare for a marvelous production of The Wizard of Oz.
Commitment Details
When: Mondays, October through April
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Ready to Make a Difference?
Contact: Erin White
Email: ewhite@nssra.org
FREE! Family Movie Night
November 12 @ 4:30 pm - 6:30 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.
This is a FREE event; advance registration is required.
Please note that NSSRA staff will not be available to supervise participants.
All Ages
Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Program Code / Fee: 437005-01 / FREE
Snowball Tea Party
December 10 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Step into a whimsical world of elegance and charm at our enchanting Snow Ball Tea Party. Indulge in a delightful morning filled with delicate teas, delectable dishes, and captivating conversations. Dress to impress and start your day with a bountiful brunch!
Age: 5-12
Program Code / Fee: 437011-61 / $66
CATCH: Lunch and Learn
Social Conflict: Technology Takes it to a New Level
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 @ 12pm, via Zoom
Why is today’s social landscape so tough for our kids?
Technology and social media play a huge role.
Join us and learn:
- what’s truly impacting our children
- how to respond when their big feelings take control
- what a parent can do to empower a child in these intense moments
Speaker: Dr. Sonya Sandhu, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Plena Mind Center
Career Fair for Blind or Low Vision Students
Calling All Students who are Blind or Low Vision!
Chicago Lighthouse November 16-17th
A unique opportunity to interact with business leaders, successful adults who are blind or low vision and recent college grads who are blind or low vision to assist in your exploration of career possibilities and networking.
What: Career Fair for Students who are Blind or Low Vision
Dates:
Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 1850 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Friday, November 17, 2023 at 222 W. Waukegan Road, Glenview
Time: 9:00 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sensory Friendly Dining Hour
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 (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.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Presentations
7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Best Fair
Niles North High School
9800 Lawler Ave. - Skokie, IL 60077
Kate Seiwert, BEST Chairperson
If you need any further information, please contact: best@besttransition.org
Sponsored by:
The Cove School
Evanston Township High School District #202
Maine Township High School District #20
Illinois Department of Human Services / New Trier Township High School #20
Division of Rehabilitation Services Niles Township High School District #219
JVS Career Planning Center Orchard Village
Protected Tomorrows Parent University
Class 11: The Big Worry; Future Residential Options
Date/Time:
November 16, 2023
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
“The Big Worry; Future Residential Options”
We often hear this is the biggest worry. Where, when, how much it will cost, and most importantly, who will provide the oversight. Our panel will give us insights as to the steps to take, how to think about starting, is it ever too early or too late, and finally how to involve the whole family and the Dream team in this process. There are many, many types, we’ll develop a tool together to identify what is the starting point of identifying the most important things you need to look for in your own situation.
Mary Anne Ehlert will host this online Zoom class on:
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 #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.
The IDD and Mental Health Conference is Open!
"Supporting Mental Wellness"
Back by popular demand. Don't miss our newest The Arc of Illinois IDD & Mental Health Conference, which will be held VIRTUALLY on November 15, 2023. The conference is geared towards professionals and family members who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics will help focus on the mental health of those with IDD and the resources and programs available to support mental wellness. The goal is for attendees to walk away with tangible resources, ideas, or programs for themselves or those they support.
Visit the IDD & Mental Health website for the full line up of speakers and topics. Click here for the brochure.
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
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!
RESOURCE LISTS
Mental Health Resources
Rush Inclusive 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.
Start Your Recovery - Illinois Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers & Support Services
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.
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