This may be an organization you want to share with other advocates and families.Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities Unite (IPADDU), created in September, 2006, is a free Yahoo group offering online support and resources to parents of teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as well as self advocates, adult siblings, professionals, and others who care. IPADDU currently has 1,133 members. Founded and moderated by parent volunteers Laurie Jerue and Ellen Garber Bronfeld, IPADDU focuses on parent-driven innovative solutions to the challenges of puberty and health, transition, employment and day programming, housing, transportation, public benefits, social and recreational options and anything else of interest and concern to members. The mission of IPADDU is to give all concerned a dedicated online venue for networking, advocacy and information-sharing so that members know what is happening around the state. The functional components of IPADDU are daily postings, the files and links sections, establishment of a cadre of experts to assist with accurate and timely responses to specific technical questions, primarily about benefits or legal issues, and by providing online Guest Expert segments addressing complex, provocative or high-interest topics. Moderators approve new members, request exit feedback, troubleshoot technical issues, provide information about IPADDU at various meetings and groups, and act as ambassadors for IPADDU specifically and community based supports and services in Illinois, generally. The website provides specific instruction on how to join the group:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/IPADDUnite/ You can reach Laurie and Ellen respectively at:
jeruefamily@comcast.net and
egskbron@gmail.com .
