Navigating the Transition Plan: Special Education Rights Webinar
2024-02-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Embarking on the journey of transitioning your child to adulthood within the Illinois special education system? Navigate this process confidently with our webinar, concentrating on the academic aspect of the transition. Gain insights into defining comprehensive transition plans, unraveling the components involved, and understanding the significance of transition services. Delve into practical tips designed for parents, equipping you to prepare your child effectively for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood. Join us for an informative session that empowers you with the knowledge needed to ensure a smooth and successful transition for your child in the Illinois special education landscape.

The Eight Components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
12noon – 1pm Central Time

The Eight Components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Speaker: Kristina Rios, Ph.D.
This presentation will comprehensively explore the eight essential components that make up an Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will delve into the key elements that contribute to a well-rounded and tailored educational program for students with disabilities.

Click here to register

Sponsors:
University of IL Institute on Disability & Human Development (IDHD) / Illinois LEND / The Autism Program of IL (TAP)

Funding is provided in whole or in part by The Autism Program of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS).

Please share with self-advocates, allies and colleagues.
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Learning and Advocacy Opportunities Email Listserv
Illinois Self-Advocacy Alliance (The Alliance)
P.O. Box 403
Glen Carbon, Illinois 62034
info@selfadvocacyalliance.org
www.selfadvocacyalliance.org
In partnership with the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. This project was supported, in part by grant numbers CFDA 93.630, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.
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Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission: Special Education Program & Services
2024-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
The Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission will be presenting the webinar, Special Education Program & Services on February 13th.
Register by clicking the link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JNqRoo8-RxGyIUjQkHg9NQ

ILS & F2F Webinar Series: Guardianship & Other Legal Decision Making Tools
2024-02-14 12:00 - 13:00
Presentation description:
An overview of the available decision-making legal tools for adults with disabilities who are not able to make major life decisions for themselves. Participants will learn about adult guardianship, powers of attorney for health, supported decision making, and how to decide which options may be helpful. Participants will also learn how to navigate the court process for adult guardianship.
Presenter: Sarah Hess, Senior Staff Attorney, Legal Council for Health Justice

Sarah Hess is a staff attorney at Legal Council for Health Justice. She provides legal aid to mitigate the causes and consequences of trauma, toxic stress, and the social determinants of health through the Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) model. Sarah has designed and integrated youth-focused MLPs into a social work department, a community health worker program, and an FQHC school-based health center. She addresses health-harming legal needs for young people and their families via direct services and impact litigation. Sarah was a Skadden Fellow at Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. Aside from direct services, Sarah provides training on trauma-sensitive practices for lawyers and other helping professions, including the 2017 Illinois Legal Aid Advocates Conference, Legal Aid Society, the Illinois Courts, ICJIA, Equip for Equality’s Disability Rights Consortium, and CLE-approved courses at the Chicago Bar Association.
You can register with this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1YVloNmsSxeLA4TnEyAreQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Programa de Abogacía Ligas - Conoce Tus Opciones LFA
2024-02-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:00
¿Recibió recientemente una carta de notificación anticipada o una carta de selección PUNS?
Únase a nosotros para conocer sus opciones bajo la exención de Medicaid basada en el hogar y la comunidad para adultos con discapacidades del desarrollo en Illinois.
Discutiremos las opciones de servicio y soporte, exploraremos el rol
de su ISC, revise los pasos clave que debe seguir para prepararse para los apoyos y hable sobre inquietudes y barreras comunes.
Es necesario registrarse.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k1KUCdX4Qe-VxcuXXZEKqw
Una vez registrado, recibira un correo con el enlance para entrar al taller en línea.

Preguntas?
Programa de Abogacía Ligas
815-464-1832 x1033

Planning for the Future Webinar Series
2024-02-15 09:00 - 13:00
Registration is open for the Planning for the Future seminar!
February 15, 2024 | 9am – 1:15pm
This virtual webinar is the first of a series and focuses on children (birth to 13 years) with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
www.thearcofil.org/planning-for-the-future-2/

DSCC Programs and Resources for Families Webinar
2024-02-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
The University of Chicago, Division of Specialized Care for Children will be presenting the webinar DSCC Programs and Resources for Families on February 20th.
Register by clicking the link below!
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K28JFkOVR1STXDGldO0jZ

Ligas Family Advocate Program - Children's Support Waiver
2024-02-21 12:00 - 13:00
Children’s Support Waiver
Children/Young Adults ages 3 to 22 can be in the Children’s Support Waiver. Have you received an invitation letter to apply for the Children Support Waiver?
Do you have questions? We have answers!!!
Registration is required.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B7-jaBkzTkysuiQFARFT5g
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Questions?
Contact the Ligas Family Advocate Program
708-331-7370

Tips and Tools for Homes and Schools
2024-02-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
Classroom & home strategies that address academic, social, leisure goals of a child with autism or developmental delays. Content focus on early education. Workshop provided in English.
February 21, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM America/Chicago

Contact
Nora Stillwell
norajs@uic.edu

Zoom Meeting
https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpcuivpzwiHdfOfUVxdQKUtamKFgwZsIDb

Sibling Self Care Workshop
2024-02-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Join us and S.I.B.S. member Aubrey Thornton! This 1-hour presentation will review what self-care is, why it is necessary for our everyday lives, and how we can implement strategies to take care of ourselves. Participants will complete a self-assessment and be able identify areas of improvement for their self care. The presenter will share ways to help participants practically implement self-care in their lives. This session will not be recorded.
Aubrey Thornton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a sibling. She received her MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has years of experience working with individuals with disabilities across the lifespan and their families. She currently works at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) on a research project through the Department of Pediatrics and Disability and Human Development. Aubrey is currently a LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) trainee at UIC.

STRESS BUSTERS CLUB
2024-02-27 18:30 - 2024-04-02 19:45
STRESS BUSTERS CLUB
Tuesdays, February 27 – April 2, 2024 | 6:30-7:45pm
Abe and Ida Cooper Center 6639 N. Kedzie Avenue, Chicago
Stress Busters Club is a group for adults with disabilities to talk about stress and anxiety, learn new coping strategies, and try them out together.
To register contact:
Jess Jankowski 773.765.3102 JessJankowski@JCFS.org

Empowerment through Education: Free Suicide Prevention Training
2024-02-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Webinar
Register by March 1

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recognizes the critical importance of equipping our educators and school personnel to address the sensitive and pressing issue of suicide prevention. Suicide is a leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 12 and 19, so educators are uniquely positioned to identify warning signs and provide vital support.

ISBE is partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health to offer free suicide prevention training courses tailored to empower and educate our educators. We invite you participate in this crucial training course.
Question, Persuade, Refer Training – 1 credit hour

This training is available for all school staff to help them recognize the warning signs of suicide and learn more about preventing it. The registration deadline is March 1, 2024, with the option to complete the training during the 2024 calendar year.

An in-depth training course targeted at school counselors, social workers and other school personnel is also available. See the Free Suicide Prevention Training for Illinois School Staff flyer for more details.

We invite you to take a proactive stance in preventing tragedies and fostering a supportive environment for those in need. Thank you for your dedication and unwavering support in making our communities a safer and more nurturing place for all.

Questions? Contact klee64@bsd.uchicago.edu if you have questions related to registration. For all other questions, contact DPH.Safety@illinois.gov.

PUNS—The Basics
2024-02-28 14:00 - 15:00
Wednesday, February 28 | 2-3pm CST | Zoom
The PUNS list, Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services, is the database that the Department of Human Services (DHS) uses to understand how many individuals in Illinois want or need Developmental Disability Waiver services.
Join guest speaker Ruth Aguilar, Ligas Family Advocate from The Arc of Illinois, for an overview of PUNS. Learn more about qualifications, requirements to enroll, prioritization, the benefits of being on the PUNS list, and steps to help in the process. Q&A will be available. This presentation will be helpful to people with disabilities and their families,
as well as professionals.
Register Here
To register, click on the link: http://www.jcfs.org/register/puns You will receive a Zoom link via email the day prior to the session.
This event is free and open to the public. Continuing education credits are available for QIDP’s. Sessions may be recorded.

For help with registration and accommodations contact:
Kathryn Dougherty
773.765.3158
KathrynDougherty@JCFS.org

Six Principles of IDEA: ﻿Special Education Rights Webinar
2024-03-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Six Principles of IDEA: Special Education Rights Webinar is designed to empower you with knowledge about the vital aspects of special education rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
As parents, we understand that navigating the world of special education can be both challenging and rewarding. The Six Principles of IDEA are the cornerstone of your child’s educational journey, and understanding them is essential to ensure your child receives the best possible education tailored to their unique needs.
During this webinar, you will gain insights into:

1. Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Discover your child’s right to a quality education without financial burden.
2. Individualized Education Program (IEP): Learn how to actively participate in creating a customized education plan for your child.
3. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE):Understand the importance of your child’s inclusion in the general education setting when appropriate.
4. Parent and Student Participation: Find out how you can be a strong advocate for your child’s educational journey.
5. Procedural Safeguards: Learn about the safeguards in place to protect your child’s rights.

Together, we can ensure that your child receives the education they are entitled. We look forward to seeing you and embarking on this empowering journey together.

Educational Surrogate Parent Training
2024-03-04 09:00 | Virtual
Educational Surrogate Parent Training

Family Matters is seeking volunteers in all counties of Illinois to act as Educational Surrogate Parents (ESP). An ESP is someone who helps to advocate for the appropriate
educational services for youth who receive special education services and are in the care of the State of Illinois.

Call Family Matters to Register
866-436-7842 or complete the online registration

Educational Surrogate Parent Training
2024-03-04 09:00 | Webinar

Infinitec: Assistive Technology Considerations
2024-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Infinitec will be presenting the webinar, Assistive Technology Considerations
on March 4th.
Register by clicking the link below or scanning the QR code!

You’re Going to Love This Kid: Educating Autistic Students in the Inclusive Classroom – In Person
2024-03-05 08:30 - 15:00 | Thelma Keller Convention Center, 1202 Keller Drive, Effingham, 62401, United States
In this interactive session, participants will learn practical ways of supporting students with autism spectrum labels & other disabilities. Topics addressed include defining (and redefining) autism, listening to the voices of autistic children, and seeing inclusion as a process. Practical strategies will be provided including several relating to communication and social skill development (e.g., gaze avoidance), teaching to special interests, and movement. This session is specifically focused on rethinking—rethinking inclusion, rethinking autism, and rethinking possibilities for all students.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of the session.
Training Date: March 5, 2024
Training Registration: 8:30am – 9:00am ~ Training Session: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Training Location: Thelma Keller Convention Center, 1202 Keller Drive, Effingham, IL 62401
Room: Convention Center A ~ Phone: 217-347-5115
Presenter(s): Dr. Paula Kluth

Ligas Family Advocate Program - Know Your Options
2024-03-07 12:00 - 13:00
Join us to learn about options available following a PUNS selection or Early Notification of an upcoming PUNS selection. We will discuss the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver, support services, residential options, and key preparatory steps. We will review both Home-Based and CILA options and discuss how families have utilized funding to support their loved ones in building a full life in the community.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g8LAsO-dQQ-blXvNGrvpVQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Questions? Contact the Ligas Family Advocate Program 708-331-7370

Evaluation: Special Education Rights Webinar
2024-03-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Evaluation:
Special Education Rights Webinar
March 9, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Is your child facing challenges in school? Join our informative webinar to navigate the crucial first steps toward securing the support your child needs. Delve into the significance of evaluations, discovering when and how to initiate the process. Understand your vital role as a parent/guardian throughout the evaluation journey. Uncover your child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and gain insights into Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). This session provides a roadmap for parents seeking an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Empower yourself with knowledge to ensure your child’s educational needs are met.

Don’t miss this opportunity – it’s time to make a positive impact on your child’s academic journey.

ILS & F2F Webinar Series: IL Act Early Ambassadors
2024-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
Presenter: Ms Cari Roestel Nurse Care Manager and ECHO Autism Coordinator at the Pediatric Developmental Center, Illinois Masonic Medical Center | Advocate Children’s Hospital

The audience will learn about

Where parents can find info – Learn the Signs, Act Early through developmental checklists that can help them notice differences in their child’s development and understand where supports are needed: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
Where a parent with a child (whether the child had EI or not) can obtain free screen for possible Developmental Delays (DD) – statewide locations.
The importance of early childhood education (that a child does not need to be potty trained if they have an IEP) and that the school district should cover transport back to child care after school.

Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bCerwd6uRbihp-S-sIDPxA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

2024 CHHS Conference
2024-03-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Governor’s State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL, 60484, United States
Network with the community of families and individuals in the South Suburbs who are interested in fostering educational and vocational success for young adults with disabilities.
Connect with local resources for people with disabilities and their families at our exhibit hall and round table events.Learn about navigating health and education systems; college, employment, and independent living; self-advocacy and self-care in college; enhancing student experiences and improving student outcomes; achieving post-secondary career and employment goals.

8:30am: Opening Session
10:30am-5pm: Educational sessions and panel discussions on these topics and more:
• Sensory Processing Sensitivity • Self-Regulation and Mindfulness in the Classroom
• Thriving With Neurodiversity • Self-Advocacy in College
11am- 2pm: Grab-n-go box lunch (included in registration)
8am-4pm: Exhibit hall, community resource roundtables, and demonstration spaces
5pm: Dinner and Networking (ticketed separately)
7pm: Stand Up Comedy Show featuring The Comedians with Disabilities Act (ticketed separately)
Who Should Attend: Educators, Speech-Language Pathologists, College Advisors, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, School Counselors, Nurses, Educational Administrators, Health Care Administrators, Service Coordinators, adult Students, Parents and Caregivers, and all other Supporters of young adults with disabilities. CEUs are available!

For registration questions, please contact continuinged@govst.edu or 708.534.4099

7 Considerations Of Autism: ASD and the IEP
2024-03-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Zoom
RCADD Workshops

March 13, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM America/Chicago

Location
Virtual Workshop: Zoom

Zoom Meeting
https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpduihqDorE9N0hWLRlVFW03lk9W0De1Hf

Cost
Free

Learn to advocate for a child with autism by becoming familiar with the state guidelines surrounding autism spectrum disorder and the development of the IEP.
Note: Only a general certificate will be provided for this workshop geared towards families and caregivers. Closed captioning is provided for all workshops.

Contact
Nora Stillwell

norajs@uic.edu

Seminario Webinar en Español: Programa de Participación del Consumidor de Arc of IL
2024-03-15 12:00 - 13:00
Explicación: Conozca más sobre el programa de Participacion del Consumidor tambien conocido como el Estipendio (subvención) para Asistencia a Eventos. Con fondos del Consejo de Illinois sobre Discapacidades del Desarrollo (ICDD), personas con Discapacidades del Desarrollo y su familiares pueden solicitar asistencia financiera para asistir a talleres, eventos, y/o conferencias relacionados con el tema de Discapacidades del Desarrollo. Este seminario web le explicará el criterio, las reglas, y la forma de solicitud.
Presentadoras: Ruth Aguilar y Rocio Perez, representantes de Arc of IL
Para inscribirse, haga clic aqui: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GslT6ZpYRHuR1fCZ1KH8yg
Luego de la inscripción, recibirá un correo electrónico de confirmación con información para unirse al seminario web.

Navigating the IEP Process: Special Education Rights Webinar
2024-03-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Navigating the IEP Process:
Special Education Rights Webinar
March 16, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Do you have questions about your child’s IEP, but don’t know how or when to ask them? Are you concerned about how your child’s IEP is being followed? Do you want to learn how to effectively prepare for your child’s IEP Meeting? This webinar provides an overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and discusses the parents role as a member of the IEP team.

The presentation will also focus on:

-Individualized Education Program (IEP),
-Least Restrictive Environment (LRE),
-Procedural Safeguards.
-Preparing for your child’s IEP meeting.
-What to do after the meeting.

Getting on the Same Page: Helping Families and Youth to "Think College"
2024-03-18 14:00
Students with intellectual disability want to go to college – and they can! But they can’t get there alone. They need educators and family members who understand what skills are necessary to make it happen and will support them to achieve their goals. And they need resources to help them (and their families!) understand the college search and application process.
Think College created the “Think Higher. Think College.” public awareness campaign to inform and educate teachers, school administrators, support professionals, college staff and faculty, families, and students themselves that college is an option for students with intellectual disability. The public awareness campaign includes new tools to make the process easy to understand and doable.
Join us for this free webinar to learn about the current picture of inclusive higher education in the US, and hear from college students with intellectual disability from around the country, along with educators and family members, to learn how we can “Think Higher. Think College.” together.
Presented by Dan Habib.
During this webinar attendees will learn about:

The current situation regarding college options for students with intellectual disability.

New resources from the Think Higher. Think College. campaign.

Options that exist for students with intellectual disability, how to guide students to pursue college, and what the college experience is like for a student with intellectual disability.

Advocating Effectively at an IEP Meeting
2024-03-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Family Matters PTIC, 1901 S. 4th Street, Suite 209, Effingham, IL, 62401
Use link below to register:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-M_AvN3ETPCryGZgMZa8eA#/registration

Sensory Friendly Easter Event- Springfield, IL
2024-03-23 00:00 | Hope Pavilion, 5220 S 6th St, Springfield, 62703, United States

Autism & Developmental Differences Expo
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Malcom X College, 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, 60612, United States
AUTISM RESOURCE FAIR FEATURING:

Exhibitor Hall with a variety of Chicagoland’s best programs and service providers,
Parent Panel, featuring actress and autism advocate, Holly Robinson Pete
Parent workshop by Dr. Rachel Loftin,
Developmental screeners for all ages,
Free parking!

For sponsor/exhibitor registration, visit tinyurl.com/autismexp024
