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Keven Casey Speaks at Work Group — November 17, 2011

By on January 27, 2012 in Housing, State Agency

Less than three months after becoming Director of the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities, Kevin Casey spoke to a standing-room-only audience at the North/Northwest Cook and Lake County Work Group meeting on November 17, 2011.  He shared his impressions and thoughts on the many challenges facing Illinois at this time.

Regarding the impact of state budget shortfalls on programs for the disabled,  he indicated that he would act pro-actively and sought to enlist support from families, advocates, providers, officials and the governor.   As he learned more about the structure of Illinois services he would be looking for ways to involve more stakeholders.   He expected to hear from self-advocates at least once a month.

Regarding the Ligas mandate to help institutionalized individuals move into the community, he expressed concern about how the timelines for change were interacting with the financial constraints.   There was a lengthy Q&A session involving concerns from parents, advocates, providers and others.

Prior to assuming this position, Mr. Casey held a similar position in Pennsylvania.  He mentioned the need for a one-stop shop for parents, and noted that he had instituted a family training program and a book “Working Your Way Through the Maze in Pennsylvania”.

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Creating Options Town Hall Meeting — November 9, 2011

By on January 26, 2012 in Education, Employment, Faith Based, Housing, Lifestyle, Post Transition, Social Life

The Mayer Kaplan JCC auditorium was packed for a Town Hall Meeting titled “Creating Housing and Full-Life Options for Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.”    The meeting was convened by a task force concerned with the unmet needs for housing and community services in the area.   The Task Force principally consists of representatives of the Jewish Federation, Jewish Child & Family Services and Keshet.  In addition to launching a pilot project, they hope to develop a model for other communities to adopt and replicate.

Cathy Ficker-Terrill, CEO of the Institute on Public Policy discussed “How to Get from Here to There?”, a summary of current status, trends and opportunities.  Then she emceed a lengthy question and answer session with the audience.  Members were asked to answer three questions:  1)  What is your dream for the future for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities regarding a sustainable model that would allow them to live withing the community? 2)  What do you consider to be the biggest challenge in creating a sustainable model for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities who wish to live within the community? and 3)  How can you help?

Following the lively discussion, attendees were invited to participate in committees studying services, funding, communications, development, and outreach.

For more information email familybridges@jcfs.org.

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Annual Meeting — Lake County Center for Independent Living

By on January 26, 2012 in Employment, Housing, Lifestyle, Post Transition, Social Life, Special Event

Lake County Center for Independent Living

About 100 individuals with disabilities, service providers, legislators, families and volunteers attended the annual meeting of the Lake County Center for Independent lLiving on November 30, 2011. Program highlights included success in helping 10 individuals move from institutions into the community, offering vocational training to over 90 workers, continued efforts to coordinate and integrate transportation services in Lake County.

The LCCIL also invited attendees to attend the social and support groups for the blind, deaf. They also host a cross-disability support group called Words of Wisdom (WOW).  Those in attendance were invited to become members of the organization.  They announced details on their 2012 Legislative Internship program.

Charlie Pugesef was honored as the volunteer of the year. Following the program, attendees partook of a buffet.

The Lake County Center for Independent Living is part of a state-wide network that promotes independent living through advocacy, mentoring education,and referral. For more invormation visit http://www.lccil.org

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SEDOL Grant-O-Rama

By on January 25, 2012 in Education

Over 30 grant-funded programs were showcased at the annual SEDOL Grant-A-Rama on November 30, 2011.  Booths describing the programs filled the Gages Lake School Gym as students, staff and parents described the programs to attendees.  The Grant-A-Rama preceded the quarterly Governing Board Meeting.

Grants were used to support innovative, “extra” programs such as these.

  • Acquiring Technology — Touch activated SMART Boards, specialized assistive equipment, hearing technologies
  • Job Training & Support — Support a Service Learning Project, Obtain Job Skill Kits, creation of student-run copy center, Building Trades class and the College First preparatory program, Employment Literacy
  • Health and Wellness — Eating Fresh, CPR Training, Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Treadmill fitness, Play with Heart lifestyles
  • Parent Support — Sign language class, Parent Mentor Project, Parents as Partners for Reading, Relatives as Parents Program, Summer Outreach Social Work
  • Basic Skills –Book Bonanza, E-Books, English Language Classes, Early Childhood Preparation

The Grant-A-Rama was sponsored by SEDOL and the SEDOL Foundation.  In addition to celebrating these innovative programs, they further recognized the many community partners that contribute to the education of SEDOL students.  For more information the the Grant-A-Rama, contact Ann Subry, asubry@sedol.us or Carole Brooks cbrooks@sedol.us.

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Shepherd’s College Earns Accreditation

By on January 24, 2012 in Education, Post Transition

Shepherd’s College, an innovative, three-year training program for individuals with developmental disabilities, earned accreditation from North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement in December.  It is described in this article from the Journal-Times in Racine.  Shepherd’s College is located in Union Grove, Wisconsin.

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SEDOL Social Work Field Trips — Life after 22

By on January 23, 2012 in Education, Employment, Housing, Post Transition, Uncategorized

Special Education students “age out” of the public education system when they turn 22 years of age.  After that time, these individuals and their families are required to manage the services they need without help from the school district.  Issues to be addressed in adulthood include housing, employment, health, social life, quality of life and more.

To help parents prepare for this role, the Social Work department of SEDOL has set up a series of field trips for parents to visit the workshops, living facilities, day programs, and camps they may find of interest.  Field Trips include:

  • February 15        Riverside Foundation           Day and Residential Programs
  • March 7               SRACLC                              Day and Recreation Programs
  • March 15             Clearbrook                          Vocational Program
  • Apr 13                 Center for Enriched Living   Day Program
  • Apr 27                 Shepherds College              Post Secondary Training
  • May 2                  Glenkirk Morain CLF            Semi-Indepependent Residential
For more information or to register for a Field Trip, Contact tbuckman@sedol.us
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Disability and Entrepreneurship Workshop – UIC

By on November 5, 2011 in Uncategorized

People with disabilities often start their own business according to speakers at the Participation Through Innovation Workshop (PTI). The day-long workshop was co-sponsored by UIC Departments of Disability and Human Development and the Department of Managerial Studies. Access Living in Chicago hosted the event on Saturday, October 29.

About 30 participants attended small group workshops in Business Development, Marketing and Social Networking. The Plenary Sessions featured Christine Hess from the Abilities Fund and Karen Harris from the Shriver Center.  A networking social ended the session.

Materials from the program are available on-line at the PTI website.

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Rep. Sente Holds Seminar on Resources for Families

By on November 3, 2011 in Uncategorized

Over 50 individuals participated in a forum hosted by Representative Carol Sente on September 26. “Bridges to the Real World” provided information on resources for individuals and families affected by autism and developmental disabilities.

Speakers included:

The meeting was held at the Laschen Community Center in Vernon Hills.

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SEDOL Foundation Making Strides!

By on October 19, 2011 in Uncategorized

The SEDOL Foundation raised over $31,000 at their inaugural 5K/10K Run & Family Walk held on September 17, at Independence Grove Forest Preserve.  The “Making Strides for Special Kids” event attracted more than 300 runners, walkers, wheelchair users, friends and families for a trip around the lake.

A unique feature of the race was the pairing “capable” runners from Fitness Pursuit Personal Training with “handicapable” participants around the lake.  This was the first time many individuals had participated in a timed “race”.

“We were gratified by the turnout and support for our kids.”  said Ann Subry, Executive Director of the Foundation.  “Next year’s race will be on September 15, 2012 and we’re hoping even more teams will join us for the fun.”

The SEDOL Foundation generates and distributes resources that enrich the educational, vocational, and social opportunities for over 2,600 physically and mentally disabled children and their families from 35 school districts in Lake County, IL.

For more information contact Ann Subry at (847) 548-7032 or by email at asubry@sedol.us.

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Starving for information?

By on October 14, 2011 in Uncategorized

Welcome to the Special Education News for the Lake County, Illinois area. We hope you will become part of our community. We aim to provide objective, professional reporting on news and events of interest to parents and others affected by a disability.

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