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Halloween Costumes and Ideas

By on October 8, 2012 in Lifestyle, Recreation, Special Event

Costumes for individuals using wheelchairs, or those with sensory issues can be challenging to create.  Below are a couple of ideas that might inspire you and make your Halloween more fun!

One Place for Special Needs has a great page of ideas to share.  This Naperville-based company is a rich resource for many concerns.   Several of the links below come from their newsletter.

Pictures of costumes with wheels are here.    Christopher & Dana Reeves Foundation also have ideas.

Wendy on Wheels is also sharing great costume ideas. 

Pictures of costumes fitting those with sensory issues are here.

Blogger Hartley Steiner has a great discussion of how she prepares for Halloween with her kids

Readers are invited to post pictures or links to websites about costumes and Halloween in the comments section below.

 

 

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377 Board Initiative in McHenry County

By on September 28, 2012 in Government, Housing, Lifestyle, Post Transition, Recreation, Transportation

About 25 people  attended a Developmental Disability Task Force meeting on September 19 at the Shah Center in McHenry.   They learned about  a county-wide initiative to create a 377 Board to support the unmet needs of the estimated 5200 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.   This initiative would involve a referendum on the Spring 2013 ballot in McHenry County.

Organizers pointed out that less than one fifth of developmentally disabled individuals currently receive services.   Long-term unmet needs include housing, transportation, life skills supervision, and other services.    Housing is of particular concern, mirroring the state shortage of disabled housing.  Currently, many individuals with developmental disabilities must move away from family and social supports in order to find housing at all.  With the aging of parents, their need for assistance is expected to grow.

Concerned individuals are now contacting members of the McHenry County Board to ask them to approve placement of a referendum on the Spring 2013 Ballot.   The deadline to obtain approval for ballot placement is October 16, 2012.

McHenry is not the first county in Illinois to pursue this kind of board.  Champaign County,  Illinois  has a 377 Board that has operated for several years.  The Board Members are listed here.

For more information on the McHenry initiative contact Options and Advocacy, 815-477-4720.

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Autism Awareness Day at Six Flags on Saturday, July 28

By on July 26, 2012 in Lifestyle, Recreation, Social Life, Special Event

The third annual Autism Awareness Day at Six Flags will take place on Saturday, July 28.  It is sponsored by the Autism Society of Illinois.  Reduced admission of $29.00 is available to participants who pre-register and pay online and use the promo code AUTISM. Details are here.

There will be a quiet area near the Wilderness Theatre for those who wish to use it.  In addition, the Chicago Children’s Theatre Red Kite Project will provide an interactive, multi-sensory performance in the Wilderness Theatre.

For more information go to the website:  http://www.autismillinois.org/?p=1990#

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Respite Funding Still Available

By on July 24, 2012 in Lifestyle, State Agency

Funding is still available for respite care under this program.  Recent communications suggest that there is a fair amount of flexibility in the program.  As we prepare for the new school year, needs for respite may arise in families.  TheNemoNews repeats it’s earlier post for your information.

Funding is currently available for families in need of emergency respite care for individuals with special needs in Illinois.  There is no age limit on the person to be cared for (birth to 100+).  The funding for this project is available until September 30, 2012.

Called the Lifespan Emergency Respite Program, the purpose is to help families with children or adults with special needs deal with an urgent need for respite care in the absence of any other funding source.  The program does not provide the particular respite caregiver, although a list of caregivers can be found on the website. There are other rules for eligibility and limits on expenses that are described on the website.

For more information visit the Illinois Respite Coalition or contact  Nancy Fidler, Illinois Respite Coalition at nfidler@marklund.org or 630-529-2871 x3231

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“Extreme Recess” for Kids

By on July 19, 2012 in Lifestyle, Recreation, Special Event

“Extreme Recess” is an aquatic event for kids with disabilities and their families.  It will feature swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tube and jet ski rides, water slides, a jumpy castle, beach games.  All water sports are adapted for wheel chairs.  It will take place on July 30 and 31 at 220 Lance Drive, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.  It is sponsored by Dreams for Kids, a Chicago-based non-profit.

Tickets are $10 per participant and $5 per family non-participant. The fee includes lunch, a Dreams for Kids book and participation in all activities except water skiing.   All water ski participants will pay an $7 additional to join USA Ski on site.  Instructors, equipment, food & beverages will be provided.

This event has limited enrollment an fills up very fast.  To register go to EventBrite.  For more information contact David Bromley at dbromley@DreamsForKids.org or call 1-312-729-5404 and ask for Shelly.

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July 4th “Rest Stop” at Great Lakes Naval Station

By on June 25, 2012 in Lifestyle, Other, Recreation, Social Life, Special Event

Click to Enlarge

This year there will be a “Rest Stop” for families with special needs at the Naval Station Great Lakes 4th of July Celebration.  The Rest Stop is designed as a place to get out of the sun, take meds, get info and connect with other Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) families.

The public is invited to the annual celebration  that features a craft show, a carnival, a 5K run, fireworks, bingo and more.  The website has a detailed description and directions and an FAQ.   Check out the Facebook page as well.

“This is the first year that EFMP will have a tent for families with Special Needs.”, said Sally Tilli, Program Liaison.  “We are hoping that more families will be able to attend because of this support service.  And we’re expecting a really good time!”.

For more information contact Chris Mohr at Chris.Mohr@mwrgl.com or Salli Tilli at 847-688-3603, x 119, sally.tilli.ctr@navy.mil.

 

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Respite Care: Train the Trainer in McHenry

By on June 15, 2012 in Education, Lifestyle, Post Transition

Respite care is precious commodity to those of us who care for those needing 24-hour supervision. Often personal networks of family, friends, neighbors and church members are called on to help.   in our gratitude, the matter of training  may not be addressed, sometimes leaving us a bit unsettled.

As part of an initiative to train these volunteer respite providers, McHenry County’s Options and Advocacy is sponsoring a the two day workshop to prepare trainers who can then train additional volunteer trainers.  Schools, senior living facilities, healthcare and other groups are encouraged to attend. Some church communities plan attend in order to train members of their congregation who feel called to give families a little break from time to time.

Training will be provided by staff from Marklund, a Geneva,IL based non-profit using their Respite Education and Support Tools (REST) program

The free workshop will be held on June 19 & 20 from 9am-6pm each day.  For more information contact Options and Advocacy, Karen Rios,  847-477-4720.

 

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Special Olympics State Includes Lake, McHenry Athletes

By on June 12, 2012 in Health, Lifestyle, Other, Recreation, Special Event, Uncategorized

Next weekend Lake and McHenry Counties will be well represented at the Special Olympics Summer Games in Normal.  Top regional athletes from several teams will compete in events at Illinois State University.

Aquatics — Individual and relay events
Independent Fox Lake, Lamb’s Farm, Libertyville Stars, Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, Warren Special Recreation Association

Bocce Ball — Traditional and Unified
Lamb’s Farm, SEDOL, Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County, Special Recreation Services of North Lake County, Vernon Hills, School District, Warren Special Recreation Association

Gymnastics — Bars, Vault, Floor Exercise, Rings, Balance Beam and Rhythmic Gymnastics
Gymspot Champions, Northern Illinois Special Recreation, Woodstock School District

Power Lifting
Northern Illinois Special Recreation, Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County

Soccer — Individual skills and team play
Northern Illinois SRA, Woodstock School District

Track and Field — Walk, Wheelchair, Run, Shot-put, Long Jump, Ball Throw, Relay
Barrington Broncos, Grayslake Central High School, Jacobs High School, Kiley Center,  Lamb’s Farm, Northern Illinois Special Recreation, Northshore Special Olympics, SEDOL, Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County, Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County, Vernon Hills, School District, Woodstock School District, Warren Special Recreation Association

TheNemoNews.com praises the organizations that field these wonderful teams of athletes.  We further recognize the coaches, volunteers, boosters and families that support them.  We regretfully noted that it was sometimes difficult to locate information on the sponsoring organizations and/or teams.  We would love to see these athletes and teams honored on organization websites by mentioning that they “made State”.

We wish all of these fine athletes well in the competition and are reminded of the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath  — “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be strong in the attempt.”

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Valor Games Midwest Registration Begins

By on May 9, 2012 in Employment, Lifestyle, Other, Recreation, Special Event

Registration for the Second Annual Valor Games Midwest began this week.  The games are for disabled veterans and wounded, ill and injured active duty service members.  The games will be held  August 13-15 at various Chicago venues including Soldier Field and US Cellular Field.  Events include shot put, discus, cycling, archery, power-lifting and indoor rowing.  Applications will be reviewed and participants will be notified of their acceptance for the competition by July 15.

Last year, many of the 100+ participants had little or no previous experience.  In addition, applicants may apply for a 4-day introductory sports camp before the games.  The camp is sponsored by   the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. All costs for Valor Games participants are covered, with the exception of transportation to and from Chicago. Those that participate in the camp will receive a travel stipend.

Organizers are seeking additional volunteers and sponsors.   Other events during the games will include a (Careerbuilder) job fair, veterans resource fair and more.  Current supporters include U.S. Paralympics, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Chicago Park District.

For more information contact:  Susan Katz, Director of Paralympic & Disability Sport, (312) 861-4848, skatz@worldsportchicago.org

 

 

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Bookshare Provides Access to Textbooks, Periodicals and More

By on May 3, 2012 in Education, Lifestyle

Bookshare provides individuals with visual impairments with access to books, textbooks and periodicals.  These materials are available in enhanced visual format and in audio formats, often for free for qualifying individuals.   A print disability is required.  Organizational memberships are also available.  The growing program fills a unique need for college students, including returning veterans.

The Bookshare program exists under an exception to the U.S. Copyright Law (vs. disability or education law).  The library of over 125,000 titles are often scanned or read by volunteers.  Many volunteers are distant from the Palo Alto headquarters.   At this time, the program is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

Bookshare is celebrating its 10th year in business.  The Palo Alto Weekly published a program description in March 2012.

 

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