Archive | Education RSS feed for this section

Bookshare Provides Access to Textbooks, Periodicals and More

By Mary Curran Rhodes 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.

Comments { 0 }

IEP Discussion with Children’s Law Group April 21

By Mary Curran Rhodes on April 10, 2012 in Education

The next Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) meeting will feature a discussion with representatives from the Children’s Law Group, Deborah Pergament and Mary Mulae. They will dialogue with parents about how to best advocate for their child’s education. The meeting will take place from 4:30pm – 6:30pm on April 21, 2012 at

Home State Bank, Community Meeting Room (on basement level)
611 S. Main Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

For more information contact Linda.Betzold@tacanow.org

Comments { 2 }

Woodstock Autism Fair-April 20

By Mary Curran Rhodes on April 6, 2012 in Education, Other, Recreation, Special Event

You can expect to visit booths that offer resources and support to the Autism Community at the upcoming Autism Fair in Woodstock. So far there are vendors representing doctors, therapists, chiropractors, support groups, service providers, TheNemoNews.com and more. Information about supplements and social groups will be available.

The Autism Fair will take place in Woodstock on Friday, April 20, 2012. The fair will be held from 5:30pm-7:30pm at:

Spectrum Support, LLC
1575 W. Lake Shore Drive
Woodstock, IL 60098
815.337.7570

The fair is being hosted by School District 155, Options & Advocacy and Spectrum Support. For more information contact Dorene Swanson at Options & Advocacy
At (815) 477-4720 ext. 249, dorene.swanson@opad.org

Comments { 0 }

College First Open House on April 4

By Mary Curran Rhodes on April 2, 2012 in Education, Post Transition

Parents of students who plan to attend the College of Lake County (CLC) while in a SEDOL Transition Program are invited to an Open House on April 4 to learn about the College First Program. The presentation will be at 2pm in room 111 of the University Center.

The College First program is cosponsored by SEDOL and the College of Lake County (CLC).

Comments { 0 }

Transition Open Houses for SEDOL Districts on April 4

By Mary Curran Rhodes on April 2, 2012 in Education

Parents and students who plan to attend a Transition Program after high school are invited to visit the SEDOL Transition Programs on April 4th. These Open Houses are from 9:00am to 1:30pm and will highlight the Community Life Skills programs that are offered. No reservations are required.

There are four locations. (Visitors can attend one or all.)

Transition Center
330 N. Ridgemoor
Mundelein, IL
847.388.6065

The Seymour Site
31 Seymour
Grayslake, IL
847.986.2944 OR 847.986.2762

Cyd Lash Transition
18042 W. Gages Lake Rd.
Gages Lake, IL
847.986.1089 or 847.986.1090

Sally Potter Site
300 S. Waukegan Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
847.566.9120 x 2478

Comments { 0 }

WIPA, PABSS Funding Threatened: Write Your Congressperson

By Mary Curran Rhodes on March 22, 2012 in Education, Employment, State Agency

There is growing concern that Congress will not reauthorize funding for two important Social Security programs that directly affect those with disabilities who wish to work. These services are very important for SS Disability Beneficiaries aged 14-64 who are working or want to work.

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program helps beneficiaries understand their options for work. The Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is the agency serving Lake and McHenry Counties. The program could end as soon as June 30, 2012 if funding is not authorized. This will harm the ability of disabled individuals to develop options for more independence and engagement.

The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program provides counseling and advocacy for working individuals who may need assistance in the workplace. Equip for Equality is the PABSS agency serving Lake and McHenry Counties. Services could end by September 30, 2012.

Concerned individuals are urged to contact their Congressional Representatives letting them know you support re-authorization.

Contact information can be found at this site. If you would like assistance or need more information please contact Ron Mulvaney, WIPA Program Director, IATP, 217/836-0061, rmulvaney@iltech.org .

Comments { 0 }

Special Ed Parent Training Teleconferences — FMTIC

By Mary Rhodes on March 16, 2012 in Education

The Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (Located in Effingham) has released it’s schedule of Tele-Training that is open to all, regardless of where you live. Busy parents will note that the training is over the lunch hour or after many kids are asleep.

For more information on dialing visit their website:

http://www.fmptic.org/family-matters-trainings.htm or contact Kim at 866-436-7842. Preregistration is required in order to get phone numbers and materials in advance of training.

Date	Time	Topic
March 19, 2012	8:30-9:30pm	Bullying Prevention and Interventions
March 20, 2012	8:30-9:30pm	Suspensions and Expulsions of Students Receiving Special Ed Services
March 21, 2012	12:00-1:00pm	Special Education Basics – The Evaluation Process
March 26, 2012	8:30-9:30pm	Section 504: Eligibility and Plan Development
March 28, 2012	12:00-1pm	Special Education Basics – Creating the IEP
April 4, 2012	12:00-1:00	Special Education Basics – Resolving Conflicts
April 18, 2012	8:30-9:30pm	How Childhood Trauma Effects Brain Development.
April 21, 2012	12:00-1:00pm	Documentation and Record Keeping: A Key to Navigating the Special Education World
April 23, 2012	8:30-9:30pm	Is There an APP for that?

Comments { 0 }

John Powers Center hosts Community Resource Night

By Mary Rhodes on March 15, 2012 in Education, Special Event

Resources for the deaf and hard of hearing in the Lake county area will be highlighted at the John Powers Community Resource Night on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 6pm-8pm. Over 25 organizations will be represented including Gallaudet University, Hands and Voices and the Illinois Deaf Latino Association.

The International Center and Deafness and the Arts Through Education (ICODA) will perform at 6:30pm and 7:15pm. In addition, students will display their work.

For more information contact the Powers Center at 847-680-8320

Comments { 2 }

Grayslake (D127) conducts Parent Information Night for Transition Students

By Mary Rhodes on March 13, 2012 in Education, Employment, Lifestyle, Post Transition, State Agency, Uncategorized

What happens after High School for students receiving Special Education services? Grayslake Community School District (D127) is sponsoring a session to help parents learn the answers. The meeting will be on March 21 from 7-8:30pm at Grayslake North High School, Room B162.

Speakers include:

Sherri Schneider, Family Benefit Solutions
Geri-Lyn Montellano, Teacher in the SEDOL Transition Program
Barry Godsey, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Gail Johnson, The Personal Success Program (PSP)

Comments { 0 }

SEDOL Foundation Honors Hearts of Gold

By Mary Rhodes on March 12, 2012 in Education, Special Event

The SEDOL Foundation Heart of Gold Gala was held at the Concorde Banquets in Kildeer on Saturday, March 1o. It featured a live auction, silent auction and games for participants. Dancing followed dinner.

The SEDOL Foundation honored Chicago Bears Defensive Tackle Anthony Adams and his wife Andenika for their service. Anthony visited SEDOL students last fall during the “Take a Bear to School” event. Mrs. Adams then organized the Bears Wives Holiday Party — bringing goodie bags, football gear to try on and more Chicago Bears Team Members for the students to meet!

SEDOL also honored Peggy McClain, a teacher at Laremont School for her Heart of Gold donation that made possible the acquisition of technology adaptations and specialty equipment.