Teen Depression: A Graphic Novel

By on May 10, 2012 in Health, Other, Social Life

A local teenager recently shared his experience with depression in a moving graphic novel format.  The Chicago Tribune published his story, a video and a slideshow of his experience on May 9, 2012.  The article notes that 1 in 12 teens experience a major depressive episode.  Kudos to Mr. Watson and his family for sharing their insight, compassion and courage with others who may suffer.

The Nemo News notes that the young author had Tourette’s Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder before experiencing the depressive episode he describes.  These  pre-existing conditions most likely contributed to the low social standing and bullying that is described in his story.  This highlights the importance of Social Emotional Learning from an early age.  The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has published standards for this domain and the FAQ can be found here.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support, education, resources and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.  The Lake County Chapter  .and the  McHenry County Chapter have regular meetings, resource guides, and support groups for recovering individuals and their families.  Typically these services are free of charge.  Contact information is on each respective website.

Readers are encouraged to share information on other resources that may be helpful to those facing mental illness in Lake and McHenry Counties.   Use the comment button to share your thoughts.

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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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Stipends to Attend Conferences Available

By on May 8, 2012 in Other, Post Transition, Special Event

Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are eligible to apply for funding to attend conferences that pertain to their disabilities.  The Consumer Involvement Program is administered by the ARC of Illinois.

Applicants may receive up to $300 per conference or $500 per family per year. The conference may be in-state or out-of-state.  Other rules apply, and these are clearly stated on the application form.  Find the application here.

These stipends allow those directly affected by a developmental disability to participate in and contribute to discussions of direct interest to them.

 

 

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Gurnee-Area Educational Transportation Changes Planned

By on May 7, 2012 in Education, Transportation

A new program to transport Special Education students in Gurnee area school districts is currently in the works, according to a recent article the Chicago Tribune (TribLocal).  The cooperating districts plan to purchase 12 vans and hire 12 drivers to improve the students experience.  The districts estimate that this will save some money.  Moreover, it will result in better screening and supervision of drivers.

The districts hope to develop their intergovernmental agreement by late May.  The districts involved are Warren Township High School (D121), Woodland (D50) and Gurnee (D56).

Currently, some Special Education students are transported in taxis to receive services that are specifically tailored to meet their special needs and are not available in their home school.

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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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Parkinson’s Fun Walk/Picnic in Round Lake on June 10

By on May 2, 2012 in Lifestyle, Social Life, Special Event

Fun Walk

The Second Annual Walk/Picnic for Parkinson’s will take place on Saturday, June 10, 2012 at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake.  The walk begins at 11:30am. Attendees will be encouraged to walk or play in the park.  Registration and pledge forms are available at the website.

Funds raised by the event will go to Focus on a Cure Foundation, an Oswego, IL based Foundation that makes direct contributions to research and advocacy groups as well as providing support to patients in need.

The Round Lake walk is locally organized by Jodi Mara, an area individual who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s in 2006.   She can be reached at 847-373-8320 or sofpd@yahoo.com.

 

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Transportation “Listening Session” May 24

By on April 30, 2012 in Lifestyle, Other, Recreation, Social Life, Transportation

Community leTransporationaders hope to hear from citizens about the transportation needs of the disabled and elderly on Thursday, May 24th at 7pm.  This “Listening Session” will be held at Lake Forest High School.  It is one of a series of sessions conducted by the Lake County Center for Independent Living.  Findings from these sessions will be presented to PACE to help address county-wide needs.

This listening session will focus on the needs in the townships of Morraine, West Deerfield, Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Fremont.  A collaborative committee of supervisors and others is currently studying special needs for transportation in those townships.

For more information about the initiative or the meeting contact Laura Mellon, Lake County Center for Independent Living, at 847-949-4440 or lauram@lccil.org

A similar initiative in 2010 was very successful.  It resulted in the “Lake County Northwest Demonstration Dial-a-Ride Project” which provides additional transportation services for a coalition of townships including Antioch, Avon, Grant, and Lake Villa.

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Venture Crews in Lake County

By on April 26, 2012 in Lifestyle, Other, Post Transition, Social Life

At least two Boy Scout Venture Crews in Lake County have male and female members with special needs.  Venture Crew 273 (http://www.crew273vh.org) is based in Vernon Hills and has an emphasis on outdoor adventures.  For information, follow the link above or contact Steve Cerve, Crew Advisor, stevecerve@comcast.net

Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding Center also sponsors Venture Crew 333. The Crew meets on Sunday afternoons and has a special interest in horsemanship.   For more information contact Nick Coyne,  or Kristi Horowitz at 847 234– 2411, info@horsefeatherscenter.org.

Boy Scout Venturing is a youth development program for young men and women between 14 and 21.  Individuals with special needs may continue beyond age 21.  Venturing’s purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.

Readers are asked to use the comment section to let others know about any other Venture Crews in the area.

 

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Ligas Overview at McHenry College May 3

By on April 24, 2012 in Housing, Other, State Agency

The recent The Ligas Consent Decree is having a large effect on housing for adult individuals with developmental disabilities.  The Decree extends not only to those who live in a private ICD/FF, but also to those living in their family home and seeking services.  Mr. Tony Records is the Court Monitor for implementing the decree.  He will speak on Thursday, May 3, at 7pm at McHenry County College, Room B-166-167.

The meeting is hosted by the Self Advocacy Council of Northern Illinois.  From the flyer:

The disability system in Illinois is changing and knowing about these new changes in service planning will offer individuals more opportunities for community inclusion and
new community living opportunities!

 

For more information about the program,  contact Cathy Christensen, Self Advocacy Council of Northern Illinois, 815-382-1530, clchristensen100@aol.com

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Visit TheNemoNews.com at the Woodstock Autism Fair Today

By on April 20, 2012 in Special Event

If the Autism Fair is anyWoodstock Autism Fairthing like yesterday’s Options Fair, you’ll find a lot to like and a lot to learn about.  TheNemoNews.com will have a booth at the Fair, and we hope to see you there!.

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

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