WIPA, PABSS Funding Threatened: Write Your Congressperson

By 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 .

 

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Theology and Disability: ARC Webinar March 29

By on March 21, 2012 in Faith Based, Lifestyle, Post Transition, Social Life

“The Power of Inclusive Spiritual Supports for People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities” is the title of a nation-wide webinar sponsored by The Arc on March 29, 2012. The webinar is open to the public — including clergy, service providers and ARC Chapters.  Registration fees vary.

Noting that “For some…faith communities are a pathway to more inclusive and productive lives…”,  speakers Bill Gaventa and Erik Carter will discuss what the growing body of research shows , how to work with congregations of all traditions, and strategies to encourage engagement, even in residential placements..

For more information contact The Arc, 202-534-3707 or hull@thearc.org

 

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Special Ed Parent Training Teleconferences — FMTIC

By 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?
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John Powers Center hosts Community Resource Night

By on March 15, 2012 in Education, Special Event

Deaf and hard of hearing and autism resources in the Lake County Area.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

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Transition Resource Fair at CLC

By on March 14, 2012 in Lifestyle, Post Transition, Special Event

The Options Fair 2012  will be on April 19, 2012 at the Physical Education Building at the College of Lake County.  It runs from 6pm to 8pm.  If you haven’t been before (or even if you have) you will want to attend this one.

The Options Fair 2012 is put together by a group of special educators around Lake County, and features workshops as well as booths.  It is a great place to learn about what is available in the area, to network, and to learn.

Click here for a list of exhibitors.

OptionsFair2012Brochure

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SEDOL Foundation Honors Hearts of Gold

By 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.

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Polar Plunge raises $61K for Special Olympics

By on March 7, 2012 in Recreation, Special Event

Volunteers raised over $61,ooo for Special Olympics on February 26, 2012.  The Plunge was held in Fox Lake and the fund will benefit athletes in Northeastern Illinois Area 13.  For more information and pictures read the Lake County Journal article here.

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CLC Jobapalooza Set for March 8, 2012

By on February 16, 2012 in Employment, Post Transition, Special Event

Job Fair for those 15-21The Jobapalooza is a job fair for students between 15 and 21 years of age.  Employers will be interviewing for seasonal, part-time and other workers.  It will be held at the College of Lake County in Grayslake on March 8, 2012 from 6pm-8pm, in the Physical Education Building.

Last year’s fair was packed with applicants, and this year job-seekers are encouraged to prepare for the fair by researching the employers and jobs in which they are interested.  Applicants should concentrate meeting on those employers, be dressed professionally, and have resumes ready for the job.

To find list of employers and positions to be filled is at http://www.collegecentral.com/jobapaloozaexpo/  (Click on Employer Profile Search.  On the next page click on Search.  All employers will be displayed. You must then research each employer.)

For more information contact the College of Lake County, Career and Placement Services, (847) 543-2059.

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SEDOL Parent Mentors Provide IEP Training to Parents

By on February 10, 2012 in Education

SEDOL Parent Mentors Joy Bux and Priscilla Cuba conducted a 4-week course on Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.  Approximately 10 parents and educators attended each morning session.  Topics covered included

  1. January 18 — Laws, Eligibility, Evaluations, IEP Overview.
  2. January 25 — Establisheing Present levels of Performance; Setting SMART Goals.
  3. February 1 — Progress Monitoring, Accommodations and Modifications.
  4. February 8 — Communication and Collaboration in the IEP process

Previously this course was offered as a 2 1/2 hour evening overview, but the mentors felt that there was need for an additional program that went into greater detail.    This expanded course could be offered again next year if there is interest.  To contact the parent mentors visit http://www.sedol.us/parents-of-sedol-students/parent-mentors/

Several attendees had children in high school or transition  programs.    Even though they were reaching  the end of the formal process, they indicated that they gained a great deal of helpful information in the sessions.

The IEP is the core document that governs the education, services and environment of children receiving special education services.  It is developed annually by the school team and the parents to govern goals and progress for the next year.

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Entrepreneurs with Intellectual Disabilities

By on January 30, 2012 in Employment

Many individuals with intellectual disabilities have formed businesses, micro-enterprises or social programs to supplement their incomes or address a social problem.  These are under study at the University of Illinois – Chicago.

Doctoral student Kate Caldwell seeks to interview these entrepreneurs as part of her research.  To qualify, the entrepreneur must live in the Chicagoland area, be between the ages of 18 and 64, have an intellectual disability and have a business or non-profit.    Email her at kcaldw3@uic.edu for more information.

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