Chicago Special Parent Summer 2013 by Chicago Parent

Spec覺al Parent SUMMER 2013

LOCAL RESOURCES YOU NEED

and then what?

AN EMPOWERMENT GUIDE FROM

JOY in the little things

BULLY PROOF your kids

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www.specialrecreation.org

Adaptive Sports Aquatics Cultural Arts Field Trips Inclusion Paralympic Sports Social Clubs

Special Events Special Olympics Summer Camps Unified Sports Vacation Trips Weekly Programs

Providing programs that will enhance socialization skills, improve self-help skills, build self-esteem, and develop fine and gross motor skills.

Special Recreation - your child will explore whole new worlds! The Special Recreation Network of Illinois (SRANI) provides information on the 28 cooperative agencies throughout Illinois called Special Recreation Associations (SRAs). These SRAs deliver a variety of community-based recreation services to children, teens and adults with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with their member park districts and recreation agencies. For a statewide listing of SRANI agencies, see our display ad in the Resource Directory or visit www.specialrecreation.org.

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Joanne just called for lunch. I said, “I’ll be right there.” “Paratransit is inconvenient for me, because you can’t plan in advance for everything in life. Thankfully, with the regular Pace bus service, you don’t have to. It drives me crazy when I miss out on things because I don’t have a ride. Pace gives me the freedom to meet my friends at a moment’s notice. Today I’m meeting Joanne for a bite to eat, but I have no idea what’s in store for tomorrow. The one thing I do know, is that whatever it is, there’s not a chance in the world I’ll miss it.” If you’re ready to take control of your day, visit PaceBus.com. 6270

THANKS FOR

RIDING PACE

epsum it. Dot evn ty get clse enug to re tis wared you Yo elpu hut yoor epsums - yor moer le her? epsom and yur purosy not liseng- dn't yu id blah bogy. You wul't tre yur eyes thi wy if yu toop whala. I bet not sit raal esolc to the tision

ChicagoParent.com |

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66668_2013 Chicago Special Parent Mag

OPD_Joanne 2013

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Inside

IN OUR SHOES 7 9 My life: No more IEPs Mom is left asking: Who am I?

11 My life: Where we are now

When dreams for your child become reality

13 My life: Finding acceptance

Sometimes a soothing hand is just what you need

15 A day of play

Create a fun day with math

17 News you can use

RESOURCES 36 Chicago Voice Program one of a kind ■ Housing for the disabled hard to find ■ Adapted swingsets for your backyard ■

FEATURES 21

Protecting tomorrow means planning today Help available to advise parents on future options so take advantage of it

‘Please don’t feel sorry for us’ Chicago parents on a mission to let others fall in love with their little girl, too

Battling bullying Help your child be more resilient

The good things

INSPIRATIONS 56

Moms find happiness in raising their children with special needs

Shannon Kelly won’t let a wheelchair stop her

ON THE COVER Cover kid: Tommy Van Eekeren, 4, of Flossmoor Photographer: Katie Driscoll of 5 boys + 1 girl = 6 Photography, Palos Park Design: Claire Innes

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Tommy’s favorite things Favorite thing to do: Tommy loves to play with his older brothers and sisters. He lights up when they walk in the room and if it includes a ball, he is in heaven.

Favorite toy: Fisher Price Little People. He loves playing with all the cars and school bus and names them all after his family. Favorite food: Granola bars, but they have to be Quaker granola bars. He is very brand conscious!

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inclusive, simple, fun: because finding what you need should be easy! • • • • • • • • • •

Sensory Toys & Clothing Behavioral & Learning Systems Swings, Scooters & Therapy Furniture Adaptive Aids, Chewelry & Fidgets Weighted & Compression Items Bed, Bath & Feeding Gear Organic Baby Toys, Gifts & Layette Pre & Postnatal Parent Necessities Parent Support Groups & Classes Online Store & Gift Registry

www.bellybumboutique.com I ChicagoParent.com |

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FROM THE EDITORS

Joy and challenges N ot every baby arrives without a care in the world. Sometimes their unique challenges are suspected immediately; sometimes those challenges show up months later. Regardless, every TAMARA L. new parent of a child O’SHAUGHNESSY with special needs Editor embarks upon a similar process that includes asking why, searching everywhere for answers, experiencing moments of grief and ultimately accepting how things are going to be. Dealing with insurance companies to pay for treatments, navigating the many therapies as well as figuring out if the hot new alternative treatments are the right path to try and even negotiating IEPs simply can become maddening. Add in other children and jobs, and

parents can be pulled in so many directions their marriages are torn apart or they lose sight of who they used to be. Things that are routine for other families in the neighborhood can’t be taken for granted. Shopping is something more than LIZ DECARLO running out on a whim Editor to buy bread or clothes. Evergreen Park mom Michele Kovack knows that only too well. “I know it’s easy to give up. There are plenty of times I left a store crying.” Giving up isn’t ever an option, though. As hard as those moments were at times, the Kovack family never gave up trying to give their daughter, Cortney, every opportunity they could find. We know you feel the same about your child. So, it’s no wonder planning for the future gets put off until tomorrow, again and again.

But at some point down the road, waiting until “tomorrow” becomes a crisis. Too many parents tell us how they waited to make decisions until it was too late. They encountered huge waiting lists for housing and jobs, the care of their child with special needs fell to siblings or other relatives because there wasn’t another plan, and decisions were forced simply because of time, not because they were the right choices. Just as important is remembering to take time to feel the joy of being a parent. Without it, the greatest and hardest job around just becomes the hardest, with seemingly no hope or relief in sight. Nothing will weigh you down more quickly than no hope. We hope this issue of Chicago Special Parent is that little reminder you need to plan, to have hope p p and yyes, to laugh.

OUR ADVISORY BOARD

MARIAN CASEY is the executive director of A.S.K- Answers for Special Kids, a resource and advocacy organization that serves the needs of parents of children with special needs throughout northeastern Illinois. She is an attorney, active on a number of community boards, and the mother of a child with special needs.

SHEEBA DANIELCROTTY, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who focuses on child, adolescent and family psychotherapy and evaluation. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of neurobehavioral disorders, learning disabilities and social-emotional problems.

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CARA LONG, a registered nurse and a mom of three, including one born with Down syndrome, is a state-credentialed parent liaison at Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region. She has worked with families as a support parent and public awareness speaker for the National Association for Down Syndrome.

ELLEN METRICK is a consultant, researcher and evaluator for toy retailers and manufacturers regarding toy design and the impact of play on childhood development. She is director of Industry Relations & Partnerships at the National Lekotek Center, which focuses on accessible play for all.

LARRY REINER, Ed.D. CPRP, with a doctoral degree in counseling, adult and higher education, is highly regarded for leadership in creating recreation opportunities for kids and adults with special needs.

DR. ALAN ROSENBLATT is a specialist in neurodevelopmental pediatrics who has been involved in medical care, advocacy and education efforts on behalf of children with special needs and their families at the local, state and national levels.

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STAFF EDITORS Liz DeCarlo, Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Alaina Buzas ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS Lisa Armstrong, Sky Hatter, Mark Tatara INTERN Lindsey Riley CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Robin Carlascio, Jerry Davich, Gillian Marchenko PHOTOGRAPHER David Pierini MANAGER OF INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY Graham Johnston DISPLAY AD SALES Walter Burden, Dawn Engelhardt, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner, Adrienne Smith

Is School Failing Your Child?

www.upsfordowns.org

Do You Need Help Getting Appropriate Educational Services For Your Special Needs Child? At Calian & Gross, we believe that every child has the right to experience success at school. That is why we focus our legal practice exclusively on special education law. Let us assert your child’s rights so they can achieve the success they deserve.

UPS for DOWNS is a parent directed non-profit organization offering support, education, and encouragement for parents, families, and others who love and care about persons with Down syndrome. We inspire community acceptance by sharing with others the presence, potential and abilities of people with Down syndrome.

CLASSIFIED AD SALES Walter Burden ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Jessica Doerr AD PRODUCTION MANAGER Philip Soell AD DESIGN MANAGER Andrew Mead AD DESIGN Maggie Acker, Debbie Becker CIRCULATION MANAGER Kathy Hansen DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Alan Majeski

Calian & Gross, LLP

1609 Sherman Ave., Suite 207, Evanston Jill Calian, Attorney: 847-736-7978 jillcalian@calianandgross.com Rachael Gross, Attorney: 847-226-5032 rachaelgross@calianandgross.com

Check the website for information, calendar of events, or more ways to get involved. email: info@upsfordowns.org

847-895-2100

CREDIT MANAGER Debbie Zari COLLECTIONS Charlie Kelly ______ PUBLISHER Dan Haley VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Andrew Johnston COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar

CONTACT PHONE (708) 386-5555 FAX (708) 524-0447 EDITORIAL chiparent@chicagoparent.com DISPLAY ADS advertising@chicagoparent.com CLASSIFIED ADS classified@chicagoparent.com CIRCULATION circulation@wjinc.com WEBSITE ChicagoParent.com Our offices are at 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302. Office hours for all departments are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. © 2013 Wednesday Journal Inc. All rights reserved.

Licensed teachers, call 708.239.3900 or visit graduatestudies.trnty.edu for an information packet. ChicagoParent.com |

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You Will Spend More On Coffee This Year Than What It Would Cost To Save A Child.

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Join our mobile community today! Receive mobile updates about our programs, success stories and ways to help by texting MOBILE to 877877*.

According to the U.S. Government, women should take sufficient levels of folic acid (400 micrograms/day) during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects and reduce the risk for cleft lip and palate. When folic acid is taken one month before conception and throughout the first trimester, it has been proven to reduce the risk for neural tube defects by 50 to 70 percent. Be sure to receive proper prenatal care, quit smoking and drinking alcohol and follow your health care provider’s guidelines for foods to avoid during pregnancy. Foods to avoid may include raw or undercooked seafood, beef, pork or poultry; delicatessen meats; fish that contain high levels of mercury; smoked seafood; fish exposed to industrial pollutants; raw shellfish or eggs; soft cheeses; unpasteurized milk; pâté; caffeine; and unwashed vegetables. For more information, visit www.SmileTrain.org. Smile Train is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit recognized by the IRS, and all donations to Smile Train are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. © 2013 Smile Train.

*Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. We'll txt you 1x/mo. Terms and Privacy http://www.smiletrain.org/about/terms.html

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In Our Shoes LEARN MORE ■

To learn more or to donate, visit rescue ourangels.com or Facebook

The Doyle Family with Jenny McCarthy

The autism fight M

ichele Doyle is a glass-halffull kind of mom. Husband Pete is a glass-half-empty kind of dad. But when it comes to their daughters Kiera, 9, and Caelan, 11, who was diagnosed with autism when she was 5, they have put their halves together to fight autism. Six years ago, at a time when many people’s only frame of reference for autism still was “Rain Man,” the Doyles threw a party for family and friends to educate them about autism and raise money for other families trying to do the best they can with a disease that now affects 1 in 50 kids. They knew only too well about the looks parents with children with autism get and the struggle to pay for treatments. By year three, that party, Rescue Our Angels, became the largest noncorporate fundraiser for Generation Rescue, of which Evergreen Park native and actress Jenny McCarthy is the president. This year, the sold-out party raised $200,000. “We were like the little engine that could,” Pete says. “It was almost like a pay-it-forward. We’re going through our journey and our journey is going pretty good, but there are a

lot of people who are struggling, so let’s try to raise some money and help people.” He credits Michele with the success of the fundraiser and in their personal autism fight. They consider Caelan recovered. Caelan was born three years after they married. “Everything was fine. We were trying to be the best parents we could be,” Michele says. Around 16 or 18 months, Caelan stopped talking. Though she started early intervention at 2, the family didn’t have a diagnosis. That came years later. “I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” Pete says. “I think for us as a family, it certainly was devastating initially, but I think through the process and through the years, it has opened us up. One is the compassion for any type of child or any human being who has any type of special needs.” Helping Caelan recover became a full-time job, even though both parents work full-time and are raising Kiera. They took away gluten and casein and the family now eats organic meats, fruits and vegetables. They also did chelation after tests showed Caelan’s body was full of metals. “It’s been long and challenging and rewarding all together. For myself, it puts the world in a different perspective,” Michele says. “You look at life differently and you enjoy the little moments.”

In their words The one thing you would say to other parents with children with special needs Michele: It’s a long and hard road, but don’t ever give up. Pete: Don’t be ashamed of it. Seek out help and talk to other men going through this. It’s something that some men feel sometimes ashamed of or ‘Oh my God, it’s horrific, how am I going to deal with this? How are my guy friends going to look at me?’ My advice is to lean on other dads. Best moment Pete: It has opened my eyes to have so much more compassion for all families that have special needs. Michele: You learn to appreciate the small things in life. When you see progress, enjoy the moment when you reach a goal. ...We get excited about a lot of small things. Toughest moment Pete: Hearing the diagnosis. Michele: We try not to think about those. As a mom, you have this idea of how you are going to raise your child and the things you want them to excel at. ...Then that realization that your dreams you had for her are gone, but I don’t say that anymore. I still have dreams, maybe they are adjusted, but they are not adjusted too much.

ChicagoParent.com |

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A F U L L E D U C AT I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E For students with Learning and Developmental Disabilities and those on the Autism Spectrum

Marklund Day School Marklund Day School is a non-public state-certified school located in Bloomingdale, that provides a highly specialized educational experience for students ages 3-22. Year-round Program Marklund Day School provides a full 5 1/2-hour school day during the regular and summer school programs together providing 12 months of education that promotes a continuous learning momentum.

We Offer the Latest in Technology and Therapies Marklund creates a highly sensory-driven program featuring: • Smart boards and iPads • Computer assisted devices • Physical and occupational therapy • Speech and language therapy

NOW Accepting new students!

• Snoezelen and music therapy • Recreational therapy • Animal therapy • Aquatic therapy, and more.

Making Everyday Life Possible for Individuals with Profound Disabilities

Visit Us for a Tour Contact: Karen Gill, Director of Education 630-307-1882, ext. 3248 or kgill@marklund.org.

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Specıal Parent Summer 2013 CHICAGO

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Dr. Bob Tentler

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MY LIFE

LYNN TRAUTMAN OF LT PHOTO

No more IEPs

This mom is left asking: Who am I now? BY

CARI LEVIN

y son’s final IEP meeting is over. It’s very weird to think about that. Since he was in kindergarten, I have struggled to make sure school went well for him; hours of conversations, hundreds of meetings, reams of documents, overwhelming frustration, etc. Even a due process hearing! And now it’s over? I feel such a strange combination of loss and fear of being too relieved. What am I losing? My purpose? My baby? Both? If I relax and feel too happy about it, something bad will happen. Isn’t that always the way it’s gone? Over the years, there has been confusing, conflicting information. Helpful professionals, hurtful not-so-professionals. Compassionate teachers, dreadful teachers. Social rejection. Fighting to tame the beast called bipolar disorder. The medication odyssey to find the right cocktail. Hospitalization (no one brings you casseroles). Meltdowns, sleepless nights, tears. Fear and isolation. Emotional exhaustion. Longing for the chance to take normalcy for granted. Craving peace. Rage at ignorant

strangers: “He looks normal; must be bad parenting.” Therapy and more therapy. A life-saving therapeutic day school placement in sixth grade. Moments of happiness and joy. The overwhelming love when looking at his sleeping face each night. Opening my eyes each morning and my first thought ... “Oh crap, here we go again.” Never giving up. For so many years protecting my son has entirely defined my purpose in life. I have had to sacrifice myself in ways beyond what typical parents do. The deep and constant worry, hypervigilance. Anger at his disease, anger at him. Quitting my job. Having to parent in ways that didn’t come naturally. Bracing for the next crisis, never really exhaling. Dreading that phone call from the school. Never going out in public without a back-up plan. It is terrifying to think about letting him go out on his own. He won’t always do the right thing. He will be impulsive and socially inappropriate. He might not take his medication regularly. He will make poor choices and bad decisions.

Sometimes he won’t fit in, his feelings will get hurt, and he will be lonely. He might have an accident, get in trouble or worse. I won’t be able to protect him, pave the way or smooth things over. I won’t be there to interpret the world for him or explain who he is to others. And yet, my son is amazing. He is the strongest, most persistent and brave person I know. Life has not been easy for him. He recognizes other people’s pain, and his first impulse is to help. He gets angry about injustice. He is brave enough to speak publicly and without shame about his illness. He has overcome most of his obstacles through hard work and with the support of others.

He is going to college. He wants to get a degree in U.S. Foreign Policy and International Relations. I know he can do it. If he remembers to be himself, people will like him and he will find somebody to love who loves him, too. At the end of the day, I do think we did everything we could for him and more. So who am I now? My son has taught me to be persistent, to pick myself up and try again, and to have the courage to face adversity. And I will always have the privilege of being his mother. Cari Levin is a licensed clinical social worker. Her son, Sam, just graduated from high school.

HOW WE DO IT The best advice that was given to me, at a time for Kylie when autism wasn’t out there like it is now, was to try something new every day. Instead of it being the same old schedule every day, pull something out and insert something new in. It has done wonders for her. … Don’t be afraid to try the new, even though they are not liking it at the time, and eventually you might find they really like it. (Kylie, 21, is an avid hiker and kayaker, something her mom never thought she’d do.)

Just trust in them. Watch what they are doing. Jacob wanted to go into school alone one day and I wasn’t prepared, but I didn’t stop him. I kind of let him go, I didn’t want to hinder him, his self-exploration. Everybody gave me a thumbs-up; it was “OK, good.” I went in the car and cried. As long as they are not hurting themselves, I would let them try it. They are going to be OK.

Marla Murasko, Plymouth, Ind., mom to Jacob, 7

Kathleen Zyall, Bourbonnais

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ORA: 11051807-IRB01 Date IRB Approved: 11/26/2012 Amendment Date: 6/14/2013

Recruitment Call for Research Study

Virtual Environment for Social Information Processing (VESIPTM) Call now to enroll - Testing is ready to begin!

Do you have an 8-12 year old typically-developing child or a child who is on the autism spectrum? Do they like computers? Do they like to participate in research? Under the direction of Dr. Nicole Russo-Ponsaran, researchers at Rush NeuroBehavioral Center are conducting a free study investigating the validity of a new computer-based and game-like socialemotional learning assessment tool. Please see below for study details! How do I get my child enrolled? To learn more and to see if your child qualifies for this research study, please call or email Jason Johnson, B.A., Study Coordinator 847-763-7988 RNBC_Research@rush.edu

Rush NeuroBehavioral Center VESIPTM Study Participation Information

Who is eligible? Typically developing children and children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder • Verbal • Between the ages of 8-12 years old • Average or above average intelligence How long does testing take? 3-4 hours (may be divided into 2 sessions)

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| ChicagoParent.com

What does it include? • Academic and diagnostic measures • Computer-automated task that investigates how your child thinks and acts in social situations • Social reasoning interview • Likability questionnaire about our assessment tool • Parent and teacher completion of questionnaires about how your child does socially

Where does testing take place? • Rush NeuroBehavioral Center (Skokie, IL) • Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, IL) • Satellite Rush University Medical Center offices (Hoffman Estates or Aurora. IL) • If allowed by your child’s school, we may also be able to arrange testing at your child’s school Does it cost anything? Participation is free and participants will receive a $20 gift card!

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MY LIFE

calendar

When dreams for your child become reality despite harsh diagnosis BY

education babies

DIANE TURNER

web extras

ARTWORK BY REBECCA TURNER

e just celebrated my daughter Rebecca’s 29th birthday. I am amazed when I think about what a wonderful, full life she has, and as a result, what it has enabled me to enjoy as well. There are memories of that dark time in the life of our family when the diagnosis of a pervasive developmental delay seemed like the end of anything feeling familiar. She was less than a year old. How could this be happening? None of us, not my husband, my son, nor I, were prepared for the new territory we were thrust into instantly. We felt helpless, as if our world was collapsing. Everything we planned came crashing in. Our hopes and dreams for our baby girl were dashed. Or so we thought. We set out on a path of discovery. We grieved. We were angry and felt isolated. We were disbelieving and refused to accept that she would be defined by her limitations. Through it all, though, we learned that Rebecca is a teacher to all of us. She has an enormous spirit and is a joyful person who will not be denied. I sometimes joke that she must have been royalty in some other life. She is engaging and Getting Ice Cream By The Bus Stop relentlessly insistent that she be treated with respect. She gets nerworks in the community one day vous and has learned to self-soothe. a week. She loves music and has friends. She is safe and happy. She has a voice and a powerful, Life is not without challenges, but clear sense of herself. Rebecca has a sense of purpose, You know when you are headed positive self-esteem and an identity in the right direction because as someone whose life means everything gets easier. Even the something. struggles seem to ease. We didn’t This is what every parent wants feel alone. We found a community for their child, and it confirms that of like-minded families and profesthe vision her father and I had for sionals. We dared to dream and it her was possible beyond anything all paid off. The State Building we might have dreamed. Today, Rebecca lives independently in a home in Glenview Diane Turner is a mom of two and author of Heart with three other young adults. They have staff Wisdom: A Concise Companion for Creating a Life of who assists them when needed. She attends an Possibility. She lives in Glenview. art studio and has become quite an artist. She ChicagoParent.com |

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Where we are now

community

family museums party planning special needs travel Weekend Scoop Treasure Chest

Dedicated Emails and much more! Visit us today.

Online at ChicagoParent.com

Specıal Parent Summer 2013 CHICAGO

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EASTER SEALS DuPAGE AND THE FOX VALLY REGION

REACHING BEYOND

Photo by: Cara Pagels

Your Joy is Our Joy

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Villa Park: 630.620.4433 Naperville: 630.357.9699 Elgin: 847.742.3264

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| ChicagoParent.com

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MY LIFE

Finding acceptance Sometimes a soothing hand is just what you need BY

CLAUDIA PARKER

y first year as a stay-at-home mom was socially awkward. Finding the right chemistry with other moms and toddlers was as difficult as finding a street without potholes on the south side. My youngest daughter is developmentally delayed. Getting her to cooperate during our community programs is exhausting. At times I’ve left in tears. Raised eyebrows and stares left me wanting to run for the hills and never return. Once during our mom and tot class, I actually announced, “Please accept my apology for any disruptions. My daughter is experiencing some delays, but we’re working on it with therapy.” As uncomfortable as that was, it was easier than leaving people to ponder their own suspicions. My awesome therapy team suggested we try the Birth to 3 Program offered through Saint Xavier University. Our first day was disastrous yet beautiful. Things were fine at the beginning. The children were playful and curious about us. The parents were quick to interact and share information. However, 20 minutes in, my daughter signed, “All done!” Staring into her baby brown eyes, I said, “It’s not time to go.” This agitated her. More aggressively, she signed “Eat!” I glanced at the clock. Snack time wasn’t for five minutes. “Almost,” I told her. Frustrated, she rose on her tippy-toes and roared with despair. Finally, five minutes dissolved and I’d gotten her to a cooling point.

When snack time was announced, I led her to sit at the adorable miniature round table. She refused. This sent our cooling period back to a boil. The director intervened. “It’s OK. She can stand and eat.” Whew, I thought. She accepted the snack and chewed happily until I attempted to get her to sit. She became enraged and vomited down my leg, her shoe and the floor. Before I even could react, a mom swiftly wiped up the mess. The director lifted my daughter from my arms to soothe

her and another mom stroked my back while offering words of comfort. I was in awe. There wasn’t an awkward distance between us. We were unified. We were there for our children and we were there for each other. Now, when encountering a new mom, I’m eager to welcome her into the fold. Claudia Parker is a writer and stay-at-home mom of two living in Evergreen Park.

HOW WE DO IT Reach out to find social groups. ... It’s as good for us as it is for her. It’s like a little sitcom, really. Sometimes you can laugh. Everyone has their own problems. It really has helped us cope and find (help) for Cortney.

Brian and Michele Kovack, Evergreen Park

I had to learn to ask for help and to take help. The hardest part was to say I couldn’t do it all myself, I needed to let people help me. That’s the one thing I tell every parent, find your resource and support network and ask. If someone offers, give them a job.

Peg Chaidez, Downers Grove, whose son Owen has arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

At left, one of our first Special Parent cover models. Cristian Richardson is one of 18 featured in a Changing the Face of Beauty show highlighting the work of Michael Canavan Photography.

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Autism Speaks Clinical Trial Network (CTN): Evaluating the role of memantine on memory and motor skills The Autism Assessment, Research & Treatment Services (AARTS) Center is participating in a multi‐site clinical trial evaluating the effects of a medication, memantine (brand name: Namenda) on novel symptom targets including motor skills, memory, and attention. We are recruiting ages 6‐12 with autism spectrum disorder to participate in a 6‐month trial. Study participation includes diagnostic and neuropsychological evaluations, randomization into medication or placebo conditions, and monitoring by a clinical team of psychiatrists and psychologists. For more information about this and other research opportunities in the AARTS program please contact Sarah Youngkin, Research Coordinator, at 312‐942‐5431 or Sarah_Youngkin@rush.edu.

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| ChicagoParent.com

7/3/13 12:23 PM

PLAYTIME

Create a fun day of play with math BY

ELLEN METRICK

arents probably have heard about the importance of developing early reading literacy skills in young children. What parents may not know is that math literacy also needs to be developed early, and toys and play are a great way to do it. Sprinkle lessons in magnitude, numbers, distance, shapes, weights, volume, patterns and relationships into a day of fun. Children of all abilities need to learn these concepts in order to develop life skills. So if you’re wondering what to do when it is rainy and gray, fill the day with math play.

Breakfast of shapes Little learners can have lessons in geometric shapes first thing in the morning with squares of toast or circles of pancakes. Talking about shapes teaches matching, recognition and language. When a pancake is cut across it becomes a half; cut again and it becomes a quarter and fractions come alive with each bite-size portion. Kids can get creative and cut their toast in triangles or even tangrams.

Puzzle play Susan Levine, a leading authority on mathematic development in young children, believes puzzles help advance math skills using spatial skills, rotating and translating shapes and recognizing patterns. One source for puzzles that are appropriate for young children is Melissa & Doug, with products llike li ke the Hand Counting Peg Puzzle and Jumbo Chunky Numbers Puzzle. Many Pu

of the puzzle pieces also have easy-to-grasp knobs, making it simple for children with limited fine motor skills to be successful.

Lunch with weight and volume Kids often are fascinated with scales, and HABA provides just the tool with its Balance Scale. Have children weigh their sandwiches before and after taking a bite or guess if six grapes are heavier than three orange wedges. Kids also can drink their milk or juice from a measuring cup and then gauge how much one gulp lowers the volume. They even can use measuring spoons as utensils to serve the lesson.

Add a dimension Afternoon is a good time to switch to 3D. For inspiring young builders, Ravensburger urger adds a dimension with its 3D puzzles ranging ging from subjects like the Eiffel Tower to thee Pyramids—allowing ng kids to take a tourr of spatial relation-ships. For a fun 3D D brain teaser game,, try Tridio Twist byy Fat Brain Toy Company. y. Visual learnerss will ill love l Educational Insigh Insights’ hts’ Numbers Balance Scale, which hi h makes k numbers colorful and fun and teaches how

they relate and work together. KeeKee the Rocking Monkey by BlueOrange Games is another game where children run their own experiments with weight and balancing using a steady hand and producing lots of laughs. Penguins on Ice by Educational Insights also helps reinforce math, patterning and sums.

Dinner is about counting Researchers have shown that counting real things is more memorable to children than just reciting number sequences and dinner is a clever place to start. Count the carrots on the plate, then the pieces you cut the chicken into. How many times do you chew it, how manyy bites out of a piece of bread? Add them u up and do a tally.

Tak a number Take to bed b You can count Y on cuddles with the plus plush characters from Num NumbersAlive!, developed by a mathematician with a mi mission. The goal is for child children to make friends with n numbers, build a relatio relationship and begin to underst understand their numeric personalities. li Many kids learn to fear math, especially girls, and these characters are a way to make friends early. Children are then encouraged to point out their favorite numbers throughout their day and share stories about them as they begin to realize that numbers really count in their life. Ellen Metrick is director of Industry Relations and Partnerships for the National Lekotek Center and a member of Chicago Special Parent’s advisory board. Lekotek is a leading authority on toys and play for children with disabilities.

ChicagoParent.com |

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| ChicagoParent.com

7/3/13 12:25 PM

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Special garden planted in Chicago T wenty young adults with autism have turned an empty lot in the Illinois Medical District into an urban garden that will teach lessons well beyond the growing season. The Illinois Medical District Commission worked with the Julie and Michael Tracy Family Foundation to create the garden. The foundation provided 48 earth boxes, seedlings, seeds and garden equipment while the commission provided the land, water and labor. “The idea came up to promote community gardens for special populations. Introducing the gardens would be

therapeutic and an opportunity to promote education and vocational skills,” says Warren Ribley, the executive director of the Illinois Medical District Commission. Easter Seals of Metropolitan Chicago and Have Dreams developed a curriculum based around the garden. “The students are learning about community, work ethic and communication,” teacher Marcel Mares says. “It’s an amazing experience.” The students visit the garden two to three days a week to maintain the plants. The food harvested will be used to teach nutrition and lifestyle choices.

Lindsey Riley

THE ARTS TAKING ON INCLUSION

New learning disabilities guide available

Chicago theaters, museums taking bigger steps for those with special needs

Learning about your child’s learning disabilities can be a challenge, especially for parents trying to gather enough facts to hold a conversation about the disability. The National Center for Learning Disabilities has launched a free new online tool, the LD Navigator, that can help. The up-to-date information is organized into six main topics, ranging from identifying symptoms, stages at each age and laws pertaining to special education. For information, visit ld.org/ldnavigator.

an live theater be made accessible for a blind theatergoer? The answer is yes. Theaters like Victory Gardens and the Raven Theatre now offer “touch tours” before some performances for those with vision impairments. Patrons can walk around, touching the set and meeting the actors to hear their voices and better follow the performance. Others, like Chicago Children’s Theatre, offer special shows just for children with autism and sensory issues. The Chicago Children’s Museum is among a growing number of area museums, including KidsWorks, Notebaert Nature Museum, DuPage Children’s Museum and Kohl Children’s Museum, taking steps to include children with a wide range of abilities. “We always have a staff member who may be verbally describing the exhibit. We have signs that include not only words, but also pictures because everyone learns differently. Everything can be touched,” says Lynn Johnson, manager of guest access and inclusion

Courtesy of Access Living: Counter Balance

A dancer performing at Access Living’s “Counter Balance.”

at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Despite the efforts, Carrie Sandahl, associate professor in the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago, says the complications of universal accessibility can start in a child’s earliest years. “All the way from kindergarten through higher education, there are teachers who don’t really know how to accommodate students with disabilities in teaching the arts.”

ChicagoParent.com |

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Lindsey Peterson

Specıal Parent Summer 2013 CHICAGO

7/3/13 12:25 PM

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Teen battles chronic pain

hen Angela Henricks walked across the stage at her high school graduation, she started a new chapter of her life: Walking painfree. She had spent high school in chronic pain after landing awkwardly while running the hurdles during track practice her freshman year. Despite physical therapy, acupuncture, multiple spinal injections and chiropractic care, the pain got worse. Eventually she couldn’t walk without crutches. “I was getting so frustrated from the pain,” she says. “I would just go to school, come

home and put my leg up. I had no life at all.” Out of options, Angela’s doctor recommended a spinal cord stimulation device called the Precision Spectra. The device is implanted and uses electrical signals to mask and reduce pain. Angela says she had lost hope but was willing to try anything. Immediately after the device was implanted, she could walk without assistance. “It isn’t a cure, but my leg is so much better than it was before,” she says. “It saved my life.”

Lindsey Riley

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| ChicagoParent.com

7/3/13 2:56 PM

Protecting tomorrow means planning today Help available to advise parents on future options

ROBIN CARLASCIO

hen 4-year-old Maggie Loeffel suffered permanent brain damage due to uncontrolled epileptic seizures, Mary Jane and Maurice Loeffel were determined to provide the best life possible for their daughter and her siblings while they searched for a cure. Seventeen years later and with their medical options exhausted, the Cary couple

began looking for housing and employment for Maggie that would provide as much independence as possible in the sheltered setting she requires. The Loeffels are one of more than 1 million American families seeking lifelong care options for a child with special needs who will, in all likelihood, outlive them. In Illinois alone, there are an estimated 22,000 adult-aged children on waiting lists for an available placement in a group home or structured campus, such as Chicago’s

Misericordia. It is a list that continues to grow as the numbers of adult children in need expands and adults with disabilities live longer, more productive lives. No matter how zealous the efforts, none of the state’s residential placement communities can keep pace with demand. The turnover rate for residential beds is almost nil. Nearly 70 of Misericordia’s 610 residents are 50 or older. Finding a suitable home is a daunting endeavor. ChicagoParent.com |

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Teri Bodeman, director of Family Advocacy Services at Protected Tomorrows, an advocacy firm based in Lincolnshire, says it is only one piece of an intricate puzzle that needs to be worked on and massaged to create a plan to ensure the highest quality of life possible.

Mapping successful outcomes “We tell our families it is never too early—or too late—to begin planning for a future for their child or sibling who has disabilities,” says Bodeman, a career social worker who opted into helping special families when her sister adopted a child from China who is disabled. “There is no one plan that works for everyone. We have a wealth of resources we share with families as we discuss all that goes into a full and rewarding life while creating a structure that provides the greatest financial security, independence and quality living for that individual.” With the state of Illinois in dire financial straits and money for programming for the disabled stagnant or in decline, money certainly is part of the picture. Mary Anne Ehlert, president of Protected Tomorrows, argues it is simply a component of all that needs to be considered. “I had spent 20 years in banking and decided I wanted to change directions, working to help families create a financial plan for their child,” Ehlert

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| ChicagoParent.com

7/3/13 12:27 PM

First steps and beyond Sometimes, taking a first step in a complex process is the hardest. Cara Long, a member of the Special Parent Advisory Board and a parent advocate at Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley, struggles with taking that first step with her daughter Maggie, 17. “I know I should be thinking about getting her on a waiting list at Misericordia but, if they called tomorrow, I know just how hard it would be to let her go,” Long says. “It’s one of those struggles all of us who have children with special needs face. We want the best for them. We know that with all of the medical advances, there is a great opportunity for our children to live full, long lives and it’s our jobs to make that possible. “It’s just not easy.” One of the first steps parents need to take well before their child’s 22nd birthday is to have their child evaluated and determined to be a candidate for Developmentally Disabled Care and qualified for Social Security. Consider creating a discretionary Special Needs Trust or Supplemental Payback Trust to be spent on supplemental care. Children receiving

government assistance may have no more than $2,000 in their names. All other revenues need to be protected in a trust that is administered by another family member or third party. A misstep in the estate plan can derail all other planning. As your child comes of age, parents need to decide if they will play an ongoing role in their child’s legal life as the power of attorney or guardian. Doing nothing sets you up for los ing any rights regarding healthcare decisions in case of an emergency. Powers of attorney can be revoked at any time by the child. Guardianship provides the greatest security to protect against anyone taking advantage of your child. Create a list of close family or friends who could step in to help if you aren’t able. Protecting your child with special needs also must be balanced against your plans to provide assets to your other heirs. Create a coordinated plan that includes other possible inheritances that may be designated to your family and how they will be divvied among family members and where they will be protected for your child with special needs.

says. “At the time, I had an adult sister with cerebral palsy and had been worried about her because my parents had done no planning for the time when they wouldn’t be around. They assumed the government would take care of her when they no longer could.” Ehlert easily was able to unravel the complexities of trusts and financial planning for a child with special needs and tap into precious—albeit limited—state and federal programs. She soon learned that wasn’t enough. “Families need more than financial resources. They need to figure out where this child should live and what a quality life should consist of,” she says. “The first thing every parent tells me is that they want their child to be happy. That’s natural. It’s normal. What we do is help them distill what that means for their child—in terms of recreation, employment, if that’s possible, interacting with others and having friends. We

www.theapraxiaconnection.org The Apraxia Connection is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization based in La Grange Park, IL dedicated to providing local resources to parents, educators and therapists affected by apraxia and related disorders.

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work with one family at a time to build a plan for comprehensive care and it doesn’t matter if they have $50 million or 50 cents, we help them.”

Creating next steps Liz and Andy Johnson turned to Protected Tomorrows a year ago at the advice of their son’s school-appointed social worker. Now 22, Caleb, who has learning disabilities accompanied by Tourette syndrome, no longer qualifies for Illinois Public Schools. With the assistance of Protected Tomorrows, the Wheaton couple have a plan to help fund the extras Caleb is going to need to live a more full, independent life. The Johnsons’ Special Needs Trust will supplement what is now $710 per month in Social Security payments and any additional money Caleb will be able to earn at a job. “We were clueless and totally

Protected tomorrows offers online help The Lincolnshire based company, Protected Tomorrows, created to assist families of children with disabilities, has added a location in England. In addition, the company has a subscription online resource to help families who live beyond easy commuting distance. The cost, which includes a series of webinars and assistance, is $29 a year. There are eight training webinars: What is a future care plan Creating the vision of the future—explore the possibilities

ill-equipped about what to do next—when Caleb would no longer be attending school,” Johnson says. On tap for Caleb is a brighter future, with a structure that provides for government assistance in helping him find employment and a job coach for up to 90 days to ease the transition. “We updated our will and

Special Needs Trust primer Government benefits primer Preparing for future caregivers Apply for government benefits—a how to guide Families helping families—join the conversation Subscribers to the web service may also access a community forum where they can view, post and reply to questions. For more information, call (847) 522 8086 or visit protectedtomorrows.com.

have become his guardians. That’s a step many parents take much sooner than we did but we had delayed, hoping Caleb would be able to become more independent. He hasn’t and we all agreed we needed to do what we can to ensure his future,” she says. “At the same time, we created a Special Needs Trust that will be

administered by a third party so that our other children will not have that responsibility. We want them involved in Caleb’s life. At the same time, we want them to be able to live their lives. We have put steps in place that can help Caleb become more independent, eventually living on his own in a sheltered setting.” The Johnsons had no illusions

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Specıal Parent Summer 2013 CHICAGO

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| ChicagoParent.com

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that the process would be simple— and it wasn’t. Still, with the nudging and assistance of Kirsten Izatt, an attorney who specializes in assisting members of the special needs community, and the staff at Protected Tomorrows, the Johnsons stayed on track and finished the process in a little less than a year.

Envisioning the possible

Ehlert believes in helping parents create a vision for their children—one that often is difficult, if not impossible for them to consider while they struggle to provide for the day-to-day needs of the child, other siblings and family. “Helping with the details is an important part of our job, as is knowing the programs that are available and helping access them,” she says. “What we do first, though, is help parents see the possibilities their child’s future can hold.” One such family is a client with a child with Down syndrome who has a major role in an upcoming film. “When I shared that with another parent, who has a child with Down syndrome, he stopped,” she says. “He had never imagined his daughter could have a life so full of possibilities.” “We ask our families: ‘What is the best thing that can happen for your child’s future?’ We advise them to envision the highest functioning life for their child and work with us to make that happen.” Ehlert is the first to acknowledge that the state’s dwindling resources, coupled with the increasing demand for residential services, makes the task more challenging. “Sometimes, there is no housing program a family can afford.

Volunteer Advocacy Training Project Presented By

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Other times, it is simply that a child needs so many services that options are limited,” she says. “Somewhere out there, though, is a program that will work and we work to find it.”

Maggie’s next steps Maggie Loeffel has been a resident of Misericordia for the last five years. Her parents knew it was the best option for their daughter and worked to make it happen, but readily acknowledge it was the toughest decision they ever had to make. Because their Northwest suburban community didn’t have a workshop that could accommodate Maggie’s ongoing issues with uncontrolled seizures, Mary Jane began the transition by moving with Maggie to Chicago, where she had access to a day program at Misericordia while the family waited for a permanent placement. “There is no place like Misericordia. It truly is an amazing place,” she says. “She’s involved and has a life there with people her own age. She’s definitely more independent. I still wish she was living here with us. I know in my heart though, that this transition would have been so much more difficult for her if she was 40 and we died and she would have to go live in a new place. This way, she gets to visit on weekends and we go there. “This isn’t like sending a child off to college, though. It’s a hard decision for any parent to make.”

The Volunteer Advocacy Training Project is a training program for individuals who are willing to become advocates for families as they navigate their way through the world of special education. Requirements: ● Willing to attend all 6 sessions ● Willing to shadow an advocate at an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting ● Willing to advocate for a minimum of four families of children with disabilities Training will cover: ● Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ● State law (Part 226) ● Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ● Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ● Advocacy All trainings and materials are FREE. The Volunteer Advocacy Training Project is six sessions long and is limited to 20 committed participants. Participants must have access to a computer with internet for the purposes of completing homework. The training will begin in the fall of 2013 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dates are: Oct. 5th, Oct. 19th, Nov. 2nd, Nov. 16th, Nov. 30th, Dec 7th To complete an application online visit www.frcd.org/news/vatp. For more information contact Paula Wills at paula.wills@frcd.org or call 312-939-3513. Deadline for application submission is Friday, September 20, 2013 at 5 p.m.

This project is funded through the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs ChicagoParent.com |

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T:7”

YOU THINK SOMETHING MAY BE WRONG. THE ANSWER IS NOT STARING YOU IN THE FACE. Avoiding eye contact is one early sign of autism. Learn the others today at autismspeaks.org/signs. Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference.

T:10” T:10”

© 2013 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.

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Photos by LuLu Photography

‘Please don’t feel sorry for us’ Chicago parents on mission to let others fall in love with their little girl, too BY

JERRY DAVICH

hris and Kerry Lynch were blindsided by the “5 p.m. news” on Dec. 8, 2011. Not by a TV anchorman, but by a doctor’s diagnosis of their daughter’s odd and curious condition. It came nine long and torturous hours after she was born by Cesarean section with a breech birth. “Your daughter has Apert syndrome,” a geneticist finally told the first-time parents. Apert syndrome? Their minds raced. Their hearts sank. They

searched the Internet for more answers about their new bundle of question marks, who they named Mary Catherine. “Her face looked kind of scrunched up, but I didn’t know the complexities involved at that point,” recalls Chris, a certified public accountant. Apert syndrome is a craniofacial condition affecting the head, feet, and hands; a spontaneous genetic mutation that occurs at conception. It’s very rare and occurs in only 1 in 120,000 to 200,000 live births each year in the U.S., according to conflicting studies.

It’s so rare that the couple heard different pronunciations of it by doctors, who appeared baffled by its characteristics: fusion of the fingers and toes, premature fusion of cranial sutures, a sunken mid-face, with physical and cognitive development impairment. “There were no warning signs at all during the pregnancy,” says Kerry, a registered nurse. “But we were initially told to expect anywhere from 20 to 60 surgeries over her lifetime. Plus, countless therapy sessions— physical, occupational, speech,

developmental—to alleviate expected impairments.”

Rare diagnosis Chris and Kerry, who are both 32 and married for three years, quickly learned more about the syndrome, named for the French physician who first described it in 1906. A child’s skull is made up of several “plates” that remain loosely connected to one another, gradually growing together to form an adult skull. But a child’s skull with Apert

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has a premature fusion of these plates, restricting brain growth and causing increased pressure in the brain as it grows. It’s called craniosynostosis. “The middle part of her face will never grow and develop properly, which will lead to many other severe craniofacial issues and require numerous intensive surgeries,” Kerry says. Like most parents of children with special needs, Chris and Kerry have quickly become proficient about such complex medical jargon. They also found an internationally-renowned physician who has treated roughly 150 children with Apert, nearly double that of any other doctor or practice in the world. “The prognosis for Apert syndrome in part depends upon how the condition is treated, especially in the first few years of life when development is so critical,” says Dr. Jeffrey Fearon, whose Craniofacial Center practice is located in Dallas, Texas (thecraniofacialcenter.com). At 18 months old, Mary

Cate has undergone four major and also a quarterback to lead surgeries on her hands, feet and the team,” Chris says. “Dr. skull. But Fearon believes she Fearon is our quarterback.” may need 10 more operations by the end of her teenage years, a relatively low number compared to other Apert children. Life expectancy predictions The couple, however, has for kids with Apert are limited installed their own shotgun because no one specifically has offense, of sorts, to spread followed children with this conawareness about their daughter dition for that long, Fearon says. and Apert syndrome. In fact, “I would say that they started writing their (life expectancy) has silver-lining playbook been shorter than it just minutes after Mary should be, but with Cate’s diagnosis. the right care, life Watch a short “Please don’t feel expectancy should sorry for us. We’re video be the same as for proud of Mary Cate, of Mary Cate those without the ChicagoParent.com we love her, and we’ll syndrome,” he says. be fine,” they wrote in Chris and Kerry rely a mass email to family and on Fearon and his staff to help friends. manage their select team of In the days after, Kerry physicians, therapists and other started a blog and website health professionals located in (mymarycate.org) to educate the Chicago area. everyone about Apert syndrome. “There are so many things “In the short time she has going on directly from this been here, Mary Cate has taught syndrome that you need a team us more about courage and to handle all her medical needs, love than we have ever known,”

Awareness important to family

Kerry wrote. “She is a calm and easygoing presence in our home. She could not be more loved.” This past Mother’s Day, Kerry posted: “When I look back at my post from Mother’s Day 2012, I am sometimes amazed that we are still standing... and smiling. It has been a whirlwind of a year, and at points I feel like we have been to hell and back.” “There have been days that my heart has been broken into a million pieces and I have laid on the floor and cried right along with Mary Cate,” she wrote. “There have been days when she has woken up with a smile brighter than the sun, and hugged me so tightly that I thought I would burst!” Because of the blog and website, the couple has received more than a dozen queries from new parents of Apert children seeking the same answers the Lynches once sought. They also routinely take Mary Cate into the world, not only to get her familiar with other people but to get people familiar with her.

We take the fear out of dentistry for your child. • Shots and drilling are no longer necessary • Computer x-rays reduce your child’s exposure to radiation • We use smaller chairs and instruments • We welcome patients with special needs • Pleasant, comfortable surroundings

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

16345 S. Harlem • Tinley Park

708-633-8700 • www.kidsdds.net

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“Mary Cate has taught us more about courage and love than we have ever known.” KERRY LYNCH, MOM “I took Mary Cate to the park yesterday and the kids just flocked to her,” Chris says, proudly showing off a cellphone photo. “They asked questions about her looks, but then they moved on and just played with her.” “We are determined to spread awareness. Educate, educate, educate,” says Kerry, who is pregnant with the family’s second child. The family’s educational campaign includes visiting several schools around their Beverly neighborhood to chat with students, host fundraisers for medical bills and share Mary Cate’s unique story. “My Mary Cate is a wellknown organization in our neighborhood and most of the students knew of Mary Cate and her condition before our fundraiser,” says Kristin Avram, a teacher and student council moderator at Christ the King Catholic School. The school hosted a “Dress Down for Mary Cate” day and invited the family to meet with

every class. “The students were extremely receptive to Mary Cate,” Avram says. “This fundraiser gave them an opportunity to meet her and ask any questions that children frequently have when they are greeted with someone who is different from them.” “Mary Cate smiled and giggled the whole time. She stole the hearts of hundreds of students,” Avram adds. This is all part of the Lynches’ game plan, to educate the world about Apert syndrome while Mary Cate steals the heart of everyone she meets. “We want the world to know about our beautiful, wonderful daughter,” Kerry says as Mary Cate shows off by scampering across the living room floor into her mother’s arms. Just like every other parent on the planet. Jerry Davich is a dad and a Chicago area writer who contributes regularly to Chicago Special Parent and Chicago Parent.

Photo by Jade Albert

Learn more at

autismspeaks.org/signs Some signs to look for:

No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months

No babbling by 12 months

© 2012 Autism Speaks Inc. "Autism Speaks" and "It's time to listen" & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.

ChicagoParent.com |

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No words by 16 months

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“It was the day of my l best ife.” –Ra

MUSEUM ’S N E R D L I H CHICAGO C

l l A r o F y Pla

’Saan,

Play For All participant

We invite children and families with disabilities to experience Chicago Children’s Museum’s playful, multisensory exhibits and activities—one hour before the museum opens to the public.

THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 9 AM Aug. 10 • Sept. 14 • Oct. 12 • Nov. 9 • Dec. 14 Jan 11 • Feb. 8 • March 8

FREE* for the first 100 registrants! REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

To register or request accommodations, please call (312) 321-6551. Or register online at

ChicagoChildrensMuseum.eventbrite.com *Limit 6 per family

org ChicagoChildrensMuseum.00 -10 AT NAVY PIE R • (312) 527 Open Daily: 10 am–5 pm

In your pocket. On the go. We’re with you.

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“Children with special needs need someone to help teach them the steps they need to stand up for themselves.” REBECCA KIEFFER

Therapist and licensed clinical social worker at North Shore Pediatric Therapy

Battling

bullying Ways to help your child be more resilient BY LINDSEY RILEY

t’s a given that parents will always worry about their kids and try to do what it takes to keep them safe. But when it comes to the bullying a child with special needs may face, it’s hard for parents to know how to help.

And, unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for children with special needs to be the target of bullies. Statistics from AbilityPath.org’s Walk a Mile in Their Shoes report show that children with special needs are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their peers. Kathy Ruffulo, vice president of children’s services at Aspire Children’s Services, believes bullies are something on every parent’s radar. She says education and building a child’s selfesteem can help protect them from getting emotionally injured by bullying.

“We have one family that we work with here with a daughter in a wheelchair. They went into the school and talked to the kids in the classroom about why she’s in the chair, how she’s not different from them and how they can help her get around,” she says. “Sometimes kids just make fun because they don’t know any different. If you can help typically developing kids understand a little bit of what is going on with kids with special needs, they can develop some empathy for them.” What else can parents do? Rebecca Kieffer, a therapist

and licensed clinical social worker at North Shore Pediatric Therapy, says the best way for parents to help their children is to be observant and aware of what’s going on all the time. “One thing I think that parents definitely need to do is let their children know that this is not their fault, that they’re not alone and don’t have to face this alone,” she says. It’s important to talk about it. Asking specific questions and having regular conversations with your child, as well as their educators, will help you be aware of what is going on.

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Role-playing social stories and working on problem-solving skills are just a few ways parents can help their child with bullies, but Kieffer also suggests writing scripts and memorizing acceptable responses. “I feel like children, especially with autism and Asperger’s, already have difficulty with social interaction as it is. They don’t have the skills to really recognize bullying and stand up for themselves,” she says. “Children with special needs need someone to help teach them the steps they need to stand up for themselves.” Ruffulo, who has a nephew on the autism spectrum who has been bullied, says that building a safe support system is key. For her, one of the biggest pieces is to have the child feel comfortable talking about their situation. “When you think about what parents want for their kids, they want their kid to be happy. They want them to be safe and have friends. You hope that when you send your kids to school that they are going to be in a safe atmosphere and that doesn’t always happen,” she says. “Keeping the lines of

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communication open and giving them advice on how to handle the situation is essential, as well as encouraging them to not get into a power struggle with the bully.” Online bullying is on the rise and children with special needs aren’t immune to the cyber abuse. With so many children using technology, kids with special needs have joined the online community to fit in. While iPhones and Facebook can help them create social connections, it also makes them vulnerable to negative comments, violent pictures and cyber harassment. “Sometimes, special needs children are more at risk for this because they don’t understand what is going on,” Kieffer says. “I think cyber bullying is going to continue to increase because kids are getting more and more cruel. It is a big concern.” Kieffer encourages parents to monitor their child’s online accounts regularly and to be involved with the same online communities as their children. Peer mentors groups can be helpful in teaching resiliency by giving kids role models, Kieffer says. Not only do they encourage

kids to be active and communicate, but such groups can help their self-confidence. “Being involved with these groups helps the children feel like they can handle situations that are more challenging,” she says. Ruffulo suggests parents caught up in bullying look for anti-bullying prevention groups at school or in the community.

She says meeting other special needs families and swapping ideas and tips helps. Kieffer encourages parents to keep their emotions in check. Overreacting isn’t necessary and parents need to “model proper behavior and support their child,” she says. Lindsey Riley is an intern at Chicago Parent.

Tip to try The friendship world can be tricky to navigate. “Children want to fit in; they want to be part of a group,” says Dr. Jennifer Reesman, director of DREAM (Deafness Related Evaluations and More) Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. “Often I hear of situations where the child will go along with a group that is really making fun of him, because he doesn’t realize the difference.” Friends and family members often tease one another good naturedly. The difference between friendly and unfriendly teasing has to do with the cues that surround the words—all those social cues that children with special needs often have a difficult time understanding. Role play different scenarios with your child—say phrases to them in a friendly voice and a mean voice—and have them distinguish between the two. Then have them practice what they could do in response.

Krystyann Krywko

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is your special needs resource Chicago Parent covers special needs topics all year round. You can also find these supplemental magazines and special sections. July

Chicago Special Parent Summer

September

Chicago Parent Special Needs editorial features

February Chicago Special Parent Spring

May

Chicago Parent Special Needs editorial features

For more information, visit ChicagoParent.com

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PARENTS IN THE KNOW

Dana Garcia enjoys playing with her daughter Kelsi.

The good things Moms find happiness in raising their children with special needs

BY GILLIAN MARCHENKO

hicago mom Dana Garcia loves taking her daughter Kelsi on errands around town. “Everyone loves her,” Garcia says. “Kelsi changes the stereotypes of Down syndrome. It’s hard to describe, but there is a light that shines within her.” As special needs parents, a lot of times our minds get stuck on the difficult parts of raising differently abled kids. We focus on doctor appointments, therapy goals and Individualized Education Plans. We worry about socialization at school. Dietary or sensory restrictions make a trip to the grocery store, if we actually find food our kids can and will eat, morph into an epic conquest. With such busy lives, it’s easy to forget about the good things.

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But here’s the catch. Like Garcia points out, and as we parents know, regardless of the disability or delay, there are good things about parenting kids with special needs. Great things, in fact. Sometimes we just have to force ourselves to slow down a little in order to notice.

Our child’s growth When asked, several parents jumped at the chance to share good things about parenting their kids. “When I see my daughter working on a computer in her kindergarten class, I realize how much she knows that I don’t see every day. It lightens my heart,” says Bonnie Goodwin, mom to 7-year-old Ella, who has Down syndrome. “My son AJ learned to swing this week,

cross the midline with his arms while juggling a ball, and do every-other foot on the stairs. We had an awesome week,” Marcie Pikelsimer gushes. “If any of us worked as hard as my child has to get to this point in his life we would all be rock stars with multiple Ph.D.s and a few Nobel Peace Prize awards under our belts,” says RaeAnn Collins about her son Sam, who has multiple disabilities. “Our kids should be celebrated for the incredible amount of effort they put forth each day.” It’s true. Regardless of how big or small the gain, the point is that our kids are growing. Each milestone is worthy of celebration.

Our growth as parents Other parents point out how their children with special needs bring out the good in them.

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“I’m not sure I can pinpoint a specific moment, but when Kelsi was around 2 years old and the fog had lifted from medical complications, I had a realization,” Garcia says. “I knew how much better of a person, mother, and friend I was going to be because of this little girl.” Anne Wilson, mom to Sean who is 11 and has autism, ADHD, OCD, and is non-verbal, understands the lessons her son teaches her as well. “Sean makes me think differently about how things work. When I have to figure out how to

explain something to him, it gives me more compassion for everyone and helps me to remember not to judge others.” Adds mom Ann Bremer, whose 10-year-old son John has Down syndrome and has survived leukemia: “Every day I’m reminded of what’s really important, and it isn’t what car I drive or what clothes I wear or how much money I have. It’s living life to the fullest regardless of limitations. It’s celebrating long-worked-for achievements.”

Other growth Are the good things about parenting kids with special needs limited to the growth of the child and parent? A resounding no, the parents say. They point to other good things, like camaraderie and friendship found in the ‘special needs club,’ the ways our children cause others around them to grow simply by being themselves, and the encouragement, help and friendship provided by

organizations, doctors, extended family, and friends who choose to walk the path of special needs along with us. Kids with special needs change stereotypes every day. “There is never a time that we are walking into a store, restaurant, church, school, anywhere, that her sweet ‘Hi’ doesn’t make someone smile,” says Sarah Alzamora about her 5-year-old daughter, Maria. Not only do parents get to change and grow, but we are allowed the privilege of seeing that change and growth in people around us because of our kids. “I love the club of parents you are inducted into when you have a child with special needs. Sometimes, you don’t even have to exchange words. It’s just the smile that can remind you that you are not in it alone. And that’s what you need when it’s been a tough morning,” says mom Michelle Aventajado. Jennifer Doloski is thankful for the help and care her son and family receive. Her son, Joshua,

is 7 and has Bruck Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that combines features of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Arthrogryposis and severe scoliosis. “If not for Joshua I would not know the awesomeness that is Shriners Chicago. They are an amazing staff. It feels like visiting family when we are there. They totally uplift and validate and encourage me as a parent of a child with special needs,” says Doloski. Special needs parenting is work. It requires advocacy, patience, and a smartphone that can hold countless phone numbers. But here’s the fun stuff: It also provides opportunity for growth as individuals, families and communities, and most always, gives an overabundance of love. “Often times, when it comes to our kids, I think we are the lucky ones,” Garcia says, smiling. Gillian Marchenko is a Chicago mom of four, two of whom have Down syndrome.

Weekly Newsletters Be in the know about family events, coupons and great giveaways! Find us on Facebook Join the Twitter party! Follow us @ChicagoParent

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Resources Adaptive Services, ADD/ADHD, Advocacy, Autism Spectrum Disorders . . . . . . . 36 Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hearing Impaired. . . . . . . . 37 Diabetes, Disabilities Organizations, Down Syndrome. . 38 Dyslexia, Education . . . . . . . 40 Epilepsy, Equine Therapy, General . . . . . . . . 42 Recreation. . . . . . . 45 Support . . . . . . . . 47 Therapy . . . . . . . . 48 Vocational Training/ Programs . . . . . . . 53

Find more information online

he resources you will find here are just an excerpt of the hundreds of searchable resources you will find online at ChicagoParent.com. If you are a resource provider and your services are not listed online, email Liz DeCarlo at ldecarlo@chicagoparent.com with your information or submit your information at www.chicagoparent.com/resources/ resource-submission-form.

ADAPTIVE SERVICES Extended Home Living Services 210 W. Campus Drive Suite B, Arlington Heights (847) 215-9490 ehls.com

Specializes in in-home elevators, wheelchair, stair- and ceilingmounted patient lifts, ramps and accessible bathroom remodeling.

Kids Equipment Network P.O. Box 121, Forest Park (630) 766-0505 ext. 8 tken.org

Helps provide new and refurbished equipment to children with special needs who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford it.

MobilityWorks Locations in Plainfield, Skokie and Villa Park (888) 378-9166 mobilityworks.com

Provides wheelchair vans and adaptive equipment to the disabled community, including sales, mechanical service, rental vans and mobile consulting.

RampNOW

Rents, sells and installs lifts and ramps that assist individuals with mobility issues. |

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Therapy for children, adults and families with autism spectrum and anxiety disorders.

Autism Behavioral Therapies Illinois and Wisconsin (224) 554-9634 autismbehavioraltherapies. com

ABA therapy provided in homes, pools and gymnastics facilities.

2225 Tanglewood Drive Aurora (630) 892-7267 rampnow.com

Oak Park (847) 338-2525 autismanxiety.net

ADD/ADHD

evanstoncase.org

Support group for families with members who have ADHD. Meetings are open to the public and are the third Monday of the month at The Claremont Rehab and Assisted Living Center, 150 Weiland Road, Buffalo Grove. Visit website before going.

Special education advocacy, education and support organization. Assists parents in understanding the IEP process and their rights under IDEA. Provides support and education to parents of children with special needs through the CASE Phone Line and the Parent Connections program. Parent Connections is a monthly meeting offering speakers on special needs topics.

Northern Illinois Satellite of CHADD

Protected Tomorrows Inc.

Volo, (224) 636-3742 meetup.com/CHADDNorthern-Illinois

LifeCare Center 103 Schelter Road Lincolnshire (847) 522-8086 protectedtomorrows.com

Lincolnshire Area CHADD 940 Waveland Road Lake Forest (847) 295-5183 chadd.net/978

Free monthly meetings are for anyone living with ADHD and/ or caregivers, spouses/ partners, educators and professionals. Locations vary; check meetup site for information.

ADVOCACY A New Ray of Hope 435 Pennsylvania Ave. #146, Glen Ellyn (630) 260-3780 anewrayofhope.com

Educational and health advocate.

Evanston Citizens for Appropriate Special Education 1609 Sherman Ave. Suite 207, Evanston (847) 556-8676

Staff helps create future care plans, which address the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities or cognitive and neurological diseases in the areas of education, residential, financial, legal, health care, government benefits, employment and recreation.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS Autism & Anxiety Consultants 1101 Lake St., Suite 405B

Autism Home Support Services 85 Revere Drive, Suite AA Northbrook (847) 564-0822 autismhomesupport.com

In-home customized care from respite to behavior modification for children with autism and related disorders.

Autism Society of Illinois 2200 S. Main St. Suite 205, Lombard (888) 691-1270 (hotline) autismillinois.org

Information and referral to help find family support groups, links to providers/services in Illinois, legislative voice, public awareness, special education advocacy and first responder training.

Autism SpeaksChicagoland Chapter 2700 S. River Road Suite 304, Des Plaines (224) 567-8573 autismspeaks.org

Nonprofit organization dedicated to awareness, funding, research and advocacy for autism. Provides free services for families.

Chicagoland Autism Connection 1803 W. 95th St., #268 Chicago (773) 329-0375 chicagoautism.org

Meets the third Saturday of each month September-June with the exception of

December. Meetings are 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Easter Seals School and Center for Autism, 1939 W. 13th St., Chicago. Free respite care offered during the meeting for children with autism. Social and recreational clubs offered for those with ASD, ages 13-young adult and 5-12.

Easter Seals Autism Diagnostic Clinic and Autism Services-DuPage and the Fox Valley Region 830 S. Addison Ave. Villa Park (630) 620-4433 eastersealsdfvr.org

Provides a comprehensive evaluation to determine the presence of an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disability. Easter Seals also offers a variety of services that address the specific strengths and challenges of children with autism.

Easter Seals Autism ProgramsJoliet 212 Barney Drive, Joliet (815) 725-2194 joliet.easterseals.com

Offers programs for families that have children with autism spectrum disorders including pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy. Also has a medical diagnostic clinic, social skills groups, sibling recreational workshops, family special recreation nights, inclusive birth to 4 daycare, mental health therapy, educational materials and a parent support group available.

Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research 1939 W. 13th St., Suite 300 Chicago

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(312) 491-4110 eastersealschicago.org eastersealsandautism.com

Campus combines educational, therapeutic research, training, school-to-work transition and adult vocational services. Interior features include special acoustic finishes, lighting fixtures and observation rooms to help reduce distractions and promote learning. Serves clients ages 3 to 22.

Have Dreams 515 Busse Highway Suite 150, Park Ridge (847) 685-0250 2020 Dempster St. Evanston (847) 905-0702 havedreams.org

Offers programs for children age 3 through young adult including preschool, afterschool activities, sports, Special Olympics, individual therapy, support for families and social buddies.

needs foster care and adoption services. The ChildBridge Center for Education provides services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as students with severe and profound needs on the autism spectrum. Provides employment services and training, horticulture, art and residential services for young adults. Also provides recreation, medical and dental services for all ages.

Little Friends Inc. 140 N. Wright St. Naperville (630) 355-6533 littlefriendsinc.org

Operates three schools, vocational training programs, community-based residential services and the Little Friends Center for Autism.

Helping Hand Center

PACTT Learning Center

9649 W. 55th St. Countryside (708) 352-3580 hhcenter.org

7101 N. Greenview Ave. Chicago (773) 338-9102 pactt.org

Therapeutic day school for children with autism, ages 3-21. Pediatric outpatient clinic, for children age birth-21, provides occupational, physical, speech and language, and music therapy.

Educational, residential, vocational and consultant services for people with autism and their families. The therapeutic day school focuses on academics, independent living, communication and social interaction for students ages 3-21. Also operates two group homes for children and two adult homes that focus on independent life skills and community integration.

Little City Foundation ChildBridge Services 700 N. Sacramento Blvd. Suite 201, Chicago (773) 265-1671 1760 W. Algonquin Road Palatine (847) 358-5510 littlecity.org/childbridge

Provides services for children 21 and under with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, including in-home personal and family supports, clinical and behavior intervention, 24/7 residential services, therapeutic art programs and special

Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays Garfield Community Center 10 S. Kedzie, Room 202 Chicago (312) 746-5447

Free resources, referrals and monthly training.

Spectrum Support 1575 W. Lake Shore Drive Woodstock

Sky High Sports, see page 47 (815) 337-7570 spectrumsupportllc.com

Family-oriented autism support center. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, DAN biomedical, chiropractic therapy and tutoring. Support, education and social groups for kids and their families.

BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired 1850 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago (312) 666-1331 chicagolighthouse.org

Provides education, clinical, vocational and rehabilitation services for children, youth and adults who are blind or visually impaired, including deaf-blind and multidisabled. The Lighthouse offers a school for

children with multidisabilities, a Birth to Three Early Intervention Program for infants and families, a blended preschool with children who are blind or visually impaired and those who are sighted, the Sandy and Rick Forsythe Center for Comprehensive Vision Care, and a retail store with an extensive supply of adaptive technology.

The Chicago Lighthouse North 222 Waukegan Road Glenview (847) 510-6200 chicagolighthouse.org/north

Vision Rehabilitation Center for residents of the northern suburbs. Houses a Birth to Three Early Intervention Program for infants and families, a vision care clinic offering optometry, psychological counseling and occupational therapy services, a Tools for Living retail store and enrichment programs

for children including sensory playgroups and Mom & Tots programs.

The Hadley School for the Blind 700 Elm St., Winnetka (847) 446-8111 hadley.edu

The largest provider of tuition-free distance education for individuals over the age of 14 who are blind or visually impaired.

The Illinois Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments P.O. Box 2947, Naperville (815) 355-2098 ipvi.org

Provides support information services to parents of visually impaired children.

DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED Alexander Graham ChicagoParent.com |

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Bell Montessori School 9300 Capitol Drive, Wheeling (847) 850-5490 agbms.org

Oral education program for deaf and hard-ofhearing children using Cued Speech to enhance their ability to acquire age-appropriate literacy skills. Children are mainstreamed with the general population and receive additional services from the speech and language pathologist and teacher of the deaf.

Center on Deafness 3444 Dundee Road Northbrook (847) 559-0110 centerondeafness.org

Serves children and adults who have hearing impairments with additional handicapping conditions such as mental illness or developmental disabilities.

CHOICES for Parents P.O. Box 806045, Chicago (312) 523-6400

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DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED choicesforparents.org

Provides parents of children with hearing loss with support, information and resources.

Illinois School for the Deaf 125 Webster Ave. Jacksonville (217) 479-4200 morgan.k12.il.us/isd

Educates students who are deaf or hard of hearing to be responsible, self-supporting citizens.

Project ReachIllinois Philip Rock Center 818 DuPage Blvd. Glen Ellyn (630) 790-2474 philiprockcenter.org

Provides technical assistance/consultation, information, training and family support to address the needs of children with deaf-blindness.

DIABETES Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center La Rabida Children’s Hospital 6501 S. Promontory Drive Chicago (800) 770-CCDC (2232) larabida.org

Chicago’s first pediatric diabetes program certified by the American Diabetes Association for patient education. The team of interdisciplinary experts is accepting new patients at the main campus of La Rabida, as well as the Hinsdale, New Lenox and St. John, Ind. locations.

DISABILITIES ORGANIZATIONS Aspire of Illinois Belle Center Program 1754 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago (773) 878-7868 bellecenter-chicago.org

Provides a progressive, family-centered inclusive

approach to education and community life that supports children with disabilities and their families. Offers such services as occupational therapy and speech therapy in the child’s natural environment.

enrich their lives, provide support to their families and advocate for their inclusion in every facet of community life.

Association for Individual Development (AID)

Down in the Southland

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P.O. Box 831, Tinley Park (708) 614-6118 downinthesouthland.org

309 W. New Indian Trail Court Aurora (630) 966-4000 the-association.org

Devoted to fostering the development of lifelong educational, social and life skills among individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the southern suburbs of Chicago. Provides educational support and programs that will help children increase their future skills.

More than 20 programs are available for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities and those in need of behavioral health services or crisis intervention.

Illinois Spina Bifida Association 8765 W. Higgins Road Suite 403, Chicago (773) 444-0305 i-sba.org.

Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with Spina Bifida through services, information, referral, research and public awareness.

Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois 10101 S. Roberts Road Suite 205, Palos Hills (708) 430-7532 ldail.org

Serves families of people with disabilities throughout Illinois.

NF Midwest 473 Dunham Road, Suite 3 St. Charles (630) 945-3562 nfmidwest.org

Nonprofit network serving families and individuals affected by Neurofibromatosis.

Park Lawn Association 10833 S. La Porte Ave. Oak Lawn (708) 425-3344 parklawn.com

Nonprofit organization

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DOWN SYNDROME

GiGi’s Playhouse 1069 W. Golf Road Hoffman Estates (847) 885-PLAY (7529) gigisplayhouse.org

Hope’s Playground Pediatric Therapy, see page 51 offering a variety of supports, including adult developmental training, residential facilities, vocational training, supported employment and more for individuals with developmental disabilities. Park Lawn’s mission is to provide services that promote independence, choice and access to community for people with developmental disabilities.

Pathways 150 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 2100, Chicago (800) 955-2445 pathways.org

Raises awareness about the benefits of early detection and early therapy for children with motor delays. The online brochure can be

downloaded in numerous languages. Also offers a free video series “Understanding Sensory Issues In Children.”

Rett Syndrome Association of Illinois 1415 W. 22nd St., Tower Floor Oak Brook (630) 645-2280 rettillinois.org

All-volunteer organization offers resources and holds events for families of children with Rett Syndrome.

The Arc of Illinois 20901 La Grange Road Suite 209, Frankfort (815) 464-1832 thearcofil.org

A clearinghouse of information committed to empowering persons with disabilities to

achieve full participation in community life through informed choices.

The Cystic Fibrosis Institute 2401 Ravine Way, #302 Glenview (847) 998-3434 cysticfibrosisinstitute.org

Supports those affected by cystic fibrosis and their families in the Chicago area by being an active source of assistance and advocacy.

United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago 547 W. Jackson St., Suite 225 Chicago (312) 765-0419 ucpnet.org

The mission is to advance the independence of people with disabilities,

International Down syndrome awareness centers that offer free educational and therapeutic programs and support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Other Illinois locations include Chicago, Aurora, McHenry, Rockford and Bradley.

Ups for Downs Hartford Plaza 1070 S. Roselle Road Schaumburg (847) 895-2100 upsfordowns.org

A volunteer parent-run support group for parents of children born with Down syndrome serving hundreds of families in the Chicagoland area. Holds meetings the fourth Thursday of the month, from September through May, excluding December. Meetings are held at the Schaumburg Township Building in

| ChicagoParent.com

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NEWS YOU CAN USE

Students Flourish at Cove

Chicago Voice Program one of a kind

child’s voice is precious, so imagine not hearing your child’s first words or giggles or hearing a voice that doesn’t sound entirely normal. Enter Jonathan Ida, an Ear, Nose and Throat physician at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, who oversees the hospital’s Pediatric Voice Program, Chicago’s only program dedicated to voice conditions. One of the most common conditions is hoarseness. It is brought on by a number of causes, including vocal cord nodules, cysts and paralysis or intubation upon birth. Ida says that while hoarseness is extremely common in kids, it is not normal, especially as the children grow older. The program offers a number of Dr. Jonathan Ida advantages to families, including resources and expertise in extensive airway surgery, a voice team that has strong experience in how the voice relates to swallowing and breathing, and skilled pediatric-specific speech therapy. The Pediatric Voice Program is only offered at the main hospital, but evaluations are available at the New Lenox and Westchester outpatient centers. To make an appointment, call Carrie Jones at (312) 227-6811.

Lindsey Riley

Housing for the disabled hard to find When Julie Falco moved into her Ravenswood apartment in 1990, she could still walk up the nine steps to her front door. But her multiple sclerosis has worsened significantly and she no longer is able to do so without help. Falco has wanted to move to an accessible apartment for two years, but has been unable to find an affordable spot. Falco is not alone, says Roger Razo, the housing coordinator for Access Living, a Chicago nonprofit organization working to connect disabled citizens with housing. “The big issue is finding accessible units,” Razo says. “We have maybe 1 percent in the city of Chicago that are accessible units.” Access Living also lobbies state and local government officials to expand protection and availability for disabled citizens seeking housing. Adam Ballard, community development organizer for Access Living, says the group recently won a campaign that added vouchers for housing as a source of income protected against discrimination. “Landlords can no longer just refuse to give an application to a housing choice voucher resident because of (the voucher),” Ballard says.

tudents at The Cove School benefit from our intensive individualized instruction and highly specialized team, while learning in an environment that is specifically designed for children with learning disabilities. Cove students are fully integrated in their school environment, participating in arts, athletics, college counseling, job training and authentic leadership opportunities. If you know of a student that could benefit from the exceptional and individualized K-12 program at Cove, contact Dr. Sally Sover, Executive Director, at 847.562.2100 or ssover@coveschool.org.

Elena Schneider and Sepideh Nia

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DOWN SYNDROME Schaumburg. Email info@upsfordowns. org for information on meetings.

and professionals.

EDUCATION Beacon Therapeutic School

DYSLEXIA

10650 S. Longwood Drive Chicago (773) 881-1005 beacon-therapeutic.org

Chicago Reading and Dyslexia Center 180 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 2411, Chicago (312) 360-0805 dyslexiachicago.com

Individualized programs to help children and adults overcome the challenges of their dyslexia, ADD, and other learning disabilities while keeping their gifts.

Everyone Reading Illinois 751 Roosevelt Road Suite 116, Glen Ellyn (630) 469-6900 readibida.org

Provides referrals to services for individuals with dyslexia, their families

Private special education facility serving children ages 3-21. Offers a multi-site service center for high-risk, multiple problem children, adolescents, teens, and their families living in the metropolitan Chicago area. Prevention, early intervention, assessment and treatment are integral to the continuum of services provided.

Brain Balance Achievement Center 1101 S. Milwaukee Ave. Suite 105, Vernon Hills (847) 821-1328

Institute for Therapy through the Arts, see page 51 brainbalancecenters.com

Works with children with developmental and learning disorders such as ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s, dyslexia, Tourette’s, PDD and autism spectrum disorders. Uses a comprehensive, multi-faceted

approach designed to address each child’s specific deficiencies while combining proper nutritional guidance.

Chicago Education Project 2353 Hassell Road, Suite 110 Hoffman Estates (847) 884-7030

cepautism.org

Nonprofit organization certified by the Illinois State Board Education as a non-public special education facility. Provides special education alternatives to students ages 3-14 diagnosed with autism and related disor-

ders, based on individual student needs, motivation and family goals through such methodologies as Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior.

Cognitive Solutions Learning Center Inc. 2409 N. Clybourn Ave.

Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School

9300 Capitol Drive, Wheeling

847-850-5490 www.agbms.org

Model Inclusion Program for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children ages 2-12

Offering: • A Cued Speech based visual/oral approach for age-appropriate language and literacy skills • Teacher of the Deaf and Speech Therapist on staff • Individualized program meeting each child's IEP needs • Individualized Reading Instruction

Coordinating Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Every Day A Miracle

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Chicago (773) 755-1775 helpforld.com

Specializes in learning disabilities and ADHD, offers educational and psychological testing, one-on-one tutoring, neurofeedback, psychotherapy and executive functions training.

Easter Seals Autism Therapeutic School Tinley Park 17300 Ozark Ave., Tinley Park (708) 802-9050 eastersealschicago.org

Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for children ages 3-22. Their goal is to empower each student to achieve peak academic performance, increase social and vocational skills, develop an effective means of communication and foster the acquisition of functional life skills for independence in the community. Easter Seals has schools located in Tinley Park, Chicago and Rockford.

Easter Seals Gilchrist - Marchman Child Development Center 1001 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago (312) 492-7402 chicago.easterseals.com

Full-day, full-year inclusive early childhood and education services for children six weeks to 5 years. State-certified, credentialed and bilingual teaching staff.

(847) 562-2100 coveschool.org

A private K-12 day school. Children from diverse backgrounds receive an individualized educational experience. Cove provides students with customized learning strategies to complete an academic curriculum, while at the same time facilitates the development of students’ social and emotional skills and self-advocacy.

Elim Christian Services 13020 S. Central Ave. Palos Heights (708) 389-0555 elimcs.org

Programs for children and adults with disabilities, including a school and a residential program.

The Lily Garden Child Care Center 830 S. Addison St., Villa Park (630) 261-6283 eastersealslilygarden.org

Hope Institute for Children and Families

An inclusive Easter Seals childcare center committed to fostering independence, compassion, knowledge and respect for children of all abilities.

15 E. Hazel Dell Lane Springfield (217) 585-5437 thehopeschool.org

A multifaceted educational, residential, health services, research and training provider. Also operates a school in Chicago: The Hope Institute Learning Academy, 1628 W. Washington Blvd.

Keshet 617 Landwehr Road Northbrook (847) 205-1234 keshet.org

Therapeutic day school made up of families,

Therapeutic School & Center for Autism Research

Partners for Progress, Therapeutic Riding Center, see page 42 peers and professionals committed to excellence in educational, recreational, vocational, social and religious programs within the framework of Jewish values and traditions. The day school

educational model follows structured teaching, also known as TEACCH. For information, contact AbbieWeisberg@keshet. org.

LEEP Beyond 400 N. May St., Chicago (773) 255-8155 leepbeyond.org

Offers supplemental, therapeutic and educational classes including art, music, science and yoga. These are supportive, sensory safe, small groups to ensure all kids can participate.

Safe Haven School 937 Happ Road, Northfield (847) 509-5885 safehavenschool.org

Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center, see page 38

Therapeutic school that accepts students ages 5-18 with internalized emotional disabilities, including depression, bipolar disorder, severe

anxiety disorders including social phobia, separation anxiety, selective mutism, post-traumatic stress and obsessivecompulsive disorders, ADHD, LD, NVLD and multiple diagnoses.

Soaring Eagle Academy 8320 S. Madison St. Burr Ridge (630) 323-2900 soaringeagleacademy.org

An Illinois State Board of Education-approved therapeutic day school for students ages 5-21 with autism and related disorders. School philosophy integrates Developmental Language Models and DIR(r) relationship-based principles within an educational and social environment.

The Cove School 350 Lee Road, Northbrook ChicagoParent.com |

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1939 W. 13th St. (13th Street and Damen Avenue) Chicago (312) 432-1751 (school) (312) 491-4110 (central office) eastersealschicago.org

Offers education, research, training, academic and therapeutic services, school-to-work transition and on-site adult vocational program on one campus. The new facility was designed to meet the special needs of students with autism, emotional disability, cognitive and developmental delays.

Wolcott School 524 N. Wolcott, Chicago (312) 610-4900

Chicago’s first high school for college-bound teens with languagebased learning differences, including dyslexia. Now accepting applications from students who will be entering freshman and sophomore

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EDUCATION GENERAL 2-e: TwiceExceptional Newsletter

2155 Broadway St. Blue Island (708) 389-6578 blue-cap.org

Glen Ellyn Media P.O. Box 11 Winfield (630) 293-6798 2enewsletter.com

Offers a school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, who are 3-21 years. On-site daycare for children of all abilities ages 2-5 is available.

A bi-monthly electronic publication about gifted children with learning and/or attention difficulties for parents, educators, advocates and mental health professionals.

Access Living 115 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago (312) 640-2100 accessliving.org

The Hadley School for the Blind, see page 37 years in August 2013. Wolcott will feature numerous extracurricular activities, after-school programming and a wide range of academic support services. Class size will average about 10 students.

EPILEPSY Danny Did Foundation P.O. Box 46576, Chicago (800) 278-6101 dannydid.org

A nonprofit foundation offering resources for parents, information on SUDEP, seizure warning devices and awarenessraising events. It helps families who cannot afford seizure warning devices.

EQUINE THERAPY Beverly Farm Equestrian Program 6301 Humbert Road Godfrey (618) 466-0367 beverlyfarm.org

A planned community designed to enhance

the lives of its residents, develop their life skills and provide the required medical care and a variety of therapies. Situated on 220 acres with an abundance of green space, Beverly Farm is a pleasant place to live and work for adults (18 and older) with developmental disabilities.

Equestrian Connection 600 N. Bradley Road Lake Forest (847) 615-8696 equestrianconnection.org

Improves the physical, cognitive, sensory and emotional well-being of those with disabilities and their families, by providing equine-assisted therapies and a range of holistic therapy interventions. These include: hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, sensory integration therapy, art therapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy, job skills training, peer social groups, respite and more.

Freedom Woods Equestrian Center

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9501 Austin Ave. Morton Grove (847) 967-9800 freedomwoodsfarm.com

Offers therapeutic riding and hippotherapy for children with special needs.

Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities P.O. Box 1636, Warrenville (630) 588-8543 ftea.org

Provides therapeutic equestrian activities for people with disabilities.

Hooves to Heal 20604 Collins Road Marengo (847) 293-6176 hoovestoheal.org

Equine therapy for children and adults with special needs. Also offers a program for veterans.

Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding 1181 Riverwoods Road Lake Forest (847) 234-2411 horsefeatherscenter.org

Provides opportunities for those with special needs to enhance their quality of life by participating in a horseman-

ship program directed by PATH-certified riding instructors and a hippotherapy program administered by licensed therapists. Provides life skills through vocational programming that encompass all aspects of agricultural life. They use rescued horses whose temperament allows them to be included in a meaningful second career.

Midwest Center for Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Development 4701 N. Oak St. Crystal Lake (815) 788-1020 mccdtherapy.com

Equine therapy as well as speech, physical and occupational therapy.

Partners For Progress, Therapeutic Riding Center 23525 W. Milton Road Wauconda (847) 226-1300 partnersforprogressnfp.org

Occupational and physical therapy facilitated with horses.

Blue Cap

A nonresidential center that promotes independent living for people with all types of disabilities. Provides services that promote the independence and the inclusion of people with disabilities in every aspect of community life. All services are provided at no charge.

Anixter Center 2001 N. Clybourn Ave. 3rd floor, Chicago (773) 973-7900 anixter.org

Provides an array of services, including education, employment, life skills, communication, recreation, health care, counseling and support, for people with disabilities. More than 10,000 children, teens and adults are served each year at dozens of locations across greater Chicago. Most people who receive services have physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, psychiatric or HIV/AIDS-related disabilities. Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities to be full and equal members of society.

Brain Injury Association of Illinois P.O. Box 64420, Chicago (312) 726-5699 biail.org

Offers information and resources (no charge), provides educational trainings and yearly educational conference. Provides a summer camp program for children, adolescents and adults. Also provides programs addressing injury prevention, public awareness and advocacy services. Affiliated support groups available throughout the state.

Center for Enriched Living 280 Saunders Road Riverwoods (847) 948-7001 centerforenrichedliving.org

Provides skill development for greater independence, community integration, recreation and social programs for youth, teens, adults and seniors with developmental disabilities. Also offers summer day camp for ages 13-22 and day programs for ages 22 and up.

Clearbrook 1835 W. Central Road Arlington Heights (847) 870-7711 clearbrook.org

Provides experiences and opportunities through programs and services for people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral

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palsy and other developmental disabilities.

Community Support Services Inc 9021 W. Ogden Ave. Brookfield 5416 W. 25th St., Cicero (708) 354-4547 communitysupportservices.org

Nonprofit serving suburban Cook and eastern DuPage people of all ages with intellectual/ developmental disabilities and their families. Promotes independence and ability to engage in community life with Respite, CILA group homes and independent living arrangements, adult and parent support services, customized supported employment, transition planning and social activities. Cicero location focuses on family support services. CSS

also owns and operates the Chicago Canine Club offering daycare, boarding, grooming, retail sales and conducting vocational training programs for people with disabilities to develop skills to work in the pet care industry.

Illinois Chapter of the PraderWilli Syndrome Association pwsaillinois.org

List of resources and events for families with this syndrome, the most common known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in children.

Institute on Disability and Human Development-UIC 1640 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago

Special Olympics Illinois, see page 47

Applications for admission are currently being accepted for our FALL 2013 term. Turning Pointe Career College is Committed • To seeing every student progress and succeed • To helping students believe in their potential • To providing students lifelong coping skills

Find us on Facebook Join the Twitter party! Follow us @ChicagoParent

is part of your favorite social networks

On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

Turning Pointe’s innovative Curriculum • Prepares students for independence • Prepares students for career related employment • Integrates students with employers

www.turningpointeautismfoundation.org For more information, please call 630-615-6032 or email kkuniej@turningpointeaf.org ChicagoParent.com |

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GENERAL (312) 413-1647 ahs.uic.edu/dhd

(630) 593-5500 marklund.org

Center for developmental disabilities. Services include a family clinic, a Hispanic diagnostic and family support program, 0-3 program and an autism clinic.

Offers a variety of programs and services designed to provide infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities a full life experience that encompasses all realms of their needs including: medical and dental care; residential facilities in Bloomingdale and Geneva; rehabilitative therapies; education and day services; community-based respite and early-intervention programs.

Keshet: A Rainbow of Hope for Individuals with Special Needs 617 Landwehr Road Northbrook (847) 205-1234 keshet.org

Provides educational, recreational and vocational programs for children and young adults with special needs (preschool through adulthood). Year-round programs allow kids to play and work alongside their typicallydeveloping peers. They go to school, go on trips, work at neighborhood businesses, play in a baseball league, swim and attend summer and overnight camps. Multiple locations throughout the Chicagoland area.

Lexi Kazian Foundation-Helping From Heaven 105 Townline Road, Suite 132 Vernon Hills (847) 624-LEXI (5394) helpingfromheaven.org

Helps network families through fun events for children with special needs that the whole family will enjoy. Also runs Lexi’s Closet, a place to request therapy equipment parents can’t get from their insurance company, are waiting to get delivered or are not sure will work for their child. Accepts gently used therapy equipment to share with others.

Marklund 1 S. 450 Wyatt Drive Geneva

MidAmerica Service Dogs’ Foundation 3 Grant Square, #354 Hinsdale (630) 272-8159 midamericadogsfoundation. org

Provides service and companion dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Dogs and people are matched based on their specific training and disabilities. Many dogs are obtained from shelters or rescue groups as well as donated by breeders. Program includes children, some with disabilities, that foster and train dogs for other clients in the program.

Neumann Family Services 5547 N. Ravenswood Ave. Chicago (773) 769-4313 neumannfamilyservices.org

Provides education, housing, recreation, rehabilitation, training and employment opportunities to people with disabilities and mental illness.

Oak Leyden Developmental Services 411 Chicago Ave., Oak Park (708) 524-1050 oak-leyden.org

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Milestones–for Kids’ Success, see page 52 Therapy and support services for children birth-5 with developmental delays; community dropin events for families with young children; day and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities.

Pioneer Center 4001 Dayton St., McHenry (815) 344-1230 pioneercenter.org

A nonprofit organization that provides adult and youth counseling and intellectual and developmental disability services. Its focus is on assisting individuals in becoming as independent as possible.

Ray Graham Association

SHORE Community Services Inc.

901 Warrenville Road Suite 500, Lisle (630) 620-2222 raygraham.org

Regenstein Center 4232 Dempster St. Skokie (847) 982-2030 shoreinc.org

Organization that supports and works with people with disabilities, their families and the community to improve the individual’s quality of life. Nearly 2,500 children and adults with disabilities, including developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy and autism receive vocational, residential, educational, respite, therapeutic and recreational services and supports at 35 locations in DuPage County.

Provides programs for children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Programs include Residential, Early Intervention, Supported Living, Home Based Services, Senior Program, Vocational, In-Home Respite and Adult Day Services. All programs are tailored to meet the individuals’ needs and can focus on daily living skills, mobility, cogni-

tion, communication, socialization, fine and gross motor development, independent living, pre-vocational training, job training and job placement.

Southwest Community Services 6775 Prosperi Drive Tinley Park (708) 429-1260 swcsinc.org

Five core programs provide services to more than 450 individuals with developmental, behavioral, physical, or learning disabilities and to those with a mental illness. Day programs include voca-

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(708) 342-5200 stcolettail.org

Provides elemetary through high school education. The school program serves about 80 children who are developmentally disabled or autistic. The Vocational Training Center, in Tinley Park, provides opportunities for individuals with special needs to learn the responsibilities and benefits of working. St. Coletta’s residential program is designed to provide quality housing for special needs individuals. The program consists of 30 groups homes within 15 southwest suburban communities of Chicago.

Keshet’s Buddy Baseball, see page 44 tional opportunities and training, counseling, social activities, and community integration. Physical, occupational,

speech and language, and massage therapy are offered through the Southwest Therapy And Rehabilitation Services

(STARS) program (starstherapy.org).

Suburban Access Inc. - SAI

St. Coletta of Illinois

900 Maple Ave., 3rd floor Homewood (708) 799-9190 suburban-access.org

18350 Crossing Drive Suite 103, Tinley Park

Nonprofit agency handles case management and service coordination to individuals with developmental disabilities in 18 townships of south and west suburban Cook County.

The Friendship Circle of Illinois 2095 Landwehr Road Northbrook (847) 943-9770 fcil.org

A helping hand to families who have children with special needs and involves them in a full range of social and Judaic experiences. The program introduces teenage volunteers to the children and their families, bringing another dimension into their lives, unconditional love.

Trinity Services Inc. 100 N. Gougar Road

Joliet (815) 485-6197 trinity-services.org

Provides a wide range of programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health needs. Provides residential services, adult learning programs, a variety of vocational programs including supported employment, an autism center, respite services, in-home supports, a drop-in center and varied therapeutic services.

RECREATION 1st Position Dance and Movement Held at Dance Center Evanston 1934 Dempster St., Evanston (847) 563-8719 1stposition.org

Designed to encourage movement and improve

Special Recreation Associations in Illinois provide a lifetime of recreation opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. If your community is not listed, contact WSSRA at 847-455-2100 for assistance with finding an agency near you. Look for our ad in this magazine.

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) 217-239-1152, www.cuspecialrecreation.com Champaign, Urbana Chicago Park District Special Recreation Unit Chicago 312-745-1298, geralyn.henaghan@chicagoparkdistrict.com Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) 630-907-1114, www.fvsra.org Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Montgomery, North Aurora, Oswego, St. Charles, South Elgin, Sugar Grove Gateway Special Recreation Association (Gateway) 630-325-3857 x110, gatewayspecialrec.org, Burr Ridge, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Westchester, Willowbrook

Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) 630-620-4500, www.nedsra.org, Addison, Bensenville, Butterfield, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Lombard, Medinah, Oak Brook Terrace, Schiller Park, Villa Park, Wood Dale

South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) 708-389-9423, www.swsra.com Alsip, Blue Island, Justice, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Palos Heights, Posen, Summit, Worth

Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) 815-459-0737, www.nisra.org, Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, Dundee Township, Elgin, Hampshire, Harvard, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Marengo, McHenry, Wauconda, Woodstock

Southwestern Illinois Special Recreation Association (SWILSRA) 618-346-7529, www.collinsvillerec.com Belleville, Collinsville, Godfrey, Granite City, Highland, O’Fallon

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) 847-509-9400, www.nssra.org, Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Wilmette, Winnetka

Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC) 847-816-4866, www.sraclc.org Grayslake, Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills

Northlands Association for Special Recreation (NASR) Belvidere 815-547-5711, www.belviderepark.org Freeport 815-235-6114, www.freeportparkdistrict.org Rockford 815-987-1606, www.rockfordparkdistrict.org

Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County (SRSNLC) Lindenhurst, Round Lake Area, Waukegan, Zion Lindenhurst - 847-356-6011, www.lindenhurstparks.org Round Lake - 847-740-9828, www.rlapd.org Waukegan - 847-360-4760, www.waukeganparks.org Zion - 847-746-5500, www.zionparkdistrict.com

Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) 309-691-1929, Chillicothe, Morton, Peoria, Washington www.peoriaparks.org/heart-of-illinois-special-recreation

Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) 847-392-2848, www.nwsra.org Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Mt. Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, River Trails, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Streamwood, Wheeling

Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association (IRVSRA) Creve Coeur, East Peoria, Groveland, Pekin East Peoria – 309-699-3923, www.fondulacpark.com Pekin – 309-347-7275, www.pekinparkdistrict.org

Oak Lawn Park District/Special Recreation Cooperative 708-857-2200, www.olparks.com, Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Hometown, Oak Lawn, Palos Hills, Stickney

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association (KSRA) 815-758-6663 x122, DeKalb, Genoa, Sycamore

River Valley Special Recreation Association (RVSRA) 815-933-7336, www.rivervalleysra.com Bourbonnais, Bradley, Kankakee

Lily Cache Special Recreation Association (LCSRA) 630-739-1124, www.bolingbrookparks.org Bolingbrook, Plainfield Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) 815-462-2900, www.lwsra.org, Frankfort, Manhattan, Mokena Community, New Lenox Community, Peotone, Wilmington Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) 847-966-5522, www.mnasr.org, Des Plaines, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Skokie

South East Association for Special Parks & Recreation (SEASPAR) 630-960-7600, www.seaspar.org, Brookfield, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Lisle, Western Springs, Westmont, Woodridge South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA) 815-806-0384, www.sssra.org, Country Club Hills, Flossmoor, Frankfort Square, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lansing, Matteson, Oak Forest, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, Tinley Park

Special Recreation of Joliet and Channahon (SRJC) 815-741-7275 x169, Channahon, Joliet Special Recreation Services (SRS) 708-841-1071 x233, www.specialrecservices.org Calumet City, Dolton, Riverdale, South Holland Tri County Special Recreation Association (Tri County) 815-407-1819, www.tricountysra.org Crest Hill, Lemont, Lockport Township, Romeoville Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA) 847-244-6619, www.warrentownship.net/wsra Grayslake, Gurnee, Warren Township, Wildwood Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) 630-681-0962, www.wdsra.com Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, Winfield West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) 847-455-2100, www.wssra.net Berwyn, Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights, Norridge, Oak Park, River Forest

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RECREATION posture and selective motor control, this dance program for kids also promotes socialization and artistic expression. Classes include facilitators for each student and live piano music.

Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier 700 E. Grand Ave. Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

On the second Saturday of every month, the museum hosts its Play For All program, which provides families with children with special needs a chance to visit the museum early, and play in a quiet, more manageable setting. Opens at 9 a.m. for the event. Museum opens to the public at 10 a.m. Registration is required at (312) 321-6551 or chicagochildrensmuseum/eventbrite.com. No Play for All is held in July.

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Skokie,

abilities.

Schaumburg - (847) 854-1300 Loves Park, Rockford - (815) 282-3488 dolphinswimclub.com

Karate Can-Do! North Shore Dojo 2081 Johns Court, Glenview (847) 729-0001 karatecando.org

From small-group lessons to private one-on-one lessons, teachers are experienced working with students who have special needs including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and sensory integration disorder.

Dedicated to helping children with learning differences and physical challenges reach their full potential through the teachings and techniques of karate, a martial arts discipline that improves physical, cognitive and emotional health.

Funtastic Gymnastic Therapies Multiple locations (224) 554-9634 funtasticgymnastic.com

Offers occupational therapy in gymnastics settings and aquatic therapy in warm water pools. Combines therapy, social and peer interaction and sensory integration to encourage and increase body and spatial awareness, tactile discovery, strength and confidence.

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association 400 E. Illinois Road Lake Forest

Right Fit 7101 S. Adams St., Unit 7 Willowbrook (630) 850-4050 right-fit.com

Right Fit, see this page (847) 283-0908 glasa.org

Promotes and supports the optimal development and well being for youth and adults who have a primary physical or visual impairment through the provision of inclusive recreational, fitness and competitive sports activities and offers opportunities for empowerment

through education, leadership and training in collaboration with community-based organizations.

Haley’s Playground 1 N. Lincolnway North Aurora (630) 777-5045 haleysplayground.com

Provides a safe, healthy, sensory motor environment for individuals

with physical, cognitive and social disabilities; to improve their quality of life through play, exercise, activity and education while interacting with members of their families, friends and peers. Available for ages 2-30. The kids, teens and young adults have all different types of special needs, and are mentored by their peers of typical development. Offers Thursday Teen Night, Saturday Morning Classes and Sunday Open Gym. For information, visit facebook.com/ haleysplayground.

Hanson Center 15 W. 431 59th St. Burr Ridge (630) 620-2222 raygraham.org

Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities, see page 42 46

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A non-for-profit agency that offers a variety of programs for everyone in the community. The 12.5-acre facility includes an indoor riding arena, a playground, a petting zoo and an indoor solarium. Programs include horseback riding, sports, physical fitness, summer camps and a preschool. All programs are designed for different age groups and dis-

Private and group fitness classes and sports performance training for people of all ages with and without disabilities. Right Fit’s fitness programs “Raise the Bar” for youth and adults with autism spectrum disorders are taught on and off-site.

Rink Side Special Sk8er class Rink Side Ice Arena and Family Entertainment Center At Gurnee Mills Mall, entrance H, Gurnee (847) 856-1064 ext. 302 rink-side.com

Skating class for ages 3 to adult who have physical and mental challenges. Classes are held Saturday mornings during the school year. Cost is $13 pre-registered, $15 at the door.

School of Performing Arts Spectrum Program 200 E. 5th Ave., Suite 132 Naperville (630) 717-6622 schoolofperformingarts.com

Workshops in music, theater, dance and visual arts geared toward children with special needs. Also offers summer camps for children with special needs.

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and yoga activities to improve physical, social, cognitive and life skills. Also another location at 1845 Raymond Drive, Northbrook.

SUPPORT AmeriFace P.O. Box 751112 Las Vegas, Nev. (888) 769-9264

Chicago Education Project, see page 40 Sky High Sports 2244 Corporate Lane, Naperville (630) 717-5867 6424 Howard St., Niles (847) 801-5867 nil.jumpskyhigh.com and nap.jumpskyhigh.com

Once a month, Sky High Sports turns off the music and dials down the distractions for special jumpers to visit this trampoline center. One court remains especially quiet for kids with sensory disorders who need an extra peaceful environment. Even children with physical disabilities can join the fun. A parent can take their child out of the wheelchair and lay them on the trampoline. Then mom or dad jumps, gently bouncing their child on the trampoline. Jumps are held from 3-6 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. Cost is $5 for three hours for the special jumper with a parent or therapist free. Siblings, friends and others who jump are also $5.

Special Gifts Theatre P.O. Box 2231, Northbrook (847) 564-7704 specialgiftstheatre.org

Provides individuals with special needs from ages 5 and up a unique, cre-

ative drama performance program. School year, spring and summer programs are available for all ages, including adults.

Special Recreation Associations in Illinois specialrecreation.org

To find your Special Recreation Association or learn more about specialized recreation services, visit the website.

Special Olympics Illinois Northern Office 800 Roosevelt Road, B-220 Glen Ellyn (630) 942-5610 soill.org

Provides sports training and competition for children (8 years and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities. Check website for competition schedule and locations in Chicago area.

Special Olympics Illinois Young Athletes Program (630) 942-5610 (309) 888-2551 soill.org/young-athletes

Gross motor training program for children with and without intellectual disabilities ages 2-7. Young Athletes focuses on motor development and preparation for par-

ticipation in future sport. Young Athletes trainings and events happen at the local, regional and state level. For information about starting a Young Athletes program, contact youngathletes@ soill.org.

Sunshine Through Golf Foundation Midwest Golf House 11855 Archer Ave. Lemont (630) 257-2005 sunshinethroughgolf.org

National organization with volunteers around the country, AmeriFace provides information and emotional support to individuals with facial differences and their families. Supports those whose facial differences are present at birth, as well as those acquired through illness, disease or trauma.

Celebrate Differences 5375 Route 34, Suite 4 Oswego (630) 885-3006 celebratedifferences.org

All-inclusive community resource center, welcoming all children and their

families regardless of age or disability. Offers informative monthly workshops, sibling workshops, a resource library, an annual summer and holiday party, a Next Chapter book club, play groups and more. Connects families through outreach projects, social activities and social networking.

Center for Independent Futures 1015 Davis St., Evanston (847) 328-2044 independentfutures.com

Not-for-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and their families access the skills and opportunities to realize full lives.

Dyspraxia Foundation USA 910 W. Huron St., Unit 302 Chicago (312) 489-8628 dyspraxiausa.org

Provides information about, and personal stories from, people and families living with dyspraxia.

Willow Creek Community Church 67 E. Algonquin Road South Barrington (847) 855-9571 willowcreek.org/disabilities

Support group for parents of children with special needs meeting twice a month Saturday afternoons for support and spiritual growth. Children’s program provided during meetings. Siblings welcome. Call or check the website for details.

Family Resource Center on Disabilities 20 E. Jackson Blvd. Room 300, Chicago (312) 939-3513 (312) 939-3519 TTD frcd.org

Provides information and support for families, free seminars, Youth Advocacy Project and Parent-To-Parent Training Project.

Family Support Network of Illinois 651 E. 159th Place South Holland

Collaborates with golf clubs, park districts and SRAs throughout the Chicagoland area to provide those with special needs professional instruction through fun and therapeutic means. It is a feeder system for Illinois Special Olympic competitors and can introduce golf as a recreational activity.

Therapy Yoga Gymnastics Rocks 2630 W. Bradley Place Chicago (773) 991-7316 therapygymnastics.com

Provides pediatric occupational and physical therapy in fun gymnastic and yoga centers. Certified therapists create individualized sessions that use gymnastics equipment

Chicago Children’s Museum, see page 46 ChicagoParent.com |

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SUPPORT (708) 331-7370 familysupportnetwork.org

Care-Services/Pediatric-Rehab

Offers children services in a kid-friendly atmosphere. From high-tech therapy to the latest in play, the program is fun for kids and comforting to parents.

Works to unify individuals with disabilities and their families to advocate for funding, services and community resources that strengthen and support the individual and the family directly by responding to their individual needs and empowering them to live in their own homes. Seeks to ensure the continuation of all individual supports throughout the life span of the individual.

All Bright Therapies 1957 W. Dickens, Chicago (773) 698-6535 allbrighttherapies.com

Speech/language, occupational and feeding therapy for children.

Art & Soul 1509 W. Berwyn Ave. Suite 202, Chicago (773) 878-7685 artandsoulchicago.com

HELP (Helping, Encouraging, Listening to Parents of Children with Special Needs) (708) 946-0129

Meets the third Tuesday of the month (except for December and summer months) at the Crete Reformed Church, 24755 S. Country Lane, Crete. Meetings can include speakers, videos and discussions. Childcare is available at meetings. For information, email hornerfamily7@gmail.com.

Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities (IPADD) Unite 3104 Treesdale Court Naperville (630) 922-3232 health.groups.yahoo.com/ group/IPADDUnite/

Join 1,000+ Illinois families working toward better futures for their loved ones. IPADD offers free online support and resources specific to Illinois on topics including: transition, employment, self-employment or supported employment, volunteerism, day programming, funding, legislative advocacy,

Little City Foundation ChildBridge Services, see page 37 housing, social security, Medicaid and Medicare and transportation.

National Lekotek Center 2001 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago (773) 528-5766 Toy Resource Helpline: (800) 366-PLAY lekotek.org

Offers therapeutic playbased sessions and play groups for children with disabilities (birth-8 years) and their families. Play sessions are structured to help children with special needs learn, develop and thrive. Toys and play are used to help the children at Lekotek relate to the world around them. Families enrolled can borrow up to five toys a month. Services are provided in English and Spanish.

South Chicago Parents & Friends 10241 S. Commercial Ave. Chicago (773) 734-2222 scpfrc.org

Supports people with developmental dis-

Specıal Parent Summer 2013 CHICAGO

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abilities, enabling them to become productive, valued members of society by allowing them to learn, work, play and live just like others.

Special Parents for Special Kids 212 Barney Drive (inside Easter Seals), Joliet specialparentsforspecialkids. com

A parent-led group open to all parents, regardless of their child’s diagnosis. Monthly meetings to share experiences and support. Guest speakers. Childcare provided.

The Apraxia Connection 401 N. Catherine Ave. La Grange Park theapraxiaconnection.org

The volunteer board of directors, advisors and helping hands of the community strive to connect neighborhood resources and information on apraxia and associated disorders with the individuals, families, therapists, educators and other professionals who need them.

THERAPY Adult and Child Therapy Services 708 Washington St. Woodstock (815) 338-1707 adultchildtherapy.org

Offers physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as nursing services.

Adventist Paulson Pediatric Rehab 222 E. Ogden Ave. Hinsdale (630) 856-2600 keepingyouwell.com/ahh/

Art therapy and counseling services for children, teens and families. Art & Soul’s child-centered art studio offers parents a family-friendly, creative environment when seeking assistance for their child’s social, emotional and behavioral needs. Also offers parenting workshops, peer support groups and in-services.

Aspire Children’s Services 1815 S. Wolf Road Hillside (708) 236-0979 aspireofillinois.org

Comprehensive services for children who have

Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive, #3E Chicago (708) 989-3619 sibsnetwork.org

Nonprofit organization providing support to siblings of people with disabilities in Illinois by connecting them with information, networking opportunities and resources. For more information, email tara@ sibsnetwork.org.

Pioneer Center, see page 44

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Feeding clinic and multidisciplinary therapy services.

BDI Playhouse 11411 W. 183rd St. Orland Park 1864 High Grove Lane Suite 104, Naperville (708) 478-1820 bdiplayhouse.com

Provides therapy services, intensive programming for autism, play groups and parent training.

Beth Osten & Associates 9833 Woods Drive, Skokie (847) 663-1020 home.bethosten.com

CHOICES for Parents, see page 37 pies; social skills groups for children with social or sensory challenges or who are on the autism spectrum; parent groups; Sibshops; and family

developmental delays and disabilities and their families include: developmental, occupational, physical, sensory integration and speech thera-

programs.

Assential Therapies 241 Golf Mill Center Suite 201, Niles (847) 699-9757 atmfc.com

Offers individual occupational, developmental, physical, speech and language therapy as well as parent coaching and psychotherapy for children and parents. Weekly group sessions include social groups, sports groups and sen-

sory integration groups. Also offers an intensive therapeutic preschool play group and in-home floortime sessions.

Center for Independence through Conductive Education 100 W. Plainfield Road Countryside (708) 588-0833 center-for-independence.org

Provides a learning methodology using the principles of conductive education for children with motor disabilities. This intensive motor training program is offered through a group format and focuses on functional activities to improve independence. Other locations at St. Francis De Sales Church, 135 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich, and 2434 S. Kildare, Chicago.

City Kids 5669 N. Northwest Highway Chicago (773) 467-5669 citykidsinc.com

Physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy, plus educational preschool playgroups and classes and groups for all ages.

Clinical Connections 2225 Lakeside Drive Bannockburn (847) 234-0688 clinicalconnections.info

In-home floortime services, speech and occupational therapy, sports training and music therapy. Teen center to learn and practice leisure and social skills. Jamberry Preschool is integrated preschool for kids with mild to moderate articulation, language and social delays.

Comprehensive Services For Children with Special Needs

Celebrations

Aspire Children’s Services IS A LEADING PROVIDER IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS. WE OFFER: • Evaluations • Developmental Therapy • Feeding Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy Introducing assistive technology services and social skills groupsfor children who are challenged by autism spectrum, sensory processing and related disorders.

ChiCago Parent’s Party Planning guide Party

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Our family-centered offerings also include parent and sibling groups, play groups, family education, a parent library and support activities and a wide array of other resources.

Call us today. 708.236.0979

Aspire Children’s Services at THE EAMON SHANNON CENTER

1815 South Wolf Road Hillside, IL 60162 www.aspireofillinois.org/childrens

ChicagoParent.com |

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Adapted swingsets for your own backyard W

hen it comes to build-it-yourself backyard playsets, it can be hard for parents of children with special needs to figure out which ones are best for their child’s particular disability. Recently, Swing-NSlide, a wooden playset manufacturer, partnered with AblePlay to review and provide ratings on their playsets and accessories. The AblePlay review system evaluates products using four disability categories: communicative, sensory, cognitive and physical, to provide a snapshot of the product’s appropriateness for children with disabilities. AblePlay assesses the product using a 5-star rating system. Most recently, the Adaptive Swing Seat was launched by Swing-N-Slide to offer a different type of residential play experience from a standard swing. This adaptive seat looks like a roller coaster car, featuring a bar that lifts for easy entrance and locks into place for added security while in use. The swing provides neck, back, shoulder and waist support so children can maintain a neutral body position and enjoy the developmental benefits of swinging. This seat also is included with the Adaptive Swing Set Kit featuring a second heavy duty swing seat for additional play opportunities. The Adaptive Swing Seat earned a 4-star rating in all of AblePlay’s disability categories. Developed by the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit authority on play for children with disabilities, AblePlay connects parents and the professionals who work with them to appropriate and innovative products from the traditional marketplace. For a complete assortment of AblePlay-rated products by Swing-N-Slide, visit swing-n-slide.com. For more information on the AblePlay rating system, visit ableplay.org.

Community Therapy Services 40W310 LaFox Road Suite A1/B1, St. Charles (630) 444-0077 ctspediatrics.com

Provides speech, occupational, physical and augmentative communication therapy. Facilitates support groups for parents and caregivers. Check website under announcements for more information regarding groups or contact the clinic directly.

Courage To Connect Therapeutic Center 2400 Ravine Way, Suite 600

Glenview (847) 730-3042 couragetoconnecttherapy.com

Full range of therapy and support services for Asperger’s syndrome, anxiety, depression, ADHD, art and play therapy, behavior management, teens and young adults. Monthly social groups for those with Asperger’s and ADHD.

Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region 830 S. Addison Ave. Villa Park (630) 620-4433 eastersealsdfvr.org

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Offers physical, occupational, speech-language, nutrition and assistive technology therapies for children of all abilities. Also offers audioogy services, community outreach programs and specialty clinics. In addition to counseling and resources, it provides support groups and sibling support groups. Other locations at 1323 Bond St., Suite 119, Naperville, (630) 357-9699, and 799 S. McLean Blvd., Suite 103, Elgin, (847) 742-

3264. The Lily Garden Child Care Development Center in Villa Park (eastersealslilygarden.org) is an inclusive childcare center.

Easter Seals Joliet Region Inc. 212 Barney Drive, Joliet (815) 725-2194 joliet.easterseals.com

Provides services to children and adults with disabilities and special needs; physical, occupational, speech and developmental therapy, inclusive childcare for six weeks to 4 years,

early intervention, school therapy, outpatient rehabilitation and residential group homes and foster care services. Offers programming for families with children with autism spectrum disorders through the Family Center for Autism. Jump Start Early Childhood Programming is provided for at-risk families with children birth to 3.

Easter Seals Society of Metropolitan Chicago 1939 W. 13th St., Suite 300

Chicago (312) 491-4110 eastersealschicago.org

Provides comprehensive autism services, early intervention, inclusive early childhood education, family support and services, and youth and adult services.

El Valor 1850 W. 21st St., Chicago (312) 666-4511 elvalor.org

Bilingual, bicultural rehabilitation center for special needs children in South Chicago. Multiple locations.

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Eyas Landing 1436 W. Randolph St. Suite 204, Chicago (312) 733-0883 eyaslanding.com

Offers occupational, speech and group therapy, early intervention services and summer camp programs.

Focus on Kids Too 425 Huel Road, Suite 14A Northbrook (847) 412-9772 focusonkidstoo.com

Pediatric occupational therapy. Specializes in the treatment of children with sensory processing disorders.

Hope’s Playground Pediatric Therapy 311 W. Depot St., Suite N Antioch (847) 838-8085 hopesplaygroundinc.com

Offers pediatric occupational, physical and speech-language therapy for children birth-18 with a variety of diagnoses.

Indivisual ABA 5911 N. Leader Ave. Chicago (773) 332-7382 indivisualaba.com

Creates an individualized curriculum based upon each child’s learning profile. Offers home-based services, specialized instruction programs, transition support programs, school visitation/observation, IEP development, potty training and family support services.

Institute for Therapy through the Arts 1702 Sherman, Evanston (847) 425-9708 itachicago.org

Provides individual, group and family therapy services for individuals of all ages who have psychological, physical and developmental challenges, encouraging them to achieve the fullest potential through the

Down in the Southland, see page 38 arts—dance/movement, drama, music and art. ITA serves clients at sites throughout Chicagoland as well as at an in-house clinic in Evanston.

Jewish Child and Family Services 216 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 800, Chicago 855-ASK-JCFS (855-275-5237) jcfs.org

Services for children, adults and families with disabilities.

Kick Start Pediatric Network 1845 Oak St., Suite 15 Northfield (847) 386-6560 kickstartptn.com

Pediatric clinic offering occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and a variety of groups, including social groups and fine motor/handwrit-

ing groups.

Kids in Motion Inc. 4721 W. Midlothian Turnpike Suite 25, Crestwood (708) 371-7007 kidsinmotion.org

Pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy. Also provides therapy intensives, social groups, serial casting, partial weightbearing treadmill training (PWBTT), post-operative therapy and social work consultations.

Learning through Play Center for Child Development 633 W. Addison St. Chicago (312) 458-9865 pediatricresources.org

Offers speech therapy, ABA/behavior therapy, occupational therapy and sensorimotor modalities.

Therapy Yoga Gymnastics Rocks, see page 47 ChicagoParent.com |

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THERAPY ing neuropsychology, diagnostics and therapy. Offers occupational, speech and physical therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), behavior911, social work, nutrition, academic tutoring, reading and social groups.

PlayWorks Therapy 2155 W. Belmont, Chicago (847) 977-3399 playworkschicago.com

Offers home-based and clinic-based developmental therapy, speech therapy, play groups and social work/counseling services.

Social Endeavors 1416 Lake St., Suite 1 Evanston (773) 339-7619 socialendeavors.net

Social skills groups for

The Cove School, see page 41 Has a variety of preschool classes, socialization groups and yearly speech camps.

LEEP Forward Developmental Clinic 400 N. May St., Suite 202 Chicago (773) 255-8155 leepforward.com

Offers therapeutic preschool, developmental therapy and social groups for children with special needs, family music classes and music therapy, birth-to-3 social-emotional services, bilingual toddler groups, assessments and parenting coaching, home visits, educational tutoring and therapy and babysitting training for kids with special needs. The new LEEP Beyond (leepbeyond.org) programs offer supportive enrichment classes that include art, music, science and yoga.

LYNX Therapeutics Pediatric Therapy 9436 Ozark Ave.

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Special Therapy Care 11750 S. Western Ave. Chicago (773) 779-5800 specialtherapycare.com

Offers occupational, speech, physical or developmental therapy as well as sensory integration treatment. A second location is at 4507 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, (708) 422-5500.

Steinberg Behavior Solutions Inc. (773) 330-1200 steinbergbehaviorsolutions. com

Provides in-home ABA evaluation and treatment, school consultations, behavior plans/ parent coaching, potty training, feeding therapy, sleep consultations and therapy for selective mutism.

Super Stars 5400 East Ave., Countryside (708) 352-3099 flyinghighgym.com

A full-service sports and rec center that offers pediatric occupational and physical therapy program.

The Discovery Clinic 1306 Waukegan Road Glenview

(847) 901-0909 thediscoveryclinic.com

Offers neurofeedback and interactive metronome to improve attention, impulse control, mood and energy, anxiety, organization, motor control, language and social skills. Additional services include Yoga for the Special Child, educational therapy and social skills groups.

The Neuroconnection 1847 W. Jefferson Ave. Naperville (630) 858-5105 theneuroconnection.com

Neurofeedback practice works with children and adults with ADHD and anxiety, and has a special focus on using connectivity-guided neu-

Morton Grove (847) 791-1631 lynxtherapeutics.com

Pediatric therapy and learning instruction programs. Home-based services available. Provides assessments, techniques and technology.

Milestones-For Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Success 2901 Finley Road, Suite 101 Downers Grove (630) 792-1800 milestones4kids.com

Pediatric occupational, physical and speechlanguage therapy. Expertise in sensory integration therapy, soundbased/therapeutic listening intervention, feeding therapy, Neuro-Developmental Treatment, Kinesiotaping and oral-motor techniques.

North Shore Pediatric Therapy Glenview, Chicago and Highland Park (877) 486-4140 NSPT4kids.com

Three pediatric multidisciplinary clinics includ-

SpecÄąal Parent Summer 2013 CHICAGO

children ages 2-10 focusing on the development of age-appropriate social and communication skills. Uses a variety of techniques and strategies including social thinking, perspective taking, problem solving, cognitivebehavioral and group process. Individualized support and therapy services available.

Southwest Community Services, see page 44

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17300 Ozark Ave. Tinley Park (708) 802-9050 harrysbuttons.com

We Grow Dreams, see this page rofeedback for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Tivers Clinical Specialties 26575 W. Commerce Drive Unit 506, Volo (224) 636-3742 erictivers.com

Therapy, coaching and consulting. Specializing in ADHD and Asperger Syndrome/high-functioning autism.

UIC Child & Family Development Center 1640 W. Roosevelt Road Room 336, MC628, Chicago (312) 413-1567 uic-cfdc.org

Licensed and credentialed clinical staff address the assessed needs of infants/toddlers with disabilities who have delays in motor, communication, self-care, social-emotional, feeding/swallowing, sensory integration and/or cognitive areas. This program also offers evaluation and intervention services for children who have autism spectrum disorders, challenging behavior and/or are medically fragile.

Vital Rehabilitation Clinics and Services 5820 W. Irving Park Road Chicago (773) 685-8482 vitalrehabilitation.com

Developmental, occupational, physical and speech therapies. Also offers in-home services.

Locations in Chicago, Park Ridge, Merrionette Park and Schaumburg.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING/ PROGRAMS Avenues to Independence 515 Busse Hwy., Park Ridge (847) 292-0870 avenuestoindependence.org

Helps people with special needs and developmental needs through residential housing, job placement and workshops.

Cornerstone Services Inc. Career Solutions 800 Black Road, Joliet (815) 727-6694 career-solutions.org

Helps young adults and older adults with disabilities to find and keep jobs in the community.

Donka Inc. 400 N. County Farm Road Wheaton (630) 665-8169 donkainc.org

Provides computer training that teaches disabled students who demonstrate special accessibility requirements and low income levels how to use computers to read, write, continue an education or gain the advanced skills needed for the workplace.

HarrysButtons.com Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago

Adolescents and young adults with autism are employed by HarrysButtons. com at Easter Seals, a micro-enterprise that manufactures wholesale, handmade custom buttons, magnets and key chains. Additional location at 1939 W. 13th St., Chicago.

New preschool to open this fall

Parents Alliance Employment Project 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 302 Lisle (630) 955-2075 parents-alliance.org

Organization devoted to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through free individualized employment services.

SouthStar Services 1005 W. End Ave. Chicago Heights (708) 755-8030 southstarservices.org

Providing choices and opportunities for pursuit of a vocation, community living and social integration. Additional locations in Olympia Fields and Schererville, Ind.

Spectrum Vocational Services 2302 Wisconsin Ave. Downers Grove (630) 852-7520 littlefriendsinc.org

The adult day services division of Little Friends Inc. Offers training and vocational opportunities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities.

We Grow Dreams 1055 W. Washington St. West Chicago (630) 293-0100 wegrowdreams.org

Training and employment for people with disabilities through the greenhouse and garden center.

he Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is one step closer to filling its new inclusive preschool with books. It won a $7,500 Better World Books grant that will allow it to expose all children to Braille and alphanumeric characters. The preschool is set to open in September. “The school will be dedicated to building acceptance and tolerance,” Chicago Lighthouse

Executive Director Janet Szlyk says, adding she believes it is the only program of its kind in the Midwest. “I think it will break down barriers in the long term.” Chicago Lighthouse also received a Chicago Public Schools grant to help the preschool accommodate 40 children ages 3-5 who are at risk, low income or blind or visually impaired. Admission to the program is free.

ChicagoParent.com |

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Specıal Parent CHICAGO

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THERAPY

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Steinberg Behavior Solutions is a Chicago based consulting firm providing ABA evaluation and treatment.

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| ChicagoParent.com

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ChiCago Specıal Parent Advertiser Index Ad Name .....................................Page Number(s)

Extended Home Living Services .................................... 19

Rush Neurobehavioral Center........................................10

Acacia Academy..............................................................22

Family Resource Center on Disabilities.........................25

Rush University Medical Center ..................................... 14

Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School ................. 40

Fredric S. Tatel, DDS ................................................. 28, 54

SEASPAR........................................................................... 19

Apraxia Connection ..................................................23, 54

Hatchbacks ......................................................................23

Aspire .............................................................................. 49

Karate Can Do..................................................................24

Bellybum ...........................................................................3

Lakeshore Speech .......................................................... 20

Calian & Gross, LLP ............................................................5

Learning Disabilities Association of IL ................... 22, 54

Camelot Therapeutic Day Schools .................................28

Learning Through Play .................................................. 20

Chicago Children’s Museum .......................................... 30

Mabel’s Labels ................................................................. 16

The Cove School ..............................................................39

Marklund Day School........................................................8

Dolphin Swim ...................................................Back Cover

Mobility Works ................................................................ 18

Turning Pointe.................................................................43

DuPage Children’s Museum ........................................... 12

Our Joy Infant Care ......................................................... 12

University of Illinois at Chicago .................................... 40

Easter Seals ..................................................................... 12

PACE ................................................................................... 1

Ups for Downs.............................................................5, 54

Smart Love Family Services ........................................... 19 Smile Train ........................................................................ 6 Southwest Dental Group ........................................... 8, 54 SRANI ...................................................Inside front, 45, 54 Steinberg Behavior Solutions ..................................14, 54 Trinity Christian College ...................................................5

ChicagoParent.com |

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INSPIRATIONS

‘I don’t want to let my

wheelchair stop me’ W

hen Shannon Kelly was 13, her goal was to get out of her wheelchair and walk one mile. Fast-forward six years, and Shannon just traveled more than 8,000 miles to South Africa. This time, she took along the wheelchair that has become her primary means of transportation since a spinal cord tumor at the age of 2 limited her mobility. After years of surgeries, therapy and other challenges, the travel bug bit Shannon when she graduated from high school and signed up for a volunteer trip to Costa Rica through an organization called Cross Cultural Solutions. “I really wanted to do something before college, something exciting and adventurous, and to challenge myself,” Shannon says. “And I loved it. I liked finding new cultures and experiencing new things and meeting new people.” But even with such a great experience, she still hesitated when she found out about a trip to South Africa through the University of Illinois, where she was a freshman, because of accessibility concerns. The South Africa trip included a placement at a school for people with disabilities. Shannon helped in a classroom for kids 14-18, her age at the time of the trip, and was surprised by the discrepancies in their educational system. “If I lived in South Africa, I could very well have been part of

that school,” Shannon says. “It was very hard for me to see because their level of special education is so much different than ours.” Those differences helped Shannon decide not to let the challenges put a damper on her trip. That’s an attitude she has learned to exhibit throughout her er life. “This is the only life I have, and yeah, h, I have some different barriers and stuff I have to deal with than other people,” she says. “I don’t know if I’m ever going to be able to travel normally and do things like everyone else, so you have to be grateful for what you have and do whatever you can.” Although Shannon has three more years of college to decide on a career path, she already knows she wants to continue to travel—Spain and Argentina are on her short list—and to break down the barriers that many people with disabilities face. “I just want to be happy in whatever I do, to take risks and be adventurous and never say no to an opportunity,” she says. “Because what really slows us down is not being courageous enough to say ‘yes’ to something that could really change your life.”

Elizabeth Diffin

Fast Facts Who: Shannon Kelly, 19 Family: Parents Karen and Bob, siblings Connor, 17, and Bridget, 12 Hometown: Elmhurst In her words: “It’s hard sometimes to accept that you can’t do everything, but you still have to be thankful for what you can do and make the most of it.” “The struggles that you’ve been through, even though it’s hard while you’re going through them, they make you the strong person you are.”

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