Specal Parent

SUMMER 2013
AN EMPOWERMENT
GUIDE FROM
JOY
in the
little
things
BULLY
PROOF
your kids
22
and then
what?
LOCAL
RESOURCES
YOU NEED
SP_Cover_2013.indd 3 6/27/13 10:02 AM
Providing programs that will enhance
socialization skills, improve self-help
skills, build self-esteem, and develop fne
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 dis-
tricts and recreation agencies. For a statewide listing of SRANI agencies, see our display ad in the Resource Direc-
tory or visit www.specialrecreation.org.
www.specialrecreation.org
Adaptive Sports
Aquatics
Cultural Arts
Field Trips
Inclusion
Paralympic Sports
Social Clubs
Special Events
Special Olympics
Summer Camps
Unifed Sports
Vacation Trips
Weekly Programs
CSP0713_CV2.indd 1 7/3/13 12:18 PM
ChicagoParent.com
|
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
1
Joanne just called
for lunch. I said,
Ill be right there.
Paratransi t i s inconvenient for me,
because you cant plan in advance for
everything in l i fe. Thankful l y, wi th the
regular Pace bus servi ce, you dont
have to. It dri ves me crazy when I
mi ss out on things because I dont
have a ride. Pace gi ves me the freedom
to meet my friends at a moments
noti ce. Today Im meeting Joanne for
a bi te to eat, but I have no idea whats
in store for tomorrow. The one thing
I do know, i s that whatever i t i s, theres
not a chance in the world Il l mi ss i t.
If youre ready to take control of your
day, vi si t PaceBus.com.
6270 6270
Dot evn ty get clse enug to re tis epsum it. Yo elpu hut yoor epsums - yor moer wared you and yur purosy not liseng- dn't yu le her? epsom You wul't tre yur eyes thi wy if yu id blah bogy. I bet not sit raal esolc to the tision toop whala.
THANKS FOR
RIDING PACE
66668_2013 Chicago Special Parent Mag
CLIENT: Pace
JOB NUMBER: 65668
PUBLICATION: Chicago
MATERIALS DUE: 2/1/2014
OPD_Joanne 2013
LIVE: 7.42 x 9.475
TRIM:
BLEED:
DATE: 6/16/2013
CREATIVE: Susan Schmidt
ACCOUNT: Michael Jensen
PRODUCTION: Tina Anderson
PROOFER:
2013 Pace
CSP0713_001.indd 1 7/3/13 1:37 PM
I
n
s
i
d
e
FEATURES
21 Protecting tomorrow means planning today
Help available to advise parents on future options so take advantage of it
27 Please dont feel
sorry for us
Chicago parents on a mission to let
others fall in love with their little girl, too
31 Battling bullying
Help your child be more resilient
34 The good things
Moms find happiness in raising their
children with special needs
INSPIRATIONS 56
Shannon Kelly wont let a wheelchair
stop her
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
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
Tommys
favorite things
Favorite thing to do: Tommy
loves to play with his older broth-
ers 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!
2
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
CSP0713_002.indd 1 7/3/13 12:19 PM
ChicagoParent.com
|
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
3

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
inclusive, simple, fun: because fnding
what you need should be easy!
www.bellybumboutique.com
I

CSP0713_003.indd 1 7/3/13 1:38 PM
N
ot every
baby arrives
without a
care in the world.
Sometimes their
unique challenges
are suspected imme-
diately; sometimes
those challenges
show up months
later.
Regardless, every
new parent of a child
with special needs
embarks upon a simi-
lar process that includes asking why, search-
ing 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 rou-
tine for other families
in the neighborhood
cant be taken for
granted. Shopping is
something more than
running out on a whim
to buy bread or clothes.
Evergreen Park mom
Michele Kovack knows that only too well.
I know its easy to give up. There are
plenty of times I left a store crying.
Giving up isnt 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, its 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 hous-
ing and jobs, the care of their child with
special needs fell to siblings or other relatives
because there wasnt another plan, and deci-
sions 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 seem-
ingly 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 and yes, to laugh.
Joy and challenges
FROM THE EDITORS
TAMARA L.
OSHAUGHNESSY
Editor
LIZ DECARLO
Editor
p p y
MARIAN CASEY is
the executive director
of A.S.K- Answers for
Special Kids, a resource
and advocacy organiza-
tion 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 DANIEL-
CROTTY, Ph.D., is a
clinical psychologist
who focuses on child,
adolescent and fam-
ily psychotherapy and
evaluation. She special-
izes in the assessment
and treatment of neu-
robehavioral disorders,
learning disabilities
and social-emotional
problems.
CARA LONG, a reg-
istered nurse and a
mom of three, including
one born with Down
syndrome, is a state-cre-
dentialed parent liaison
at Easter Seals DuPage
and the Fox Valley
Region. She has worked
with families as a sup-
port parent and public
awareness speaker for
the National Association
for Down Syndrome.
ELLEN METRICK is a
consultant, researcher
and evaluator for toy
retailers and manu-
facturers regarding
toy design and the
impact of play on
childhood develop-
ment. 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 educa-
tion, is highly regarded
for leadership in creat-
ing recreation opportu-
nities 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 chil-
dren with special needs
and their families at the
local, state and national
levels.
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
4
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
CSP0713_004.indd 1 7/3/13 1:38 PM
EDITORS Liz DeCarlo, Tamara L.
OShaughnessy
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
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
CREDIT MANAGER Debbie Zari
COLLECTIONS Charlie Kelly
______
PUBLISHER Dan Haley
VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Andrew
Johnston
COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar
PHONE (708) 386-5555
FAX (708) 524-0447
EDITORIAL
chiparent@chicagoparent.com
DISPLAY ADS
advertising@chicagoparent.com
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classified@chicagoparent.com
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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.
STAFF
CONTACT
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
5
Check the website for
information, calendar of events,
or more ways to get involved.
email: info@upsfordowns.org
847-895-2100
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.
www.upsfordowns.org
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
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 childs rights so they can achieve
the success they deserve.
Is School FAILING
Your Child?
Do You Need Help Getting
Appropriate Educational Services
For Your Special Needs Child?
Licensed teachers, call 708.239.3900
or visit graduatestudies.trnty.edu
for an information packet.
CSP0713_005.indd 1 7/3/13 1:39 PM
You Will Spend More On Coffee This Year
Than What It Would Cost To Save A Child.
Donate online: www.smiletrain.org
or call: 1-800-932-9541
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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 providers 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; pt; 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.
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Join our mobile community today!
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stories and ways to help by texting MOBILE to 877877*.
...one of the most
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The New York Times
Free cleft surgery which takes as
little as 45 minutes and costs as little
as $250, can give desperate children
not just a newsmilebut a new life.
CSP0713_006.indd 1 7/3/13 12:20 PM
M
ichele Doyle is a glass-half-
full kind of mom. Husband
Pete is a glass-half-empty
kind of dad.
But when it comes to their daugh-
ters 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 peoples only frame of refer-
ence 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 non-
corporate 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. Were going
through our journey and our journey
is going pretty good, but there are a
lot of people who are struggling, so
lets try to raise some money and help
people.
He credits Michele with the suc-
cess 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
didnt have a diagnosis. That came
years later.
Im a firm believer that every-
thing 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 rais-
ing Kiera. They took away gluten
and casein and the family now eats
organic meats, fruits and vegetables.
They also did chelation after tests
showed Caelans body was full of
metals.
Its been long and challeng-
ing 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.
ChicagoParent.com
|
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
7
The
autism
fight
I
n

O
u
r

S
h
o
e
s
In their words
The one thing you would say
to other parents with children
with special needs
Michele: Its a long and hard
road, but dont ever give up.
Pete: Dont be ashamed of it.
Seek out help and talk to other
men going through this. Its
something that some men feel
sometimes ashamed of or Oh my
God, its 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 dont say that anymore. I
still have dreams, maybe they
are adjusted, but they are not
adjusted too much.
LEARN
MORE
To learn more
or to donate,
visit rescue
ourangels.com
or Facebook
The Doyle Family
with Jenny
McCarthy
CSP0713_007.indd 1 7/3/13 3:05 PM
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ChicagoParent.com ChicagoParent.com
|
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
8
A FULL EDUCATI ONAL EXPERI ENCE
For students with Learning and Developmental Disabilities
and those on the Autism Spectrum
www.marklund.org/school
Making Everyday Life
Possible for Individuals with
Profound Disabilities We Offer the Latest in Technology and Therapies
Marklund creates a highly sensory-driven program featuring:
Smart boards and iPads Snoezelen and music therapy
Computer assisted devices Recreational therapy
Physical and occupational therapy Animal therapy
Speech and language therapy Aquatic therapy, and more.
Marklund Day School
Marklund Day School is a non-public state-certifed 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.
Visit Us for a Tour
Contact: Karen Gill, Director of Education
630-307-1882, ext. 3248 or kgill@marklund.org.
NOW
Accepting
new
students!
At Southwest Dental
we take special care of
special needs.
Dr. Bob Tentler
Exceptional care and patient comfort go hand in hand at Southwest Dental Group. This gives special needs
children and adults an experience they can feel good about - with the option of IV sedation for situational anxiety.
We believe theres no need too special.
(708) 403 -3355
16600 South 107th Court
Orland Park, IL
Dr. Tentler holds diplomate
status in the American Society of
Dentist Anesthesiologists.
Dr. Robert L. Tentler
and Associates,
General Dentistry
CSP0713_008.indd 1 7/3/13 5:42 PM
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
9
M
y sons final IEP meeting
is over. Its 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 meet-
ings, reams of documents, over-
whelming frustration, etc. Even
a due process hearing!
And now its over?
I feel such a strange combina-
tion 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. Isnt
that always the way its gone?
Over the years, there has
been confusing, conflicting
information. Helpful profession-
als, hurtful not-so-professionals.
Compassionate teachers, dread-
ful teachers. Social rejection.
Fighting to tame the beast called
bipolar disorder.
The medication odys-
sey to find the right cocktail.
Hospitalization (no one brings
you casseroles). Meltdowns,
sleepless nights, tears. Fear and
isolation. Emotional exhaus-
tion. 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 place-
ment in sixth grade. Moments of
happiness and joy. The over-
whelming love when looking
at his sleeping face each night.
Opening my eyes each morn-
ing and my first thought ... Oh
crap, here we go again.
Never giving up.
For so many years protect-
ing 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, hyper-
vigilance. Anger at his disease,
anger at him. Quitting my job.
Having to parent in ways that
didnt 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 wont 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 wont fit in,
his feelings will get hurt, and he
will be lonely. He might have an
accident, get in trouble or worse.
I wont be able to protect him,
pave the way or smooth things
over. I wont 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 persis-
tent and brave person I know.
Life has not been easy for him.
He recognizes other peoples
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 him-
self, 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 cour-
age 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.
No more IEPs
This mom is left asking: Who am I now?
MY LIFE
BY CARI LEVIN
L
Y
N
N

T
R
A
U
T
M
A
N

O
F

L
T

P
H
O
T
O
HOW WE DO IT
The best advice that was given to me, at a time for Kylie
when autism wasnt out there like it is now, was to try some-
thing 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. Dont 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 shed do.)
Kathleen Zyall, Bourbonnais
Just trust in them. Watch what they are doing. Jacob
wanted to go into school alone one day and I wasnt prepared,
but I didnt stop him. I kind of let him go, I didnt want to hin-
der 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
CSP0713_009.indd 1 7/3/13 12:21 PM
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
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 social-
emotional 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
Recruitment Call for Research Study
Virtual Environment for Social Information Processing
(VESIP
TM
)
Call now to enroll - Testing is ready to begin!
Rush NeuroBehavioral Center VESIP
TM
Study Participation Information
ORA: 11051807-IRB01 Date IRB Approved: 11/26/2012 Amendment Date: 6/14/2013
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)
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 childs school, we may
also be able to arrange testing at your
childs school
Does it cost anything?
Participation is free and participants will
receive a $20 gift card!
CSP0713_010.indd 1 7/3/13 1:32 PM
ChicagoParent.com
|
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
11
W
e just cel-
ebrated my
daughter
Rebeccas 29th birth-
day. 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 perva-
sive 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 disbe-
lieving 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 enor-
mous 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
relentlessly insistent that she be
treated with respect. She gets ner-
vous and has learned to self-soothe.
She has a voice and a powerful,
clear sense of herself.
You know when you are headed
in the right direction because
everything gets easier. Even the
struggles seem to ease. We didnt
feel alone. We found a community
of like-minded families and profes-
sionals. We dared to dream and it
all paid off.
Today, Rebecca lives inde-
pendently in a home in Glenview
with three other young adults. They have staff
who assists them when needed. She attends an
art studio and has become quite an artist. She
works in the community one day
a week. She loves music and has
friends. She is safe and happy.
Life is not without challenges, but
Rebecca has a sense of purpose,
positive self-esteem and an identity
as someone whose life means
something.
This is what every parent wants
for their child, and it confirms that
the vision her father and I had for
her was possible beyond anything
we might have dreamed.
Diane Turner is a mom of two and author of Heart
Wisdom: A Concise Companion for Creating a Life of
Possibility. She lives in Glenview.
MY LIFE
Where we are now
When dreams for your child become reality
despite harsh diagnosis
BY DIANE TURNER
A
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more!
Visit us
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Online at ChicagoParent.com
CSP0713_011.indd 1 7/3/13 1:32 PM
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
EASTER SEALS DuPAGE AND
THE FOX VALLY REGION
Villa Park: 630.620.4433
Naperville: 630.357.9699
Elgin: 847.742.3264
www.eastersealsdfvr.org
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech-Language Therapy
Aquatic Therapy
Nutrition Therapy
Assistive Technology
Autism Diagnostic Clinic
Community Based Therapy
Specialized Clinics
Audiology Services
Inclusive Child Care
Social Work
Parent Resources
REACHING BEYOND
Photo by: Cara Pagels
Helping children with special needs
throughout Chicagoland to reach
beyond expectations through:
Unique Night Nurses and Night
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We have experience in helping both seasoned and rst
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CSP0713_012.indd 1 7/3/13 12:23 PM
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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13
BY CLAUDIA PARKER
M
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
Ive 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 were work-
ing 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 chil-
dren were playful and curious about us. The
parents were quick to interact and share infor-
mation. However, 20 minutes in, my daugh-
ter signed, All done! Staring into her baby
brown eyes, I said, Its not time to go. This
agitated her. More aggressively, she signed
Eat! I glanced at the clock. Snack time wasnt
for five minutes. Almost, I told her.
Frustrated, she rose on her tippy-toes and
roared with despair. Finally, five minutes dis-
solved and Id 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. Its
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 wasnt 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, Im
eager to welcome her into the fold.
Claudia Parker is a writer and stay-at-home
mom of two living in Evergreen Park.
MY LIFE
Finding acceptance
Sometimes a soothing hand is just what you need
HOW WE DO IT
Reach out to find social groups. ... Its as good for us as it is for her. Its like
a little sitcom, really. Sometimes you can laugh. Everyone has their own prob-
lems. 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
couldnt do it all myself, I needed to let people help me. Thats 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.
CSP0713_013.indd 1 7/3/13 12:23 PM
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
Autsm Speaks Clinical Trial Network (CTN):
Evaluatng the role of memantne on memory and motor skills
The Autsm Assessment, Research & Treatment Services (AARTS) Center is partcipatng in a multsite
clinical trial evaluatng the efects of a medicaton, memantne (brand name: Namenda) on novel
symptom targets including motor skills, memory, and atenton. We are recruitng ages 612 with
autsm spectrum disorder to partcipate in a 6month trial. Study partcipaton includes diagnostc and
neuropsychological evaluatons, randomizaton into medicaton or placebo conditons, and monitoring
by a clinical team of psychiatrists and psychologists. For more informaton about this and other
research opportunites in the AARTS program please contact Sarah Youngkin, Research Coordinator, at
3129425431 or Sarah_Youngkin@rush.edu.
See How ABA Therapy Can Help Your Child
Steinberg Behavior Solutions is a Chicago based consulting rm providing ABA evaluation and treatment.
In Home Consultations with Sarah Steinberg MS, BCBA
773.330.1200
Sarah@SteinbergBehaviorSolutions.com
Be sure to check out the online resources at SteinbergBehaviorSolutions.com
-Other services we offer:
School Consultations, Behavior Plans/Parent Coaching, Potty Training, Feeding Therapy, Sleep Consultations, Social Skills and Therapy for Selective Mutism
Sarah Steinberg MS, BCBA
CSP0713_014.indd 1 7/3/13 12:23 PM
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CHICAGO
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15
P
arents probably have heard about the
importance of developing early read-
ing 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 youre won-
dering what to do when it is rainy and gray,
fill the day with math play.
Breakfast of shapes
Little learners can have lessons in geo-
metric 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
like the Hand Counting Peg Puzzle
and Jumbo Chunky Numbers
Puzzle. Many
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
adds a dimension with
its 3D puzzles ranging
from subjects like the
Eiffel Tower to the
Pyramidsallowing
kids to take a tour
of spatial relation-
ships. For a fun 3D
brain teaser game,
try Tridio Twist by Fat
Brain Toy Company.
Visual learners will love
Educational Insights Numbers
Balance Scale, which makes
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 balanc-
ing 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 din-
ner is a clever place to start. Count the car-
rots on the plate, then the pieces you cut the
chicken into. How many times do you chew
it, how many bites out of a piece of bread?
Add them up and do a tally.
Take a number
to bed
You can count
on cuddles with the
plush characters from
NumbersAlive!, developed
by a mathematician with
a mission. The goal is for
children to make friends
with numbers, build a
relationship and begin to
understand their numeric
personalities. 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
Parents advisory board. Lekotek is a leading
authority on toys and play for children with
disabilities.
Create a fun day of
play with math
PLAYTIME
BY ELLEN METRICK
good time to switch to
young
urger
with
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ill l
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Add them u
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children is Melissa & Doug, with products
li l ke the Hand Counting Peg Puzzle
and Jumbo Chunky Numbers
Pu Puzzle. Many
Visual learners
Educational Insigh
Balance Scale, which makes
numbers colorful and fun and teaches how
s will love
hts Numbers
hi h k
CSP0713_015.indd 1 7/3/13 3:05 PM
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
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ChicagoParent.com
Dont leave home
without them.
Keep everyone informed with
personalized safety products from
Mabels Labels. Designed to ensure
important information is close at hand,
Allergy Alerts and My 411 Wristbands
are the best way to protect your child
when you cant be there.
Learn more & customize yours at mabelslabels.com | 1.866.306.2235
Mabels Labels is proud to donate
10% of all 411 Wristband sales to
Autism Speaks.
CSP0713_016.indd 1 7/3/13 12:25 PM
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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17
C
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, touch-
ing the set and meeting the actors
to hear their voices and better
follow the performance. Others, like
Chicago Childrens Theatre, offer special
shows just for children with autism and
sensory issues.
The Chicago Childrens Museum is
among a growing number of area muse-
ums, including KidsWorks, Notebaert
Nature Museum, DuPage Childrens
Museum and Kohl Childrens 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
at the Chicago Childrens 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 childs earliest
years.
All the way from kindergarten
through higher education, there are
teachers who dont really know how to
accommodate students with disabilities
in teaching the arts.
Lindsey Peterson
Special garden
planted in Chicago
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Courtesy of Access Living: Counter Balance
A dancer performing at Access Livings
Counter Balance.
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 com-
munity gardens for special populations.
Introducing the gardens would be
therapeutic and an opportunity to pro-
mote 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 curricu-
lum based around the garden.
The students are learning about
community, work ethic and communi-
cation, teacher Marcel Mares says. Its
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
New learning disabilities
guide available
Learning about your childs learning disabili-
ties can be a challenge, especially for parents
trying to gather enough facts to hold a conversa-
tion 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 symp-
toms, stages at each age and laws pertaining to
special education.
For information, visit ld.org/ldnavigator.
THE ARTS TAKING ON INCLUSION
Chicago theaters, museums taking bigger
steps for those with special needs
CSP0713_017.indd 1 7/3/13 12:25 PM
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
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ChicagoParent.com
NEWS YOU CAN USE
W
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 couldnt 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, Angelas
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 isnt a cure, but my leg
is so much better than it was
before, she says. It saved
my life.
Lindsey Riley
Teen battles
chronic pain
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CSP0713_018.indd 1 7/3/13 12:26 PM
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
19
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CSP0713_019.indd 1 7/3/13 12:26 PM
20
|
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
Lakeshore Speech Therapy Can Help Your Child
with Communication Skills to Last a Lifetime
SCREENINGS EVALUATIONS EDUCATION IEP Consultation
In-home, at-school and clinic based services offer convenience and
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Innovative and personalized approaches to intervention make therapy
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Over eleven years experience in hospital, clinic and school settings.
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Our Family Programs and Pediatric Services
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CSP0713_020.indd 1 7/3/13 2:56 PM
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
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21
BY ROBIN CARLASCIO
W
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 inde-
pendence as possible in the sheltered setting
she requires.
The Loeffels are one of more than 1 mil-
lion 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 Chicagos
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 states residential placement com-
munities can keep pace with demand. The
turnover rate for residential beds is almost
nil. Nearly 70 of Misericordias 610 residents
are 50 or older.
Finding a suitable home is a daunting
endeavor.
Protecting
tomorrow
means
planning
today
Help available
to advise parents
on future options
CSP0713_021.indd 1 7/3/13 12:27 PM
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ChicagoParent.com
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 earlyor too
lateto 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 every-
one. 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 pro-
vides 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 fami-
lies create a financial plan for their child, Ehlert
Learning Disabilities
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www.LDAIL.com
CSP0713_022.indd 1 7/3/13 12:27 PM
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23
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 wouldnt 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
preciousalbeit limitedstate
and federal programs.
She soon learned that wasnt
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 par-
ent tells me is that they want
their child to be happy. Thats
natural. Its normal. What we
do is help them distill what that
means for their childin terms
of recreation, employment, if
thats possible, interacting with
others and having friends. We
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. Its 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 its our jobs to make that
possible.
Its just not easy.
One of the first steps parents need to take well
before their childs 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
childs 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 arent 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.
www.theapraxiaconnection.org
The Apraxia Connection is a 501 (c) 3 non-
profit organization based in La Grange Park,
IL dedicated to providing local resources to
parents, educators and therapists affected by
apraxia and related disorders.

Looking for
Childcare
Solutions?
You can find great
options in our
Childcare Services
section.
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CSP0713_023.indd 1 7/3/13 3:05 PM
24
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CHICAGO
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ChicagoParent.com
work with one family at a time to
build a plan for comprehensive
care and it doesnt 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 sons
school-appointed social worker.
Now 22, Caleb, who has
learning disabilities accompa-
nied 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 supple-
ment what is now $710 per
month in Social Security pay-
ments and any additional money
Caleb will be able to earn at a
job.
We were clueless and totally
ill-equipped about what to do
nextwhen Caleb would no
longer be attending school,
Johnson says.
On tap for Caleb is a brighter
future, with a structure that pro-
vides 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
have become his guardians.
Thats a step many parents take
much sooner than we did but
we had delayed, hoping Caleb
would be able to become more
independent. He hasnt 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 Calebs 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 inde-
pendent, eventually living on his
own in a sheltered setting.
The Johnsons had no illusions
Protected tomorrows offers online help
The Lincolnshirebased 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 futureexplore the
possibilities
Special Needs Trust primer
Government benefits primer
Preparing for future caregivers
Apply for government benefitsa howto guide
Families helping familiesjoin 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) 5228086 or visit
protectedtomorrows.com.
As featured on ABC 7, NBC 5, WGN-TV and WCIU-TV
The Karate Can-Do! Foundation works hand-in-hand with North Shore Dojo,
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the lives of children who learn differently.
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Karate CAN-DO! is a registered 501(c)(3)
Sensei Jeff Kohn is the recipient of the 2011 United States
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CSP0713_024.indd 1 7/3/13 12:28 PM
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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25
that the process
would be simple
and it wasnt. Still,
with the nudging
and assistance
of Kirsten Izatt,
an attorney who
specializes in
assisting members
of the special
needs commu-
nity, and the
staff at Protected
Tomorrows, the
Johnsons stayed
on track and fin-
ished the process
in a little less than
a year.
Envisioning the
possible
Ehlert believes in helping
parents create a vision for their
childrenone that often is dif-
ficult, 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 childs
future can hold.
One such family is a client
with a child with Down syn-
drome 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 hap-
pen for your childs future? We
advise them to envision the high-
est functioning life for their child
and work with us to make that
happen.
Ehlert is the first to acknowl-
edge that the states dwindling
resources, coupled with the
increasing demand for residen-
tial services, makes the task
more challenging.
Sometimes, there is no hous-
ing program a family can afford.
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.
Maggies 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 didnt have
a workshop that could accom-
modate Maggies 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 perma-
nent placement.
There is no place like
Misericordia. It truly is an
amazing place, she says. Shes
involved and has a life there with
people her own age. Shes defi-
nitely 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 isnt like sending a child
off to college, though. Its a hard
decision for any parent to make.
Volunteer Advocacy Training Project
Presented By
Family Resource Center on Disabilities
in collaboration with the
Roosevelt Universitys Mansfield Institute
for Social Justice and Transformation
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
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.
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
Tis project is funded through the
U.S. Department of Education Ofce of Special Education Programs
CSP0713_025.indd 1 7/3/13 3:04 PM
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CLIENT: BBDO Internal
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This advertisement was prepared by
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Hasiba
Eye Contact
T:7
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1
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CLIENT: BBDO Internal

PRODUCT: Eye Contact
JOB#: P35552
SPACE: Full Page 4/C
BLEED: None
TRIM: 7 x 10
SAFETY: None
GUTTER: None
PUBS: None
ISSUE: None
TRAFFIC: Donna Mendietta
ART BUYER: Cali Capodici
ACCOUNT: Amy Brody
RETOUCH: None
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ART DIRECTOR: None
COPYWRITER: None
This advertisement was prepared by
BBDO New York
Fonts
Gotham (Medium, Book), Archer (Semibold), Helvetica Neue (47 Light
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Filename: P35552_BBD_GEN_V11.indd
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27
Chicago parents on mission to let others fall in love with their little girl, too
BY JERRY DAVICH
C
hris and Kerry Lynch were
blindsided by the 5 p.m.
news on Dec. 8, 2011.
Not by a TV anchorman, but
by a doctors diagnosis of their
daughters 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 syn-
drome, 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 didnt 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.
Its 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.
Its 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 develop-
ment 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,
developmentalto 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 childs skull is made up
of several plates that remain
loosely connected to one
another, gradually growing
together to form an adult skull.
But a childs skull with Apert
Please dont feel sorry for us
Photos by LuLu Photography
CSP0713_027.indd 1 7/3/13 3:03 PM
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Specal Parent
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ChicagoParent.com
has a premature fusion of these
plates, restricting brain growth
and causing increased pressure
in the brain as it grows.
Its 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 chil-
dren 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 prac-
tice is located in Dallas, Texas
(thecraniofacialcenter.com).
At 18 months old, Mary
Cate has undergone four major
surgeries on her hands, feet and
skull. But Fearon believes she
may need 10 more operations by
the end of her teenage years, a
relatively low number compared
to other Apert children.
Life expectancy predictions
for kids with Apert are limited
because no one specifically has
followed children with this con-
dition for that long, Fearon says.
I would say that
(life expectancy) has
been shorter than it
should be, but with
the right care, life
expectancy should
be the same as for
those without the
syndrome, he says.
Chris and Kerry rely
on Fearon and his staff to help
manage their select team of
physicians, therapists and other
health professionals located in
the Chicago area.
There are so many things
going on directly from this
syndrome that you need a team
to handle all her medical needs,
and also a quarterback to lead
the team, Chris says. Dr.
Fearon is our quarterback.
Awareness
important to family
The couple, however, has
installed their own shotgun
offense, of sorts, to spread
awareness about their daughter
and Apert syndrome. In fact,
they started writing their
silver-lining playbook
just minutes after Mary
Cates diagnosis.
Please dont feel
sorry for us. Were
proud of Mary Cate,
we love her, and well
be fine, they wrote in
a mass email to family and
friends.
In the days after, Kerry
started a blog and website
(mymarycate.org) to educate
everyone about Apert syndrome.
In the short time she has
been here, Mary Cate has taught
us more about courage and
love than we have ever known,
Kerry wrote. She is a calm and
easygoing presence in our home.
She could not be more loved.
This past Mothers Day, Kerry
posted: When I look back at my
post from Mothers 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.
Watch a short
video
of Mary Cate
ChicagoParent.com
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We use smaller chairs
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We welcome patients with
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Pleasant, comfortable
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We take the fear out of
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Join us on Facebook
for great conversation,
contests and up to
date information.
Go to Facebook.com/
ChicagoParent
CSP0713_028.indd 1 7/3/13 3:04 PM
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
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29
I took Mary Cate to the park
yesterday and the kids just flocked
to her, Chris says, proudly show-
ing 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 familys sec-
ond child.
The familys educational
campaign includes visiting
several schools around their
Beverly neighborhood to chat
with students, host fundraisers
for medical bills and share Mary
Cates unique story.
My Mary Cate is a well-
known 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 mothers arms.
Just like every other parent
on the planet.
Jerry Davich is a dad and a
Chicago area writer who contrib-
utes regularly to Chicago Special
Parent and Chicago Parent.
Mary Cate has taught us more about courage
and love than we have ever known.
KERRY LYNCH, MOM
Photo by Jade Albert
2012 AutismSpeaks Inc. "AutismSpeaks" 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.
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
No words by
16 months
CSP0713_029.indd 1 7/3/13 3:03 PM
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ChicagoParent.com
Were with you.
Discover the Chicago Parent FREE mobile app today!
Chicago Parent Digital editions
available at your favorite digital newsstand now!
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CSP0713_030.indd 1 7/3/13 12:30 PM
ChicagoParent.com
|
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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31
Ways to help your
child be more
resilient
BY LINDSEY RILEY
I
ts 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, its
hard for parents to know how
to help.
And, unfortunately, its not
uncommon for children with
special needs to be the tar-
get of bullies. Statistics from
AbilityPath.orgs 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 childrens services at Aspire
Childrens Services, believes
bullies are something on every
parents radar. She says educa-
tion and building a childs self-
esteem 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 shes
in the chair, how shes not differ-
ent from them and how they can
help her get around, she says.
Sometimes kids just make fun
because they dont know any dif-
ferent. 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
whats 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 theyre not
alone and dont have to face this
alone, she says.
Its important to talk about
it. Asking specific questions
and having regular conversa-
tions with your child, as well as
their educators, will help you
be aware of what is going on.
Battling
bullying
Children with
special needs
need someone
to help teach
them the steps
they need to
stand up for
themselves.
REBECCA KIEFFER
Therapist and
licensed clini-
cal social worker
at North Shore
Pediatric Therapy
CSP0713_031.indd 1 7/3/13 12:31 PM
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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 accept-
able responses.
I feel like children, especially
with autism and Aspergers,
already have difficulty with
social interaction as it is. They
dont have the skills to really rec-
ognize 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 doesnt
always happen, she says.
Keeping the lines of
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
arent 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 dont 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 childs 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 communi-
cate, 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 isnt 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 (DeafnessRelated
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 doesnt 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 wordsall those social
cues that children with special needs often have a difficult time
understanding. Roleplay different scenarios with your childsay
phrases to them in a friendly voice and a mean voiceand have
them distinguish between the two. Then have them practice what
they could do in response.
Krystyann Krywko
CSP0713_032.indd 1 7/3/13 12:31 PM
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CHICAGO
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33
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
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CSP0713_033.indd 1 7/3/13 12:31 PM
34
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
BY GILLIAN MARCHENKO
C
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. Its 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 sen-
sory 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, its easy to forget
about the good things.
But heres 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 childs growth
When asked, several parents jumped at
the chance to share good things about par-
enting their kids.
When I see my daughter working on a
computer in her kindergarten class, I real-
ize how much she knows that I dont 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 jug-
gling 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.
Its true. Regardless of how big or small
the gain, the point is that our kids are grow-
ing. 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.
PARENTS IN THE KNOW
The good things
Moms find happiness in raising their children with special needs
Dana Garcia enjoys playing with her daughter Kelsi.
CSP0713_034.indd 1 7/3/13 12:32 PM
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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35
Im not sure I can pinpoint a
specific moment, but when Kelsi
was around 2 years old and the
fog had lifted from medical com-
plications, 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 dif-
ferently about how things work.
When I have to figure out how to
explain something to him, it gives
me more compassion for every-
one 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
Im reminded of whats really
important, and it isnt what car
I drive or what clothes I wear
or how much money I have. Its
living life to the fullest regardless
of limitations. Its 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 chil-
dren cause others around them
to grow simply by being them-
selves, 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, restau-
rant, church, school, anywhere,
that her sweet Hi doesnt 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 dont even have
to exchange words. Its just the
smile that can remind you that
you are not in it alone. And
thats what you need when its
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 com-
bines 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 heres 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.
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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 ceiling-
mounted 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 spe-
cial needs who cant
afford it.
MobilityWorks
Locations in Plainfield,
Skokie and Villa Park
(888) 378-9166
mobilityworks.com
Provides wheelchair
vans and adaptive
equipment to the
disabled commu-
nity, including sales,
mechanical service,
rental vans and
mobile consulting.
RampNOW
2225 Tanglewood Drive
Aurora
(630) 892-7267
rampnow.com
Rents, sells and installs
lifts and ramps that
assist individuals with
mobility issues.
ADD/ADHD
Lincolnshire Area
CHADD
940 Waveland Road
Lake Forest
(847) 295-5183
chadd.net/978
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.
Northern Illinois
Satellite of CHADD
Volo, (224) 636-3742
meetup.com/CHADD-
Northern-Illinois
Free monthly meet-
ings 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
evanstoncase.org
Special education
advocacy, education
and support organiza-
tion. Assists parents
in understanding the
IEP process and their
rights under IDEA.
Provides support and
education to parents
of children with spe-
cial needs through
the CASE Phone
Line and the Parent
Connections program.
Parent Connections is a
monthly meeting offer-
ing speakers on special
needs topics.
Protected
Tomorrows Inc.
LifeCare Center
103 Schelter Road
Lincolnshire
(847) 522-8086
protectedtomorrows.com
Staff helps create
future care plans, which
address the needs of
individuals with devel-
opmental disabilities,
mental illness, physical
disabilities or cogni-
tive and neurological
diseases in the areas of
education, residential,
financial, legal, health
care, government ben-
efits, employment and
recreation.
AUTISM
SPECTRUM
DISORDERS
Autism & Anxiety
Consultants
1101 Lake St., Suite 405B
Oak Park
(847) 338-2525
autismanxiety.net
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.
Autism Home
Support Services
85 Revere Drive, Suite AA
Northbrook
(847) 564-0822
autismhomesupport.com
In-home customized
care from respite to
behavior modifica-
tion 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 refer-
ral to help find family
support groups, links
to providers/services
in Illinois, legislative
voice, public aware-
ness, special education
advocacy and first
responder training.
Autism Speaks-
Chicagoland
Chapter
2700 S. River Road
Suite 304, Des Plaines
(224) 567-8573
autismspeaks.org
Nonprofit organization
dedicated to aware-
ness, 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 compre-
hensive evaluation to
determine the presence
of an autism spectrum
disorder or other devel-
opmental disability.
Easter Seals also offers
a variety of services
that address the spe-
cific strengths and
challenges of children
with autism.
Easter Seals
Autism Programs-
Joliet
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 work-
shops, family special
recreation nights, inclu-
sive 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
R
e
s
o
u
r
c
e
s
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
T
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@chi-
cagoparent.com with your information or submit your
information at www.chicagoparent.com/resources/
resource-submission-form.
Find more information online
36
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
CSP0713_036.indd 1 7/3/13 4:34 PM
(312) 491-4110
eastersealschicago.org
eastersealsandautism.com
Campus combines
educational, therapeu-
tic research, training,
school-to-work transition
and adult vocational
services. Interior features
include special acoustic
finishes, lighting fixtures
and observation rooms
to help reduce distrac-
tions and promote learn-
ing. 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 ther-
apy, support for families
and social buddies.
Helping Hand Center
9649 W. 55th St.
Countryside
(708) 352-3580
hhcenter.org
Therapeutic day school
for children with autism,
ages 3-21. Pediatric out-
patient clinic, for children
age birth-21, provides
occupational, physical,
speech and language,
and music therapy.
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 develop-
mental disabilities and
their families, including
in-home personal and
family supports, clinical
and behavior interven-
tion, 24/7 residential
services, therapeutic art
programs and special
needs foster care and
adoption services. The
ChildBridge Center for
Education provides ser-
vices for students with
intellectual and devel-
opmental 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, med-
ical and dental services
for all ages.
Little Friends Inc.
140 N. Wright St.
Naperville
(630) 355-6533
littlefriendsinc.org
Operates three schools,
vocational training pro-
grams, community-based
residential services and
the Little Friends Center
for Autism.
PACTT Learning
Center
7101 N. Greenview Ave.
Chicago
(773) 338-9102
pactt.org
Educational, residential,
vocational and consul-
tant 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.
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
(815) 337-7570
spectrumsupportllc.com
Family-oriented autism
support center. Speech
therapy, occupational
therapy, DAN biomedical,
chiropractic therapy and
tutoring. Support, educa-
tion 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, includ-
ing deaf-blind and multi-
disabled. The Lighthouse
offers a school for
children with multi-
disabilities, 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 counsel-
ing 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 individu-
als 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 infor-
mation services to par-
ents of visually impaired
children.
DEAF OR
HEARING
IMPAIRED
Alexander Graham
Bell Montessori
School
9300 Capitol Drive, Wheeling
(847) 850-5490
agbms.org
Oral education program
for deaf and hard-of-
hearing children using
Cued Speech to enhance
their ability to acquire
age-appropriate literacy
skills. Children are main-
streamed with the gener-
al 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 addi-
tional handicapping con-
ditions such as mental
illness or developmental
disabilities.
CHOICES for Parents
P.O. Box 806045, Chicago
(312) 523-6400
Sky High Sports, see page 47
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Specal Parent
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37
CSP0713_037.indd 1 7/3/13 4:35 PM
choicesforparents.org
Provides parents of chil-
dren with hearing loss
with support, informa-
tion 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 hear-
ing to be responsible,
self-supporting citizens.
Project Reach-
Illinois
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 Childrens
Diabetes Center
La Rabida Childrens Hospital
6501 S. Promontory Drive
Chicago
(800) 770-CCDC (2232)
larabida.org
Chicagos first pediatric
diabetes program certi-
fied 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 fam-
ilies. Offers such services
as occupational therapy
and speech therapy in
the childs natural envi-
ronment.
Association
for Individual
Development (AID)
309 W. New Indian Trail Court
Aurora
(630) 966-4000
the-association.org
More than 20 programs
are available for indi-
viduals with physical or
developmental disabili-
ties and those in need
of behavioral health
services or crisis inter-
vention.
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, infor-
mation, 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 through-
out 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
offering a variety of sup-
ports, including adult
developmental training,
residential facilities,
vocational training, sup-
ported employment and
more for individuals with
developmental disabili-
ties. Park Lawns mission
is to provide services that
promote independence,
choice and access to
community for people
with developmental dis-
abilities.
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 numer-
ous 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 organiza-
tion 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 participa-
tion 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 assis-
tance 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,
enrich their lives, provide
support to their families
and advocate for their
inclusion in every facet of
community life.
DOWN
SYNDROME
Down in the
Southland
P.O. Box 831, Tinley Park
(708) 614-6118
downinthesouthland.org
Devoted to fostering the
development of lifelong
educational, social and
life skills among indi-
viduals with Down syn-
drome and their families
in the southern suburbs
of Chicago. Provides
educational support and
programs that will help
children increase their
future skills.
GiGis Playhouse
1069 W. Golf Road
Hoffman Estates
(847) 885-PLAY (7529)
gigisplayhouse.org
International Down syn-
drome awareness centers
that offer free education-
al and therapeutic pro-
grams 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 par-
ents of children born
with Down syndrome
serving hundreds of fam-
ilies 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
DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED
Hopes Playground Pediatric Therapy, see page 51
38
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
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CSP0713_038.indd 1 7/3/13 4:35 PM
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Chicago Voice Program
one of a kind
A
childs voice is precious, so imagine not hearing your
childs first words or giggles or hearing a voice that
doesnt sound entirely normal.
Enter Jonathan Ida, an Ear, Nose and Throat physician at
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago, who
oversees the hospitals Pediatric Voice Program, Chicagos
only program dedicated to voice
conditions.
One of the most common condi-
tions is hoarseness. It is brought on by a
number of causes, including vocal cord
nodules, cysts and paralysis or intuba-
tion 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
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 sig-
nificantly 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 coordi-
nator 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 acces-
sible units.
Access Living also lobbies state and local government
officials to expand protection and availability for disabled
citizens seeking housing. Adam Ballard, community develop-
ment 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 applica-
tion to a housing choice voucher resident because of (the
voucher), Ballard says.
Elena Schneider and Sepideh Nia
Dr. Jonathan Ida
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
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39
S
tudents at The Cove School beneft from our
intensive individualized instruction and highly
specialized team, while learning in an environ-
ment that is specifcally 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 beneft from the
exceptional and individualized K-12 program at
Cove, contact Dr. Sally Sover, Executive Director, at
847.562.2100 or ssover@coveschool.org.
Students Flourish at Cove

CSP0713_039.indd 1 7/3/13 4:35 PM
Schaumburg. Email
info@upsfordowns.
org for information on
meetings.
DYSLEXIA
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 dys-
lexia, 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 ser-
vices for individuals with
dyslexia, their families
and professionals.
EDUCATION
Beacon Therapeutic
School
10650 S. Longwood Drive
Chicago
(773) 881-1005
beacon-therapeutic.org
Private special education
facility serving children
ages 3-21. Offers a
multi-site service center
for high-risk, multiple
problem children, ado-
lescents, teens, and their
families living in the
metropolitan Chicago
area. Prevention, early
intervention, assessment
and treatment are inte-
gral to the continuum of
services provided.
Brain Balance
Achievement Center
1101 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Suite 105, Vernon Hills
(847) 821-1328
brainbalancecenters.com
Works with children
with developmental
and learning disorders
such as ADD, ADHD,
Aspergers, dyslexia,
Tourettes, PDD and
autism spectrum disor-
ders. Uses a compre-
hensive, multi-faceted
approach designed to
address each childs
specific deficiencies while
combining proper nutri-
tional 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 edu-
cation facility. Provides
special education alter-
natives to students ages
3-14 diagnosed with
autism and related disor-
ders, based on individual
student needs, motiva-
tion and family goals
through such methodolo-
gies as Applied Behavior
Analysis and Verbal
Behavior.
Cognitive Solutions
Learning Center Inc.
2409 N. Clybourn Ave.
DOWN SYNDROME
Institute for Therapy through the Arts, see page 51
40
|
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|
ChicagoParent.com
Coordinating Care for
Children with Special
Health Care Needs
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
Oering:
A Cued Speech based
visual/oral approach for
age-appropriate language
and literacy skills
Teacher of the Deaf and
Speech Therapist on staf
Individualized program
meeting each child's IEP
needs
Individualized Reading
Instruction
Every
Day A
Miracle
CSP0713_040.indd 1 7/3/13 4:50 PM
Chicago
(773) 755-1775
helpforld.com
Specializes in learning
disabilities and ADHD,
offers educational and
psychological testing,
one-on-one tutoring,
neurofeedback, psycho-
therapy 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 perfor-
mance, 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 inclu-
sive early childhood and
education services for
children six weeks to 5
years. State-certified, cre-
dentialed and bilingual
teaching staff.
Elim Christian
Services
13020 S. Central Ave.
Palos Heights
(708) 389-0555
elimcs.org
Programs for children
and adults with dis-
abilities, including a
school and a residential
program.
Hope Institute
for Children and
Families
15 E. Hazel Dell Lane
Springfield
(217) 585-5437
thehopeschool.org
A multifaceted edu-
cational, 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,
peers and professionals
committed to excellence
in educational, recre-
ational, vocational, social
and religious programs
within the framework
of Jewish values and
traditions. The day school
educational model fol-
lows 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 educa-
tional classes including
art, music, science and
yoga. These are support-
ive, sensory safe, small
groups to ensure all kids
can participate.
Safe Haven School
937 Happ Road, Northfield
(847) 509-5885
safehavenschool.org
Therapeutic school that
accepts students ages
5-18 with internalized
emotional disabilities,
including depression,
bipolar disorder, severe
anxiety disorders includ-
ing social phobia, sepa-
ration anxiety, selective
mutism, post-traumatic
stress and obsessive-
compulsive 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 ther-
apeutic day school for
students ages 5-21 with
autism and related disor-
ders. 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
(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 develop-
ment of students social
and emotional skills and
self-advocacy.
The Lily Garden
Child Care Center
830 S. Addison St., Villa Park
(630) 261-6283
eastersealslilygarden.org
An inclusive Easter
Seals childcare center
committed to fostering
independence, compas-
sion, knowledge and
respect for children of all
abilities.
Therapeutic School
& Center for Autism
Research
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, aca-
demic 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, cog-
nitive and developmental
delays.
Wolcott School
524 N. Wolcott, Chicago
(312) 610-4900
Chicagos first high
school for college-bound
teens with language-
based learning differ-
ences, including dyslexia.
Now accepting applica-
tions from students who
will be entering fresh-
man and sophomore
Partners for Progress, Therapeutic Riding Center, see page 42
Chicago Childrens Diabetes Center, see page 38
ChicagoParent.com
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41
CSP0713_041.indd 1 7/3/13 4:36 PM
years in August 2013.
Wolcott will feature
numerous extracurricular
activities, after-school
programming and a wide
range of academic sup-
port 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 awareness-
raising 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 vari-
ety 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 develop-
mental 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 inter-
ventions. These include:
hippotherapy, therapeutic
riding, sensory integra-
tion therapy, art therapy,
equine-assisted psycho-
therapy, job skills train-
ing, peer social groups,
respite and more.
Freedom Woods
Equestrian Center
9501 Austin Ave.
Morton Grove
(847) 967-9800
freedomwoodsfarm.com
Offers therapeutic rid-
ing 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 par-
ticipating in a horseman-
ship program directed
by PATH-certified riding
instructors and a hip-
potherapy program
administered by licensed
therapists. Provides life
skills through voca-
tional 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 Childrens
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 physi-
cal therapy facilitated
with horses.
GENERAL
2-e: Twice-
Exceptional
Newsletter
Glen Ellyn Media
P.O. Box 11
Winfield
(630) 293-6798
2enewsletter.com
A bi-monthly electronic
publication about gifted
children with learning
and/or attention dif-
ficulties for parents,
educators, advocates and
mental health profes-
sionals.
Access Living
115 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago
(312) 640-2100
accessliving.org
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 edu-
cation, employment, life
skills, communication,
recreation, health care,
counseling and sup-
port, 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, intel-
lectual, developmental,
sensory, psychiatric or
HIV/AIDS-related dis-
abilities. Advocates for
the rights of people with
disabilities to be full
and equal members of
society.
Blue Cap
2155 Broadway St.
Blue Island
(708) 389-6578
blue-cap.org
Offers a school for
children with intellec-
tual and developmental
disabilities, including
autism, who are 3-21
years. On-site daycare for
children of all abilities
ages 2-5 is available.
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 preven-
tion, 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 develop-
ment for greater inde-
pendence, community
integration, recreation
and social programs for
youth, teens, adults and
seniors with develop-
mental 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
EDUCATION
The Hadley School for the Blind, see page 37
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palsy and other develop-
mental disabilities.
Community Support
Services Inc
9021 W. Ogden Ave.
Brookfield
5416 W. 25th St., Cicero
(708) 354-4547
communitysupportservices.org
Nonprofit serving sub-
urban Cook and eastern
DuPage people of all
ages with intellectual/
developmental disabili-
ties and their families.
Promotes independence
and ability to engage
in community life with
Respite, CILA group
homes and independent
living arrangements,
adult and parent sup-
port services, customized
supported employment,
transition planning and
social activities. Cicero
location focuses on fam-
ily support services. CSS
also owns and operates
the Chicago Canine
Club offering daycare,
boarding, grooming,
retail sales and conduct-
ing vocational training
programs for people with
disabilities to develop
skills to work in the pet
care industry.
Illinois Chapter
of the Prader-
Willi 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
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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43
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
Turning Pointes 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
is part of your favorite
social networks
Find us on Facebook
Join the Twitter party!
Follow us @ChicagoParent
On Pinterest
pinterest.com/chiparent
CSP0713_043.indd 1 7/3/13 4:37 PM
(312) 413-1647
ahs.uic.edu/dhd
Center for developmen-
tal disabilities. Services
include a family clinic, a
Hispanic diagnostic and
family support program,
0-3 program and an
autism clinic.
Keshet: A Rainbow
of Hope for
Individuals with
Special Needs
617 Landwehr Road
Northbrook
(847) 205-1234
keshet.org
Provides educational,
recreational and voca-
tional programs for chil-
dren and young adults
with special needs
(preschool through
adulthood). Year-round
programs allow kids
to play and work
alongside their typically-
developing peers. They
go to school, go on
trips, work at neighbor-
hood businesses, play
in a baseball league,
swim and attend sum-
mer and overnight
camps. Multiple loca-
tions 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 Lexis Closet, a
place to request therapy
equipment parents cant
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
(630) 593-5500
marklund.org
Offers a variety of
programs and services
designed to provide
infants, children and
adults with develop-
mental disabilities a
full life experience that
encompasses all realms
of their needs includ-
ing: medical and dental
care; residential facilities
in Bloomingdale and
Geneva; rehabilitative
therapies; education
and day services; com-
munity-based respite
and early-intervention
programs.
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 donat-
ed 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 oppor-
tunities to people with
disabilities and mental
illness.
Oak Leyden
Developmental
Services
411 Chicago Ave., Oak Park
(708) 524-1050
oak-leyden.org
Therapy and support ser-
vices for children birth-5
with developmental
delays; community drop-
in events for families
with young children; day
and residential services
for adults with develop-
mental disabilities.
Pioneer Center
4001 Dayton St., McHenry
(815) 344-1230
pioneercenter.org
A nonprofit organization
that provides adult and
youth counseling and
intellectual and develop-
mental disability services .
Its focus is on assisting
individuals in becoming
as independent as pos-
sible.
Ray Graham
Association
901 Warrenville Road
Suite 500, Lisle
(630) 620-2222
raygraham.org
Organization that sup-
ports and works with
people with disabilities,
their families and the
community to improve
the individuals quality
of life. Nearly 2,500 chil-
dren and adults with dis-
abilities, including devel-
opmental disabilities,
cerebral palsy and autism
receive vocational,
residential, educational,
respite, therapeutic and
recreational services and
supports at 35 locations
in DuPage County.
SHORE Community
Services Inc.
Regenstein Center
4232 Dempster St.
Skokie
(847) 982-2030
shoreinc.org
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 develop-
ment, 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-
GENERAL
Milestonesfor Kids Success, see page 52
44
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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 (stars-
therapy.org).
St. Coletta of Illinois
18350 Crossing Drive
Suite 103, Tinley Park
(708) 342-5200
stcolettail.org
Provides elemetary
through high school
education. The school
program serves about 80
children who are devel-
opmentally disabled or
autistic. The Vocational
Training Center, in Tinley
Park, provides opportuni-
ties for individuals with
special needs to learn
the responsibilities and
benefits of working. St.
Colettas residential pro-
gram is designed to pro-
vide quality housing for
special needs individuals .
The program consists of
30 groups homes within
15 southwest suburban
communities of Chicago.
Suburban Access
Inc. - SAI
900 Maple Ave., 3rd floor
Homewood
(708) 799-9190
suburban-access.org
Nonprofit agency han-
dles case management
and service coordination
to individuals with devel-
opmental 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 fami-
lies 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 dis-
abilities and/or behavior-
al health needs. Provides
residential services, adult
learning programs, a
variety of vocational
programs including sup-
ported employment, an
autism center, respite
services, in-home sup-
ports, 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
Keshets Buddy Baseball, see page 44
ChicagoParent.com
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45
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
Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA)
309-691-1929, Chillicothe, Morton, Peoria, Washington
www.peoriaparks.org/heart-of-illinois-special-recreation
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
Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association (KSRA)
815-758-6663 x122, DeKalb, Genoa, Sycamore
Lily Cache Special Recreation Association (LCSRA)
630-739-1124, www.bolingbrookparks.org
Bolingbrook, Plainfeld
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
Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association
(NEDSRA) 630-620-4500, www.nedsra.org, Addison, Bensenville,
Butterfeld, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Lombard, Medinah, Oak
Brook Terrace, Schiller Park, Villa Park, Wood Dale
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
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)
847-509-9400, www.nssra.org, Deerfeld, Glencoe, Glenview,
Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest,
Northbrook, Northfeld, Riverwoods, Wilmette, Winnetka
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
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
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
River Valley Special Recreation Association (RVSRA)
815-933-7336, www.rivervalleysra.com
Bourbonnais, Bradley, Kankakee
South East Association for Special Parks & Recreation
(SEASPAR) 630-960-7600, www.seaspar.org, Brookfeld, Claren-
don 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
South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA)
708-389-9423, www.swsra.com
Alsip, Blue Island, Justice, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Palos
Heights, Posen, Summit, Worth
Southwestern Illinois Special Recreation Association
(SWILSRA) 618-346-7529, www.collinsvillerec.com
Belleville, Collinsville, Godfrey, Granite City, Highland,
OFallon
Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County
(SRACLC) 847-816-4866, www.sraclc.org
Grayslake, Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, Libertyville,
Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills
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
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, Winfeld
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
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 fnding an agency
near you. Look for our ad in this magazine.
CSP0713_045.indd 1 7/3/13 4:38 PM
posture and selective
motor control, this dance
program for kids also
promotes socialization
and artistic expression.
Classes include facilita-
tors for each student and
live piano music.
Chicago Childrens
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
chicagochildrensmuse-
um/eventbrite.com. No
Play for All is held in July.
Dolphin Swim Club
Crystal Lake, Skokie,
Schaumburg - (847) 854-1300
Loves Park, Rockford - (815)
282-3488
dolphinswimclub.com
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 sen-
sory integration disorder.
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 inter-
action 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
(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 activi-
ties and offers opportu-
nities for empowerment
through education,
leadership and training
in collaboration with
community-based orga-
nizations.
Haleys Playground
1 N. Lincolnway
North Aurora
(630) 777-5045
haleysplayground.com
Provides a safe, healthy,
sensory motor environ-
ment for individuals
with physical, cognitive
and social disabilities;
to improve their qual-
ity of life through play,
exercise, activity and
education while interact-
ing 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 informa-
tion, visit facebook.com/
haleysplayground.
Hanson Center
15 W. 431 59th St.
Burr Ridge
(630) 620-2222
raygraham.org
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 pet-
ting 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-
abilities.
Karate Can-Do!
North Shore Dojo
2081 Johns Court, Glenview
(847) 729-0001
karatecando.org
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.
Right Fit
7101 S. Adams St., Unit 7
Willowbrook
(630) 850-4050
right-fit.com
Private and group fit-
ness classes and sports
performance training for
people of all ages with
and without disabilities.
Right Fits fitness pro-
grams Raise the Bar
for youth and adults with
autism spectrum disor-
ders 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 physi-
cal and mental chal-
lenges. Classes are held
Saturday mornings dur-
ing 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 chil-
dren with special needs.
Also offers summer
camps for children with
special needs.
RECREATION
Right Fit, see this page
Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities, see page 42
46
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CSP0713_046.indd 1 7/3/13 4:39 PM
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 spe-
cial jumpers to visit this
trampoline center. One
court remains especially
quiet for kids with senso-
ry disorders who need an
extra peaceful environ-
ment. 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 pro-
grams 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 chil-
dren (8 years and older)
and adults with intel-
lectual 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 pro-
gram 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 informa-
tion 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
Collaborates with golf
clubs, park districts and
SRAs throughout the
Chicagoland area to
provide those with spe-
cial needs professional
instruction through fun
and therapeutic means.
It is a feeder system for
Illinois Special Olympic
competitors and can
introduce golf as a recre-
ational 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 thera-
pists create individual-
ized sessions that use
gymnastics equipment
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
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, welcom-
ing all children and their
families regardless of
age or disability. Offers
informative monthly
workshops, sibling
workshops, a resource
library, an annual sum-
mer and holiday party,
a Next Chapter book
club, play groups and
more. Connects families
through outreach proj-
ects, social activities and
social networking.
Center for
Independent Futures
1015 Davis St., Evanston
(847) 328-2044
independentfutures.com
Not-for-profit organiza-
tion that helps individu-
als 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.
Eagles Nest
Willow Creek Community
Church
67 E. Algonquin Road
South Barrington
(847) 855-9571
willowcreek.org/disabilities
Support group for par-
ents of children with
special needs meeting
twice a month Saturday
afternoons for support
and spiritual growth.
Childrens program pro-
vided 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
Chicago Education Project, see page 40
Chicago Childrens Museum, see page 46
ChicagoParent.com
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CHICAGO
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47
CSP0713_047.indd 1 7/3/13 4:42 PM
(708) 331-7370
familysupportnetwork.org
Works to unify individu-
als 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 con-
tinuation of all individual
supports throughout
the life span of the indi-
vidual.
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 sum-
mer months) at the
Crete Reformed Church,
24755 S. Country
Lane, Crete. Meetings
can include speakers,
videos and discussions.
Childcare is available at
meetings. For informa-
tion, email hornerfam-
ily7@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 sup-
port and resources
specific to Illinois on
topics including: tran-
sition, employment,
self-employment or
supported employ-
ment, volunteerism, day
programming, funding,
legislative advocacy,
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 play-
based 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-
abilities, enabling them
to become productive,
valued members of soci-
ety 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 childs diagnosis.
Monthly meetings to
share experiences and
support. Guest speakers.
Childcare provided.
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, network-
ing opportunities and
resources. For more
information, email tara@
sibsnetwork.org.
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 informa-
tion 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, occu-
pational and speech
therapy, as well as nurs-
ing services.
Adventist Paulson
Pediatric Rehab
222 E. Ogden Ave.
Hinsdale
(630) 856-2600
keepingyouwell.com/ahh/
Care-Services/Pediatric-Rehab
Offers children services
in a kid-friendly atmo-
sphere. From high-tech
therapy to the latest in
play, the program is fun
for kids and comforting
to parents.
All Bright Therapies
1957 W. Dickens, Chicago
(773) 698-6535
allbrighttherapies.com
Speech/language, occu-
pational and feeding
therapy for children.
Art & Soul
1509 W. Berwyn Ave.
Suite 202, Chicago
(773) 878-7685
artandsoulchicago.com
Art therapy and coun-
seling services for
children, teens and
families. Art & Souls
child-centered art
studio offers parents a
family-friendly, creative
environment when
seeking assistance
for their childs social,
emotional and behav-
ioral needs. Also offers
parenting workshops,
peer support groups
and in-services .
Aspire Childrens
Services
1815 S. Wolf Road
Hillside
(708) 236-0979
aspireofillinois.org
Comprehensive services
for children who have
SUPPORT
Little City Foundation ChildBridge Services, see page 37
Pioneer Center, see page 44
48
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CSP0713_048.indd 1 7/3/13 4:42 PM
developmental delays
and disabilities and their
families include: devel-
opmental, occupational,
physical, sensory integra-
tion and speech thera-
pies; social skills groups
for children with social
or sensory challenges or
who are on the autism
spectrum; parent groups;
Sibshops; and family
programs.
Assential Therapies
241 Golf Mill Center
Suite 201, Niles
(847) 699-9757
atmfc.com
Feeding clinic and mul-
tidisciplinary 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
Offers individual occu-
pational, 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 lan-
guage 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 ser-
vices, speech and occu-
pational therapy, sports
training and music ther-
apy. Teen center to learn
and practice leisure and
social skills. Jamberry
Preschool is integrated
preschool for kids with
mild to moderate articu-
lation, language and
social delays.
CHOICES for Parents, see page 37
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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49
Aspire Childrens 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.
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 Childrens Services
at THE EAMON SHANNON CENTER
1815 South Wolf Road
Hillside, IL 60162
www.aspireollinois.org/childrens
Comprehensive
Services For Children
with Special Needs
Celebrations
CHICAGO PARENTS
PARTY PLANNING GUIDE
Coming in October
For more information,
call (708) 386-5555
or visit ChicagoParent.com
October 2012 FREE
Real
Happy
Families
Reasons
WE LOVE
HALLOWEEN
tricks
& treats
Pumpkins,
poodles &
pinterest +
Party
planning
made
easy
SPECIAL
ADVERTISING
SECTION
13
orange
A
CSP0713_049.indd 1 7/3/13 5:57 PM
Community Therapy
Services
40W310 LaFox Road
Suite A1/B1, St. Charles
(630) 444-0077
ctspediatrics.com
Provides speech, occu-
pational, physical and
augmentative communi-
cation 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
Aspergers syndrome,
anxiety, depression,
ADHD, art and play ther-
apy, behavior manage-
ment, teens and young
adults. Monthly social
groups for those with
Aspergers and ADHD.
Easter Seals DuPage
and the Fox Valley
Region
830 S. Addison Ave.
Villa Park
(630) 620-4433
eastersealsdfvr.org
Offers physical, occupa-
tional, speech-language,
nutrition and assistive
technology therapies for
children of all abilities.
Also offers audioogy
services, community
outreach programs and
specialty clinics. In addi-
tion 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 (eas-
tersealslilygarden.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, occu-
pational, speech and
developmental therapy,
inclusive childcare for
six weeks to 4 years,
early intervention,
school therapy, outpa-
tient 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 educa-
tion, 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.
Adapted swingsets for your own
backyard
W
hen it comes to build-it-yourself backyard play-
sets, it can be hard for parents of children with
special needs to figure out which ones are best
for their childs particular disability. Recently, Swing-N-
Slide, 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, cogni-
tive and physical, to provide a snapshot of the products
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 addi-
tional play opportunities. The Adaptive Swing Seat earned
a 4-star rating in all of AblePlays 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 infor-
mation on the AblePlay rating system, visit ableplay.org.
50
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CSP0713_050.indd 1 7/3/13 4:41 PM
Eyas Landing
1436 W. Randolph St.
Suite 204, Chicago
(312) 733-0883
eyaslanding.com
Offers occupational,
speech and group ther-
apy, 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.
Hopes Playground
Pediatric Therapy
311 W. Depot St., Suite N
Antioch
(847) 838-8085
hopesplaygroundinc.com
Offers pediatric occu-
pational, 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 individual-
ized curriculum based
upon each childs
learning profile. Offers
home-based services,
specialized instruction
programs, transition
support programs,
school visitation/obser-
vation, 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, physi-
cal and developmental
challenges, encouraging
them to achieve the full-
est potential through the
artsdance/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, occu-
pational and speech
therapy. Also provides
therapy intensives,
social groups, serial
casting, partial weight-
bearing 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.
Down in the Southland, see page 38
Therapy Yoga Gymnastics Rocks, see page 47
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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51
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Has a variety of pre-
school classes, socializa-
tion groups and yearly
speech camps.
LEEP Forward
Developmental
Clinic
400 N. May St., Suite 202
Chicago
(773) 255-8155
leepforward.com
Offers therapeutic pre-
school, developmental
therapy and social
groups for children with
special needs, fam-
ily music classes and
music therapy, birth-to-3
social-emotional services,
bilingual toddler groups,
assessments and parent-
ing coaching, home vis-
its, educational tutoring
and therapy and babysit-
ting training for kids with
special needs. The new
LEEP Beyond (leepbe-
yond.org) programs offer
supportive enrichment
classes that include art,
music, science and yoga.
LYNX Therapeutics
Pediatric Therapy
9436 Ozark Ave.
Morton Grove
(847) 791-1631
lynxtherapeutics.com
Pediatric therapy and
learning instruction pro-
grams. Home-based ser-
vices available. Provides
assessments, techniques
and technology.
Milestones-For Kids
Success
2901 Finley Road, Suite 101
Downers Grove
(630) 792-1800
milestones4kids.com
Pediatric occupational,
physical and speech-
language therapy.
Expertise in sensory inte-
gration therapy, sound-
based/therapeutic
listening intervention,
feeding therapy,
Neuro-Developmental
Treatment, Kinesiotaping
and oral-motor tech-
niques .
North Shore
Pediatric Therapy
Glenview, Chicago and
Highland Park
(877) 486-4140
NSPT4kids.com
Three pediatric multidis-
ciplinary clinics includ-
ing neuropsychology,
diagnostics and therapy.
Offers occupational,
speech and physical
therapy, applied behavior
analysis (ABA), behav-
ior911, 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 develop-
mental 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
children ages 2-10 focus-
ing on the development
of age-appropriate social
and communication
skills. Uses a variety of
techniques and strategies
including social thinking,
perspective taking, prob-
lem solving, cognitive-
behavioral and group
process. Individualized
support and therapy ser-
vices available.
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 treat-
ment, school consulta-
tions, 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 metro-
nome to improve atten-
tion, impulse control,
mood and energy, anxi-
ety, organization, motor
control, language and
social skills. Additional
services include Yoga for
the Special Child, educa-
tional 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-
THERAPY
The Cove School, see page 41
Southwest Community Services, see page 44
52
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
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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-function-
ing autism.
UIC Child & Family
Development Center
1640 W. Roosevelt Road
Room 336, MC628, Chicago
(312) 413-1567
uic-cfdc.org
Licensed and creden-
tialed clinical staff
address the assessed
needs of infants/toddlers
with disabilities who
have delays in motor,
communication, self-care,
social-emotional, feed-
ing/swallowing, sensory
integration and/or cogni-
tive areas. This program
also offers evaluation
and intervention services
for children who have
autism spectrum disor-
ders, challenging behav-
ior and/or are medically
fragile.
Vital Rehabilitation
Clinics and Services
5820 W. Irving Park Road
Chicago
(773) 685-8482
vitalrehabilitation.com
Developmental, occu-
pational, 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 devel-
opmental needs through
residential housing, job
placement and work-
shops.
Cornerstone
Services Inc.
Career Solutions
800 Black Road, Joliet
(815) 727-6694
career-solutions.org
Helps young adults and
older adults with disabili-
ties to find and keep jobs
in the community.
Donka Inc.
400 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton
(630) 665-8169
donkainc.org
Provides computer train-
ing that teaches disabled
students who demon-
strate 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
17300 Ozark Ave.
Tinley Park
(708) 802-9050
harrysbuttons.com
Adolescents and
young adults with
autism are employed
by HarrysButtons.
com at Easter Seals, a
micro-enterprise that
manufactures wholesale,
handmade custom but-
tons, magnets and key
chains. Additional loca-
tion at 1939 W. 13th St.,
Chicago.
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 employ-
ment 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 integra-
tion. 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 dis-
abilities.
We Grow Dreams
1055 W. Washington St.
West Chicago
(630) 293-0100
wegrowdreams.org
Training and employ-
ment for people with
disabilities through the
greenhouse and garden
center.
New preschool
to open this fall
T
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 visu-
ally impaired. Admission to the
program is free.
We Grow Dreams, see this page
ChicagoParent.com
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
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ChicagoParent.com
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
WINTER 2013
FREE
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GUIDE FROM
Little
boy
BIG
hopes
BUST
burnout
243
resources
SP_Cover_Winter 2013.indd 9
2/7/13 10:05 AM
Look for the Winter
issue of Chicago
Special Parent
next February!
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We take the fear out of
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Dr. Tentler holds diplomate status in the
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Check the website for
information, calendar of events,
or more ways to get involved.
email: info@upsfordowns.org
847-895-2100
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.
www.upsfordowns.org
www.theapraxiaconnection.org
The Apraxia Connection is a 501 (c) 3 non-
profit organization based in La Grange Park,
IL dedicated to providing local resources to
parents, educators and therapists affected by
apraxia and related disorders.
See How ABA Therapy
Can Help Your Child
Steinberg Behavior Solutions
is a Chicago based consulting
rm providing ABA evaluation
and treatment.
In Home Consultations with
Sarah Steinberg MS, BCBA
773.330.1200
Sarah@SteinbergBehaviorSolutions.com
Be sure to check out the
online resources at
SteinbergBehaviorSolutions.com
CSP0713_054.indd 1 7/3/13 4:39 PM
ChicagoParent.com
|
Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
|
55
CHICAGO Specal Parent Advertiser Index
Ad Name .....................................Page Number(s)
Acacia Academy ..............................................................22
Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School ................. 40
Apraxia Connection ..................................................23, 54
Aspire .............................................................................. 49
Bellybum ...........................................................................3
Calian & Gross, LLP ............................................................5
Camelot Therapeutic Day Schools .................................28
Chicago Childrens Museum .......................................... 30
The Cove School ..............................................................39
Dolphin Swim ................................................... Back Cover
DuPage Childrens Museum ........................................... 12
Easter Seals ..................................................................... 12
Extended Home Living Services .................................... 19
Family Resource Center on Disabilities .........................25
Fredric S. Tatel, DDS ................................................. 28, 54
Hatchbacks ......................................................................23
Karate Can Do..................................................................24
Lakeshore Speech .......................................................... 20
Learning Disabilities Association of IL ................... 22, 54
Learning Through Play .................................................. 20
Mabels Labels ................................................................. 16
Marklund Day School ........................................................8
Mobility Works ................................................................ 18
Our Joy Infant Care ......................................................... 12
PACE ................................................................................... 1
Rush Neurobehavioral Center........................................ 10
Rush University Medical Center ..................................... 14
SEASPAR ........................................................................... 19
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
Turning Pointe .................................................................43
University of Illinois at Chicago .................................... 40
Ups for Downs .............................................................5, 54
CSP0713_055.indd 1 7/3/13 5:06 PM
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Specal Parent
CHICAGO
Summer 2013
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ChicagoParent.com
INSPIRATIONS
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 experienc-
ing 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. Thats an attitude
she has learned to exhibit throughout her life.
This is the only life I have, and yeah, I have some different
barriers and stuff I have to deal with than other people, she
says. I dont know if Im 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
travelSpain and Argentina are on her short listand 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
I dont want
to
let
my
wheelchair
stop me
Elizabeth Diffin
er life.
h, I have some different
Fast Facts
Who: Shannon Kelly, 19
Family: Parents Karen and
Bob, siblings Connor, 17, and
Bridget, 12
Hometown: Elmhurst
In her words: Its hard some-
times to accept that you cant do
everything, but you still have to
be thankful for what you can do
and make the most of it.
The struggles that youve
been through, even though its
hard while youre going through
them, they make you the strong
person you are.
CSP0713_056.indd 1 7/3/13 12:18 PM
Online at ChicagoParent.com
Our family of family magazines
JULY 2013 | FREE
CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES
Make this your
best summer
203
things
to do
Easy summer
suppers
How-to
ISSUE
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Every month
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SUMMER 2013
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Every season
Specal Parent
SUMMER 2013 AN EMPOWERMENT
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CSP0713_CV4.indd 1 7/3/13 12:17 PM