Options Fair

The Options Fair is a regional post-secondary planning night for students with disabilities. 
These programs are offered to the public free of charge. No pre-registration is required.

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 5:30 PM – 8 PM
LOCATION: Hosted at Glenbard North High School (990 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188)

For additional information, please refer to their website: www.optionsfair.org

Ray Graham Association: Informational Outreach Session

The Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities will be partnering with local independent service coordination agencies to share how to access and navigate resources and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 10 AM – 2 PM
LOCATION: Ray Graham Association’s Hanson Center  (15W431 E. 59th Street, Burr Ridge, IL 60527)

Reservations are required. A light lunch and continuing education units are available.

Highlights will include:

• Overview of ISCs, PAS & PUNs
• Information about the PUNs list & what to do if you have received notification of PUNs selection
• Planning your future – resources to consider
• An overview of Ray Graham Association services including the newest services: Emerge Behavioral Health Clinic and Elevate Recreation
• A brief tour of Ray Graham Association’s Therapeutic Horsemanship program and options

Register and submit online payment at: www.RayGraham.org/SignUp

In the event you need assistance to register, please call Janki at 630-620-2222 by Sept. 9.

Family Support Network: Introduction to Benefits

The mission of the Family Support Network is to link the common bond between Little Friends families and friends of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the different stages thru life’s journey.

Suzanne Aaron is an Information & Outreach Specialist with the Life Span Program of The Arc of Illinois who will share an introduction of benefits programs available to those with disabilities in Illinois. 
Learn more about: Social Security Insurance (SSI); Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI); PUNS/DRS waivers; Medicaid; Medicare; private insurance.

DATE/TIME: Friday, September 20, 2024 from 6 PM – 8 PM
LOCATION: 27555 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL, 60555  /  Entrance G

A light dinner/refreshments will be provided. 
Questions? Contact Pat Loy at [email protected] or 630-929-2735

Limited on-site care services will be available during the event for children of those attending. Pre-register for on-site care services by Wednesday, Sept. 18. Direct questions about the on-site care to Amber Tinney at 630-281-1845 or [email protected].

Day Program Tours

Wondering what day programs are available to your child after transition? Join us for an opportunity to tour and learn about available options in the area.

Fall Tour: NEDSRA-TREC
     DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM
     LOCATION: Sunset Knolls Recreation Center (820 Finley Road, Lombard, IL 60148)

Please RSVP for this event to Erin Hoving at [email protected] or 630.942.6783.

Next Steps

Informative, informal training sessions for parents and family members of students with disabilities.

Join the NEXT STEPS team of DuPage County as they present NEXT STEPS: The Transition Series. Each night will focus on a new topic of planning for a student’s successful transition from school to adult life.

All Workshops will be held in person at: 
     Glenbard District 87 – Transition Center
     2166 Gladstone CT, Glendale Heights, IL 60139
Or join via Zoom: Next Steps Zoom Meeting Link

For further information, contact Erin Hoving at 630-942-6783 or [email protected] 

Next Steps team members include Erin Hoving, Glenbard District 87; Lori O’Connell, Community Unit School District 200; Justin Olson, Elmhurst School District 205; and Sara Tatham, SASED (the School Association for Special Education in DuPage).

Ligas Family Advocate Program

LFAP provides broad outreach to Illinois adults and families who are selected from the PUNS or notified in advance of a future PUNS selection. Webinars are held to support navigation of the adult developmental disabilities system and uncover outside-the-box solutions.

Endorsed By: The Arc of Illinois
Date: Monthly – 1st Thursday
Time: TBD via Zoom

Click here for upcoming event details and registration links!

Transition Planning Committee (TPC) Meetings

TPC is made up of representatives from local special education districts and cooperatives, community providers, Division of Rehabilitation Services staff, adult service providers and parents. The committee has banded together to improve the transition experience from high school to successful adult life for young adults with disabilities. New participants are always welcome. Dates to be announced.

Coffee-Time Conversation

This is an informal discussion group that welcomes anyone who is interested in meeting other parents/caregivers of young adults with disabilities.  Dates will be announced soon
Contact person: Erin Hoving, [email protected] or 630-942-6783.