Family Bi-Weekly Update
October 6th, 2022
Family Bi-Weekly Newsletter February 24, 2023
Open email in a browser so you don't miss ALL the great opportunities available!
Getting to Know the Association of Parents & Staff (APS)
District 34 representative, Meade Whitaker
My family and I have been Glenview residents since 2011. My husband, Sean, and I have four sons: Henry (14), Gus (11), Jude (9), and Heath (7), all of whom are Glenview SD34 students. Our family became involved with True North (f/k/a NSSED) in 2011 when Henry turned three years old and rolled onto the school bus for the first time; I joined the APS Board a couple of years later. I am grateful to be involved in True North's important work alongside its superior administrative team and fellow thoughtful parents. When not parenting, I work full-time for myself as a Certified Financial Planner (TM) and try to attend as many music events around the city as I can squeeze in!
Whitaker Family
Henry on his First Day of School!
If you would like to connect with your district representative or have questions for our Parent Engagement Facilitator, Nicole Magesis, just click the button below and leave a detailed email.
Social, Recreational & Learning Opportunities
Lake Forest School Districts 67 & 115 host RTA Group Transit Orientation Presentation
Accessible Metra, Pace and CTA buses and trains are easy to use and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) would love to show you how! We welcome older adults and people with disabilities to join us to learn about accessible public transit options and traveling independently.
Topics Covered Include:
Local Public Transportation Options
Accessibility features on CTA, Pace, and Metra
RTA’s Reduced Fare and Ride Free Programs
Travel Safety Tips
Q & A sessions with an RTA Representative
Presentation Information:
Date: Monday February 27, 2023
Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/kpv-fyto-phb
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Presenter: Bianca Diaz, Mobility Outreach Coordinator
RSVP Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TStiwjL4wZmx2mpdwaARVXHq7BCNL-oyHy-cQFcx5rQ/edit
A Zoom link will be sent the day before the event!
La víspera del acto se enviará un enlace Zoom
Camp SOAR
A signature program of Children's Research Triangle is Camp SOAR (Special Outdoor Adaptive Recreation), an overnight camp for children with special needs, ages 7-19. The purpose of camp is two-fold; to offer fun and social activities for the campers and respite for the families.
Campers are partnered with a one-to-one dedicated volunteer counselor who assists them in making the most of their Camp SOAR experience. Parents know their child is having a wonderful time, making new friends and gaining independence, while in a safe and caring environment.
For more information about Camp SOAR, to donate, or to volunteer, please contact Sari Rieger at (312) 726-4011 or srieger@cr-triangle.org.
Register Today for Spring Programs!
Growing Up Public: Helping Kids Navigate On-line Privacy and Reputation
Dr. Devorah Heitner will help guide parents in helping their teens and tweens develop healthy boundaries with regard to privacy and public facing identity in an increasingly screen centered world.
Virtual Events:
Tue, Mar 7 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Zoom Link: https://glenbard.zoom.us/j/83708068469
Tue, Mar 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Zoom Link - https://glenbard.zoom.us/j/87221527072
Call for Applications!
A leadership training program for adults with developmental disabilities, parents of children under the age of 21 with developmental disabilities, adult siblings of people with developmental disabilities, legal guardians, and Supporters in Supported Decision-Making Agreements for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Partners in Policymaking program is about achieving greater:
• Independence
• Productivity
• Self-Determination
• Integration
• Inclusion
through advocacy and systems change.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023, TO BE CONSIDERED FOR CLASS 4
Programa de Formación de Líderes para adultos con discapacidades del desarrollo, Padres de niños menores de 21 años con discapacidades del desarrollo, hermanos de personas con discapacidades del desarrollo, tutores legales y los que apoyan en acuerdos, y toma de decisiones colectivas a favor de las personas con discapacidades del desarrollo.
El Programa de Partners in Policymaking consiste en lograr mayor:
• Independencia
• Productividad
• Auto-Determinación
• Integración
• Inclusión
A través de la abogacía y cambio de sistemas
LAS SOLICITUDES VENCEN ANTES DE:
SÁBADO 11 DE MARZO DE 2023, A LAS 5:00 PM
PARA SER CONSIDERADO PARA LA CLASE # 4
Para aplicar haga clic aquí
If you know of any individuals, parents, guardians, or siblings who would like to apply please share this information with them! For more information or questions, please reach out to Allan I. Bergman, CEO, HIGH IMPACT Mission-based Consulting Training aibergman@comcast.net or Jan Bergman, Coordinator, IL Partners in Policymaking janb.ilpip@gmail.com or 847-533-6714.
.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Family to Family
Event Details:
In-person
Saturday | March 4, 2023 - April 29, 2023
10:00 AM - Noon
St. Peter's United Church of Christ 8013 Laramie Avenue, Skokie, IL
(847) 716-2252
UPCOMING SEXUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
FOR STUDENTS:
March 6, 2023 – Public vs. Private
March 13, 2023 – Consent
March 21, 2023 – Social Media and Online Safety
Time for each Session: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
THESE SESSIONS WILL BE PRESENTED ON ZOOM. THEY WILL NOT BE RECORDED.
Individuals under age 18 or under guardianship must be registered by parent or guardian.
Why Financial Education Matters / Por qué es importante la educación financiera
Will saving jeopardize benefits? How will employment impact benefits? ABLE account or Special Needs Trust? What is Supported Decision-Making? How to protect against identity theft?
Please join us for an informative webinar presented by Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
Date: Monday, March 20th, 2023
Time: 2pm ET
ASL interpretation & Spanish interpretation will be offered!
¿El hecho de ahorrar puede poner en peligro tus beneficios? ¿Cómo se verán afectados tus beneficios si trabajas? ¿Conoces las cuentas ABLE o los fideicomisos para necesidades especiales? ¿Qué es la toma de decisiones con apoyo? ¿Cómo protegerte contra el robo de identidad?
Acompáñanos en un seminario web informativo presentado el 20 de marzo de 2023 a las 2:00 p.m. ET por Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF).
Fecha: lunes 20 de marzo de 2022
Hora: 2pm ET
Se ofrecerá interpretación al español y ASL (lenguaje de señas americano)
3rd Annual Career Resources Expo & Job Fair for High School Students
SAVE THE DATE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2023
6:00 - 8:00pm
Open to the community at large
NILES NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
9800 Lawler Ave., Skokie
All area students (grades 8-12), parents, siblings and community members are invited to attend this Career Resources Expo to meet with representatives from a wide-range of local companies, organizations and educational institutions which offer post-secondary, non-traditional options including associate degrees, certificate programs, apprenticeships, or other job training credentials, as well as military, gap-year, study-abroad experiences, and summer enrichment programs. A Job Fair is a new addition to this program, including full-time jobs geared toward graduating high school seniors and adults, but also part-time and seasonal jobs for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. Come and discover what non-traditional education, training, and skills are required for a variety of fulfilling careers.
For more information contact: Lisa Edelson, Education to Careers Coordinator, lisede@d219.org
Focus On Your Future is presented by: D219 Student Services at Niles North & Niles West and Education to Careers
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Tina Lowry & Milan Myers, Aspire
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Organization Fair
6:30 - 8:00 PM
OPTIONS WEBSITE: CONSIDEROPTIONS.ORG
Spanish interpreting is available.
If requesting additional accommodations, please contact your home district by March 15, 2023
Agencies and resources at the OPTIONS FAIR areas of focus:
Educational Opportunities • Employment Services • Vocational Day
Programs • Government Programs • Health Services • Legal Resources •
Recreational Opportunities • Referral Sources • Residential Programs • Transportation Resources
Kohl Children's Museum - Everyone at Play
Kohl Children's Museum Everyone at Play
Sunday, Mar 19, 2023, 02:00 PM
2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026, USA
Protected Tomorrows Parent University
Class 3: Taxes, Taxes, Oh No!
How do you integrate tax planning into your overall plan? There are so many taxes to consider, including income taxes, estate taxes and more. Questions such as “What government benefits are taxable and which are not” and “If I am charging my child rent, do I claim it on my taxes?” will be answered. We will talk about how the SECURE ACT 2.0 might change how I distribute my retirement accounts to my children. Will it impact me as a parent directly in my own planning? Here is your opportunity to ask the CPA’s the questions you need answered.
Mary Anne Ehlert will host this online Zoom class on:
March 23rd, 2023
12:00pm – 1:00 pm CDT
Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD)
Chicago’s Metropolitan Area Parent Training and Information Center!
NAVIGATING THE IEP PROCESS
Date: 03-04-2023
Time: 10 AM- 12:00 PM
Location: Webinar (Link will be emailed to you.)
Description:
This webinar is an overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and how to navigate the IEP meeting. Our presenters will discuss the:
Evaluation process
Individualized Education Program (IEP),
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE),
Procedural Safeguards.
Preparing for your child’s IEP meeting.
What to do after the meeting.
Free Family Movie Night: Paws of Fury The Legend of Hank
March 10 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Bring the whole family and your own movie snacks for our FREE Family Movie Nights.
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.
These are FREE events; advance registration is required.
Please note that NSSRA staff will not be available to supervise participants.
All Ages
FREE
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
Date: Friday, March 10
Time: 7:00 pm
Rating: PG
Program Code: 137002-03
Stop, Drop and Roll
March 26 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Calling all bowlers! Come on out for a fun afternoon bowling with your friends. We will enjoy pizza as we prepare to score some strikes on the lane.
The program fee includes two hours of bowling, two slices of pizza, and a drink.
Age: 7 – 21
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 3
Program Code / Fee: 137015-61 / $65
Splashing Into Spring
March 25 @ 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
If you’re looking for an early spring getaway, you’ve come to the right place! The Water Works Indoor Water Park features three water slides, sprayground, whirlpool, and more. It’ll be the perfect pool fix before the warm weather hits. We’ll also enjoy lunch inside the water park. Please bring a labeled swimsuit, towel, and additional spending money.
Age: 7 – 21
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 3
Program Code / Fee: 137014-61 / $89
Curt's Cafe...the place to be!
Looking for a warm and cozy place to hang out on a Monday morning, either by yourself or with friends? Come by to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and fresh scone while you support TrueNorth Transition students demonstrate their amazing job readiness skills at this job training site. We're open for business every Monday that school is in session, from 9-11 am. Curt's Cafe is located at 1766 2nd Street in Highland Park.
Lunchtime Webinar: Planning for Summer
Admitted to the Hospital? Call on Aaron's Coffee Corner for a Free Cup of Coffee
APS board member, Carolyn Koppel is founder of this important non profit organization that provides 24/7 access to free, fresh, quality coffee to the family, friends and caregivers of critically ill children admitted to the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at Lurie Children’s Hospital. For more information Click Here!
RESOURCES
World Institute on Disability: Disability Benefits 101
Disability Benefits 101 gives you online tools and information on employment, health coverage, and benefits.
You can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.
Disability Benefits 101 - Illinois
Rush Resource Directory
Although the Autism Resource Directory is targeted to families with a family member with Autism many of the resources listed are for individuals with varying disabilities and special needs. For example, dentists or doctors available to families.
Podcasts
Winnetka Voices
Winnetka Voices is a podcast hosted by The Winnetka Public Schools, featuring candid conversations on issues relevant to education and shared resources to support our students and families.
Episode #4: Recruiting & Retaining Incredible Educators
Ongoing Support Groups
Dad's Meet-Up Group
All dads are invited to join this meet-up group sponsored by the Special Father's Network and C.I.T.Y. of Support. The group will be meeting on a monthly basis for the purpose of creating a safe place for dads raising children with special needs to learn from one another, discuss issues of concern, and form long-lasting friendships. https://cityofsupport.org/event/dads-meet-up-group-2
Dads who are interested in joining are encouraged to send an email to: hello@cityofsupport.org for sign-up information.
Join us for information, resources, tips and strategies on a variety of topics to empower you in your parenting or caregiving journey with your child with autism. Come to connect and interact with others navigating a similar journey! Parents of newly diagnosed children are strongly encouraged to attend.
Sound Experience: a social experience for families of children with hearing loss
Lurie Children's Sound Experience is a social experience for families of children with hearing loss. We offer Sound Experience four Saturday afternoons throughout the school year at our Outpatient Center in Westchester.
The program aims to provide:
- A network of parents of children with hearing loss who are going through or have gone through similar situations and to share experiences and information
- Information for families about hearing loss and how it affects our children
- An opportunity for children with hearing loss to meet other children with hearing loss
What to Expect at Sound Experience
- Parents informally share information and stories before the formal breakout sessions
- Children and siblings of all ages are entertained with a dedicated staff of volunteers
- Parents meet in an adjoining room to discuss the meeting’s topic
How to Get Involved
To learn more about Sound Experience, ask your audiologist or contact Cara Donahue at 312.227.3061 or cdonahue@luriechildrens.org.
ParentConnect: a family support group offered in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse’s Virtual Parent Support Group
APH FamilyConnect and The Chicago Lighthouse are pleased to offer this virtual support group for parents and families of children who are blind or visually impaired. These monthly sessions are for families to connect with and learn from each other about the joys, challenges, and adventures of raising children with visual impairments and blindness. These sessions are open to families. You only need to register once for this ongoing series. The No ACVREP or professional development credits will not be available.
TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 neither endorses nor sponsors any external organization or activity represented in this material. The distribution or display of this material is provided as a community service.
Want to share this update with others? Feel free to forward this email or have them subscribe.