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Coming Soon: Individual and Family Forums
Be on the lookout this fall for information about an Individual and Family Forum to be held in collaboration with a chapter and/or organizational affiliate near you! The intention of the Forum is for me to hear directly about what individuals with IDD and their families are facing in the Illinois IDD system so that The Arc of IL can continue to advocate effectively.
Summer is ending which means it’s almost time for legislators to spend more time in Springfield. Are you interested in receiving more information about our advocacy efforts?
Whether you choose to donate monthly or one time, your donation helps The Arc bring together advocates, connect people and families, train and educate, and provide resources and support.
The Arc of Illinois Virtual Events in September and October
LPAP Special Topic Series: ACES$ Services: Navigating Payroll and EVV with Tasha Whiteside, Illinois Director, ACES$ Services | September 13 | 12:00-2:00 pm|Register
Family to Family Health Information Center Annual Care Options and Benefits Conference | September 14 |Register
Seminario Web in Espanol: Seguro de Salud de Familiares Immigrantes | 19 de septiembre | 6:00-7:00 pm |Registrarse
The Role of a Developmental Pediatrician | September 27 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm |Register
Transition Resources through Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | October 18, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Register
Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program and More | November 14, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Register
Ray Graham Association (RGA) is pleased to present a learning opportunity for families, educators and others in the community
This year, Ray Graham is resuming in person, and all are free of charge. Although geared towards families, they are also great learning opportunities for educators and other professionals. This year, the dates are September 21, October 19 and November 16. Click here for the flyer.
We have also applied to DHS for CE approval (2 per session) for:
TAP ASSIST Launches Free Parent Training Program for Parents and Caregivers of Transition-Aged Youth
There are twelve modules in the training program. Each module features an expert-led presentation on a relevant transition topic and includes time for parent discussion and questions. Click here to register.
University of Illinois Adults with Autism and Health Services Research Study
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR‐P) grant, UT2MC39440.
University of Illinois is currently recruiting adults with autism between the ages of 18-65 to participate in a research study. By participating in this study, adults with autism can help us understand their experiences in accessing health services, as well as support the adaptation of an app that could support or improve access to health services for adults with autism.
Participants will be asked to complete a short demographic questionnaire and participate in three interviews over Zoom or phone. The interview format, date, and time will take place whenever is convenient for the participant. The questionnaire should take 5 minutes and each interview will take between 30-60 minutes. In appreciation for your time, you will receive up to $75 for participating in this study.
Click here for the flyer. If you or someone you know would be interested in participating in this study, please email at mebest2@illinois.edu or phone at (312) 627-9536.
Testing an Advocacy Program for Latino Families of Transition-Aged Youth with Autism
There is testing for the feasibility and effectiveness of a 24 hour advocacy program for Spanish-speaking, Latino families of youth with autism. During the program, up to 50 families will learn about adult disability services (e.g., vocational rehabilitative services, special needs trusts, housing, Medicaid waivers, and more) as well as develop advocacy skills. You may attend the program in the fall of 2023 or the spring of 2024. The program will be delivered over zoom for 2-hour sessions over 12 weeks.
We are asking participants to:
Complete three surveys about their advocacy, knowledge of disability services, empowerment, and unmet service needs
Complete a short evaluation at the end of each session and at the end of the entire program about the program
Please consider participating in this study if you are:
(a) A parent and/or caregiver of a child (aged 12 and older with autism) (b) Older than 18 years of age and live in Illinois AND (c) Identify as Latino and Spanish-speaking
In appreciation for your time, you will receive up to three $20 giftcards for participating in this study. Specifically, you will receive $20 after completing the pre-survey and attending the first session. Participants will receive $20 after completing the post-survey and the last session. Finally, you will receive a $20 giftcard after completing the six-month follow-up survey.
For the flyer in English click here. For the flyer in Spanish, click here.
If you are interested in participating, go to the survey here:
Online future planning for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) & their families for Illinois
Are you worried about what will happen to your loved one as you get older? Do you find the process of planning for the future overwhelming?
If yes, you might be eligible to join the VFIN research study, which is testing the effectiveness of an online future planning training at the University of Illinois Chicago for adults with IDD & their families in Illinois.
The VFIN research study will randomly assign families to be part of the intervention or control group. All family caregivers and adults with IDD will complete pre- and post- tests.
Families assigned to the intervention group will receive a 6-week training with weekly 1.5 hour Zoom classes from September 11 - October 16 on Mondays and two Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm CT.
Families assigned to the control group will receive access to the self-paced materials after the post-test is completed.
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