Virtual – Family-to-Family Health Information Center Symposium “Uniting Healthcare, Advocacy and Disability”

A virtual conference for people with disabilities, their caregivers and professionals covering Illinois healthcare coverage options, important services and benefits

The Arc of Illinois Family-to-Family Health Information Center is hosting the “Uniting Healthcare, Advocacy and Disability” symposium on Zoom on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This daylong, virtual event will cover a wide range of topics and resources.

While many of the presentations will focus on children ages birth to 22, much of the information applies to people with disabilities of all ages and stages.

Attendees will learn:

• How to get help for people with disabilities through the Family-to-Family program and other The Arc of Illinois programs
• What The Autism Program of Illinois is and how to get diagnostic and therapeutic help for people with autism
• What Medicaid waivers are available for children and youth in Illinois and how parents may be able to be paid for providing care in these programs
• How children and young adults can have their healthcare needs met in schools through effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans
• How everyone can take part in disability advocacy by turning small ideas into major advocacy efforts
• How to support family caregivers through the continuum of caregiving, from diagnosis onward

Presenters will include our Home Care Family Outreach Associate Erica Stearns, who is also the creator and host of the Atypical Truth podcast and co-founder of Caffeinated Caregivers.  Stearns is the mother of two children with a rare genetic disorder. She was also born with rare birth defects.

Stearns will present with her Caffeinated Caregivers co-founder Alyssa Nutile on “Navigating the Caregiver Continuum: From Diagnosis to Advocacy.” Their presentation will provide crucial insights into delivering personalized support that enhances the well-being of both caregivers and their families, fostering a healthier, better-informed caregiving community.

The cost to attend the conference is:

• Members of The Arc of Illinois are $80 per professional and $20 per self-advocate/family member.
• Non-members are $140 per professional and $55 per self-advocate/family member.
• Families with children under 22 can also attend for free by filling out this stipend form.

See the conference schedule and registration form for more details.

You can also register online on The Arc of Illinois’ website.

If you have questions, please contact The Arc of Illinois at (815) 464-1832.