Create Holiday Magic with Inclusive Fun for Everyone!

November 21st, 2025

A DSCC participant family of four poses with Santa Claus in front of a festive holiday photo backdrop in DSCC's Mokena Regional Office

Celebrate the holidays with our list of inclusive, sensory-friendly events happening across Illinois.

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection and shared traditions. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, medical complexities and other disabilities, typical celebrations may not always feel comfortable or accessible.

Every family deserves the chance to enjoy the season in ways that support their children and loved ones’ needs and allow for meaningful moments together.

We’ve gathered a list of inclusive and sensory-friendly holiday events happening throughout Illinois. These activities can help you experience the magic of the season at a pace and environment that works best for your family.

There are sensitive Santa opportunities, Mr. and Mrs. Deaf Claus, light displays, low-sensory celebrations, accessible theater performances and other welcoming events for children and adults with special healthcare needs.

You can check out our Special Events page for the full roundup of activities. Just like Santa’s list, be sure to check it at least twice as we continue to add events!

Please note that the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is not involved in the organization or scheduling of these holiday events. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact the event sponsor or organizer.

Featured Events

Chicago and Northern Illinois

Check out WTTW’s list of holiday light displays and experiences. Kidlist also offers a huge list of Chicagoland drive-through and walk-through displays to help you get into the holiday spirit.

Other Chicagoland sensory-friendly activities include:

Central Illinois

Inclusive holiday parties are happening in central Illinois, such as:

For more ideas, check out Chambanamoms.com’s roundup of holiday season fun for families and Visit Springfield.

Southern Illinois

There are many hometown holiday parades, concerts and festivals throughout the area. You can check Southern Illinois Families (SI Families) and Southernmost Illinois for lists of events.

Inclusive activities include:

Have an Event to Share?

If you know of an inclusive or sensory-friendly event to include in our list, please email us at dscc@uic.edu.

Resources to Recharge

The hustle of the holiday season can feel overwhelming.

There are resources available if you need to step back and take a deep breath.

You can search our website for support groups and helpful webinars. On Dec. 11, the “How to Keep from Kicking Santa Claus – Tips for Managing Holiday Stress” webinar will feature practical tips for relieving stress, preventing meltdowns and strategies for creating your own fun.

Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit is also a great resource during the holidays and beyond.

Happy Holidays!

Update on Federal SNAP Benefits and Food Resources for Families

October 22nd, 2025

Canned food goods stacked together in multiple rows

DSCC can help our participant families find food pantries and other resources as the federal government shutdown continues.

UPDATED on Nov. 14, 2025 – The Illinois Department of Human Services says it’s working to distribute full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended.

IDHS expects the remaining benefit payments to be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by Nov. 20.

To check your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card balance, visit IDHS: Illinois Link Card or call the Illinois Link Help Line at (800) 678-LINK (5456). 

SNAP recipients can still use their benefits left on cards from previous months.

Visit snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov for the most up-to-date information from IDHS and to find food in your community.

Resources for Where to Find Food

If your family is affected by this change or needs food support, there are many local and statewide resources available:

These resources can help families locate nearby food pantries, meal programs and other nutrition supports. You can also find more information about local food pantries and other resources in our online Resource Directory.

If you have questions or need more assistance, please contact your Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Care Coordinator. We are here to help!

Research Study Opportunity on the Transition to Adult Care

May 21st, 2025

Illustration of a group of people of various ethnicities and physical abilities and the text, "Do you care for (or are you) a young adult with special health care needs? We want to hear from you!" It includes the research study number, IRB25-0410

The study seeks people with special healthcare needs between the ages of 20 and 30 and their families

Researchers at the University of Chicago are exploring how care changes for people with special healthcare needs as they age out of pediatric care and transition to adult care.

The research study is recruiting people with special healthcare needs between the ages of 20 and 30 and their families to participate in interviews.

People with special healthcare needs have significant chronic conditions that usually require consistent management by more than one type of doctor.

Study participants will have a recorded one-hour Zoom or in-person interview with researchers.

The researchers will ask questions about the transition to adulthood, including what doctors an individual went to and how their health care might have changed.

Participants will receive a $150 gift card for their time.

To enroll, please fill out this form or contact Silvia Arbelaez-Ellis at silviaae@uchicago.edu.

The enrollment form is also available in Spanish. 

If you have questions, you can also contact the lead researcher, Betsy Cliff, at bqcliff@uchicago.edu.

Get Hopping to Sensory-Friendly Bunny Visits and Egg Hunts in April

March 26th, 2025

A girl wearing bunny ears has a basket full of colorful eggs on her lap. She is smiling in her wheelchair.

Enjoy inclusive egg hunts, time with the Easter Bunny and lots of family fun at sites across Illinois

Wondering where the Easter Bunny will hop next?

Check out our Special Events page to find sensory-friendly Easter Bunny visits and egg hunt options for individuals with disabilities of all ages.

The Bunny Cares program offers Easter Bunny visits in a calmer, quieter environment that supports visitors’ sensory, physical and developmental needs. Autism Speaks and Cherry Hill Programs have teamed up to provide these special Bunny Cares photo opportunities.

Bunny Cares events are scheduled at several malls in Illinois on Sunday, April 6.

Click on the locations below to learn more and book your free sensory bunny visit (be sure to search the event schedule for “Bunny Cares,” “Caring Bunny” or “Sensory Bunny” for each location):

Photos will be available to buy at each event. Reservations are limited. Visit the Bunny Cares website for more details and a complete list of sites.

There are more “eggs-cellent” opportunities to meet the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs throughout Illinois.

If you’re located in the west and northwest suburbs, check out Kidlist for Easter egg hunts and more.

We’ve also highlighted a variety of egg hunts and bunny visits happening in communities across the state. These events include:

Our Special Events page has more opportunities for finding colorful eggs, having fun and celebrating spring.

Many of the events are free. You can use the contact and registration information provided with each event listing to learn more.

Please note that the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) does not sponsor or organize these events. We are sharing the details to help families find inclusive events in their communities.

Inclusive Camps for All Ages Offer Fun, Friendships and New Adventures!

March 10th, 2025

Colorful pieces of chalk surround a small cloud-shaped chalkboard. Blue, yellow, purple and turquoise chalk was used to draw a sun and write "Summer Camp" on the chalkboard.

Check out our summer camp list to explore opportunities and find the right fit for your camper

Does your child want to make new friends? Develop new skills? Meet others with their condition or become more independent?

Head to our 2025 summer camp list. You’ll find accessible day, overnight and family camps across Illinois and beyond.

These programs welcome campers with a wide range of needs, abilities and many of our Core Program’s eligible medical conditions. The camps also cater to a wide range of interests, including:

  • Learning to program and other computer skills
  • Building independence and self-advocacy skills
  • Exploring the great outdoors
  • Cooking, art, drama and more

If you’re looking for the perfect camp opportunity, there are several ways to search on our website:

Our list continues to grow, so check back often!

PLEASE NOTE: we share these opportunities for information purposes only. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) does not manage or coordinate these camp opportunities or programs. If you have questions about a specific camp, please use the contact number or website we list for each program.

If you know of any summer camp opportunities we should add, please send us the details at dscc@uic.edu.

Here’s to a fantastic summer filled with smiles and new experiences!

IL LEND 2025-26 Training Program Taking Applications Until March 1

February 19th, 2025

IL LEND logo

Build your leadership skills and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through this free training program for graduate students, self-advocates and family members.

The University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities Program (IL LEND) training program is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year.

IL LEND is housed in the Department of Disability and Human Development at UIC. It is part of LEND’s nationwide network providing interdisciplinary training to improve the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

LEND focuses on providing individuals with the skills necessary to create positive change on all levels, from the individual to systems.

The IL LEND fellowship program brings together trainees from diverse backgrounds. The interdisciplinary leadership training includes 15 disciplines (see the IL LEND brochure for a complete list). Classroom and hands-on learning experiences focus on seven key areas:

  • Leadership
  • Public health
  • Interdisciplinary clinical training and practice
  • Cultural competence
  • Family-centered care
  • Emerging issues
  • Research

Sessions take place over two semesters starting August 2025 and ending May 2026.

The training will focus on serving individuals with disabilities and their families through coordinated, culturally competent and family-centered care. It will also focus on gaining a deeper understanding of public health services and policy systems change.

Training will include:

  • An individually tailored mentorship
  • Weekly didactic (classroom) sessions
  • Research or leadership projects
  • Community outreach
  • Policy and advocacy training
  • Clinical training with a focus on Autism

There is no cost to participate in the fellowship program. Eligible trainees can receive a stipend.

This program is open to graduate students, adults with developmental disabilities, and parents and/or siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities. All trainees complete 300-plus hours of leadership and discipline-specific classroom (didactic), clinical and community training.

IL LEND trainees from the Chicago metropolitan area meet in person at UIC for their LEND training. Trainees can also join remotely through training sites at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The program gives priority to the following applicants:

• Family members
• Self-advocates
• Graduate students in the represented disciplines, which include nursing, social work, developmental pediatrics, disability studies and public health.

See the IL LEND graduate program brochure for more details and a complete list of study areas.

Read more about applying on the IL LEND website. You can also click on the links below to download the:

• Self-advocate application
• Family member application
• Graduate student application

The deadline to apply is March 1.

Be a Part of Illinois Miss Amazing

January 16th, 2025

Illinois Miss Amazing logo

Miss Amazing is a national nonprofit program that encourages girls and women with disabilities to consider their goals, challenge themselves and take pride in who they are.

The Illinois Miss Amazing experience brings together a diverse group of participants to build friendships, build self-confidence and practice key self-advocacy skills in a fun environment.

The 2025 Illinois Miss Amazing program is accepting applications for participants through Jan. 25.

The program is also accepting application for volunteers who want to help and share in the experience.

The 2025 Illinois Miss Amazing Amplify event is on Feb. 22 at Center Stage Theater in Naperville.

Participation is open to girls and women ages 5 and older who have:

  • An Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Program Plan (IPP)
  • A 504 Plan
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • A physician’s records proving disability

Amplify event activities will include:

  • Show rehearsal
  • Interviewing
  • Passion presentation
  • Hair, makeup and more

Are you ready to share your passion and shine?

Illinois Miss Amazing will accept applications until Jan. 25 or when all spots fill up.

Volunteers with and without disabilities can also lend a hand on and off the stage. Visit the Illinois Miss Amazing website to apply as a volunteer or learn more about volunteer options.

You can also read about our former participant, Izzy Gonzalez, an Illinois Miss Amazing alum pursuing a career in theater.

Share Your Feedback to Allow CNAs as Paid Family Caregivers

January 2nd, 2025

A father holds and plays with his son with disabilities while enjoying time together outdoors.

Families have until Jan. 30, 2025, to share their input on a state plan amendment allowing CNAs to become paid family caregivers.

Families can now share their feedback to allow more parents/legally responsible adults (LRAs) to become paid caregivers for their children at home.

The public comment period is currently open for a state plan amendment allowing parents/LRAs to become paid caregivers if they are a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and employed by a nursing agency.

Currently, parents/LRAs are paid for providing skilled nursing services to their children if they hold an active registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) license. This rule applies to parents/LRAs of all children approved for Home Care Program services, regardless of the child’s age.

Allowing parents and caregivers who are CNAs to become paid caregivers is an important step in strengthening support for families of individuals who need in-home shift nursing.

This change requires an amendment to the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Those Who Are Medically Fragile, Technology Dependent (MFTD waiver). It also requires the creation of a new state plan amendment. Both approvals must be in place to allow for this change.

The public comment period for the new state plan amendment is now open until Jan. 30. You can read the public comment notice for the state plan amendment on the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) website.

Here is how you can review the amendment and share your feedback.

Review the Amendment

Share Your Feedback

HFS is accepting public input on the proposed state plan amendment through Jan. 30, 2025.

You can share your feedback in two ways:

  • Email your input to HFS.BPPC@illinois.gov.
  • Mail your written input to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Attention: Bureau of Program and Policy Coordination, 201 South Grand Ave. E., 2nd floor, Springfield, IL 62763

This public comment process is one of the best ways you can make your voice heard.

Next Steps

In addition to the new state plan amendment, we have worked closely with HFS to incorporate this new rule into the MFTD waiver. This waiver amendment is currently under federal review for approval.

There is currently no set timeline for the state plan amendment and the MFTD waiver amendment to be approved.

Once approved, we will notify our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participant families as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact your DSCC Care Coordinator at (800) 322-3722. 

Sensory-Friendly and Inclusive Holiday Events for All Ages

November 23rd, 2024

A young girl with Down syndrome wearing a winter coat and hat standing outdoors in front of a Christmas tree

Experience the magic of the season with Santa visits, light displays and other fun events happening throughout Illinois.

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection and celebration. For individuals with sensory sensitivities and other disabilities, traditional festivities can sometimes feel overwhelming.

We’ve gathered a list of inclusive and sensory-friendly holiday events happening throughout Illinois to help families celebrate the season.

There are light displays, sensitive Santa opportunities, parades and more going on throughout Illinois.

Our Special Events page includes a roundup of opportunities designed specifically for youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

We hope this collection of events will help spark ideas to create your own holiday magic:

Be sure to check our Special Events page often as we add more holiday activities to the list. If you know of a good sensory-friendly event to share, please email us at dscc@uic.edu.

Happy Holidays!

Please note, the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is not involved in the organizing or scheduling of these holiday events. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact the event sponsor or organizer.

Empowering Every Voter: Voting Resources for People With Disabilities

October 21st, 2024

Red, white and blue "I Voted" stickers scattered on a white background

Accessible guides and information on your rights and options as a voter with a disability

It’s important that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to vote.

As the Nov. 5 election approaches, we want to highlight the resources available to help people with disabilities cast their ballots.

  • The Arc has helpful voting resources, including a Disability Voter Guide in plain language in English and Spanish on how voting works, how to register to vote, how to help others vote and more. You can also find sample questions for candidates and a guide about issues that affect the disability community. Visit https://thearc.org/vote/.
  • The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has an Election Engagement Hub that provides information and tools for disabled voters to engage as meaningfully as possible in their state, local and federal elections. You can find state-by-state voting guides, plain language definitions of voting words and more. AAPD also has the REV UP Voting Campaign, which aims to build the power of the disability vote through a national network of coalitions and organizations.
  • The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the U.S.” that includes how to prepare to vote and how to get accommodations when voting. It also explains the difference between a primary election and a general election and how the Electoral College works.
  • Easterseals has a Voting Checklist for People with Disabilities to help people with disabilities make sure their voice is heard at the polls. The checklist explains how to learn about elections in your area, your rights as a voter with a disability,  what to do if your rights are being violated and more. You can also download a voting resource card to take with you to the polls.
  • Disability Vote IL provides voting resources and information for the disability community. The site offers updated nonpartisan videos, webinars and information on elections, how to register to vote, and promoting accessibility of voting technology and polling places. The website also includes information about transportation to the polls and the Be My Eyes app that helps people who are blind or have vision impairments with voting.
  • The National Association of the Deaf has a voter information hotline to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing with questions about voting.
  • The National Federation of the Blind has information and resources about accessible voting and nonvisual election technology.

You can also find these tools and guides in our online Resource Directory.

Everyone’s voice matters, and there are ways to make sure your vote counts!