Program seeks to train 12,500 volunteer respite workers.

The Respite Education and Support Tools Program (REST) partnered with Illinois Department of Human Services to train thousands of volunteer respite workers. Respite workers relieve family members who care for their loved ones in the home. Read the full REST news article.

Need to find a program or service when Specialized Care for Children is closed? Dial 211.

Trained staff from United Way and PATH Crisis Center are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to connect you with free health and human services in your community. The service utilizes foreign language assistance to provide support to callers in hundreds of languages. Call 211 to ask about rent and utility assistance, food pantries, disability services, shelter, counseling, and more. 211 is now available in Champaign and Vermillion Counties.

Local heroes have a chance to win a custom van by sharing their story.

A national campaign seeks to broaden awareness of transportation options. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association will award 3 wheelchair accessible vans, customized to meet the needs of each winner.

If you or someone you know has overcome challenges of living with a disability, tell your story. Story submission and voting closes May 9, 2014.

For additional information, visit the website.

Find out about programs from the Chicago Park District.

Chicago parks have over 20 specialty locations and special recreation programs for people who have physical or intellectual disabilities, who are blind or visually impaired, or who are deaf or hard of hearing.

View the Winter/Spring 2014 Special Recreation Program Guide.

The Social Security Administration is changing the way you access information.

Starting August 2014, field offices will not issue Social Security number printouts. If you need proof of your number, your will need to apply for a replacement card.

Starting October 2014, field offices will not provide benefit verification letters, except in emergency situations. Benefit verification will be accessed online or requested by calling (800) 772-1213.

 

There’s fun and freedom that comes with riding your own bike.

That’s the feeling that AMBUCS wanted to deliver to a local family. AMBUCS is a non-profit service organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. Working together, Specialized Care for Children and the Pekin AMBUCS obtained a therapeutic tricycle.

A therapeutic tricycle is modified so more people can enjoy the bike riding experience. It can be hand and/or foot operated and is designed for riders of all ages, sizes, and varying degrees of physical ability.

The planning and coordination of all those involved were rewarded by the smiles of Kaylee and her family as she rode her new tricycle for the first time.

Head Start programs prepare children for kindergarten.

It’s a free, education program available to pregnant women and children ages 0-5, including those with significant or multiple special needs. Certified teachers plan hands-on lessons with developmentally appropriate activities. The program is designed to help children grow socially, emotionally, and physically.

CEFS Head Start serves Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.

For additional information, call (866) 442-1900 extension 139.

The free shuttle offers a direct route to the grocery store.

The University of Illinois Extension is offering a monthly bus shuttle to help Rock Island & Moline residents get to and from the grocery store. The service saves riders time and money by offering a direct route to the store at no charge. The shuttle is offered on Saturdays at stops throughout Rock Island and Moline.

Call (309) 756-9978 or visit the Supermarket Shuttle webpage for Rock Island or webpage for Moline for additional information.

 

 

 

A mother shares her story of the grief and guilt she feels.

In her blog, Sheri describes the emotions she experiences raising her autistic son. She says, “There is a kind of grieving that exists…  with having a special needs child…the hopes and dreams I had for my child die a little more each day as I watch him move forward in life.”

Although spectrum disorders are not currently covered by Specialized Care for Children, Sheri’s story is relatable for many of our families.

Read The Unique Grief of Special Need Parents.

Children put on a junior production of well-known Broadway musicals.

The Penguin Project brings together children with special needs and peer mentors to recreate well-known plays. The roles are cast to children with developmental, intellectual, or learning disabilities as well as those with visual or hearing impairment or neurologic disorder. Previous productions include High School Musical and Beauty and the Beast.

For additional information, email penguinprojectmclean@yahoo.com