Free screening clinics check speech, hearing, vision, and general development.

Screenings help identify children who may have screening results outside the expected range in the tested areas. Based on results, early childhood coordinators connect families to beneficial services and programs.

The screenings also determine eligibility for pre-kindergarten programs. The pre-kindergarten programs are designed for children age 3-4 who may not be disabled, but who would benefit from a stimulating preschool learning environment in order to be successful in school later on.

For more information or to schedule a screening, call your school district at the number listed on the screening schedule [PDF].

Captioning and assistive listening devices enhance the experience for movie goers.

The Marcus theater in Addison is equipped with assistive listening devices for deaf and hard of hearing guests. They also offer open captioning and rear window captioning in select auditoriums.

To find out which movies are captioned, audio-described and/or set up for assistive listening devices, scroll to the bottom of the Marcus Theater website.

Take advantage of free dental services, available in February, at dentists throughout the DuPage area.

The 14th annual Dentist With a Heart program will be held throughout the month of February, 2014. Participating dentists offer free services including cleaning, x-ray, diagnostic services, fillings, and extractions. Over $1 million in free services were provided to over 3,500 patients in the last 14 years.

Services are available to anyone age 3+. There are no income restrictions. Appointments are not required either. If you need dental services, just show up at a participating location during the date and time offered.

For locations, dates and times, visit the Dentist With a Heart website.

Getting around Rock Island County is a little easier since public transportation is available.

Rock Island County MetroLINK, has buses running 7 days a week on 13 routes covering areas such as Carbon Cliff, Colona, East Moline, Hampton, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis. If you have a doctor’s appointment in Bettendorf, Iowa, the bus can get you there too!

MetroLINK offers paratransit service to people functionally unable to use the metropolitan bus service. Service provided is “curb to curb” and vehicles are designed with access in mind.

For more information, visit MetroLINK’s website or call us at (309) 788-4300 to request a brochure.

What do an 11 year old and a US Senator have in common?

Both are stroke survivors.

As part of his therapy, 11 year old Jackson was asked to write a letter. He chose to send inspirational advice to Senator Mark Kirk. The two became penpals, exchanging letters, and forming a friendship. Senator Kirk describes Jackson as, “An example of strength, commitment, and heart.”

Watch their story, originally broadcast on WCIA’s Angels Among Us news segment.

Free tax preparation helps people claim valuable tax credits and secure refunds.

Services are available to households earning up to $50,000 and individuals earning up to $25,000. Volunteers at Ladder Up staff many locations on Saturdays from February – April from 9:00am – 12:00pm.

For specific sites and dates, visit the Ladder Up website or call (312) 409-1555.

Developmental screenings and evaluations are available for children under 3 years of age in Bureau County.

The screening identifies children who may be eligible for Early Intervention services. Eligible children have one or more of the following conditions: physical, intellectual, emotional or speech delays, or diagnosed disabilities.

Consider a screening if:

• you have concerns about how your child is developing
• your child had a developmental screen, by your pediatrician or another agency, that is showing a suspected delay in their development (doctors, health departments, school districts and private agencies can conduct developmental screenings)
• your child has a diagnosed condition that may cause delays in their development

For additional information, call Sarah Legrenzi at (815) 879-0073.

Cleft lip and palate teams repair defects of the lips, teeth, gums, palate, upper and lower jaw.

The team approach brings together healthcare professionals from areas including plastic surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, neurology, otolaryngology, speech pathology, audiology, and dental specialties.

The team meets on a monthly basis to discuss how all members can work together to deliver the best patient care.

Call us at (815) 987-7571 for more information.

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• The condition in this story is covered by Specialized Care for Children

Horses play a role in therapeutic programs.

Approximately 150 volunteers work with New Kingdom Trailriders to provide the Mounted Achievers therapeutic horseback riding program designed for individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. The program includes alternative types of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Ages three to adult participate in the program. Group sessions are held four evenings each week. Private classes are available during the day. New Kingdom Trailriders also offers fieldtrip experiences for group homes, agencies and schools.

Friendship Farm
15711 13 Street
Milan, IL 61264

For more information, visit the website or call (309) 764-4220.

The Peoria Regional Office is part of a new cochlear implant team.

The cochlear implant process involves examination, surgery, device activation, and post-surgical therapy. Cochlear implants are designed to help children with profound hearing loss. This procedure benefits from a team approach because different healthcare professionals are involved at each step of the process. Teams create an integrated approach to treatment so all providers involved in the treatment work together for successful outcomes.

Dr.James Klemens
Peoria Ear, Nose and Throat
7301 N Knoxville Avenue
Peoria, IL 61614

Call us at (309) 693-5350 for more information.

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• The condition in this story is covered by Specialized Care for Children