The Heumann-Armstrong Award is for students in sixth grade and up, including higher education

Ableism can take many forms. It is discriminating against someone because of their disability. It can also include bullying, isolation or the refusal to give accommodations to a student with a disability.

Like other forms of discrimination, ableism shows up in ways that are both blatant and subtle.

The Heumann-Armstrong Award is for students in sixth grade and up, including higher education, who have experienced and shown a passion for fighting ableism in education.

The American Association for People with Disabilities, The Coelho Center and Equal Opportunities for Students (EOS) sponsor this award program.

The award started in May 2021. It is named for two disability rights champions:

• Judith (Judy) Heumann, a lifelong and internally recognized advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities
• Elijah Armstrong, who has epilepsy and founded the EOS organization to help tell the stories of marginalized students in education

The award program defines a disability as any physical or mental condition that affects how someone attends classes, participates in extracurricular activities or socializes with classmates.

Students can submit an application in writing or by video. All applicants must be willing to do a video interview upon winning the award.

Six individuals will receive an education award that includes a $1,000 prize and a video interview posted on EOS social media platforms. Six semi-finalists will also receive recognition.

See the 2022-23 Heumann-Armstrong Award application page to apply.

You can also check out the Heumann-Armstrong Award frequently asked questions and the 2022-23 award opening video for more details.

The deadline to submit applications is July 22.

If you have questions, contact equalstudentopportunities@gmail.com.

Eligible families can receive discounts on internet service and devices in their homes

Having affordable and reliable internet service at home is more important than ever.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program to help families afford the cost of internet service and devices in their homes.

Households can qualify in a number of ways. Eligibility can be based on income, participation in other assistance programs or if anyone in the household already receives a Lifeline benefit.

Under the ACP program, eligible households may receive:

• Up to $30 per month discount for broadband service
  
• Up to $75 per month discount for households on qualifying tribal lands
  
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider. The household must contribute more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.
  

The ACP is a program of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

To apply, go to ACPBenefit.org. You may submit your application online or print a mail-in application in English or Spanish.

Applicants also must contact their existing or preferred provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to their bill.

For complete details and to access American Sign Language videos about the program, visit www.fcc.gov/acp.

The ACP Support Center is also available to answer your questions daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (877) 384-2575 or ACPSupport@usac.org.

For more utility and financial assistance programs, visit our online Resource Directory.

Here’s a list of day, overnight and virtual camps to help you find the right fit for your child

It’s hard to believe another school year will soon come to an end.

The good news is there are a variety of opportunities to help your children stay engaged and continue learning during the summer break.

We’ve compiled a list of virtual, day and overnight camps across Illinois for all ages.

Does your child want to make new friends? Develop new skills? Meet others with their condition or foster their independence?

Our 2022 summer camp list can help you find an opportunity that is the right fit.

Many camps are returning to in-person sessions this summer. Virtual camp opportunities are also available.

All these camps are accessible for a variety of special needs and abilities, including many of our program’s eligible medical conditions.

Our events calendar shows the summer camps listed by date. You may also search for events in your area by clicking on a regional office near you.

Know of an in-person or virtual summer camp opportunity to add to our list?

Send us the details at dscc@uic.edu. We’ll continue to update our list of camps and activities, so please check back often. 

How to access at-home test kits at no cost

*** Please see our updated news post, “Free At-Home COVID Test Program Resumes,” for the most up-to-date information about free COVID-19 test availability. ***

If you need a COVID-19 test, there are many ways you can test at home for free.

COVID-19 home test kits are available at no cost by mail or pick-up at specified locations.

You may also be eligible for insurance reimbursement or Medicaid coverage at participating pharmacies. Here is a summary of the current options:

• Every home in the United States is eligible to order another round of free at-home tests through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) at https://special.usps.com/testkits. Please note:
  • Limit of one order per residential address.
  • Your order will include four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
  • Orders will ship free.
  • For those who cannot access the internet or need help placing an order:
    • Call (800) 232-0233 or the TTY line at (888) 720-7489 to get help in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages.
      
• USPS is also distributing more accessible tests for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and a free app to provide users with audible instructions and audible test results. You can order these accessible tests at https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible or by calling (800) 232-0233. Please note:
  • There is a limit of one order per residential address.
  • Each order includes 12 accessible rapid-antigen tests.
  • Supplies are limited. Please do not order the more accessible tests if you have options for using the standard tests.
  • Orders ship free while supplies last.
    
• Free COVID-19 rapid tests are available for vulnerable Illinoisans. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is distributing at-home, over-the-counter COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to economically disadvantaged Illinois families in zip codes outside the city of Chicago. Tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be delivered to your home address. To learn if your household is eligible for one package of five tests visit the Project Act website.
  • Note you can find free COVID-19 testing locations on IDPH’s testing locator page.
    
• If you have health insurance through an employer or Marketplace, your insurance will pay you back for eight at-home tests each month for each person on your plan.
  • Learn more about insurance reimbursement for at-home tests on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.

• The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will allow Medicaid-participating pharmacies to prescribe and bill for COVID-19 home test kits.
  • This coverage went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, and applies to Medicaid fee-for-service and HealthChoice Illinois managed care plans.

• Individuals with disabilities can also contact the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) for help with available testing options, including ordering free at-home test kits.
  • Contact DIAL Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (888) 677-1199 or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
  • Individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing can reach DIAL using the 711/Video Relay Service (VRS).

You may also visit www.covidtests.gov/ to see where at-home tests are available for sale. The website includes a list of free testing sites available by state. It also provides information about other testing resources.

If you have questions about testing your child, this article from HealthyChildren.org gives a helpful overview of the different types of COVID-19 tests available and what parents need to know.

Your child’s pediatrician can help you determine when testing is a good idea and which type of test would be best. Please contact their office with any questions.

For more information on testing options, assistance programs and caregiver support, visit the Division of Specialized Care for Children’s COVID-19 Resource Directory.

The program provides a nurturing, empowering experience for girls and women with disabilities

Illinois Miss Amazing is accepting applications for its 2022 program.

Miss Amazing is a national nonprofit program for girls and women with disabilities. The program aims to build self-confidence and vital self-advocacy skills for participants as well as nurture a sisterhood of girls and women from different walks of life.

According to the Miss Amazing website, girls and women with disabilities face a unique set of economic, social and political challenges. The Miss Amazing program seeks to encourage future leaders and break down stereotypes by empowering girls with disabilities from a young age to take pride in who they are, to set ambitious goals and to fight for the respect that they deserve.

Miss Amazing 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

Illinois Miss Amazing is accepting applications for participants and volunteers for its annual Amplify event on April 9 at the Yellow Box in Naperville. The application deadline is March 1.

The Illinois Miss Amazing experience includes:

• Show rehearsal
• Interviewing
• A fun evening wear presentation
• Sharing your passion and creativity on-stage
• Building friendships

This year’s event is in-person and will feature two shows and one big celebration.

Learn more about the Illinois Miss Amazing program and how it helped one of our participants spread her wings on stage and off at https://dscc.uic.edu/dscc-participant-promotes-illinois-miss-amazing/.

Inspire someone you know to participate in Illinois Miss Amazing.

Applications will be accepted until March 1 or as soon as all spots are filled.  

The Supported Decision-Making Act takes effect Feb. 27 and allows individuals with disabilities to make decisions with help from trusted supporters

When making decisions, we all rely on help and advice to choose what’s right for us.

A new Illinois law ensures people with disabilities can get the help they need to make decisions for their own lives.

The Supported Decision-Making Act empowers individuals with disabilities to make their own choices with the right support. It takes effect on Feb. 27.

Research shows that when persons with disabilities have more control over their lives, they experience better health and wellbeing. However, many persons with disabilities have faced unnecessary and restrictive guardianships once they turn 18 simply because of their disability.

Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship. It allows individuals with disabilities to identify a supporter. This supporter can help interpret information, weigh options and help communicate the person’s decisions in certain areas as needed.

These areas can include:

• Where to live
• Medical care or counseling
• Money
• Work
• School
• Public benefits and more

An identified supporter is someone the person with disabilities knows and trusts. It can be:

• A friend
• A family member
• A co-worker or colleague
• A person with professional skills

Under the act, the person with disabilities fills out a Supported Decision-Making Agreement. The agreement identifies the supporter and what areas the person with disabilities needs support with.

This agreement ensures that the person with disabilities makes decisions and not the identified supporter.

This process promotes self-sufficiency and control for individuals with disabilities.

Illinois is among several states that have supported decision-making laws in place.

The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission has many resources to explain the new Supported Decision-Making Act. These include:

• Supported Decision-Making Fact Sheet
• Supported Decision-Making Frequently Asked Questions
• Supported Decision-Making Training for Persons With Disabilities 

Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center is also hosting an upcoming webinar on the Supported Decision-Making Act.

The presentation will provide an overview of the law. It will also review the contents of a Supported Decision-Making Agreement and share examples of how supported decision-making works.

The “Supported Decision-Making in Illinois: What Is It and How Does It Work?” webinar will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 22.

Additional resources on supported-decision making are available in the Guardianship and Alternatives section of our Transition Tools.

Free Santa visits for children with autism and other special needs

Are you ready for some Santa magic?

Autism Speaks has partnered with Cherry Hill Programs to provide sensory-friendly Santa experiences nationwide.

In Illinois, Santa will be spreading joy and holiday cheer on Dec. 5 and 12.

Join Santa in a calmer, more subdued environment. He is planning stops in communities that include:

• Aurora
• Champaign
• Chicago
• Gurnee
• Moline
• Northbrook
• Orland Park
• Peoria
• Rockford
• Rosemont
• Schaumburg
• Springfield
• Vernon Hills

These sensory-friendly Santa experiences are free. Keepsake photo packages are available to buy.

You can reserve your spot for the Santa experience online. (The organizers strongly encourage reservations.)

For more upcoming holiday events for children with special healthcare needs in Illinois, be sure to check our Special Events page often.

Starting in January 2022, children with summer birthdays may continue Early Intervention services until the beginning of the next school year.

A new Illinois law will stop a gap in services for children with summer birthdays who receive Early Intervention (EI) services.

Senate Bill 820 (Public Act 102-0209) allows children to continue EI services until the beginning of the next school year if their 3rd birthday is between May 1 and Aug. 31.

The law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

The Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) Early Childhood Department explained that this extension of Part C services to children over the age of 3 applies only if the child:

1. Reached age 3 on or after May 1 of the current year through Aug. 31
2. Enrolled in EI and received services before their 3rd birthday
3. Is eligible for preschool serivces under Section 619 of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and
4. Is found eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under IDEA and Section 14-8.02 of the School Code

If a child meets all the above criteria, their parents/guardians have the option to remain in EI until the beginning of the next school year or move to early childhood special education services (ECSE) through the school district.

ISBE notes that children enrolled in EI and turning 3 will still need an evaluation, if warranted, and an IEP developed, if qualified, before their 3rd birthday.

If families decide to begin ECSE services, they will not be able to return to EI services once they have ended.

Families can discuss potential eligibility for this extension with their Early Intervention Service Coordinator.

Summer Food Service Program provides healthy meals and snacks to children 18 and under  

Many Illinois families depend on their children’s schools to provide regular, nutritious meals throughout the school year. The financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic makes the need for summer nutrition programs even greater.

Kids and teens can eat right this summer with the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides healthy meals and snacks to:

• Children and teens age 18 and younger
• Any person 21 years of age or younger with a mental or physical disability that attends an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) certified school program during the school year

ISBE runs the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

There is no application or registration required to receive a meal. You also do not have to show proof of income.

To find a meal site near you:

• Call (800) 359-2163 (English or Spanish)
• Text “FoodIl” to 877-877
• Visit www.nokidhungry.org/find-free-meals

Please note that students who receive Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits can also still pick up grab-n-go summer meals.

Three scholarship opportunities available

Are you an Illinois adult living with spina bifida and continuing your education?

The Illinois Spina Bifida Association (ISBA) is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-22 school year.

Several scholarships are available and may be used for a range of post-high school adult education, including:

• Two- and four-year college programs
• Graduate school
• Online courses
• Technical or trade schools
• Other continuing education opportunities

The ISBA scholarship application is available at https://i-sba.org/programs#scholar.  

The ISBA’s three scholarship opportunities are:

• The Patrick Juris Scholarship is awarded to a student with spina bifida preparing for a field of service that helps others.
• The Valiant Scholarship is awarded to a student who displays outstanding leadership, goodwill toward those less fortunate and dedication to making a difference.
• The Mary Mayer Scholarship is in memory of a fiercely independent individual with spina bifida.

For more details about these memorial scholarships, see the ISBA scholarship application.

The deadline to submit scholarship applications is July 17.

For more information, contact (773) 444-0305 or info@i-sba.org.