Webinar Series to Help Families, Caregivers and Youth Navigate the Transition to Adulthood
Learn practical strategies and tools to plan for the transition to adulthood during our free two-part series
Families can face new challenges and shifting roles as young people move toward adulthood.
Join the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) to learn more about navigating this journey during our free “Preparing for Adulthood: A Roadmap for the Future” webinar series.
The two-part series will feature Claire Cook, DSCC Title V Transition Specialist, and Suzanne Aaron, Northern Illinois Outreach Specialist for Illinois Life Span.
The sessions will cover:
- “Session One: Navigating Adult Systems,” June 26 at 6 p.m.
This session is for youth ages 12 to 15 and their families. Families with children at other developmental stages are also welcome to attend.
This session will provide practical tools for exploring and understanding adult systems, such as health care, education, employment and more. It will also cover strategies for balancing independence and guidance as family roles evolve.
- “Session Two: Empowering Parents and Caregivers,” July 31 at 6 p.m.
Session two is for parents, caregivers and families of youth ages 16 and older with complex needs and/or disabilities.
Building on session one, participants will dive deeper into adult guardianship, health insurance, benefits and programs for youth with complex needs. The session will focus on creating meaningful daily routines while managing evolving family dynamics. It will also explore the role of support circles and how to make decisions that support youth and caregivers in the long run.
- “Primera sesión: Recorrer los sistemas de los adultos,” 26 de junio a las 6 p. m.
Esta sesión es para padres, cuidadores, familias y jóvenes de 12 a 15 años. Las familias de jóvenes en otras etapas de desarrollo también son bienvenidas.
- “Segunda sesión: Empoderar a los padres y cuidadores,” 31 de julio a las 6 p.m.
Según la primera sesión, este seminario web se centrará en tutela de adultos, seguro médico, beneficios y programas para jóvenes con necesidades complejas, crear rutinas diarias importantes mientras se maneja la dinámica familiar en evolución y la función de los círculos de apoyo y cómo tomar decisiones que apoyen a los jóvenes y a los cuidadores a largo plazo. Esta sesión ofrecerá a las familias conocimientos y estrategias adaptadas a sus retos únicos.
Each presentation will be in English. Live Spanish interpretation will be available.
The recordings and slides for both sessions will be available on our Family Education Webinars page.
If you have questions about the series, please contact Claire Cook at clairer3@uic.edu or (800) 322-3722.
Please spread the word and plan to join us!
Get Hopping to Sensory-Friendly Bunny Visits and Egg Hunts in April
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:
- Bunny Hop Breakfast for People with Disabilities and Their Families in Schaumburg on April 5 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
- Sensory-Friendly Easter Bunny Event in Springfield on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- The Dr. Patchett Extra Special Eggstravaganza in Carterville on April 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Inclusive “Easter Egg Hunt Miracle Mile” Event in Rockford on April 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Sensory Egg Hunt for Children With Disabilities in Champaign on April 12 from 1 to 3:15 p.m.
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.