Webinar Series to Help Families, Caregivers and Youth Navigate the Transition to Adulthood

May 14th, 2025

A winding road with two location markers and the text, "Preparing for Adulthood: A Roadmap for the Future Webinar Series" and the University of Illinois Chicago's Division of Specialized Care for Children logo

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 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. 

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!

New Youth Advisory Council for Teens and Young Adults With Special Healthcare Needs

March 27th, 2024

A diverse group of four students, including a young woman in a wheelchair, gathered in a college library and enjoying discussion

An opportunity for youth to help improve transition support and make a difference!

Youth with special healthcare needs should have a big role in shaping their future and helping improve support for others.

We want to hear from teens and young adults about what’s important and helpful to them as they plan for the future. Our new Youth Advisory Council is a great opportunity for them to share their input and make a difference.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a diverse, youth-driven group that aims to develop more youth-focused ways to help individuals and families with transition planning, resources and services.

The YAC’s goal is to support positive outcomes in adulthood for all Illinois youth with special healthcare needs in the areas of:

  • Employment
  • Health care
  • Independence
  • Quality of life

The YAC’s role is to:

  • Bring a different and personal perspective on issues important to youth.
  • Partner with the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) to help develop more youth-focused methods to enhance care coordination.
  • Develop strategies to improve communication between youth/young adults and older adults.

Members participate in four virtual meetings per year.

Who is Eligible to Join the YAC?

The YAC is open to youth with special healthcare needs who are:

  • Ages 15 to 24
  • Living in Illinois
  • Planning for the transition to adulthood in the areas of education, health care, employment and home and community-based support

Youth do not have to be a DSCC participant to join the council.

How to Join and Learn More

Members must complete an online application to join. (The application is also available in Spanish.)

Visit our Youth Advisory Council page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

You can also see the YAC flyer for more details:

If you have questions, please contact Claire Cook, DSCC’s Title V Program Transition Specialist, at clairer3@uic.edu or (800) 322-3722, ext. 21812.