Explore Camp Opportunities for All Abilities With Our Summer Camp List

March 12th, 2026

The text, "Summer Camp," written with chalk on chalkboard next to chalk sticks of different bright colors

Inclusive camps for all ages offer fun, friendships and new adventures!

Are you looking for the perfect camp opportunity for your child or young adult?

Check out our 2026 summer camp list. You’ll find accessible day, overnight and family camps across Illinois and beyond.

These programs welcome campers with a wide range of needs and abilities, including many of our Core Program’s eligible medical conditions. The camps also cater to many different interests, such as:

  • Building independence and self-advocacy skills
  • Participating in adaptive sports
  • Exploring the great outdoors
  • Taking a deeper dive into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
  • Cooking, art, drama and more

There are several ways to search for camps on our website:

Our list continues to grow, so check back often!

Be sure to check with your local Special Recreation Association and/or park district programs for day camps near you. Some camp lotteries and programs are now open for registration. Spots will fill up fast.

Please note that DSCC shares these camp opportunities on behalf of other organizations. If you have questions about a specific camp, please contact the camp sponsor or organizer using the listed phone number or website.

If you know about a good summer camp opportunity to add to our list, please send us the details at dscc@uic.edu.

Here’s to a fantastic summer filled with smiles, new skills and fun new experiences!

Hop Over to Inclusive Egg Hunts and Sensory-Friendly Bunny Visits Across Illinois

March 11th, 2026

Little girl smiles while hugging the Easter Bunny

Hunt for eggs, see the Easter Bunny and enjoy plenty of family fun at sensory-friendly events in March and April

Wondering where the Easter Bunny will hop next?

The Division of Specialized Care for Children’s (DSCC) Special Events page can help you find sensory-friendly 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 partnered to provide these special Bunny Cares photo opportunities.

Bunny Cares events will take place at several malls in Illinois on Sunday, March 22.

You can click on the locations below to learn more and book your free sensory bunny visit (be sure to view “Bunny Hours” and “Event Schedule,” or search the event schedule for “Bunny Cares,” “Caring Bunny” or “Sensory Bunny” for each location):

The Bunny Cares experiences are free. Photos will be available to buy at each event. Space is limited. Visit the Bunny Cares website for a complete list of sites and more details.

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:

Our Special Events page has more opportunities to find colorful eggs, have fun and celebrate spring.

Many of the events are free.

Please note that DSCC shares many of these community events on behalf of other organizations. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact the event sponsor or organizer using the contact number or website listed for each program.

Happy hopping and hunting!

Mark Your Calendars for DSCC’s 2026 Family Education Webinar Series!

February 12th, 2026

The text, "Family Education Webinar Series," above graphic images of an open textbook, magnifying glass, computer screen, lightbulb, thought bubble and pencil.

These free webinars will focus on SNAP benefits, estate and financial planning, and caregiver mental health

Our annual education webinar series returns in March with a whole new lineup of topics!

Join the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) and learn more about key programs and services for Illinois families and caregivers from the comfort of your home.

These free sessions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month and are open to anyone who is interested.

Presenters will cover a different topic each month and answer your questions. Each presentation will be in English. A Spanish interpretation line will be available during each session.

Check out the topics, mark your calendars and register for each session you’re interested in attending.

The session descriptions are in English followed by Spanish:

You can also download a flyer with all the Family Education Webinar Series topics and registration links. (The flyer is also available in Spanish.)

Details about each series session are also posted on our Events page.

We began offering our free family webinars in response to questions and suggestions from our Family Advisory Council. The webinars are open to everyone.

If you miss a session, you can access the recordings and related materials on our Family Education Webinars page.

If you have questions about these webinars before or after a session, email dscc@uic.edu or call (800) 322-3722.

We hope you’ll join us!

Illinois Statewide Transition Conference Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Youth on the Journey to Adulthood

February 4th, 2026

A family of three smiles together in the middle of a meeting room. The parents are on either side of their teenage daughter. She has a tie-dye shirt, colorful leggings, short hair, glasses and uses a wheelchair. She has a big smile and holds a thumbs-up.

About 400 youth, family members and professionals gained valuable information, resources and connections to help prepare for adulthood at the 2025 conference in Springfield 

The 2025 Illinois Statewide Transition Conference was more than just an informative event for 17-year-old attendee Aliyah.

The conference helped reframe how she thinks about her disability, her sense of self and what’s possible for her future.

 “I think the most important takeaway from this whole thing is just finding the courage to say, ‘Hey, this is me, and I’m not ashamed of it anymore,’” Aliyah said.

A DSCC team member hands out information at DSCC's booth at the Transition Conference Vendor Fair. A teenage DSCC participant and her father review the hand outs and take a promotional pen.
DSCC’s Integrated Program Support Specialist Courtney Kerfoot hands out informational booklets and fact sheets on the transition to adulthood for individuals with disabilities. She stands behind DSCC’s booth at the vendor fair while Aliyah and her dad receive a DSCC mop top pen.

Aliyah has cerebral palsy and is a Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participant. She loves art and being creative. She is also a Special Olympics athlete with three gold medals in track and two in bowling. Her dream is to be a daycare worker or babysitter.

Aliyah and her parents, Dawn and Steve, traveled from Carbondale to attend the 20th annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference in Springfield. It took place Oct. 30-31, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.

More than 400 people from across the state attended, including youth with disabilities, parents, caregivers, vocational professionals, healthcare professionals and more.

“The transition conference is really a way for professionals and families to get together to learn about all the areas of the transition to adulthood,” said Claire Cook, DSCC’s Title V Transition Specialist and co-chair of the transition conference’s steering committee.

“You learn from self-advocates and learn about independence, healthcare transition, guardianship and alternatives, education — all the different areas that you need to learn about as you become an adult.”

DSCC helps sponsor the conference and serves on its steering committee. We also provide financial support to help our participant families attend the conference.

“Don’t let your limits hold you back”

Aliyah and her parents were among 21 DSCC participant families who attended the 2025 conference. They took part in a busy schedule of presentations and workshops.

“Today’s been exhausting, but also exciting because it’s like my future and what the future holds for me,” Aliyah shared after the conference’s first day.

Before coming to the conference, Aliyah didn’t enjoy planning for the future.

“I was scared about it. I was scared of my future, and also, I didn’t want anything to change. I’m not good with change at all,” she said.

Keynote presenter Taylor Sweeting speaks into a microphone enthusiastically on the conference stage. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter signs next to him. The conference room is full with individuals sitting at dining tables.
Program Director for the Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living, Taylor Sweeting, presents his keynote session, “Adaptability Pride: Adapting Your Disability Into Your Identity.”

“The first speaker we saw, (keynote presenter) Taylor (Sweeting), he relates a lot to me because he felt like he was an outsider and didn’t belong here, and he hated his disability, and I hated my disability for a long time. I didn’t want anything to do with it or even talk about it.”

By attending sessions with self-advocates and connecting with a strong community of other individuals with disabilities, Aliyah began to view her future in a new way.

“Honestly, I like to see people that are going through things I’m going (through), that people are just like me,” she said.

Now, Aliyah offers powerful advice to other teens and young adults with disabilities.

“Don’t let your limits hold you back. If you have a dream, don’t let your disability or whatever you have hold you back from your dream,” she said.

TaLeah is another DSCC participant with big dreams.

The 18-year-old from Kankakee, Ill., first attended the transition conference in 2024. Since then, TaLeah has achieved her goal of attending college and playing basketball. She’s now working hard to eventually play basketball professionally.

As a returning conference attendee, TaLeah recommends the conference to other young adults with disabilities.

“Any type of disability, you should come here because they give you a lot, a lot of information,” she said.

A teenage DSCC participant stands next to her mom for a posed photo in the interview meeting room.
TaLeah, 18, smiles next to her mom, Tamara.

“I was a little nervous at first. But I’m like, OK, you know what, I’m going to go ahead and check it out, see what’s going on. And then I felt like, OK, this conference can kind of help with information about disability. I feel good right now.”

TaLeah and her mom, Tamara, found out about the Transition Conference through DSCC.

TaLeah first enrolled with DSCC 16 years ago when she was diagnosed with hearing loss.

“We’ve been there since she was 2 or 3. I can’t believe all this time has gone by already. Throughout the years, they’ve been very supportive. They’ve been very helpful with medical expenses, equipment, appointments, resources. They can refer you here, refer you there. It’s very helpful,” said Tamara.

“Independent in her own space”

DSCC parent Todd attended the conference alone in 2023 and 2024. He and his wife, Michelle, said they were grateful they could both attend the 2025 event with their daughter, Taylor.

Taylor, 18, has Down syndrome and mild to moderate hearing loss. She loves art, taking care of animals, and most of all, her dog, Lulu.

A family of three smile in the conference dining area. A teenage DSCC participant stands in the middle. Her parents are on either side of her. Dining tables are in the background.
Taylor, 18, stands between her mom, Michelle, and dad, Todd, in the conference dining room.

“I would say that the past two years attending this conference, I gained so much information, I could have even benefited by going a year prior to that,” said Todd.

“It was a lot building up to her turning 18 that we felt like we had to get done, and I think we were able to get a lot of information. We set up an ABLE account. We obtained guardianship, applied for Social Security, and I think all of that we were able to do from the information and the knowledge that we got from this conference.”

Participating in the conference as a family helped them attend more sessions and gather twice as much information for Taylor. Now that Taylor has reached the age of adulthood, they have many hopes for what her next chapter will look like.

“The way that I see her future is Taylor independent in her own space with her own friends. Her days are meaningful, filled with doing what she loves, work or if that’s continued education. That’s the way that I see her future – happy, safe and living her best life,” said Michelle.

A powerful ripple effect

Michelle said she recommends the conference not only to other families but also to educators who teach youth with disabilities.

Keynote speaker Diana Braun speaks into a microphone on the conference stage. Two individuals sit next to her on stage. Diana raises her hand in the air to emphasize the point she is making.
Keynote speaker Diana Braun speaks into a microphone on the conference stage. Diana is a passionate disability rights advocate. She has served with distinction as a member of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, as president of People First of Illinois, and as a board member of The Arc of Illinois.

Conference Co-Chair Claire agreed that the transition conference offers a wealth of information for professionals that can have a powerful ripple effect.

“I really love the fact that these professionals can take it back to their communities and really spread it out to where they may have been the only one that attended, but hundreds of families learn from it,” Claire said 

DSCC Care Coordinator Gabrielle Paskevicz attended the 2025 conference for the first time. She said she wanted to strengthen her knowledge and gain resources to help her participant families better navigate the challenges involved with moving to adult systems.

“It’s always a learning experience. I don’t care if you’ve been a professional for one year or 25 years. There’s new information, and it’s always evolving, and it’s important for us as professionals to be up to date with everything that’s going on,” she said.

A conference room at the Transition Conference. A teenage DSCC participant who uses power wheelchair sits front row. He is surrounded by his family and peers. The presenter speaks directly to the audience with a passionate energy.
A presenter speaks to a room of young adults with disabilities, families and professionals at the 20th annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference.

 “I am very thankful that I was able to talk with some doctors that are actually some of my current participants’ doctors and be able to talk as professionals and just let them know the barriers that I’m hearing from my families and how to communicate with them… and how can we work towards their goals and make their transition process easier.”

The 2026 Illinois Statewide Transition Conference will take place on Nov. 5-6, 2026, at the Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel in Lisle, Ill.

To learn more about how to support youth with special healthcare needs during the transition to adulthood, contact DSCC at (800) 322-3722 or dscc@uic.edu.

For more information about the transition conference, visit www.illinoistransitionconference.org/.

Learn more about the annual conference, including highlights from DSCC participants, families and team members, in the video below.

You can also check out our Facebook page to see a photo album with more photos from the 2025 transition conference.

Illinois Miss Amazing Amplify Event Brings Opportunity to Shine

December 18th, 2025

Illinois Miss Amazing logo

Build friendships, boost self-confidence, and practice key self-advocacy skills in a fun and supportive environment at the Illinois Miss Amazing Amplify 2026 event for girls and women with disabilities

Miss Amazing is a national nonprofit program that encourages girls and women with disabilities to consider their goals, challenge themselves and take pride in who they are.

The 2026 Illinois Miss Amazing program is accepting applications for its Amplify event on Feb. 21 at Center Stage Theater in Naperville. Applications are due on Jan. 24.

Participation in the 2026 Illinois Miss Amazing Amplify event 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

Amplify event activities will include:

  • Show rehearsal
  • Interviewing
  • Passion presentation
  • Hair, makeup and more

Download the Amplify Participant Guide to learn more about the program.

Let your light shine at the Illinois Miss Amazing Amplify event! Fill out the Illinois Miss Amazing Participant Registration form online.

Illinois Miss Amazing will accept applications through Jan. 24 or until all spots are filled.

Do you want to volunteer? Join others with and without disabilities who will lend a hand on and off the stage. Apply to volunteer or visit the Miss Amazing website to learn more about volunteer options.

For more information about participating in or volunteering for the Illinois program, please visit the Illinois Miss Amazing website or email the event co-directors at director.il@missamazing.org.

Information Technology Support Associate Earns DSCC’s 2025 Award of Merit

December 8th, 2025

IT Support Associate Zack Alumbaugh receives his Award of Merit nomination certificate from Executive Director Thomas F. Jerkovitz.

DSCC honors Zack Alumbaugh for his outstanding customer service, collaboration and dedication to serving Illinois children and families

Information Technology Support Associate Zack Alumbaugh is the 2025 recipient of the Award of Merit from the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC).

The award recognizes exceptional DSCC employees for outstanding dedication and service to Illinois children with special healthcare needs and their families.

Zack joined the DSCC Information Technology (IT) team in 2020 and is based in our Central Administrative Office (CAO) in Springfield. His can-do attitude, dedication to resolving a wide range of IT challenges and kindness have made an impact in Springfield and beyond.

From left to right: Mac Burks, Zack Alumbaugh and Greg Mayes set up an Information Technology desk at the Together Towards Tomorrow Conference in the spring of 2023.
From left to right: Mac Burks, Zack Alumbaugh and Greg Mayes set up an Information Technology desk at the Together Towards Tomorrow Conference in the spring of 2023.

“Zack brings unwavering patience, creative problem-solving and genuine empathy to every interaction and challenge he faces,” DSCC Executive Director Thomas F. Jerkovitz said.

“His expertise and caring attitude have benefited every department at DSCC and given our team members the reliable support they need to best serve our participants. He understands the importance of DSCC’s mission and continually finds new opportunities to improve processes that, in turn, improve outcomes and services for families.”

Zack said he considers his role at DSCC to be much more than a job.

“What we do matters. We help participants and their families get access to assistance and care that makes a difference in their lives. DSCC is a shining example of the way a society can come together to care for each other and improve lives,” he said.

DSCC managers and colleagues nominated Zack for the award. They praise his outstanding contributions to the IT team, exceptional customer service and ability to resolve a wide range of technical issues with patience, professionalism and warmth.  

“Zack skillfully bridges the gap between technology and the people who rely on it, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to anticipate needs and deliver clear, effective solutions. His remarkable capacity for communication has established him as a trusted resource across multiple departments, making him a linchpin in our organization,” said Andrew Nichols, Director of Information Systems, Security, and Compliance.

From left to right: Mac Burks, Zack Alumbaugh and Greg Mayes set up an Information Technology desk at the Together Towards Tomorrow Conference in the spring of 2023.
From left to right: Mac Burks, Zack Alumbaugh and Greg Mayes set up an Information Technology desk at the Together Towards Tomorrow Conference in the spring of 2023.

Whether the project is public-facing or behind the scenes, Assistant Director of Operations for Information Technology Greg Mayes says Zack’s combination of technical ability and exemplary customer service shines through.

“Zack’s incredibly intelligent with a great sense of humor and has a calming presence that puts everyone at ease,” Greg said.

Lombard Core Assistant Regional Manager Celestine Gatson couldn’t agree more.

“Zack’s work always, always, always exemplifies our mission. He’s always willing to be helpful,” Celestine said.

IT Training and Development Specialist Lynda Miller appreciates the many ways Zack “pours his heart into his work.”

“He never gives up on tough issues. He always follows through, and staff tell me how much they appreciate his support and his kindness,” Lynda continued. “Zack exemplifies our mission by collaborating with others, offering dependable support and building strong, trusting relationships across the team.”

Zack also enjoys spreading awareness about DSCC’s programs. He has supported key community outreach events, including the annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference and the Sensory Station at the Illinois State Fair.

Zack Alumbaugh runs the bean bag toss at the 2023 Illinois State Fair.
Zack Alumbaugh runs the bean bag toss game during DSCC’s outreach at the 2023 Illinois State Fair.

“At events, like the transition conference or other in-person meetings, he is quick to help and understands the importance of the work we do at DSCC. He works hard to ensure that things run smoothly and is willing to help in any way possible to ensure that everyone has a great experience,” said Benefits Management and Data Analytics Manager Brittani Provost.

Springfield and St. Clair Assistant Regional Manager Kathy Thomas praises Zack’s ability to get to the root of an issue and see it through.

“I have also seen him help at the Illinois State Fair. He gets out and talks with the families, playing games with the kids. It is great to see him out there promoting DSCC,” she said.

Zack joined DSCC at the encouragement of his mother, Stephanie Alumbaugh. Stephanie has worked at DSCC for over 20 years and received the Award of Merit herself in 2011 through UIC.

Zack calls this honor a “full-circle moment” for his family. He says he couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to work at DSCC and “get to do stuff with tech every day.”

Zack and Stephanie Alumbaugh smile together while working at the Sensory Station at the 2024 Illinois State Fair.
Zack and Stephanie Alumbaugh smile together while working at the Sensory Station during DSCC’s outreach at the 2024 Illinois State Fair.

“I really enjoy getting to help people and maybe teaching them a little bit about how the computer works. It’s just really satisfying for me,” Zack added.

Zack also appreciates how DSCC supports his continued growth and professional development. He’s currently pursuing his master’s degree in Management Information Systems.

Zack says he’s proud to play a role in supporting DSCC participants and their families.

“Knowing what DSCC does…even if you’re having a rough day professionally, that really puts everything in perspective,” Zack said. “I don’t know what else somebody could ask for in a job. We get to help people every day.”

Learn more about Zack and his impact on DSCC in this short video:

DSCC staff nominated a total of 11 of their colleagues for this year’s Award of Merit. As the winner, Zack will receive a memento, a $2,500 award and recognition from the Executive Director.

Congratulations to all of our outstanding 2025 DSCC Award of Merit Nominees:

  • Shanna Berg, Customer Service Specialist
  • Deanna Deleshe, Core Regional Manager
  • Cheryl Golliher, Core Care Coordinator
  • Rebecca Grzeslo, Core Program Coordinator Assistant
  • Andrea Hoskinson, Assistant Director of Operations Finance, Accounting, and Procurement
  • Darlene Jones, Home Care Quality Improvement Specialist
  • Beth Niemerg, Core Care Coordinator
  • Haley Phelps, Interim Relief Program Manager
  • Tiffany Riddle, Core Enrollment Specialist
  • Rita Storck, HC Care Coordinator

See photos of the 2025 nominees in our 2025 Award of Merit luncheon photo album on Facebook.

Create Holiday Magic with Inclusive Fun for Everyone!

November 21st, 2025

A DSCC participant family of four poses with Santa Claus in front of a festive holiday photo backdrop in DSCC's Mokena Regional Office

Celebrate the holidays with our list of inclusive, sensory-friendly events happening across Illinois.

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection and shared traditions. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, medical complexities and other disabilities, typical celebrations may not always feel comfortable or accessible.

Every family deserves the chance to enjoy the season in ways that support their children and loved ones’ needs and allow for meaningful moments together.

We’ve gathered a list of inclusive and sensory-friendly holiday events happening throughout Illinois. These activities can help you experience the magic of the season at a pace and environment that works best for your family.

There are sensitive Santa opportunities, Mr. and Mrs. Deaf Claus, light displays, low-sensory celebrations, accessible theater performances and other welcoming events for children and adults with special healthcare needs.

You can check out our Special Events page for the full roundup of activities. Just like Santa’s list, be sure to check it at least twice as we continue to add events!

Please note that the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is not involved in the organization or scheduling of these holiday events. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact the event sponsor or organizer.

Featured Events

Chicago and Northern Illinois

Check out WTTW’s list of holiday light displays and experiences. Kidlist also offers a huge list of Chicagoland drive-through and walk-through displays to help you get into the holiday spirit.

Other Chicagoland sensory-friendly activities include:

Central Illinois

Inclusive holiday parties are happening in central Illinois, such as:

For more ideas, check out Chambanamoms.com’s roundup of holiday season fun for families and Visit Springfield.

Southern Illinois

There are many hometown holiday parades, concerts and festivals throughout the area. You can check Southern Illinois Families (SI Families) and Southernmost Illinois for lists of events.

Inclusive activities include:

Have an Event to Share?

If you know of an inclusive or sensory-friendly event to include in our list, please email us at dscc@uic.edu.

Resources to Recharge

The hustle of the holiday season can feel overwhelming.

There are resources available if you need to step back and take a deep breath.

You can search our website for support groups and helpful webinars. On Dec. 11, the “How to Keep from Kicking Santa Claus – Tips for Managing Holiday Stress” webinar will feature practical tips for relieving stress, preventing meltdowns and strategies for creating your own fun.

Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit is also a great resource during the holidays and beyond.

Happy Holidays!

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!

Share Your Input and Connect at Our Family Advisory Council Open Forum on May 8

April 8th, 2025

DSCC Family Advisory Council logo showing a colorful chain of stick figures holding hands in front of an outline of the state of Illinois

We invite all Illinois families of children with special healthcare needs to share their feedback and experiences at this virtual forum.

Join us for an opportunity to connect with other families and share your feedback on topics that matter to you. 

Our next Family Advisory Council (FAC) open forum is on May 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. 

This free virtual meeting is for all Illinois families of children with special healthcare needs. You do not have to be a Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) participant to attend. 

You can sign up on Zoom to join the meeting. Please note that live Spanish translation will be available during the open forum.

The FAC guides our efforts to strengthen teamwork, improve communication and empower families to have a voice in their children’s care. The council also connects families to resources and other families who are on a similar journey. 

Our FAC has also played an important role in developing:

  • Our DSCC Family Portal to help families more easily communicate and share information with their DSCC care coordination team
  • NurseNet, a digital platform that connects Illinois families needing nursing care with local home health agencies
  • “All About Me” Page templates to help providers, care coordination teams, schools and other caregivers understand the likes, strengths and needs of each child beyond their medical diagnosis
  • Our free, virtual Health Insurance Education Series to help families navigate the insurance maze and better understand their coverage and benefits
  • Improvements to our family survey process, including reducing the number of surveys that families receive 
  • Updates to our online Resource Directory and more

You can find the minutes from past meetings and more details on our website’s Family Advisory Council page.  

You can also visit our Family Stories page to learn about some of the family members who serve on the council:

If you have questions or would like more details on how to participate in the FAC, please email dsccfac@uic.edu.

We hope to see you on May 8!

Get Hopping to Sensory-Friendly Bunny Visits and Egg Hunts in April

March 26th, 2025

A girl wearing bunny ears has a basket full of colorful eggs on her lap. She is smiling in her wheelchair.

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:

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.