DSCC staff join forces to honor caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month.

Staff at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) understand that caring for a child with special needs is one of the most demanding circumstances a family can face.

For National Family Caregivers Month in November, we wanted to do something special to support the amazing caregivers we partner with while also having fun working together as a team.

We invited our regional offices to plan a service project to benefit a group of caregivers in their community. Many of our staff jumped at the chance to participate.

Here’s a recap of how they helped –

Champaign Regional Office

Champaign RO staff put together care packages for families with children hospitalized in the Carle Foundation Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

They filled our DSCC drawstring backpacks with items to help make staying at the hospital more comfortable for these deserving parents. Champaign staff are also partnering with Carle’s NICU and mother/baby social workers so families are aware that DSCC is here to help connect them to services and resources.

Carle’s NICU and mother/baby social workers were thrilled to pick up the packages and to have our organization as a source of support for their families.

Lombard Regional Office

The Lombard RO made 17 cozy fleece blankets for the children staying at Almost Home Kids in Naperville.

Almost Home Kids provides transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs, training for their families and respite care.

Lombard staff made the no-sew blankets during their breaks. They also donated three cases of water and multiple packs of Kleenex to add to the “Go Bags” that Almost Home Kids provides to their families.

Marion and Olney Regional Offices

The Marion and Olney ROs joined forces to create caregiver bags for families who have children in the NICU at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

One of the NICU nurses shared that families often need note pads, pens, snacks, warm socks, etc.

Marion and Olney staff donated enough of these items to fill 25 DSCC drawstring bags.

Mokena Regional Office

On Dec. 7, our Mokena RO team prepared and served dinner at the local PADS (Public Action to Delivery Shelter) at Zion Lutheran Church in Tinley Park.

PADS provides overnight shelter and meals for people who are homeless. Community partners, such as churches and congregations, provide sites for the shelter and teams of volunteers to run it from October to April.

Mokena staff made a dinner of homemade Sloppy Joes, roast turkey, plenty of sides and a dessert for approximately 30 women and children.

Peoria Regional Office

Peoria RO staff collected items off of the wish list for the newly opened Almost Home Kids at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

Almost Home Kids opened in Peoria in September. The 12-bedroom, 21,000-square-foot facility provides transitional care in a home-like setting for children with complex medical needs. It also provides training and respite care for their families.

Almost Home Kids is funded entirely through community donations.

Our Peoria staff purchased diapers, baby wipes, towels, coffee, children’s books, assorted toys and other supplies to help the children feel more at home.

Rockford Regional Office

The Rockford RO staff provided bags of comfort and a taste of home to the NICU families at Mercyhealth Rockford.

They donated money and purchased wish list items to make 25 backpack care packages.

Each bag contains a journal, pen, water, drink mix, calendar, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, chapstick, gum, granola bars, chicken soup and lotion.

Springfield Regional Office and Central Administrative Office

Our Springfield RO and CAO staff worked together to prepare a meal for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois in Springfield.

They decided on a pasta bar menu with sides and a dessert. Employees divided up portions of the menu to do the shopping ahead of time. A group of 11 prepared the meal at the house on Nov. 5.

The Springfield and CAO staff also collected donations to purchase a total of 33 gift cards for the families staying at the house to use at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital’s dining facilities and coffee shops.

We are proud of our staff’s generosity and strong commitment to improving their local communities!

Olney Regional Office’s Dalena Ralston honored for outstanding service to children with special healthcare needs.

Dalena Ralston is the 2018 recipient of the Award of Merit from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC). The award recognizes exceptional employees for outstanding dedication and service to children with special healthcare needs.

DSCC is a statewide program that partners with Illinois families and their local communities to help children with special healthcare needs connect to services and resources.

Ralston is a Customer Service Associate in our Olney Regional Office. She’s known as the heart of her office who keeps operations running smoothly and in the best interest of DSCC’s families.

“Dalena embodies DSCC’s focus on partnerships and connections to help children with special healthcare needs achieve their full potential,” DSCC Executive Director Thomas Jerkovitz said. “She works hard to develop relationships with both our families and the healthcare providers who serve them to create a seamless support system.”

Ralston’s colleagues say she is the caring voice that greets all callers and visitors to the Olney office, providing a compassionate ear and a quick response for their needs and concerns.

Each family in DSCC’s program has a care coordination team that helps them identify their child’s medical, social, behavioral, educational and financial needs and develop a plan of care. Ralston takes the time to become familiar with the Olney office’s participants and their providers. She works quickly behind the scenes to make sure the care coordination teams have the necessary medical reports and paperwork to begin supporting families as soon as possible.

Ralston also tracks down available resources and community supports for families who are not eligible for our program but in need of assistance.

“I look forward to coming to work and enjoy helping people in whatever way I can,” Ralston said. “When you enjoy what you do and believe in the mission behind it, that is all you need to work hard and give it your all.”

DSCC staff nominated a total of eight of their colleagues for this year’s Award of Merit. As the winner, Ralston receives an Award of Merit memento, a $2,000 award and recognition from the Executive Director.

The other 2018 nominees are:

• Ana Lule of the Mokena Regional Office
• Kristina Marquez of the Rockford Regional Office
• Mariangely Spilotro of the Lombard Regional Office
• Mary Gruneich of the Springfield and St. Clair regional offices
• Lisa Washington of the Lombard Regional Office
• Kim Firkins of the Lombard Regional Office
• Kathy Thomas of the Springfield Regional Office

Congratulations, Dalena! And a big thank you to all of the nominees for their excellence on behalf of our children and families!

New promotional calendar features artwork from 15 young artists from across the state.

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is excited to announce the winners of our 2019 Kids’ Art Calendar Contest.

The calendar features drawings from 15 artists ranging in age from 5 to 19. The calendar theme is based on DSCC’s mission to “Partner, Help, Connect.”

Illinois youth up to age 21 were invited to select any or all of the Partner, Help and Connect templates and illustrate what each theme means to them.

The 12 submitted drawings that received the most “likes” on DSCC’s Facebook page were chosen for each month of the calendar. They are:

 

 

 

Additionally, the next three drawings that received the most likes were selected for the calendar cover. They are:

A big thank you to all of the young artists who participated in the contest! Our staff was very impressed with the quality of work and creativity shown.

To see all of the contest entries, visit our contest submission photo album on Facebook.

Jacob Flynn is fulfilling his college dreams with help from his mother.

Like many young adults his age, 20-year-old Jacob Flynn headed back to school this fall for his sophomore year of college. But there were no sad goodbyes with his mom, Cheryl.

Cheryl not only drove him to Quincy University (QU) but also lives with him full-time during the week in their own apartment on campus.

Jacob has cerebral palsy and is a participant in the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC). He requires round-the-clock assistance because of his mobility issues.

Cheryl decided to become Jacob’s personal aide so he can fulfill his dream of earning a college degree.

The mother-son duo says QU has been the perfect fit for Jacob’s needs. It’s also helped him gain a greater sense of independence.

“I always wanted to go to college like everybody else because I knew that was the only way I could get a job,” Jacob said. “Plus, I had advisors at (high) school that gave me options and opportunities to get here.”

Cheryl said she’s always encouraged her son to aim high.

“I’ve always pushed him like a normal child,” she said.

Jacob earned good grades while attending Brown County High School. As he and Cheryl researched college options, they learned that personal aid services would only be available for up to 16 hours.

Cheryl knew that amount isn’t sufficient for Jacob’s needs. She decided to become his personal aide to make sure he received the right accommodations and support.

The next step was finding the right college. Jacob said he was interested in attending a small school so he could easily get around campus. He and Cheryl eventually toured QU, a school of 1,100 students. They immediately felt right at home.

“The people were very nice,” Jacob said.

Cheryl joked that once Jacob saw the pizza oven in the cafeteria, he was sold. Jacob also received an academic scholarship from the college in addition to a scholarship from the Tracy Family Foundation.

The Flynns said QU staff members were extremely helpful in letting them look at available apartments and measuring doorways to ensure Jacob’s wheelchair could fit.

They were able to move into a first-floor, accessible apartment in the center of campus, close to Jacob’s classes and the cafeteria.

While they were moving in, a professor not only helped them unload their van but offered to check if Cheryl could get a discounted meal plan so she could eat with Jacob in the cafeteria. The college’s dining service, Chartwells, offered to let Cheryl eat on campus at no charge. The free meals have been a huge help, she said.

Jacob meanwhile has taken a full load of classes each semester. He initially wanted to major in computer science but changed his mind to focus on history.

During class, Cheryl takes notes for Jacob. He also uses a dictation program to type what he says. Jacob also has extended testing times for exams and tells Cheryl what to write.

Cheryl said that though she is on campus with her son, she does her best to “take off her mom hat” and let Jacob do things that a typical college student would like to do, like eat junk food and go to dinner with friends.

Jacob says he enjoys the greater independence.

He’s become well-known on the Quincy University campus and has met people from around the world.

Jacob earned a 3.9 GPA and was also nominated for QU’s Freshman of the Year. He also received a leadership award.

Jacob and Cheryl say it’s important for youth with disabilities to start their college planning early and make time to speak with college staff and other students.

“Talk to people to make sure they’re accommodating,” Cheryl said. “From the cafeteria to the groundskeepers to the housekeepers, everyone here (at QU) has been so helpful.”

The Flynns also use their DSCC Care Coordinator, Kathy, as a resource to help with any of Jacob’s equipment needs, such as a wheelchair lift for their vehicle, and questions about the transition from pediatric to adult services.

Jacob said he wants his peers to see that people with disabilities are no different than they are. He also wants to encourage other youth with disabilities to stay focused on their goals.

“Just know that it’s possible. Some people will say it’s not, but it is. You have to work hard and try your best and you’ll make it,” Jacob said.

Families and professionals from across the state attended annual Stepping Stones of Transition Conference to help youth with special needs.

More than 700 families and professionals gained valuable knowledge about helping adolescents with special needs prepare for adulthood during the 14th annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference on Oct. 25-26 in Itasca.

The conference, titled “Stepping Stones of Transition,” is aimed at youth, parents, caretakers, vocational professionals, healthcare professionals, educators and others involved with improving outcomes for transition-age youth with disabilities. It highlights the opportunities and resources available for youth as they, their families and support teams plan and prepare for the future.

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) served on the steering committee to plan this year’s conference.

DSCC also covered the conference-related expenses for 39 of our participant family members across the state. Part of DSCC’s mission is to connect adolescents with special healthcare needs and their families to resources that prepare them for the transition to adulthood and adult services.

Juliette De Nova is the parent of three children in DSCC’s program, including her 15-year-old daughter, Natalie, who has Down syndrome and a heart impairment.

“Natalie is home-schooled, so I’m her teacher, her transition coordinator, I’m the whole kit and caboodle, so there’s a lot to learn,” Juliette said.

She is grateful that DSCC was able to pay for her conference fee and hotel stay.

“I really appreciate it. We’re a single-income family with three kids with medical issues,” she said.

DSCC also coordinated and covered the cost for translation services for non-English speaking participants who attended. One Spanish-speaking parent said she was amazed at how much she was able to learn to prepare for her daughter’s future, all thanks to DSCC’s efforts.

Another teenaged DSCC participant said he was so inspired by the stories he heard that he wants to share his own transition experience at next year’s conference.

The conference consisted of informative breakout sessions in the area of:

• Independent Living
• Education and Training
• Employment
• Community Integration
• Health Care

Former DSCC participant Mary Kate DalCanton, 25, served as the conference’s first youth representative on the conference steering committee. This was her third year attending the conference and she loved having the opportunity to be involved with the planning.

“It’s actually kind of cool,” Mary Kate said.

“A lot of people who come to the conference are teachers and parents,” she added. “One of the reasons I wanted to be on the committee is to get more youth to the conference.”

Mary Kate planned a special Bingo Night for youth only during the conference to give young conference attendees the chance to meet one another and have fun away from their parents.

She solicited donations for prizes for players to encourage more people to participate.

Conference organizers honored Mary Kate for all of her efforts with a special award during the conference luncheon.

“I was very surprised,” Mary Kate said.

More than a dozen DSCC staff members also attended the conference to network, learn from others and strengthen their skillsets and the tools they use to serve our families.  DSCC’s Statewide Transition Coordinator Darcy Contri and Care Coordinator Angel Lawrence from our Champaign Regional Office led a discussion on how to put youth at the center of transition planning for healthier outcomes.

Additionally, DSCC sponsored the conference’s health care track for providers who play a role in the transition from the pediatric to adult healthcare system and those who build youth’s capacity and healthcare skills to prepare for adulthood.

During the health care track, Diane Becker of DSCC’s Home Care Quality Improvement and Enrollment Team presented on how providers and professionals can use data on the social determinants for health and success to change interventions and supports for youth in their area.

DSCC Care Coordinator Opal Andraka said she was inspired by her interactions with families from across the state during the conference.

“It was very eye-opening to hear them voice their questions and concerns in an open forum with subject-matter experts. Hearing them tell their stories is always a good way to remind us of our mission,” she said.

DSCC Family Liaison Violet Wiker staffed the Family Oasis Room, which gave families the opportunity to take a break and connect with other families.

DSCC Care Coordinator Autumn DeSilva worked DSCC’s booth at the conference’s exhibit hall. She said it was great to meet our participant families and connect them with their care coordinators in attendance at the conference.

Visit DSCC’s Facebook page to view photos and more information about this year’s conference.

A special trailer makes travel possible for 5-year-old DSCC participant and her family.

Traveling with young children can be challenging, especially if your child has a complex medical condition.

The Taylor family has foregone family vacations for years because of their daughter’s special needs.

Erin, 5, has Down syndrome, a seizure disorder and other health issues that require numerous medical supplies and equipment to keep her safe. She and her family receive support from UIC’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC).

When Erin became eligible for a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Taylors picked something to create new experiences and opportunities they could all enjoy as a family. The Taylors received their new travel trailer earlier this week.

“It’s amazing to know that we can now go and enjoy these things because before this, we actually had to leave Erin at home with nurses or family because we couldn’t take her. So, this is amazing,” Erin’s mom, Autumn Taylor, told WICA 3 News.

You can watch the full story of Erin’s special wish on the WCIA 3 News website.

Congratulations to the Taylors. We wish you many fun adventures!

 

Children and young adults’ original drawings will be featured in DSCC’s 2019 promotional calendar.

Calling all young artists! The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is seeking children and young adults’ artwork for its 2019 calendar. The calendar theme is based on DSCC’s mission to “Partner, Help, Connect.”

Who is eligible?

The contest is open to all Illinois youth up to age 21. Artists can choose any or all of the Partner, Help and Connect templates and illustrate what each theme means to them. Creativity is encouraged!

Click on this template link to print them out and personalize. You may also call DSCC at (800) 322-3722 to have templates sent to your home.

The template includes a release for parents and/or youth ages 18 and older to sign. A signed release must be submitted with the artwork in order to be entered into the contest.

How to submit:

Artwork and a signed release should be submitted to DSCC by Sept. 1, 2018.

Mail to: UIC Division of Specialized Care for Children
3135 Old Jacksonville Road
Springfield, IL 62704
Attention: Amanda Simhauser

OR

If you are a DSCC participant, you can give contest submissions to your Care Coordinator.

Selection process:

Each submitted drawing will be posted on DSCC’s Facebook page . Drawings that receive the most “likes” by Sept. 21, 2018, will be considered for the calendar. Be sure to visit our page, vote and share!

This calendar will be given away for promotional purposes and will not be sold. Winners will have a calendar mailed to the address provided.

 

DSCC partnership with UIC’s Division of Audiology will help more newborns with suspected hearing loss receive timely screenings and follow-up services.

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) continues to help improve outcomes for Illinois infants and children with suspected hearing loss through timely screening and follow-up services. Recently, DSCC’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program developed a partnership with UIC’s Department of Otolaryngology (Division of Audiology) to offer training sessions on Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) screening and provide technical assistance when needed.

Research shows that newborns with hearing loss can, by the time they enter kindergarten, develop language skills that are similar to their peers without hearing loss when:

1. Their hearing loss is identified through screening before 1 month of age,
2. Their hearing loss is diagnosed before 3 months of age, and
3. They start intervention services before 6 months of age.

To help Illinois newborns reach these “1-3-6” benchmarks, DSCC receives a grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). HRSA funds are used to promote screening of newborns to detect hearing loss, timely diagnostic evaluation and early intervention to lessen the effects of hearing loss on language acquisition among infants and young children. DSCC is providing a part of these funds to the Division of Audiology to train public health nurses from the Chicago Department of Public Health and other county health departments and home visiting programs on the use of OAE screening devices.

According to the Early Childhood Hearing Outreach initiative (a part of the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management at the Utah State University), “OAE hearing screening is conducted with a portable unit connected to a small earphone or ‘probe’. Placed in the child’s ear, the probe delivers a series of quiet sounds that travel through the ear canal and the small bones in the middle ear to reach the inner ear (cochlea). A cochlea that is functioning normally responds to sound by sending a signal to the brain, while also producing an ‘acoustic emission’ – a very small sound wave response that travels back through the ear. The emission is picked up by a tiny, sensitive microphone inside the probe, the response is analyzed by the screening unit and, in less than 30 seconds, the result is summarized on the screen as a ‘pass’ or a ‘refer’.”

A “pass” result means that the child exhibited normal hearing in both ears at the time of the test; it requires no further testing in an otherwise healthy infant without any risk factors for hearing loss.  A “refer” result means that the child did not pass the hearing screen in one or both ears. A refer result does not mean that the newborn has a hearing loss but rather that additional testing is needed.

In December 2017, DSCC provided eight OAE screening devices to the Chicago Department of Public Health to:

• Provide outpatient hearing screenings to children who did not pass their initial hearing screening at birth
• Reduce the number of newborns suspected of hearing loss who are lost to the state’s screening and follow-up system; and
• Ensure that more infants with hearing loss receive timely diagnostic evaluations and referral for intervention services

The UIC Division of Audiology is an expert in newborn hearing screening, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of hearing loss. DSCC arranged for the Division of Audiology to hold three training sessions in January, March and April 2018 to teach all 27 of the Chicago Department of Public Health’s public health nurses about newborn hearing screening and the proper use of OAE screening devices. In addition, the Division of Audiology will continue to train staff from other local health departments or home visiting programs in Illinois that are in need of training for new employees or seeking refresher training.

Hearing loss is an eligible medical condition for our program, which supports children with special healthcare needs and their families and connects them to services and resources. DSCC served more than 2,000 Illinois youth with hearing impairments during fiscal year 2017.

DSCC’s EHDI program expects that this partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health and the UIC Division of Audiology will help identify more families of newborns with hearing loss and encourage families of children with confirmed hearing loss to seek intervention services to help their children reach their full potential.