Autism McLean

Chuck E. Cheese's is proud to support families who have children with autism and special needs. They now offer a sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month. The trained and caring staff is there to make sure each guest has a fun filled visit. 

The Sensory Sensitive Sundays experience includes: 

1. Less crowding and noise

2. Dimmed lighting

3. Show and music turned off or down

4. Limited appearances by Chuck E. 

5. Food and games are offered

Chuck E. Cheese coupons can be found here.

Members of the University of Illinois men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams will compete on Saturday, April 8, 2017 against Be Strong. Be Strong is a functional training gym located in Normal, and they have agreed to have a team of ten to fifteen individuals represent LIFE CIL as our home team for the 2017 event.

Doors open and activity starts at 10:00 AM with the game starting at 11:00 AM.

The University of Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Teams have continued to support LIFE CIL and have continually agreed to help make this event possible.

To learn more about the Men’s U of I wheelchair basketball team and get an idea of who might be in town to play in April, please visit http://disability.illinois.edu/athletics/mens-wheelchair-basketball. For the same information on the women’s U of I wheelchair basketball team, please visit http://disability.illinois.edu/athletics/womens-wheelchair-basketball.

To learn more about LIFE CIL’s home team for 2017, Be Strong, please visit their website.  Be sure and read the member spotlight.  You will see that hard works pays off!  Be Strong’s website: https://be-strong.squarespace.com/#be-more-be-strong.

Please see the attached flyer for more information.

SSID is having their annual Valentine's Day Dance for Autism McLean on Saturday,  Feb 11 from 12:30 - 2:30 PM at ISU's Bowling and Billiards Center. There will be snacks, games, and fun Valentine's Day related activities for the kids.

Please RSVP to Jacquie Mace.

Calling all individuals with disabilities, ages 10 - 24 and peer mentors, ages 12 - 24! The Penguin Project McLean County will be performing a Broadway Musical in June 2017.

What is the Penguin Project?

The Penguin Project is a group of individuals who take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. This production is unique, however, because all of the roles are filled by individuals with disabilities. Performers with disabilities are paired with same age peer mentors who support them throughout the rehearsal and performance schedule.

Artists with Disabilities

The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 10 to 24 with a disability. This includes all disabilities (ie - cognitive, learning, motor, hearing and visual impairments, genetic disorders, neurological disorders).

Peer Mentors

The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer-mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage.

Community Partners

In McLean County a core group of individuals from Bloomington Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts, Kiwanis Club of Normal, Easter Seals & the community joined forces to present the first Penguin Project of McLean County production in June 2009. A strong core of volunteers & community partners continue to support the program. Preparation is underway for our 9th production.

Be a Penguin!

Director Jackie Gunderson & her staff invite all interested actors, mentors, & volunteers to become a member of the Penguin Project McLean County family. Informational meetings for this year’s production, will be held at University High School Rehearsals will begin in late February. The production will take to the stage June 3 – 4, 2017.

Informational Meeting Dates/Times

Join us for an Informational Meeting on Jan. 17 or 18 at 6:15 pm at University High School. Email penguinprojectmclean@gmail.com or visit us at www.penguinprojectmclean.org for more information. Like Penguin Project McLean County on Facebook. 

The Autism Cafe is a monthly activity-focused social gathering for adults living with autism.

Interested attendees are welcome to gather the first Thursday of each month for a themed social hour with other adults on the spectrum in a safe, quiet environment.

Color Communication Badges will be available.