Did you know that the McLean County Museum of History is Autism Friendly as well as inclusive to individuals and groups with various accomodation needs? Not only do they carry Sensory Bags (sound dampening headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, and visual communication cards), they have a social story to help plan for your visit. Check out their website to see all of their upcoming events!…
Temple Grandin, often considered the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world, will be the keynote speaker for Science and Technology Week 2019 at Illinois State University.
Her talk, “The World Needs All Kinds of Minds,” will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center. Sponsored by the College of Applied Science and Technology, the talk is free and open to the public. A book signing will immediately follow the lecture.
A prolific author, Grandin’s book Emergence: Labeled Autistic stunned the world as it challenged the assumption that an autism diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life. Her life story was made into an HBO feature film starring Claire Danes. The movie received seven Emmy awards, a Golden Globe, and a Peabody Award. Grandin is sought after globally to speak about her experiences with autism, cattle handling, and the humane treatment of animals. Her TED talk has been viewed by over 4.8 million people.…
Join HEAL (Heroes Embracing Autistic Lives, Inc. – A Miskulin Family Foundation) as they host a wonderful Be a Hero Day to celebrate autism acceptance in McLean County! The event will include a balloon artist, Wild Style face painter, photo booth, carnival games, silent auction, sensory room, autism, special needs resource tables, a light meal, and 55" HD TV raffle!
Visit the H.E.A.L. Foundation website or their Facebook page.…
Through its Autism Friendly Community (AFC) partnerships, Autism McLean gathered local residential providers and support services to help local families understand the services currently offered and to identify future needs. Public events focused on housing needs for people with autism were held February 19 and March 19, 2019 at the Illinois State University Alumni Center in Normal. Read a summary and related resources.
Our next event will be held 6-8 pm on May 21 at the Normal Public Library Community Room. Join us for an evening of visioning and brainstorming — focused on future needs, dreams and goals, exploring how to meet growing housing needs in the community. Parents, caregivers, advocates and adults with autism are invited to participate: Sign up to attend.…
The Aktion Club of Bloomington-Normal (a Kiwanis group for adults with disabilities) is hosting an easter egg hunt for families who have a child with a disability. Siblings and friends of children with disabilities are welcome to join in the fun.…
What is Contra Dancing? It has been in the USA since the 1700’s. People walk in repeating patterns to folk music. A caller first explains the movements and tells you what pattern to do.
When: Third Thursday of each month
Where: Normal Public Library (in the basement)
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Who: The whole family (you don’t have to dance – come visit too)
How is it Autism Friendly? Contra dancing is a wonderful opportunity to be around others. It is easily accommodated for people with ASD or other social/sensory issues. So you can participate without needing to talk, touch or make eye contact, unless you want to.
Do I have to bring a date? NO! But you will need a dance partner – that can be anyone on the dance floor – we are trying to have some student volunteers there to be partners, but parents, friends, and siblings can be partners too
This is a planned monthly get-together for people on the autism spectrum, their family, mentors, and friends.…
Who: All guardians, parents, families, and students who are currently on the PUNS list. Students or parents who are interested in being placed on the PUNS list. Educators, professionals, etc. PUNS (Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services) is a statewide database of individuals with developmental disabilities who are in need of services.
About: Megan Mutti, from the ARC of Illinois, will give an informational session on CILA services, Home-based Supports, ICFDD, Supportive Housing, I-CILA, and related services and supports. Maria Burkhart from CISA will also be on hand to enroll or update individuals on the PUNS list! If enrolling on the PUNS list for the first time, please bring a copy of your most current IEP/Re-Eval and Social Security Number.
Cost: Free!
When: Tuesday April 30th, 2019, 6:00pm (presentations last 1-2 hours)
Where: The Chateau 1621 Jumer Drive, Bloomington, IL. Please park in the back of the hotel, enter though the conference center doors, and follow the signs to the Bonaparte room.…
IFLC 13th Annual Family Conference: Resources and Inspiration for Adult Family Members and Caregivers of Children with Disabilities presented by Kathy Morris will be in Peoria on April 6, 2019 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kathy Morris will present, "Help! What Do I Do With This Child Now That We Have a Diagnosis." This seminar is designed for families of children/adolescents birth-21 years old. An overview of developmental disabilities, including Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Cognitive Delays, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and other disabilities will be highlighted. Strategies to support the manifestations of the disabilities will be presented. In addition, an overview of the grief process parents experience will be presented to aid in understanding and to support parents during the early years and beyond the diagnosis. CHILDREN CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED AT THE CONFERENCE.
REGISTRATION: Registration is limited. There is a $15 per person (non-refundable) registration fee for family members and a $25 (non-refundable) registration fee for professionals. Breakfast and lunch are included.…
Blaze Pizza is committed to supporting local organizations like Autism McLean. Bring in the attached flyer or show it on your phone before paying. Blaze Pizza will donate 20% of proceeds from your meal back to Autism McLean.…
Chipotle does more than just roll burritos. Come in to the Chipotle at 1601 East College, Avenue Suite B in Normal on Monday, April 15th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Bring in the attached flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to ensure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Autism McLean.…
