Autism McLean – email: [email protected]
Normal Police Department – 100 E Phoenix Ave., Normal, IL
Normal Fire Department – 606 S. Main St., Normal, IL
Normal Public Library – 206 W College Ave., Normal, IL
Heartland Community College HALO Program – Student Commons Building, Normal, IL
Life Center Independent Living – 2201 Eastland Dr. #1, Bloomington, IL
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Sensory Bags and their enclosed items play a crucial role in enhancing the comfort and self-regulation
of individuals with autism and others with sensory differences. By making these tools readily available
and accessible, it opens up more opportunities for these individuals to participate and enjoy
community activities. This initiative is a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and understanding
in our society.
Individuals with sensory differences might have difficulty communicating when stressed or over
stimulated. They may express themselves through gestured, aggression, anger, echolalia (repeating
what you say or movie scripts), shutting down, hiding, crying, or other means. All of these examples
are a means of communication and not just bad behavior.
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Autism McLean and its partners identified six quality-of-life aspirations for being an Autism Friendly Community.
6 aspirations for being an autism friendly community:
Welcome me
Expand awareness, informed service, social supports and civic engagement opportunities for people with autism
Learn with me
Create educational opportunities for people with autism
A Place for me
Ensure appropriate housing, neighborhood and transportation for people with autism
Wellness for me
Provide healthcare and wellness opportunities for people with autism
Work with me
Employ people with autism in meaningful jobs and careers
Recreation for me
Create play and leisure opportunities for people with autism
What does “autism friendly” mean?
There are many ways this can be expressed. The autism spectrum is broad and so are the ways to support and include people with autism.
What we’ve learned so far —
An Autism Friendly Community means:
Autism McLean is excited to announce our new Communication Board Grant Initiative.
Communication boards that are placed in locations where individuals with disabilities frequent can help them and their communication partners relate and enjoy the space more effectively
A communication board is a tool that helps individuals with speech or language difficulties express themselves. It typically consists of symbols, pictures, words, or letters that a person can point to – to communicate their thoughts, needs, or feelings. The boards we are offering would be considered a Low-Tech Communication Board
The boards can be customized by size and icons, logo’s, and fringe communication items.. We create the icons ourselves so there may be a bit of a delay if we don’t already have the needed icon(s). We can also add ASL Alphabet signs, American Alphabet, Social Story and or Spanish translations.…
One of the primary purposes of Autism Mclean (AM) is to ensure
that individuals with autism obtain access to the community. Because it is our
goal to serve the entire spectrum and community of individuals with autism we
have set aside stipend money for children, adolescents, and adults in the
community to ensure they have the same opportunities for recreational and
social activities as their peers.
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Expand awareness, informed service, social supports and civic engagement opportunities for people with autism…
For local supports, guest speakers, and information about autism
Local agencies can refer candidates that meet your employment needs and provide job coaches to work with the individual.
Creating natural supports in the workplace facilitates an inclusive culture where employees understand and respect the strengths and challenges of their co-workers with autism.
Job Accommodations
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“The Normal Public Library created an autism café – a time and space for adults with autism to gather for activities each month.” (no longer active)
“The Bloomington Public Library has a lot of good movies and books. I like the soft conversations, quiet atmosphere, and friendly workers that are always willing to help out.”
“My son volunteers at the McLean County Museum of History, where he is valued by the employees.”
“My son, C…, volunteers in the Home Sweet Home warehouse. The staff adapts activities for him, and convey to him that he is valued.”
“Our daughter has her hair cut by Vicki at Hair Sensations where her service dog is genuinely and enthusiastically welcomed, which puts my daughter at ease and comfort.”
“Drivers’ License Bureau. When I went to go get my drivers’ license, they treat me like a normal person, as I would want them to.…
