Sensory Bags

Sensory Bags

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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Frozen Formal

Frozen Formal

Come join us for a frozen night filled with snacks, photo opportunities, table activities, and plenty of dancing at this year's SSID's Special Needs Friendly Frozen Formal.

The formal will be located in the Circus Room in the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University. This event is special needs friendly and will include sensory supports for all guests who want one. Come with a date, group, or as a single party – This event is open to ALL individuals in 7th grade and older! 

We cannot guarantee your ticket if your name is not on the RSVP list! Each ticket is $5. Cash and check ONLY will be accepted AT THE DOOR for all guests. There will also be select merchandise sold during the event for those interested.

Must register: https://ssidfrozenformal.app.rsvpify.com…

Trick or treat for children with autism and special needs

Trick or treat for children with autism and special needs

Bring all of your special trick-or-treaters out to the Bloomington-Normal Courtyard for a fun family event. There will be 20 rooms throughout the hotel designiated for this event. So that all children can participate, the treats will be mostly non-food items with a special few allergy-friendly exceptions.

This is an open event for all children with special needs!

We do need volunteers to hand out candy so please let us know if you’re available to help.…

SSID Halloween Dance Party

SSID Halloween Dance Party

Dress up in your favorite costume and come join us for music, dancing, snacks and crafts! Everyone is welcome!

Who is SSID? Students Supporting Individuals with Disabilities is a registered student organization at Illinois State University that focuses on providing volunteer opportunities for students to volunteer with individuals with disabilities.…

Noodles Fundraiser for Autism McLean – Wed, October 23

Noodles Fundraiser for Autism McLean – Wed, October 23

A Noodles Fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd from 4-9 PM at the Normal location, 609 S. Main Street. For dine in and take out. Please join us for a great meal and a good cause! 10% of sales are donated back to Autism Mclean. Please mention Autism McLean when making your order.

Noodles has been a great supporter of Autism McLean and we truly appreciate their continued support and partnership.

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Children’s Discovery Museum Sensory Friendly Night

Children’s Discovery Museum Sensory Friendly Night

Join us for a family night of play, designed specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory processing differences! Your family will experience all three floors of interactive exhibits in a comfortable and inclusive environment. Sensory friendly accommodations will be provided along with special sensory activities. This FREE event is presented in partnership with Autism McLean. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

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Contra Dance Workshops

Contra Dance Workshops

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: Thursday, September 19th, October 17th, and November 21st

Where: Normal Public Library Community Room

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 pm

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. The dance is a repetition of various patterns that are walked. So no fancy Michael Jackson moves are required. You dance with a partner, but that can be anybody in the dance! Almost nobody attending knows how to do this, so no worries about looking silly.

More information can be found on the Normal Public Library website.…

Sensory Issues and Behavior Webinar

Join Family Matters for a webinar beginning on Oct 09, 2019 at 1:00 PM CDT and October 16, 2019

Register now!

In this FREE 2 part webinar series you will learn how sensory processing issues can affect children socially, emotionally, academically, and behaviorally. You will learn ways to help children at home and school using sensory diets and strategies to help them regulate their senses. You will also learn about ways to help the school understand your child's sensory difficulties and accommodations that can be added to the IEP or 504 Plan to address those needs.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

If accommodations are needed please call two weeks prior to training, 866-436-7842.

Family Matters is funded by the U.S. Department of Education with additional support from Community Support Systems. The contents of this announcement were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H328M150037. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.…