Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays

Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays

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.…

University of Illinois Wheelchair Basketball Teams vs. Be Strong Coaches and Members

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…

Autism Friendly Open House at the Normal Public Library

Autism Friendly Open House at the Normal Public Library

Please join us at the Normal Public Library for an open house for individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

This event is designed to be a low-stress visit to the library to explore books, activities, and resources that meet the special needs of these families. 

The Normal Library has put together a Social Story you can share with your kiddo’s/young adults if you are planning on attending. Please see attached.

Library card sign-ups will be available. Bring your photo ID and proof of current address in Normal or your current Bloomington library card.

Open to all ages. Questions? Call 309.454.4668 or email [email protected].…

The 2017 Penguin Project Informational Meetings

The 2017 Penguin Project Informational Meetings

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.…

The Gingerbread House’s 12 Days of Giving, Benefiting Autism McLean

The Gingerbread House’s 12 Days of Giving, Benefiting Autism McLean

The Gingerbread House is in the giving spirit and Autism McLean is going to benefit! On November 3rd the toy store will donate 10% of sales for the day to our organization!

How can you help? Simply stop by the Gingerbread House (603 South Hannah Street, Bloomington) on Wednesday, November 11th and pick up a few things from your holiday shopping list. 10% of the total sales that day goes to us! Store hours are 9 AM – 7 PM.

That’s it. Simple and elegant, no coupons, no letting them know the purchase is for our group. Check off a to-do, get some great quality toys, and help support our organization!…

Annual Holiday Party

Annual Holiday Party

The Autism McLean Holiday Party and Annual Meeting will be held at the Children’s Discovery Museum on Sunday, November 20th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.

Bring the whole family! Pizza and beverages will be provided – please bring a side dish or dessert to share (we encourage your child's favorite, whatever that may be).

Please RSVP below.

The annual meeting/appreciation reception will take place while the children are playing and being supervised by our friends at SSID (ISU). If you know your child will need a 1-on-1 friend, please contact Jacquie by November 13th at [email protected].