Seedling Encore – A Theatre Experience for Adults with Disabilities!

What is Seedling Encore? Seedling Encore, an extension of Seedling Theatre, is a troupe of adult actors with disabilities who participate in an eight week session to develop, rehearse and perform a theatrical showcase. Showcases are shorter than traditional full length productions (30-60 min.) so that rehearsal time can be used to focus on and fine tune acting skills as well as prepare a polished program for public performance.

Who can participate? Seedling Encore is for adults with disabilities ages 18 and up. Participation may be limited based on number of applications received and available staff.  If this is the case, participation will be determined by dates applications are received (first come, first served).

When Will Seedling Encore Meet? Wednesdays, August 31 – October 19 from 3:00-5:00 PM. The showcase performance is Saturday, October 22 at 4:00 PM.

Where Will Seedling Encore Meet? First Christian Church, 401 W. Jefferson, Bloomington, IL

Session Fee: $50.00 (Scholarships Available: contact Diane Walker 309-824-7921 or email: [email protected]…

Wehrenberg Theatres Presents Sensory Friendly Screenings

Wehrenberg Theatres is hosting a sensory friendly movie, monthly, for anyone who might be overstimulated attending a typical movie experience. The show will run with brighter auditorium lights and lower sound. If a higher volume is needed, feel free to ask for a headset at the Guest Services Desk, where they can amplify the dialog from the show. Wehrenberg will also have available Closed Captioned devices for those that would like to read the words from the movie.

With Starplex no longer offering this sensory friendly movie option, Wehrenberg is stepping in to fill the void. Attendance will dictate whether this will continue beyond August.

Special screenings will happen the 2nd Saturday of each month.

Tickets to Sensory Saturday Shows are $5 per person.

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2016 Vacation Bible School for Children with Autism (and their siblings)

2016 Vacation Bible School for Children with Autism (and their siblings)

The 9th annual Vacation Bible School (VBS-A) for children with autism and their siblings is almost here! VBS-A will be held Sunday, July 31st through Thursday, August 4th from 5:00 – 7:45 p.m at First Baptist Church. Meals will be served from 5:00-5:45 daily. 

Registration deadline is July 8, 2016 (t-shirts will not be available to anyone not registered by the deadline)

Please contact Kelly Woith @ [email protected] for more information. Volunteers should contact Krissy Dodson with any questions @ [email protected].

Cost: $20.00 per participant ($40.00 per family maximum) for t-shirts, CD, dinner, and supplies.

Stipends are available upon request.

Make checks payable to Autism McLean with VBS-A in the memo line. Forms are available below or email Kelly at [email protected].

Return forms to:

Vacation Bible School – Autism

c/o Kelly Woith

1030 Ibis Dr. Apt. 8

Bloomington, IL 61704…

Skill Sprout sibling support group for children who have a sibling with special needs

Skill Sprout sibling support group for children who have a sibling with special needs

This weekly support group is specially designed for siblings of children with special needs (e.g., Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, etc.) We realize that this type of sibling relationship can be unique and complex. During this weekly support group, we will teach your child basic skills and strategies to improve the quality of relationship with his or her sibling. The planned activities will also help children express their feelings in a safe comfortable atmosphere, share common joys and struggles of having a sibling with special needs and build friendships with other siblings. This group will be run by trained mental health staff.

Who this program is for: siblings of children with special needs, ages 7 – 12 years old

Dates/times: Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 PM, June 15th – July 27th

Where: 706 Oglesby, Suite 200, Normal, IL 61761

Cost: $120 for 8 weeks

Limited space available. Call today for more information or to register your child in this support group.

For more information or to register, please call our intake coordinator at (800) 773-1682 x304 or email [email protected].…

iAM Social Camp for adults on the spectrum

Camp Leaders: Laura & Mike Dickenson

Dates: June 20th – July 1st (Mon. – Fri.) 

Times: 9:00 to 3:00

Limited Number of Attendees: 15 max

Camp Criteria

  • Minimum age 18—Must be able to follow along as a group
  • No significant behaviors (E.G., Running, aggressiveness, self-injurious)
  • Must be able to provide own assistive technology needs
  • We cannot dispense medication
  • No need for 1 on 1
  • Not enrolled  in public school
  • Students who have “walked” at graduation but have are not returning for a super senior year may attend.
  • Must provide own transportation to and from camp

Planned Activities (may change due to transportation or weather)

  • Bowling
  • Zoo
  • Eating out
  • Mini-golfing
  • Grady’s (If transportation goes there)
  • Swimming
  • Family Cook-Out on the last Friday

Please contact [email protected] with questions or for a camp application.…

Angry Birds Movie – A Sensory Friendly Showing

Angry Birds Movie – A Sensory Friendly Showing

Autism McLean (AM) is partnering with Wehrenberg Galaxy 14 to present a sensory friendly showing of the "Angry Bird Movie" on Saturday, May 21. The lights are turned up and sound is turned down. It’s OK if people need to get up and move around or talk.

The movie starts at 11:00 AM, but please be there by 10:40 AM.

All families who have a child with special needs welcome.

There is no cost for AM members. Non-member adults are $7 for and $6 for children (ages 2-11), with 12% off concessions. If you are not an AM member, please view the benefits of being a member and consider joining us. Events like this are often free for our members. Learn more about joining Autism McLean as a member.

Please register here for the movie.

We are looking forward to a great turnout!…