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]).

How Can I Sign UP?!!! Email Diane Walker at [email protected] to get on her mailing list. Registration information for each session will be sent via email. Also, watch for notices in community news outlets, Facebook pages, etc.

*Diane Walker, Seedling Encore Artistic Director
2841 County Rd. 600 N
El Paso, IL  61738

(309) 824-7921

[email protected]

*Diane Walker, Artistic Director of Seedling Encore has over 30 years’ experience performing, teaching and directing theatre in education and community settings.  Her passion for people with disabilities and the performing arts stem from parenting her own actor, James, who has Down syndrome.

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.

• Finding Dory - July 9, 11:00 AM
• Ice Age: Collision Course - August 13, 11:00 AM

Tickets to Sensory Saturday Shows are $5 per person.

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

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].

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.

Stay cool in June. Join us at the Pepsi Ice Center for some ice skating! We reserved the ice, you pay for skates ($2 rental). All ages are welcome!

Yummy goodness for a good cause, what better excuse to have a treat!

Sugar Mama Bakery is donating 10% to Autism McLean for “Mother’s Vanilla” cupcakes for the rest of April.
 
Stop in to get your treat and support Autism McLean at the same time!

Co-Directors: Betsy Drillon, John Fischer, and Virginia Moody

Where: Normal Public Library

When: First Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30 or closing time, through Sep 1.

Details:

• The Cafe is for adults on the spectrum who would like to meet other adults on the spectrum.
• This group is geared toward those who do not require language, cognitive or behavioral supports.
• At the monthly get-togethers, participants get acquainted with each other and group-focused activities available at the library.
• The group decides at the meeting what activity they want to do the next month.

If you feel you would fit with this group, feel free to come during the set meeting times.