Special movie showings for guests and families living with autism or other speical needs.

AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to launch the Sensory Friendly Film Program, a national organization which aims to improve the lives of those affected by autism.

Participating AMC theatres will provide family-friendly movie showings where “you can feel free to be you.”  Lights will be turned up and the sound turned down.  Movie goers can “get up, dance, walk around, shout or sing.”

For a list of showings, times and participanting theatres visit the AMC Sensory Friendly Films website.

Several federal and state sites have accessible areas and programs.

For over 2000 federal recreation sites, a lifetime pass is available for people with disabilities. The pass offers free entry to sites that normally charge a fee and discounts on other services like camping, beach access, and tours. Passes are valid at federal recreation sites, including National Parks! To obtain an application or see where to go in person to request a pass, visit the Access Pass Overview at www.recreation.gov.

You can also enjoy the outdoors through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Disabled Outdoor Opportunities Program. It offers opportunities for accessible hunting and fishing. The program also aims to

• eliminate barriers to participation
• expand the use of trails, picnic areas, boat launches, and camping sites
• develop more accessible restrooms and shower houses

Do you have suggestions for the Disabled Outdoor Opportunities Program? Contact Jay Williams at (618) 435-8138 x130.

Old Capitol Farmer’s Market can double the value of your SNAP benefit!

When you shop Springfield’s Old Capitol Farmer’s Market, turn your SNAP benefit into double value tokens. As an example, the market can scan your card for $10 and give you $20 in tokens.

Double value tokens are good toward the purchase of whole, unprocessed produce. Any tokens you don’t spend can be held and used next time you visit the market.

To purchase tokens, stop by the market booth at 4th and Adams. Market hours are Wednesdays 3:00pm-6:30pm and Saturdays 8:00am-12:30pm.

For more information, view the SNAP farmers market flyer.

ComEd launched a utility assistance program for those facing unexpected medical expenses

The HEAL program helps ComEd customers pay their electric bill when they experience unexpected medical expenses. HEAL comes from the Hospital-Based Energy Assistance and Long-Term Health and aims to provide funds to eligible customers facing unforeseen hospitalizations or long-term outpatient care.

Assistance is offered to military families, veterans, senior citizens and people who have experienced job loss, illness or disability.  Assistance is also available to non-profit organizations experiencing hardship. ComEd helped more than 22,000 customers with financial grants last year.

For more information, visit ComEd.com/CARE or call (888) 806-2273.

Don’t miss your All Kids / Medicaid review letter!

Each year, All Kids (Medicaid) eligibility is reviewed by Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to make sure you still qualify for your public health benefits.

If any documentation is needed to review your eligibility, you will receive a letter from HFS. The first letter tells you that eligibility is being reviewed and requires a response from you. Approximately 10 days later, you receive the actual redetermination paperwork from HFS. HFS will notify you of your eligibility status when the review is completed.

It is important for you to take the actions requested, in the time frame noted on your paperwork, so you don’t lose you health benefits. If you do not respond within 22 days of the first letter, your eligibility is ended.

Once eligibility is ended, you have 90 days to contact HFS to request redetermination paperwork be sent again. If you do not reach them within 90 days, Medicaid coverage will lapse and you will need to re-apply for benefits.

Here are some DOs and DON’Ts from Specialized Care for Children’s Benefits Management Unit

• DO submit paperwork before the required deadline since there is no guarantee of retroactive eligibility once your status is ended.
• DON’T put off submitting your paperwork. While it may be possible to request an emergency 7-day eligibility period, this is not guaranteed and is granted one-time only.
• DO call the Illinois Redetermination Project to verify they received your paperwork a few days after your mail it.

For more information, contact the Illinois Redetermination Project.
Phone: (855) 458-4945
Fax: (855) 394-8066
Mail: PO Box 1242, Chicago, IL 60690-1242
Frequently Asked Questions webpage

Zika is spread by mosquitos and can lead to birth defects.

Zika virus spreads to people when bitten by an infected mosquito.

Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Symptoms may be mild and can last for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Because symptoms are not usually severe, many people do not seek medical attention and may not even realize they’ve been infected.

During pregnancy, Zika can cause a birth defect called microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller because the brain did not develop properly or stopped growing during pregnancy. This condition can cause seizures, developmental delays, intellectual disability, problems with movement and balance, hearing loss, and vision problems.

There is not currently a vaccine to protect against Zika. The best protection is through prevention of mosquito bites:

• wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside
• use a mosquito bed net if air conditioning and screens are not possible
• control mosquito population inside and outside your home [CDC mosquito control recommendations]
• treat clothing and gear with mosquito repellant or buy pre-treated items
• use mosquito netting for carriers, strollers, and cribs to protect babies under 2 months old
• prevent sexual transmission of the virus

For more information, visit the source of this article at CDC.gov/zika.

You can also find information for more specific groups such as pregnant women, travelers, and couples thinking of becoming pregnant [CDC Information for Specific Groups].

“It’s a wonderful place of serenity and refuge.”

Outside the Naperville location of Almost Home Kids, a garden has been created for children, siblings, parents, guests, and volunteers. Visitors enjoy the soothing water fountain, figures of kites, flowers, and deer and find peace in nature surrounded by plants, flowers and trees. Read the full article at the Almost Home Kids Blog.

Almost Home Kids provides transitional care and respite in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs. Their training prepares families to care for their children at home.

Almost Home Kids is a short-term community based pediatric healthcare facility that brings together Medical Professionals, Recreational Volunteers, Community Providers, Sponsors, Donors, Friends, Corporate and Civic Partners. Almost Home Kids is licensed by the Department of Public Health under the Alternative Healthcare Delivery Act and has a site in Naperville and in Chicago.

For more information, visit www.almosthomekids.org or call (630) 271-9155.

On “Play Day” Holiday World opens its doors just for children with special needs

One day each year, Holiday World & Splashing Safari park provides Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center of Indiana with a limited amount of tickets so children with special needs can enjoy the park with limited attendance. All of the proceeds from those entry ticket sales go towards therapy for children and adults here at the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center!

Due to the demand of this day, and limited amount of tickets, the day is restricted to school aged children up through high school. That also includes homeschooled children.

Check out the last event held on May 11, 2016 on Holiday World’s Blog.

If you’re interested in attending, have your school administrator contact Kandace Encarnacion at (812) 437-2609.

Hope Institute is evaluating interest in a housing supports training session.

If you have a teen or young adult thinking about housing options, you may be interested in attending a training session. The Hope Institute is evaluating community interest in a session about microboards, human service cooperatives, and the state’s system of housing supports. If there is enough interest, a training session will be scheduled in Springfield on Saturday, May 21, 2016.

If you’re interested in attending, email Ange Buscher at abuscher@thehopeinstitute.us.

Hope Institute is evaluating interest in a housing supports training session.

If you have a teen or young adult thinking about housing options, you may be interested in attending a training session. The Hope Institute is evaluating community interest in a session about microboards, human service cooperatives, and the state’s system of housing supports.

If there is enough interest, a training session will be scheduled in Springfield on Saturday, May 21st from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

If you’re interested in attending, email Ange Buscher at abuscher@thehopeinstitute.us.