Enhance and improve quality of life through technology.

The Arc’s new Assistive Technology Program can fund, or partially fund, the purchase of assistive technology for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Technology devices can help with communication, education, employment, and independence. One example of assistive technology is an iPad. Each family is eligible for up to $500 in funding.

To apply for the program, families must first get an evaluation from a qualified provider. Possible evaluation resources:

• For children who receive therapy services in school or through early intervention, check with current providers for assistance with an evaluation/assessment.
• Adults receiving agency-based services, check with your Service Facilitator at the agency or Case Manager at your Independent Service Coordination agency.
• Check with your primary care physician for recommendations or assistance with the request.
• Check with local providers of disability and therapy services.
• Check with local hospitals and medical centers. Many have therapy services and departments.
• Check with local universities to determine whether they offer these services.
• The UIC Department of Disability and Human Development Assistive Technology Unit provides free Assistive Technology Assessments.  More information and contact details are available at www.uicatu.org. Referrals can be made via an e-mail to atu@uic.edu or faxed to (312) 413-3709.
• If you are enrolled in either the Integrated Care Program (ICP) or the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI) Program, you may check with the care coordinator at your managed care company. Start by calling the toll free customer service number.
• The Illinois Life Span website at www.illinoislifespan.org lists service providers by Service Type, Provider Type and by County.  Please check for providers or call (800) 588-7002 for assistance.

For more information, or to apply, view the Arc’s Technology Assistance Application.

East Richland Community Unit School District #1 to reopen school programs in February.

The district has been refunded, allowing it to support before and after school programs at West Richland Elementary, East Richland Middle School, and grades 3-5 at East Richland Elementary School.

Programs are expected to resume in February, beginning 30 minutes before school and until 5:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

For more details, or to apply as an instructor for the program, contact Sherry Geier at (618) 395-4372 extension 2213.

Lauren uses a wheelchair and is raising funds so she can use a van to get back and forth to college.

This WGN news story details the story of Lauren, an Illinois teen who has spinal muscular atrophy. Through a special computer she uses to communicate, Lauren tells about her lifelong dreams and what she would do if she had a van to help her get around. Watch Lauren’s story.

You can check on the progress of her fundraising at Lauren’s GoFundMe page.

Register now for this unique Summer camp for children with ADHD and related disorders.

Camp dates will be June 15 through July 31st.  For more information call Amy Shimoni at 847-433-6001, extension 108.

Camp STAR is an award-winning summer treatment program for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related disorders. This seven-week camp is hosted in Highland Park, IL. Campers enjoy fun, recreational activities while improving social behavior, learning problem solving skills and boosting self-esteem.

Camp STAR is a joint effort by the Hyperactivity, Attention, and Learning Problems Clinic (HALP) at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Jewish Council for Youth Services.

Visit the Camp STAR webpage to see campers in action or register for Summer 2015.

 

 

Calculate how much it would cost to get health coverage through the health insurance marketplace.

Help clinics understand how they can assist families caring for children with PKU.

Research conducted by the University of Louisville aims to help clinics offer improved care and support for families of children with PKU. They anticipate it will take 30-40 minutes of your time. Surveyors can meet with you at your clinic, at your home, or another convenient location. For your participation, you can choose a lunchbox for your child or a $15 gift card.

For additional information, view the PKU study flyer.

A recent study found increases in respiratory illness such as asthma and bronchitis when gas stoves are not used properly.

Researchers recommend using a ventilation system to make sure air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are removed from the home. They also recommend families should not use gas stoves to heat the home. Read the full article at The Nation’s Health website.

Get the health coverage you need.

The Health Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured people enroll in health coverage.

You can compare health plans by using the Marketplace website or making an appointment with a Navigator.  A Navigator can help you compare the plans available and enroll in a new plan or re-enroll in your current health plan.   In Illinois, visit the Get Covered Illinois web page to locate a navigator in your area.

Open enrollment for health insurance through the Marketplace begins on November 15, 2014 and runs through February 15, 2015. During open enrollment you can re-enroll in your current health plan or select a new health plan.

If you purchased health insurance from the Marketplace last year,  you should receive important notices from the federal government and your insurance company.  These notices will help you understand your coverage options for this open enrollment period. Keep in mind health plans can change.  Before you make a decision to stay with your health plan, it’s important to review the plan for any changes such as increased rates or provider network changes.

If you are receiving financial assistance and decide to keep your current health plan, make sure you verify your information so you receive the right amount of assistance.

If your financial situation has changed contact a Navigator to learn if you are eligible for financial assistance.

 

Learn the risks, common causes, and prevention strategies of unintentional injury.

Developmental Pediatrician, Dr. Patty Huang, talks about the key factors that place children with special health care needs at risk for unintentional injury. Dr. Huang also covers common causes and some injury prevention strategies every family should know. Since this is an online event, you can listen in from any computer!

To connect to the webinar

• visit https://connect.wisconsin.gov/safedis/
• at the login screen, enter the meeting as a guest
• type in your first and last name, and click enter room
• a chat window will be provided for questions to the speaker
• your computer speakers will need to be turned on – no phone conference line will be used

Before the webinar, you can test your computer’s settings.

Date/Time
Monday, November 10, 2014
9:30am – 10:15am,

Guide By Your Side is by parents, for parents.

Trained parent guides offer information, support, and resources. Check out their latest newsletter for several upcoming events, many focused on hearing loss.