There’s fun and freedom that comes with riding your own bike.

That’s the feeling that AMBUCS wanted to deliver to a local family. AMBUCS is a non-profit service organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. Working together, Specialized Care for Children and the Pekin AMBUCS obtained a therapeutic tricycle.

A therapeutic tricycle is modified so more people can enjoy the bike riding experience. It can be hand and/or foot operated and is designed for riders of all ages, sizes, and varying degrees of physical ability.

The planning and coordination of all those involved were rewarded by the smiles of Kaylee and her family as she rode her new tricycle for the first time.

Head Start programs prepare children for kindergarten.

It’s a free, education program available to pregnant women and children ages 0-5, including those with significant or multiple special needs. Certified teachers plan hands-on lessons with developmentally appropriate activities. The program is designed to help children grow socially, emotionally, and physically.

CEFS Head Start serves Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.

For additional information, call (866) 442-1900 extension 139.

The free shuttle offers a direct route to the grocery store.

The University of Illinois Extension is offering a monthly bus shuttle to help Rock Island & Moline residents get to and from the grocery store. The service saves riders time and money by offering a direct route to the store at no charge. The shuttle is offered on Saturdays at stops throughout Rock Island and Moline.

Call (309) 756-9978 or visit the Supermarket Shuttle webpage for Rock Island or webpage for Moline for additional information.

 

 

 

A mother shares her story of the grief and guilt she feels.

In her blog, Sheri describes the emotions she experiences raising her autistic son. She says, “There is a kind of grieving that exists…  with having a special needs child…the hopes and dreams I had for my child die a little more each day as I watch him move forward in life.”

Although spectrum disorders are not currently covered by Specialized Care for Children, Sheri’s story is relatable for many of our families.

Read The Unique Grief of Special Need Parents.

Children put on a junior production of well-known Broadway musicals.

The Penguin Project brings together children with special needs and peer mentors to recreate well-known plays. The roles are cast to children with developmental, intellectual, or learning disabilities as well as those with visual or hearing impairment or neurologic disorder. Previous productions include High School Musical and Beauty and the Beast.

For additional information, email penguinprojectmclean@yahoo.com

Free screening clinics check speech, hearing, vision, and general development.

Screenings help identify children who may have screening results outside the expected range in the tested areas. Based on results, early childhood coordinators connect families to beneficial services and programs.

The screenings also determine eligibility for pre-kindergarten programs. The pre-kindergarten programs are designed for children age 3-4 who may not be disabled, but who would benefit from a stimulating preschool learning environment in order to be successful in school later on.

For more information or to schedule a screening, call your school district at the number listed on the screening schedule [PDF].

Captioning and assistive listening devices enhance the experience for movie goers.

The Marcus theater in Addison is equipped with assistive listening devices for deaf and hard of hearing guests. They also offer open captioning and rear window captioning in select auditoriums.

To find out which movies are captioned, audio-described and/or set up for assistive listening devices, scroll to the bottom of the Marcus Theater website.

Take advantage of free dental services, available in February, at dentists throughout the DuPage area.

The 14th annual Dentist With a Heart program will be held throughout the month of February, 2014. Participating dentists offer free services including cleaning, x-ray, diagnostic services, fillings, and extractions. Over $1 million in free services were provided to over 3,500 patients in the last 14 years.

Services are available to anyone age 3+. There are no income restrictions. Appointments are not required either. If you need dental services, just show up at a participating location during the date and time offered.

For locations, dates and times, visit the Dentist With a Heart website.

Getting around Rock Island County is a little easier since public transportation is available.

Rock Island County MetroLINK, has buses running 7 days a week on 13 routes covering areas such as Carbon Cliff, Colona, East Moline, Hampton, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis. If you have a doctor’s appointment in Bettendorf, Iowa, the bus can get you there too!

MetroLINK offers paratransit service to people functionally unable to use the metropolitan bus service. Service provided is “curb to curb” and vehicles are designed with access in mind.

For more information, visit MetroLINK’s website or call us at (309) 788-4300 to request a brochure.

What do an 11 year old and a US Senator have in common?

Both are stroke survivors.

As part of his therapy, 11 year old Jackson was asked to write a letter. He chose to send inspirational advice to Senator Mark Kirk. The two became penpals, exchanging letters, and forming a friendship. Senator Kirk describes Jackson as, “An example of strength, commitment, and heart.”

Watch their story, originally broadcast on WCIA’s Angels Among Us news segment.