Illinois lags in so many ways but for once I am proud to be an Illinoisan. They have taken a strong stance against disability discrimination at this time of COVID. Still have much to worry about but perhaps this statement of policy will help my son and others who are so vulnerable even on a good day ..read more

It is hard to believe that for nearly the last 6 years my son has been a participant in an amazing program called Arts of Life at the Glenview, Illinois campus. This program has given real meaning to my son's life and an outlet for his creativity,  a place to belong and be social. He has been repeatedly recognized for his leadership and his artistry at gallery showings and through other events. Our family could not be more proud. However, until recently I had no idea about the foundation upon which Arts of Life had been established and the dream that brought this organization into existen ..read more

Many schools are and have not been creative in how they plan or deliver instruction for children with special needs. Under ordinary circumstances that is a problem. Today lacking in creativity is the difference between students with special needs getting something from their education and getting literally nothing. I have seen a wide gamut of responses to this pandemic. I have students in private programs that are getting almost a replica of their day through zoom or google or similar platforms. I think that is the exception and not the norm, and I am not sure why learning cannot occur this wa ..read more

It appears that this pandemic of COVID-19 is a time that lawmakers such as Senator Lamar Alexander and others are ready and willing to basically exempt school districts from their obligations under IDEA. At this time our students need more not less education and more creative solutions. Elearning will not be the answer for many students with a high emphasis on self teaching and self-initiative. I have rarely seen schools take creative approaches but now is the time for schools to be more creative and not take an "oh well" approach to special education. This time off from school, that will like ..read more

As advocates, our goal is to prepare our children with special needs for further education, employment, and independent living.  For many of our students, successful employment may be contingent upon implementation of workplace accommodations.  But how do we know which accommodations will be helpful, or even what they are? Fortunately, we have tools to help us through the process.  An excellent website I recommend to clients is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN).  Its primary topics of Disabilities, Limitations, and Work-related functions are paired with a staggering array of potential workpl ..read more