The Inspired Network: General Overview of Benefits, Trusts, and Guardianship for the Special Needs Family 

Presented by Clancy & Associates

Tuesday, Sept. 15th at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Click here to RSVP.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86484446666
Meeting ID: 864 8444 6666

Planning for your child’s future can feel overwhelming. This presentation will provide families with an overview of important tools and strategies designed to help protect their child’s long-term well-being and financial security. Participants will learn about public benefits, special needs trusts, guardianship, and other important planning considerations to help them feel more informed and prepared for the future.

   

The 2026 Options Fair (Sept. 30)

Date & Time: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Location: Addison Trail High School (213 N Lombard Road, Addison, IL 60101)

The Options Fair was established to offer students with an IEP or 504 Plan and their families an opportunity to meet with colleges/universities, college experience programs, trade schools, and agencies that can provide services after high school.

All of the entities will be represented by staff from their organization and are available to provide details regarding their programs.

    

Preparing for the Transition to Adult Services

Join us for a free educational workshop designed for parents and caregivers of youth with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Suzanne Aaron, CRE-A/D, will present a practical overview of the transition from educational services to adult services, offering valuable insights and guidance to help families prepare for this important milestone.

Date: October 23, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Little Friends 27555 Diehl Rd. Door G, Warrenville, IL

Questions? Please call 630.355.6533

    

The DuPage County Transition Planning Committee (TPC) Meetings

TPC is a group composed of representatives from the local special education co-ops, school districts, Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services office, adult service providers, vocational coordinators, representatives of the business community, parents and clients. We meet to network, educate, learn, share and support services for individuals with disabilities. This group has banded together to improve the transition experience from high school to a successful adult life for young adults with disabilities. Most of the high schools, transition programs, and agencies that serve adults with disabilities in DuPage County are active members. 

Our Goals

• Identify transition needs in our community
• Facilitate the exchange of information
• Recommend needed changes
• Develop user friendly tools
• Provide networking opportunities

For more information or to be included on the email list, or to share upcoming events, new information, and/or links, contact: [email protected]

Co-Chairpersons of the TPC: Erin Hoving (Transition Specialist, Glenbard District 87/DRS); Taryn Chrapkowski (Transition Specialist, Hinsdale District 86/DRS) & Christa Gatsakos (Vocational Coordinator, WWS District 200). 

For the 2026-27 school year, DuPage TPC will meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m.

• September – November
• February – April

First meeting for the 2026-27 school year will be:

• September 9th, 2026 @ 1:00 p.m. via Google Meets
• Presenters:  Crystal Griff, Rebecca Hamilton, and Aileen Kuypers
• AIM-CIL: Connecting Services and Supports for Schools and Families

Meeting Link (Google Meet)

• Video call link: https://meet.google.com/iaw-nymo-dbh
• Or dial: ‪(US) +1 502-966-7724     PIN: ‪633 804 838#
• More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/iaw-nymo-dbh?pin=2743757542212

   

Day Program Tours

Wondering what day programs are available to your child after transition? Join us for an opportunity to tour and learn about available options in the area.

• Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m. — UCP Seguin (503 S. Carlton Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187)
• Oct. 21 at 9:30 a.m. — Capstone Academy (200 E. Roosevelt Road, Lombard, IL 60148) *Enter through Building A of NUHS
• Nov. 18 — WDSRA (Rec and Roll) 
  • 10:30 a.m. (Ackerman location, 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137) *1 staff : 6 participants
  • 11:30 a.m. (Fountain View location, 910 N. Gary Avenue, Carol Stream, IL 60188) *1 staff : 3 participants

Please RSVP for this event to Erin Hoving at [email protected] or 630-942-6783.

Ligas Family Advocate Program

LFAP provides broad outreach to Illinois adults and families who are selected from the PUNS or notified in advance of a future PUNS selection. Webinars are held to support navigation of the adult developmental disabilities system and uncover outside-the-box solutions.

Endorsed By: The Arc of Illinois
Date: Monthly – 1st Thursday
Time: TBD via Zoom

Click here for upcoming event details and registration links!

   

Coffee-Time Conversation

This is an informal discussion group that welcomes anyone who is interested in meeting other parents/caregivers of young adults with disabilities.  Dates will be announced soon.
Contact person: Erin Hoving, [email protected] or 630-942-6783.