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!

Next Steps 

Informative, informal sessions focusing on planning for a disabled student’s successful transition from high school to adult life.
Dates: Tuesdays: February 7 & 21 (virtual) and March 7 & 21 (in person)
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Click here for flyer!

Workshops 1 & 2  will be presented via Zoom   Click Here to Join

• WORKSHOP 1 – Tuesday, February 7, 2023 (6:30-8:30pm)- Virtual

Advocacy & Family Resources for Transition: A representative from the Arc of Illinois will discuss her journey to acceptance of her child’s disability, redefining success, getting organized and developing a circle of support. Additional Arc of Illinois representatives will also be sharing tools/resources for transition planning.

• WORKSHOP 2 – Tuesday, February 21, 2023 (6:30-8:30pm)- Virtual

Understanding Medicaid Waivers & Creative Housing Solutions: Service Inc. representatives will discuss the PUNS list and the use of Medicaid waivers. Helping Hands CEO, Bill Dwyer, will discuss independent and creative housing solutions provided by their organization.

Workshops 3 & 4 will be held in person at Glenbard District 87-Transition Center, 450 E Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, 60148

• WORKSHOP 3 – Tuesday, March 7, 2023 (6:30-8:30pm)- In person

Future Planning: During this workshop, attorneys from Clancy & Associates will guide you through the fundamentals of special needs planning and how to protect your child’s access to governmental benefits, programs and services.

• WORKSHOP 4 – Tuesday, March 21, 2023 (6:30-8:30pm)- In person

Community Resources:  Our final workshop will be a “mini” resource fair. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with community organizations including: Special Rec Association;  College of DuPage; college experience programs; NAMI; community day service organizations and supported employment agencies.

For further information, contact Erin Hoving at 630-942-6783 or [email protected] or Sara Tatham at 630-548-7174 or [email protected]

Next Steps team members include Erin Hoving, Glenbard District 87; Yousef Matariyeh, Lisle High School District 202; Lori O’Connell, Community Unit School District 200; Justin Olson, Elmhurst School District 205; and Sara Tatham, SASED, the School Association for Special Education in DuPage.

Transition Planning Committee (TPC) Meetings

TPC is made up of representatives from local special education districts and cooperatives, community providers, Division of Rehabilitation Services staff, adult service providers and parents. The committee has banded together to improve the transition experience from high school to successful adult life for young adults with disabilities. New participants are always welcome.

Our first meeting for the 2022-23 school year will be held virtually at 1 p.m. Oct. 12. Presenter details and Zoom link information can be found on the TPC website.

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.