AIM-CIL Workshop: Fundamentals of PUNs Waitlist & Waiver Services (Oct. 14)

Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL) and the Parent Support Network presents the October Workshop Focus: Fundamentals of PUNs Waitlist & Waiver Services

• Wednesday, October 14 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Zoom
• Your first and last name, along with an email address, are required to receive the meeting link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom with details on how to join the meeting.
• Contact Crystal to secure your spot. Phone: 630-376-4273. Email: [email protected]
• 72 hour notice required for reasonable accommodations 

    

Power Forward DuPage: Trade Apprenticeship Expo (Oct. 15)

Power Forward DuPage will be hosting a Trade Apprenticeship Expo on October 15. 

• First session: 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
• Second session: 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.

Location: The expo will take place at IBEW Local Union 701 (28600 Bella Vista Parkway in Warrenville), home to PowerForward DuPage, and is sponsored by the DuPage County Building & Construction Trades Council and CISCO. 

Registration: Registration is required to attend. Be sure to reserve your spot at https://powerforwarddupage.com/news/register-today/.

Participating trades might include:

• Bricklayers and tuckpointers
• Cement masons and plasterers
• Ceramic tile layers and finishers
• Electricians
• Heat and frost insulators
• Ironworkers
• Laborers
• Operating engineers
• Painters
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Sprinkler Fitters

For more information: Go to https://powerforwarddupage.com/news/register-today/

    

AIM-CIL Benefits Day (Oct. 20)

Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL) is hosting a Benefits Day on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Location: 3130 Finley Road, Suite #500 in Downers Grove, IL 60515.

Walk-in’s are welcome, no appointment required.

Benefits services offered include: 

• SSI/SSDI applications and my Social Security account setup
• Medicaid application and renewal support
• Medicare Parts A & B enrollment and information
• SHIP Medicare counseling and Medicare Savings Program
• Transportation, paratransit, and reduced-fare program support
• Illinois Benefit Access Program and senior license plate fee benefits
• Application, renewal, and document-completion assistance
• Benefits letter and notice review
• Community resource referrals

Before You Arrive: 
Please contact us in advance to learn which documents you will need to complete your application(s).

If applying online for SSI or SSDI, please create a My Social Security account before your appointment. The applicant must be present to verify their identity and approve the account. Once the account is created, the person applying for benefits does not need to attend the appointment.

    

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

    

AIM-CIL Teen Social Group

The Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL) Teen Social Group is for teens age 14-17 years old. 

• Hybrid Group Meetings (available in person or via Zoom)
• Activities like: Games, Crafts, Planned Outings, and More!
• READY TO JOIN / LEARN MORE? Scan the QR code below or contact Allie to receive group updates & activity plans. Phone: (630) 376-4279. Email: [email protected]

    

AIM-CIL Young Adult Social Group

The Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL) Young Adult Social Group is for young adults age 18-25 years old. 

• Hybrid Group Meetings (Zoom and in-person)
• Games, Crafts, Planned Outings, and More!
• Sign up! Contact Rebecca to receive group updates and activities. Phone: 630-376-4272. Email: [email protected]

    

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.