ACC News
November 2007
Autismcc Now the Largest Illinois Autism Yahoo Group in Illinois
We are the largest Illinois autism yahoo group. Thank you for believing in us, just a couple
moms, trying to make a difference. There’s your humble moderator, Dawn Villarreal, who
moderates the Yahoo group and finds content and resources for both the Yahoo group and
Autism Community Connection website. Laurie Jerue who has been instrumental in legislative
advocacy and employment issues for people with developmental disabilities. And Kristin Nelson
who plays a vital role as our idea soundboard person and organizes kid events. A thanks goes
out to the many parents who take an active role posting on our Yahoo group. You are the real
heart of the Autismcc group and have helped countless families without even realizing it. A
special thanks to Catherine Drumm and Kathleen Brennan who have taken time out of their busy
lives to plan events we have done in the past year.
Only seven years ago this group was literally a handful of Naperville moms. Now we are close to
575 families all across Illinois. I urge everyone in this group, don’t let good ideas remain ideas.
You CAN make it happen. We all have that power within us.
NapervilleWORKS!
Contact: jeruefamily@comcast.net
Laurie Jerue is working on the local level with fellow ACC member and Holy Spirit Catholic
Community Special Needs Liaison, Cindi Swanson on NapervilleWORKS! The nonprofit
organization will help job match teens and adults with developmental disabilities and area
businesses. How many years before your own children will be ready to enter the workforce? 12
years? 7 years? 2 years? It is in your child’s best interest to ensure that there will be job
opportunities for them. Urge your companies to consider hiring someone with developmental
disabilities. Ask Laurie how to set up a similar nonprofit organization in your own town.
Illinois Autism Task Force Website
In April 2004 the Illinois Department of Human Services led the development of a multi-agency
Autism Task Force comprised of DHS recruited parents of children and adults challenged by
ASD, representatives of State agencies, healthcare professionals, service providers, academic
professional and members of the legislature. Together they created a report of what is working,
challenges and recommendations to improve services to Illinois ASD families. One of the
recommendations was to create a statewide informational website. Autism Community
Connection has been contacted by the Autism Task Force to share some of our content so that
we can reach as many Illinois families as possible. We will keep you updated when this
informational website is up and running.
Surviving the Holidays with our Sanity Intact
As part of my Practical Solutions to Life’s Daily Challenges series, I discuss some holiday issues
that might come up with our autism spectrum disorder children and some creative ways to have a
happy holiday celebration. Sections include baking cookies, holiday decorations, presents, gifts
from relatives, going to the relatives for dinner, over-stimulation, gift giving time, relative issues
and your own stress. You can find this article on our website homepage at www.
autismcommunityconnection.com and in the Surviving Winter Holidays folder in the file section of
our Yahoo group.
Winter Holiday Survival Booklet
As a supplement to our Surviving the Holidays article, I’ve created a winter holiday survival
booklet. It’s full of links that will be of use during the next few months. It includes social stories,
activities, Santa websites, winter related websites for kids and more holiday tips. You can find
this booklet in our Surviving Winter Holidays folder in the file section of our Yahoo group.
2007-08 Gift Guide for Special Needs Families
I’ve created a 23 page book of sensory, skill building and special interest toys and games that
come from toy catalogs rather than therapy companies. Friends and family should feel
comfortable buying them and your child can have a toy he/she may actually enjoy. You might
also use it as a picture book (although the pics are kind of small) so your child can pick out
presents he might like from Santa. You can find this book in the file section of our Yahoo group
in both word and pdf format. Please let me know how you like it. I worked a long time.
September 2007
Lead Toy Recalls
In recent news, many toy companies have been issuing recalls of their products due to lead in
the paint of their products coming from China. These products include several RC2 Thomas the
Tank Engine products and Fisher Price. Expect to see more recalls as manufacturers around
the country begin to test their products and be wary of any cheap generic toys. Here is a link to
the US Consumer Product safety Commission. It is highly suggested to get on their recall mailing
list by going to their home page.
May 2007
Community Recreation Programs – May 9
Kathleen Brennan-Beshara – kbnaperville@yahoo.com - location is in Tall Grass, south side of
Naperville, address given upon registration (please tell me what food dish you plan to bring)
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with potluck luncheon – This is a FREE workshop
Nancy Miner, head of the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) will meet
with us for an open discussion on how her team can better assist our families with recreation for
the kids. They are putting together their Fall programming and want our input. Please bring
your ideas for new recreation programs and suggestions to make special rec and park district
with aide programs run smoother. WDSRA encompasses Bloomingdale, Glen Ellyn, Naperville,
Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield.
Shrek 3 Movie Outing – May 19
Location: Nova 8 Cinemas, 352 Route 59, Naperville just north of Aurora Ave. – 9:45 a.m.
Join Autism Community Connection for a private screening of Shrek 3. Nova 8 Cinemas will have
the sound reduced and the lights on during the previews for our children. Tickets are $7 and
include popcorn and drink. You will pay your ACC representative at the door.
2nd Annual Riverwalk Photo Shoot for Special Needs Families – June 22-23
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (sessions are 45 minutes long) – reduced sitting fee is $75
Location: meet by Naperville park district building
Contact: Christine or Amy – 630-226-5596 – www.randallstudio.com
Autism Community Connection has set up a great photo opportunity for special needs families.
Photographers John and Christina Randall will take photos of families at various settings along
the Naperville Riverwalk. The Randall’s have experience taking photos of children with special
needs. They are really wonderful with the kids. This is your chance to finally have that family
photo you’ve always wanted. Extended family is welcome for different “break out” photos of
grandparents/grandkids, siblings, etc. Call now because these spots will book fast.
We are receiving half off the sitting fee. Please call to reserve your space and for photo pricing
information.
ACC Making Friends Directory
Summer will be here before we know it. If you would like to set up playdates with children who
have the same areas of interest, go sign up at our Making Friends Directory at our Yahoo
group. Sign in to our Group site or just click on the “Autism Community Connection” header on
your daily digest. Click on Database in the blue toolbar on the left.
This is a new, permanent feature to our group for families that would like to set up play dates with
their ASD children and/or siblings or just meet other moms. You may enter as much or as little
information as you like to protect your privacy. This is for all your kids, not just your ASD child.
Yahoo limits the number of columns I have so I apologize for those with more than 2 kids. Just
add your other child’s info in the last Additional Info column. Our old list had over 80 families so
let’s see how many friends we can get here!
ACC Supports HB2041
Our tireless ACC advocate Laurie Jerue has drummed up support for HB2041 from area special
needs support groups. Each support group has sent a joint letter of support to their legislators
asking them to co-sponsor this bill. These groups include A Better Life, Advocates of
Kane/Kendall, Autism Community Connection, Autism Society of McLean County, DuPage Family
Disability network, Kane County Autism Support Group, McHenry County Autism Group, Mothers
on a Mission, Parents as Advocates, Special Education Parents Group, Special Education
Resource Committee and TLC Parent Information and Support Group.
You may read the full letter in our group File section. Please consider calling your local legislator
and ask them to co-sponsor HB2041. We support HB2041 because:
HB2041 IS THE ONLY PROPOSAL WHERE MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON –Providing flexible
dollars and support to individuals with disabilities and their families.
HB2041 EXTENDS A HELPING HAND TO 3,000 NEW ADULTS AND CHILDREN – Who currently
receive no services from the state and are struggling to keep their families together and their
loved ones in their home communities!
HB2041 IS NOT DISABILITY SPECIFIC – Based on the needs of the individual, it includes autism
spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and others.
HB2041 BRINGS MONEY BACK TO ILLINOIS – After an initial investment of $52 million, Illinois
can claim a $24 million reimbursement from the feds, for a total cost of only $28 million. If we re-
invest those dollars every year back into this system (and not into the General Revenue Fund)
we can continue to grow these services and supports to more families without increasing our
initial level of investment – it grows with federal matching dollars.
