Alexandra Baig (alexandra@companionsonyourjourney.com) of Companions On Your Journey (https://www.companionsonyourjourney.com) was the speaker for the UPS for DownS November 19, 2019 Monthly Informational Meeting at the Media Center of Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, IL. Her presentation focused on the many ways that benefits are obtained from various governmental departments and organizations. “Riding the Benefit Train” presented a comprehensive and seque...

In 2013, four moms who believed that employment is for everyone, no matter what their disability, came together to found Connect To Community, an organization based in Palatine, IL.

Connect To Community formally states its mission is to be a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding and facilitating purposeful employment and enjoym...

On February 19, Sue Mahoney, NSSEO (North Suburban Special Education Organization) Support Services Coordinator, presented “Let’s Talk About Technology”. Assistive Technology (AT) is any device, software or equipment that helps people with disabilities work around challenges so they can learn, communicate and simply function better. For instance, software that reads aloud text from a computer is AT, as is a keyboard for a child with handwriting issues. AT tools can help kids work around their weaknesses, while also playing to their strengths. This is especially important for kids who struggle with reading, writing, communication and other issues. AT can help these kid...

Let’s Talk About Assistive Technology (presentation document, with clickable links.)

The annual special education meeting for your child can feel daunting. As parents, we want to make sure we are able to ensure the best for our kids. Many times, however, we are unsure of how the meeting will go. What if there was a way to make the whole process feel more comfortable? The parents who braved the cold weather the Tuesday before Thanksgiving found out how to do just that. They were treated to a fantastic pre...