Association for Individual Development

09/14/2025

✈️🎟 Our 2025 Passport to Change Raffle Baskets are live!🎟👨‍✈️
Check them out at https://www.aidcares.org/auction/
Today's feature is ✈️Next Stop: High Score!🎮
Prize:
- Playstation 5
- Video Gaming Chair
- Video Gaming Headphones
- PS5 Games: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare & Assassin’s Creed: Shadows

***It is not necessary to attend the auction to win a basket.***

09/13/2025

📍Did you know that an AID client was recently featured in Times Square?

In an awareness campaign for the National Down Syndrome Society, Luke, a Community Day Service client, had his photo on two large screens in the square! What an honor it is to see someone we know so proudly shown in such an iconic place as the big apple.💓🍎

09/12/2025

🌟 DSP Spotlight: Robert Petty! 🌟

Robert Petty, Lead DSP at AID Gerten Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA), recently attended ANCOR’s Policy Summit and Hill Day in Washington, D.C., where he explored how federal policies shape state budgets, gained inspiration as an advocate, built meaningful professional connections, and even participated in visits with members of Congress on Capitol Hill! 🏛️

This incredible opportunity was part of Robert’s participation in the inaugural cohort of ANCOR’s DSP Ambassador Program. Selected from a national pool of applicants, Robert is engaging in an intensive 8-month training designed to empower DSPs to share their stories and advocate for the vital role they play in their communities.

We are so proud of Robert’s passion, leadership, and commitment to making a difference—at AID and across the country. Thank you, Robert, for being a voice for DSPs everywhere and for the unwavering care you bring to your work each day. 🙌

| ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources

09/11/2025

On this day, we pause to reflect and honor the memory of those we lost on September 11, 2001. We recognize the strength, courage, and unity that carried our nation through tragedy. We will always remember.

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En este día, hacemos una pausa para reflexionar y honrar la memoria de quienes perdimos el 11 de septiembre de 2001. Reconocemos la fortaleza, el valor y la unidad que llevaron a nuestra nación a superar la tragedia. Siempre recordaremos.

09/11/2025

🌟 It’s DSP Week! 🌟

Meet Gavin Shearer, one of our amazing Direct Support Professionals. His uplifting spirit and dedication make a world of difference for the people he supports. 💙

Thinking about becoming a DSP with AID? Join us at our upcoming event 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3NvRsBS1/


The Arc of the United States The Arc of Illinois ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources

09/10/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day, and at AID, we want to remind you: you are not alone, and help is always within reach.

Our Crisis Services are available 24/7 to provide compassionate support in moments of need. From our Crisis Line and Mobile Crisis Response Team to our welcoming, non-clinical Living Room in Aurora, we’re here to listen, de-escalate, and connect you with the care and resources you deserve. Learn more about our crisis services at aidcares.org.

If you or someone you love is struggling:
📞 Call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support.
📞 Call the AID Crisis Line at (630) 966-9393.
📞 Text the AID Crisis Line at (833) 243-8398.
📞 Call the AID Mobile Crisis Response Team at (630) 966-4357

Today and every day, let’s work together to break the stigma, spread hope, and remind each other: your life matters. 💙

09/10/2025

🌟 Spotlight on Residential Services DSPs! 🌟

At AID, our Residential Services DSPs create safe, supportive, and welcoming homes where individuals can thrive. Whether it’s assisting with daily living skills, encouraging independence, or providing comfort and companionship, they ensure every person feels respected, cared for, and valued. 💙

The work they do transforms houses into true homes filled with dignity, laughter, and belonging. From preparing meals together and celebrating milestones to offering guidance and encouragement day and night, DSPs are the heart of it all.

This week, we celebrate the DSPs who make every moment matter. Thank you for helping people live full and joyful lives—you are truly the difference makers! 🙌

09/09/2025

🌟 Spotlight on Community Day Services DSPs! 🌟

At AID, our Community Day Services DSPs bring energy, creativity, and compassion into every day. Whether it’s helping someone learn a new skill, encouraging friendships, or making group activities meaningful, they ensure every individual feels seen, supported, and valued. 💙

The work they do transforms CDS centers into vibrant spaces where people can grow, laugh, and shine. From art and music to job readiness and community outings, DSPs are the heart of it all.

This week, we celebrate the DSPs who make every moment matter. Thank you for helping people live full and joyful lives—you are truly the difference makers! 🙌

09/08/2025

09/08/2025

📞No Judgement. Just Help.🧠

Today is 988 Day- a day of action, advocacy, and awareness involving the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Mental health help and su***de prevention tools are incredibly important assets; ones that need to be shared so that no one is left behind in their time of need.

🫂Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.❣️
2025's campaign theme highlights the simple fact: 988 is there 24/7/365 for anyone who needs it. ☀️Day or night🌙, 🌧️rain or shine✨, 📞call or text📱- No Judgement. Just Help.

Learn more at https://988lifeline.org/

***dePrevention ***dePreventionAwarenessMonth

09/08/2025

🌟 It’s National Direct Support Professional (DSP) Week 2025! 🌟

At the Association for Individual Development (AID), DSPs are the heart of everything we do. They provide essential care, encouragement, and advocacy—empowering individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and those recovering from crisis to live with dignity, independence, and joy.

This week, we celebrate the dedication, compassion, and resilience of our DSP team. Their work goes beyond support—it’s about building meaningful connections, fostering opportunities, and helping people achieve their goals every single day. 💙

Want to make a difference? Join our team! Apply online today at aidcares.org/careers to become a DSP with AID.

📅Learn more at our upcoming job fair: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BE2g3uamx/

09/07/2025

🧀Quesadilla Night at Wildwood!🌮

Recently, AID staff and clients at Wildwood held a build-your-own quesadilla night for their weekly group dinner! Clients had the opportunity to choose as many or as few of a variety of ingredients to include in their meal, learn how to optimally pack their tortillas, and get a hand at cooking them on the stove- skills they are able to take with them and implement back at home. 🧑‍🍳

Not only are they gaining knowledge in the kitchen every week, but they are building their community at the same time by interacting with peers, colleagues, and staff that support them every step of the way. 🤝