Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD)

02/27/2026

COMPASS: A Caregiver–Teacher Partnership Model for Improving Outcomes in Autistic Children and Youth
Rescheduled from 2/4/26

Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), March 25, 2026

The Collaborative Model for Promoting Competence and Success (COMPASS) is an evidence-based consultation framework designed to enhance outcomes for autistic children and youth by strengthening caregiver–teacher partnerships. Developed by Ruble and colleagues, COMPASS emphasizes individualized education planning, shared decision-making, and implementation support across home and school contexts. The model guides teams through structured goal setting, coaching, and progress monitoring aligned with the child’s strengths and needs and Individual Education Program. Empirical studies have shown that COMPASS improves intervention fidelity, child goal attainment, and collaborative engagement, making it a promising approach for bridging gaps between families and educators in autism support services.

Rescheduled from 2/4/26 Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), March 25, 2026 The Collaborative Model for Promoting Competence and Success (COMPASS) is an evidence-based consultation framework designed to enhance outcomes for autistic children and youth by strengthening caregiver–teacher par...

02/27/2026

IACC Full Committee Meeting (Hybrid)

The purpose of the IACC meeting is to discuss business, agency updates, and issues related to autism research and services activities.

Meeting announcement Event Information
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

The event is free and open to the public.
https://form.jotform.com/260265568444160

02/27/2026

Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) offers presentations that educate and empower parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Presentations explain special education rights, services, and transition planning, support meaningful family-school collaboration, and help parents become informed participants so students have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

02/26/2026

Support the Center for Literacy Through Give a Spark!

When you contribute to UIC’s Give a Spark campaign, you directly support the Center for Literacy and the work we do with families and communities every day.

Your generosity strengthens the programs and partnerships that make our impact possible. By supporting CFL, you are also supporting the Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays, RCADD, which operates under the Center for Literacy.

Your contribution strengthens CFL and the important programs it houses, including RCADD.

Make your gift here:
https://payment.give.uic.edu/schools/UniversityofIllinoisChicago/give-a-spark/pages/college-of-education

Learn more about RCADD:
https://cfl.uic.edu/overview/rcadd/

02/13/2026

FMPTIC Community Listening Sessions

This Interactive Session Is An Opportunity To...
- Share your experiences navigating special education,
- Talk about what supports are working-and where challenges exist
- Identify learning and support needs for families
- Help shape how a Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) can best support families and strengthen collaboration with school teams

Please complete form in full for the event at Oak Lawn Public Library on February 25, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Please note that the event is capped at 35 participants. Participants must be current parents/guardians of students with disabilities in an Illinois Public School.

https://formlimit.everestwebdeals.co/?form=d6bb035b78d926139fc976b7e9706166

02/13/2026

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Answer Inc. will now services 3 to 6 year olds with Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities!

Interested! Complete our Services Interest Form today to learn more!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5Jpv06IVCe8mUjCyP29jthVl_pQZ-4g0h-Hr17gfPHz-U9Q/viewform

01/30/2026

“The IACC used to be an advisory group that included public members who represented a wide variety of lived and professional experiences, but who respected scientific evidence. The bulk of the recently appointed members appear to be people who adhere to untested, disproven, and sometimes dangerous ideas about what causes autism and the best ways to care for autistic people,” said David Mandell, a professor of psychiatry and an autism researcher at the University of Pennsylvania who has served on the IACC. “The group appears stacked to give Secretary Kennedy political cover to continue his assault on life-saving vaccines and to promote unproven treatments.”

Federal health officials are reviving a key panel tasked with guiding the government's strategy on autism, but the new committee members and the way in which they were appointed are raising concerns.

01/09/2026

Chicago Park District Special Recreation

Special Event for individuals with disabilities, ages 8–15, who are currently enrolled in school.

These Out of School Events provide a safe, engaging, and fun environment for students on days when school is not in session. Each day is filled with activities such as arts and crafts, group games, and Special Olympics skills and drills.

All events will be held at Armour Square Park (3309 S. Shields Ave.) from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, and the cost is just $12 per day. Families may register for a single date or multiple dates whatever works best!

This program is designed for individuals with a primary intellectual and/or developmental disability.

Contact: Mandy Liu Chauncey at (312) 881-0779 or at mandy.liu@chicagoparkdistrict.com

01/07/2026

Father Engagement In Families Of Children With Special Needs
featuring:

Children & Family Connections #9, the 21st Century Dads Foundation and the Special Fathers Network

February 6, 2026

Siblings & Family Balance Panel -
Rick Bovell
Benji Rubin

Marriage & Co-Parenting Panel -
Todd Evans
Brian Page

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v_b9zu2RSiKXlINALpMZSA #/registration

12/24/2025

Have Dreams offers a free support group for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Join this professionally-run group to connect with others that are navigating a similar journey. Our first virtual meeting of the new year will be on January 14 at 12 noon. To RSVP, please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeROwzAWokcDEmPrCo9VNnt1XMCeF8oWMgJWjWtreIwEePdg/viewform

12/23/2025

Winter Holiday Closure Notice
RCADD will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026 & will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.