Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD)

09/10/2025

New RCADD Newsletter Out Now!

Fall in love with these RCADD resources!

https://t.e2ma.net/webview/x4su0j/2c348e37b25880541468b6d14390a034

08/11/2025

Saturday, August 30
The Catch- 22 Resource Venue

Join Every Step of the Way Resource Center for the 1ST public resource fair in Chicago only for individuals with disabilities ages 18 & up.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-catch-22-resource-venue-tickets-1344916012999?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=5aca43545f9a30deb41c8e31b4e0cf5eb701945c54aad1dd1f20e9453f8a3227289a175243a972f54a403ed38fa26822f06d1484222dec60981bf2f767b284d2d76f0a839a2c4163a03c218978

08/11/2025

Family Resource Center on Disabilities presents "Lunch and Learn Evaluation: What Parents Should Know to Get Started"

Is your child facing challenges in school? Join our informative webinar to navigate the crucial first steps toward securing the support your child needs. Delve into the significance of evaluations, discovering when and how to initiate the process. Understand your vital role as a parent/guardian throughout the evaluation journey. Uncover your child's rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and gain insights into Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). This session provides a roadmap for parents seeking an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Empower yourself with knowledge to ensure your child's educational needs are met.
Don't miss this opportunity – it's time to make a positive impact on your child's academic journey.

REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NnrWKwhORsavaB7aq0wBPg #/registration

07/23/2025

The Center for Literacy is excited to announce our Giveaway Day events this summer! We are opening our doors to the community and sharing a wide range of resources to support learning, creativity, and organization.

What’s Available:

- Children’s, teen, and adult books

- Art supplies

- Office supplies

- Book binding machines

- Easels

- Whiteboards & bulletin boards

- Die-Cutting machines & blocks

Dates & Times:
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
July 29 – August 14
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Location:
Center for Literacy
1640 Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
Room 615 – 6th Floor

*Please Note: Unfortunately, parking is not provided.

This is a wonderful opportunity for families, educators, students, and community members to find valuable materials for reading, teaching, and creative projects—all free of charge! Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We look forward to seeing you there and helping these items find new homes where they can continue to inspire and support learning.

*Please Note: Unfortunately, parking is not provided.

07/22/2025

Escape the confusion of educational acronyms and transform frustration into empowerment with “Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy.” Tired of the run-around? Discover the vital tools to navigate your child’s educational journey. Uncover the true role of an advocate and the power behind becoming one. This session equips you with practical strategies to transition from uncertainty to effective advocacy. Learn how to articulate your child’s needs confidently, demystifying the process of supporting a struggling student. Join us and empower yourself with the skills needed to champion your child’s education successfully, turning frustration into a pathway for positive change.

REGISTER HERE:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OQEYtMP8SQuugnTnPG5sNA #/registration

07/21/2025

Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, is a National Call-In Day, a chance to show Congress the vital importance of Head Start to the children, families, and communities we serve.

We’re asking all programs, staff, parents, alumni, and supporters to call their House representative and share why Head Start matters.

Connect with Your Member of Congress: Make Head Start Heard

Individual Action: Call your Member of Congress to share your support for Head Start.

Program Action: Schedule a meeting with the district office of your Members of Congress.

Resources: Download Call-In Instructions + Script Here
https://nhsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/July-22-National-Call-In-Day-Script.pdf

07/21/2025

CPS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK SESSION

Monday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. virtual hearing

RSVP HERE:
https://www.cps.edu/about/finance/budget/budget-2026/

"CPS announced that 1,458 positions will be eliminated ahead of the upcoming school year. The cuts are a 3.2% increase from last year’s 1,110 layoffs and include":

- 432 teachers, including 132 special education teachers, who are members of the Chicago Teachers Union
- 311 paraprofessionals and school-related staff, such as teacher assistants and tech coordinators
- 677 special education classroom assistants, who are members of SEIU Local 73
- 33 security officers and five parent workers, who are also members of SEIU Local 73

07/07/2025

Lunch and Learn: Navigating the IEP Process Webinar: Happening Wednesday, July 9 @ Noon

Date & Time Jul 9, 2025 12:00 PM

Description Do you have questions about your child's IEP, but don't know how or when to ask them?

- Are you concerned about how your child's IEP
is being followed? Do you want to learn how to effectively prepare for your child's IEP Meeting?

- This webinar provides an overview of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and discusses the parent's role as a member of the IEP team.

The presentation will also focus on:

-Individualized Education Program (IEP),
-Least Restrictive Environment (LRE),
-Procedural Safeguards.
-Preparing for your child's IEP meeting.
-What to do after the meeting.

REGISTER HERE:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bYXAoykbTa641_i57RQucA #/registration

07/07/2025

Summer Camp Directory

Use the filters on the right to search for Chicago summer camps by age, price, location and more. Looking for a particular camp? Search by name below.

https://www.npnparents.org/summercamp/

07/07/2025

REGISTER HERE:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/olFoIyk8TIexDkyfTLekdQ #/registration

07/07/2025

Urban Autism Solutions Summer Ambassador Program

Spend summer at the farm – explore farming, learn about food, make friends, and have fun!
When: Tuesdays 1-2:30PM
July 10-August 14
Age: 10-14 with autism or related disability

Our Summer Ambassadors program is a hands-on experience where preteens and young teens with autism (ages 10–14) can explore farming, build life skills, make friends, and have fun outdoors. Space is limited so sign up today!
summer ambassador pic (1).png
Questions? Email info@urbanautismsolutions.com

Give your child with autism a summer to grow! The Summer Ambassadors Program at Growing Solutions Farm offers kids ages 10–14 a hands-on experience in farming, teamwork, and life skills—building confidence, friendships, and real-world abilities in a fun, supportive environment.

07/02/2025

THE STAR NET JULY 2025 - JUNE 2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS IS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

JOIN US FOR THESE EXCITING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONALS AND FAMILIES

FOR BUNDLES ONLY REGISTER FOR THE BUNLDE NOT THE INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

https://web.cvent.com/event/8510d404-bd84-4be0-b13f-c260cf023701/regProcessStep1?i=yPF7NC27mkeRP8dkQ5Tjmw&locale=en-US