CASE logo
In This Issue
Strategies for Successful Summer Break
13 Tips for Anxious Kids to Enjoy Summer Camp
Summer Reading Program
Special Kids Carnival Day
11th Annual Disability Pride Parade
Peer Match Program
Karate Can Do Program
Quick Links

     

DONATE    
Your support will help to defray operating costs.

LogoEvanston Citizens for Appropriate Special Education (CASE) is a community advocacy organization working to improve the range, quality and accessibility of special education services in Evanston/Skokie District 65 and ETHS District 202.

We provide information and support for parents of children with special needs through Parent Connections meetings and our CASEline number.
We are commited to advancing disability awareness in the Evanston community.

Like us on Facebook
Join Our Mailing List

On the CASE 

Summer 2014

Hello Evanston CASE community,

 

I hope you are having an enjoyable summer so far.

 

Here are some articles I thought you might find interesting, including strategies for a successful summer break, and boosting your child's reading skills over vacation.  Also, see information about a Special Kids Carnival Day on June 28th, and the 2014 Disability Pride Parade in downtown Chicago next month.

 

CASE is looking for contributors for our blog.  Write about an experience, frustration, joy or humorous insight.  If you have something to say, special education or special needs related, send us your thoughts.  We will review them and may post to our blog. Don't be shy, this is your chance to have your say.  Send your essays to [email protected]

 

Warm regards,

 

Cari Levin, LCSW

Founding Director

Evanston CASE 

Strategies for a Successful Summer Break

 

Tips for managing your kids' downtime to help make it relaxing for everyone 

13 Tips for Helping Anxious Kids Enjoy Summer Camp

Written by Maria Xia, Child Mind Institute

 

"Portraits of summer camp showcase sun-splashed children playing sports, swimming, and getting freckles. Not pictured is any sign of anxiety, a natural reaction to a new adventure and a several-week separation. All children experience a mixture of excitement and nervousness when summer camp approaches. For most, excitement trumps nerves, but some children develop anxiety serious enough to get in the way of what should be a fun, formative experience." 

 

Read about Maria Xia's 13 Tips HERE


 

Summer Reading Program to Boost Comprehension

 

Help your ADD/ADHD child or LD student retain what she's learned during the school year with this guide to fun, free, and effective summer reading programs.

Printed in ADDitude Magaine by Kay Marner 
  
This article has great suggestions for helping your child to practice reading skills over the summer.  From DIY programs, to libraries and book stores, there are many ways to engage your child in reading.  But beware of making it feel like homework.
  
To read the article, click HERE
  
Also, check out ADDitude's Magazine's

Special Kids Carnival Days

Carol Stream Carnival

 

 

Carol Stream may be a hike, but this looks like a nice event and worth the trip.

 

 

Saturday, June 28th, noon-2p.m.

 

Register at 11:30 a.m.

Ross Ferraro Town Center at Gary Ave. and Lies Rd, Carol Stream.

 

For more information, visit www.specialkidsday.org

 

 

 

11th Annual Disability Pride Parade

  

Join Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD), a leading advocate for the rights of children with disabilities, for a day of solidarity, awareness and celebration of disability pride.

 

WHEN:

Saturday, July 19, 2014 

Parade: 11:00 am-12:30 pm 

Post Parade Festivities: 12:30 pm

 

WHERE: 

We will meet at the staging area at 401 S. Plymouth Court at 10:15 a.m. Post parade festivities will begin 12:30 p.m. at Daley Plaza at Washington and Dearborn.

 

REGISTER: 

www.frcd.org/dpp2014

Registration is free, but we ask that you register to march with FRCD, so that we know how many snacks and t-shirts we need to provide. Those who register by June 30, are guaranteed a free FRCD t-shirt.

Special Needs Peer Match Program

 

Everyone deserves a friend.  It's that simple.  However, finding a friend for your special needs child is not always so easy. 

Dawn Villarreal of "One Place for Special Needs" created the Special Needs Peer Match program so families can come together and foster friendships between their children.  "As the mom of two special needs kids, I know the sting of your child not being invited to parties and sleepovers."

How it works:

If you are a registered user, click on this link to add your child to the program.  Tell other families about your son or daughter and their interests.  Other special needs families in your area can view your information.

You can also do a key word search so you can look for a friend with the same interests as your child.  This can be a plus for many families that have kids who are not necessarily into age appropiate or typical interests.  Make sure you sign up for the email alert to see when new families add peers to the program.

  

Send this info link to your child's teachers and therapists, your online support groups and anyone else you think could benefit from learning about this program.  The more you spread the word, the larger the peer match list will be.

 

[email protected]

oneplaceforspecialneeds.com

 

 

 

 

 North Shore Dojo

"Karate Can Do" Program

 

 "Kids with special needs excel in the North Shore Dojo classes.  The Dojo's strong dedication to including kids with special needs into its classes benefits everyone in the programs." Kathleen Weinberg, MSW

 

Children who may benefit most from participating in the dojo: 

 

  • Children who are not fitting into other team sports because they need to improve strength, coordination and confidence.
  • Children who are having difficulty in school due to issues such as focus, behavior, or self-discipline  
  • Children who would benefit from improving their confidence and self-esteem. 
  • Children with special needs, including developmental disabilities, physical disabilities or other medical issues.

For more information and registration, click HERE