Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD)

06/16/2026

Deadline to apply is fast approaching (June 30, 2026)! This scholarship is good for college, and vocational or trade school programs. Learn more about this scholarship: https://www.autismheroproject.org/scholarships

The The Autism Hero Project is accepting applications for the 2026 Evolving Heroes Education Scholarship until June 30.

The Evolving Heroes Scholarship seeks to remove financial barriers and help individuals on the autism spectrum learn and thrive.

Scholarship amounts are up to $2,500 per person.

Recipients can use the 2026-27 academic year grant for a wide range of educational and training programs, including:

- Trade schools

- Community colleges

- Four-year universities

Scholarship eligibility requirements include a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a qualified medical professional and residency in Illinois or Florida. The deadline to apply is June 30.

You can learn more about the Evolving Heroes Education Scholarship and find the link to apply at https://zurl.co/1CKCu.

06/16/2026

Coming up on Saturday, June 27 @ 10am-1pm in Humboldt Park. Chicago's Largest Playdate! Get assistance registering your child for preschool next year. Register here for the event: tinyurl.com/chiplaydatehp

🌳✨ Chicago’s Largest Playdate is back, and this time we’re bringing the celebration to Humboldt Park! 🎡

Join us on Saturday, June 27, from 10 AM - 1 PM for a massive citywide celebration. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled outdoor morning to play, learn, and make new friends while you connect with fellow Chicago parents! 🥰

Here is what we have lined up for you:

🖍️ Fun & Games (coloring, crafts, and outdoor play!)
🌎 Hands-On Activities (creative play and learning resources)
🌟 Special Guests!
🎒 Application Support (on-site help to secure your preschool seat)
🚆 FREE CTA Ride-Shares (Free CTA passes require registration!)

🗓️ Saturday, June 27
🕙 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 Humboldt Park
🎟️ FREE for ALL Families!

🔗 Don't wait—secure your spot and your ride today! Register here: tinyurl.com/chiplaydatehp

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

Why are we doing this study?
We want to learn about what people think of how augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is represented in children’s picture books. The project includes an online discussion board and follow-up virtual focus groups. We invite you to participate in a focus group. Your choice to participate is voluntary.

What will you do if you participate?
You would participate in a virtual focus group with a researcher and 2-5 other participants on Zoom. The focus group will take about 1 hour. We will video record the session through Zoom. The video recording will be saved so that we can transcribe it. After the session, you will get a $25 e-gift card for participating. We will also send you a one-page summary of the discussion and ask you to review it for accuracy. This will take 5–10 minutes.

What are the benefits?
There are no direct benefits to you. However, this project will help others better understand how people view AAC representation in children’s books.

Are there any risks? How will we protect your information?
The risks are not more than what you experience in daily life. You might feel uncomfortable with some questions, but you can skip questions you do not want to answer. You can also stop at any time. We will do everything we can to keep your information private, but we cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. We will not use names or anything else that could identify you or others when we talk or write about this study. After the focus group is transcribed, we will delete the video recording. Only our research team will view the recording.

What if I have questions?
If you have questions or concerns about this study, please contact Elizabeth Biggs, Ph.D. at [email protected] or at (615) 343-2494. If you have any questions about your rights as a research subject, you may contact the Vanderbilt University Institutional Review Board Office at (615) 322-2918 or toll-free at (866) 224-8273.
Thank you for considering being part of this important study!

06/12/2026

From The Illinois Chapter Of American Academy of Pediatrics

Want to Know More About Autism?

Get Questions Answered & Resources Directly to Your Email

Sign Up for a Free 7-Day Parent Guide to Autism

https://illinoisaap.org/autism-guide/

Wondering about autism and what it might mean for your child? This free email guide from Illinois pediatricians gives you trusted, practical information, without overwhelming you or your inbox.

Each day takes less than 10 minutes to read!

No medical terms you don’t understand. No judgment. Just the information you need.

Over 7 days, you'll learn:

> What autism is and how to recognize early signs
> Steps in the autism diagnosis process
> How to access therapies and early intervention services
> Your child's rights to school support if they have autism
> Real strategies for daily life
> Where to find resources and support in Illinois

Available in English & Spanish

This free 7-day email series provides trusted guidance on autism, early intervention, and supporting your child, all in English and Spanish. Sign up today to receive helpful information directly in your inbox.

Disponible en inglés y español

Esta serie gratuita de 7 días por correo electrónico ofrece orientación confiable sobre el autismo, intervención temprana y cómo apoyar a su hijo/a, todo en español. Inscríbase hoy para recibir información útil directamente en su bandeja de entrada.

https://illinoisaap.org/autism-guide/

06/08/2026

NPN Summer Camp Directory

Use the filters on the right to search for Chicago summer camps by age, price, location and more (Camp Specialty/Special Needs). Looking for a particular camp? Search by name below.

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.

06/05/2026

"Don't sweat it this summer with these RCADD resources"

Free Downloadable Summer Activities and Visual Supports
Fun in the summer time! Visit our website for free summer themed structured activities and visual supports. The downloads are available in both English and Spanish...& more in this months RCADD newsletter.

https://t.e2ma.net/webview/9t0elk/1331ff243f3a45d0610e22df66bd114d

06/04/2026

CONFERENCE 2026
SAVE THE DATE

Join us June 26th and 27th in our annual conference, this year dedicated to the voices, experiences and resilience of Latino families and persons with disabilities in our community.

During two days we will have educational talks, community stories, resources, panels, spaces for reflection and activities focused in empowering, connecting and strengthening our community.

BOTH DAYS: participation in person and/or virtually

SAVE THE DATE AND PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK AND CONTACTS.

06/04/2026

CONFERENCIA 2026
RESERVE LA FECHA

Acompáñenos 26 y 27 de junio en nuestra conferencia anual, este año dedicada a las voces, experiencias y resilencia de familias latinas y personas con discapacidad en nuestra comunidad.

Durante dos días tendremos charlas educativas, historias
comunitarias, recursos, paneles, espacios de reflexión y
actividades enfocadas en empoderar, conectar y fortalecer a
nuestra comunidad.

AMBOS DÍAS: participación presencial y/o virtual

RESERVE LA FECHA Y FAVOR DE COMPARTIR EN SUS REDES Y CON SUS CONTACTOS.