Special needs

Resource teacher earns honors for her creativity and tireless dedication in helping students succeed.

Will County police departments participated in the annual Torch Run fundraising program for Special Olympics Illinois.

Joliet Public Schools District 86 held its 10th annual Autism Awareness 5K and raised $5,000 for special needs programming.

The Special Olympics of Illinois helps provides athletes with year-round training, personal and social development activities and health education opportunities.

Local police departments across the Joliet area will be participating in the annual “Cop on a Rooftop” fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Illinois from 5 a.m to noon Friday.

Lee County Special Education Association's Transition Program students attended a workshop at Pegasus Special Riders in Oregon on Tuesday, May, 6, 2025, to learn about horse care and safety.

Pete Colarelli, former ExxonMobil employee, mentored Brandon Adjoumani when Adjoumani was a student at Lockport Township High School. On Saturday, Adjoumani will serve in Colarelli's former role as a host for Easterseals Joliet's annual Celebration of Giving.

Two Plainfield School District middle school Special Olympic basketball teams will compete in the state championship games this weekend.

100+ Women Who Care of Will County donated over $15,000 to Shady Oaks Camp as its last donation of 2024.

The Mabley Center Lightning basketball team eyes a return to state in Special Olympics basketball. The team, along with others from around the area, will start the march to state with a tournament in January.

We Rock the Spectrum Shorewood provides a “safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and safe sensory experiences,” according to its website.

Special education students at Sator Sanchez Elementary School in Joliet were treated to an in-school pumpkin farm field trip, thanks to donations from community businesses.

Self Help Enterprises of Sterling held their annual client awards banquet Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. The organization is celebrating 60 years of service.

Local businesses rallied together to answer the call of a special education teacher at Sator Sanchez Elementary School in Joliet to give students a pumpkin farm experience.

Texas Roadhouse in Joliet will team up with Joliet police to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois on Monday.

Trinity Services in New Lenox is seeking historical photos and newspaper articles for its 75th anniversary celebration in 2025.

The Batavia School District 101 Board voted to approve an increase in pay for paraprofessionals in special education programs on Tuesday, June 25.

District 202 sends athletes to the Illinois Special Olympic Summer Games in the first year for the middle school program.

The Oswego Wildcats Basketball Junior and Silver teams were recently recognized by the Oswego SD308 Board for their achievements in the Special Olympics state competition held in Bloomington-Normal in March.

The Joliet Police Department has announced details for its 21st annual Dunkin Donuts Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser for Special Olympics.

Joliet West High School's Special Populations Dance offers a red carpet experience for students who need accommodations.

USAGA executive director Jonathan Snyder said the alliance uses the game of golf to provide freedom, empowerment and inclusion to people with disabilities of all kinds.

Sonja DeGirolami of Minooka, who attends The Village Christian Church in Minooka, will host a Zumbathon to raise money for the church’s “Dance The Night Away” prom for special needs teens and adults.

Geneva Police Officer Chuck Parisi was recognized for his 20 years of volunteer service and fundraising for Illinois Special Olympics.

Police officers and deputies helped raise money for Illinois Special Olympics in fundraisers held at Dunkin' locations in Rock Falls and Dixon.

Dixon police officers raised money at Dunkin' Donuts Friday, May 19, 2023 for Illinois Special Olympics.

Taylor Wiscons, director of development for Special Olympics Illinois’ Law Enforcement Torch Run, said Plane Pulls have been held at various locations in Illinois for the last 15 years. Lewis University hosted the first one in 2019 and a second in 2022.

Breakout session focuses on challenges and rewards of teaching for students with special needs.

The "Safe Return" presentation will be offered families of students with special needs.

Taking place on New Year’s Day at Waukegan Municipal Beach, the Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge once again raised money for Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County to help individuals with disabilities participate in camps, athletics, health and fitness programs and more.

Three local charities receive grant funding totaling $35,000 – the largest single donation in the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club’s history.

The girls basketball program at Providence Catholic High School is hosting a basketball camp for grade school students with special needs on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6. Registration is now open.

This was its third camp dedicated to Special Olympians and the second held in the Sauk Valley, said organizer and coach Josh Binder. Special Olympians participate for free.

Both Special Gifts and Tellin’ Tales theaters provide a level playing field; each actor is who they are – an individual – not judged as less than or disabled – and aren’t we all really different individuals?

Donation must be received by noon Feb. 13.

Robin Miller: ‘I guess she was like the Black Mother Teresa’

On Nov. 4, 100+ Women Who Care of Will County donated $4,000 to Navarro Farm.

‘She was a really good role model for being a good human being’

5-day program in New Lenox taught special needs kids how to ride a 2-wheeler

Best Buddies at Lockport Township High School received generous donation