Special needs

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.