CAC, U-46 to host annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The Citizens' Advisory Council and the Elgin Area School District U-46 Special Education Department will host the fifth annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at South Elgin High School, 760 E Main St.

The event is an opportunity for families to learn about the services and programs that local, regional, and state agencies provide for our special needs community. The event is open to the public and for all those with an interest in special needs services.

More than 40 service agencies from Kane, Cook and DuPage counties will be in attendance to distribute information and meet with parents. They include the AIM Center for Independent Living, Celebrate Differences, Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, Clearbrook, Family Resource Center on Disabilities, Family Autism Center, Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Illinois, and local special recreation associations.

A highlight of this year's fair will be a keynote presentation on "Student Self-Advocacy" at 9:30 a.m. by the National Association for Down Syndrome. NADS has launched an innovative speakers program with Student Self-Advocates sharing their own unique success stories on achieving their potential in all aspects of community life. This program promises to be an uplifting and inspiring event for the entire family. Also presenting at the fair is Infinitec, with a variety of digital learning apps and games perfect for kids with special abilities.

For detailed exhibitor information, as well as a full schedule of events, visit the event page at www.u46cac.org/committees/sped/resource-fair/. You may also contact the U-46 Special Education Department at (847) 888-5000, ext. 5056.