What -I- learned at my IEP: Autism Resource Center

At one of our IEP staffings this week, Dr. Louis Kraus brought me information about a new online Autism Resource Center. Rush University Medical Center is working on compiling a clearinghouse of information and resources for parents, educators, therapists and caregivers alike ... So if you're, say, looking for a dentist who specializes in autism, a place to do hippotherapy, or a summer camp - they've got listings all across the Chicago Metro area. I haven't had much time to explore, but from my cursory glance this afternoon, it seems like a worthwhile project.

Check it out at: www.rush.edu/autism

- Paula

Yale Alumni volunteer to help with Cleaning Day!

On Saturday, May 16th, a group of Yale alumni - coordinated by PACTT Board of Directors member Robbin Schowe - descended upon the school campus. For the Yale folks, it was part of a nationwide day of service. For the PACTT school team, it was our annual spring cleaning day. The help was greatly appreciated, as the alumni and friends jumped in to plant, paint, and more. Thank you, all!

FYI -- PECS User Group

I received this info from one of our school districts, and thought I'd pass it along to you ... If you have questions, contact the person listed at the bottom.

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PECS User Group Meet with a PECS Consultant for FREE! Our PECS User Group is free of charge and open to parents, professionals and students who are dedicated to enhancing their knowledge of PECS. Members receive discounts on Pyramid workshops. Raffle every meeting for a free workshop of your choice- up to $395 value!! Meetings consist of a clinical session led by a Pyramid Consultant, an opportunity to practice new skills, a period for questions, troubleshooting and sharing ideas, and an open time for networking and socializing. User Group Members must have previously attended PECS Basic Training.Chicago PECS User GroupDate: March 12, 2009Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pmLocation: North Shore University Health System Pediatric Outpatient Clinic9811 Woods Drive, Suite H-190Skokie, IL 60077Please RSVP to Jill Waegenaere at jwaegenaere@pecs.com by March 9, 2009.

Gratitude.

Things we are thankful for:

Our amazing families.
Our incredible students.
Our dedicated staff.
Our generous donors.

We wish everyone a calm, peaceful (and yummy!) Thanksgiving holiday!

Gobble Gobble!

Hard to believe, but it's already time to start planning for our family Thanksgiving Feast. PACTT families are invited to join us for this annual event, which will take place this year in the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 26. Mark your calendars! More details will be added soon ...

Welcome Back!

PACTT Learning Center's fall Open House will take place Thursday, October 9th from 6-8:30 p.m. at school. Family and friends are welcome to join us for a meet-and-greet with our incredible staff and mingle with other parents.

Important Phone Numbers - Transportation

As much as we'd like to be in charge of transportation for all our students, we don't have that luxury. If you have a question about transportation services or need to change your child's schedule for whatever reason, please first contact the transportation company directly. If you are unable to reach them, or are having difficulty, then call PACTT and we'll do our best to help you resolve things.

• United Quick (CPS Students): 773/522-1995
• 303 Taxi (Skokie & Lake Forest): 847/446-0303
• Best Taxi (Evanston): 847/864-2500
• Grand Prairie (Oak Park): 630/655-8739
• Northwest Special Taxi Service (Huntley): 815/790-4418