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Disability and Early Intervention

Resources

Blog
  • 03/12/2026

7 Key Takeaways: Building Stronger Workforces Through Disability Inclusion

One year after Illinois’ Dignity in Pay Act was signed into law—requiring companies to pay workers with disabilities at least minimum wage by 2029—business leaders, advocates, and policymakers gathered to discuss what inclusive employment looks like in practice. Hosted by Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford and Social Responsibility Chicago, the conversation explored how organizations can build stronger workforces through disability inclusion. Here are seven takeaways worth bringing back to your organization.

External post
  • 10/16/2025

Custom Gear, Real Impact: How HB Threads Prioritizes Neurodivergent Employment

From heat pressing 220 items for the Rockford IceHogs to running pop-up shops, HB Threads employees are making their mark on the Chicago community.

Blog
  • 10/08/2025

A Journey of Resilience and Joy: Alysha's Story

When Christine and Lou adopted their daughter Alysha from Bulgaria, they struggled to find the right support for her trauma and learning needs—until they discovered Easterseals Academy. Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, Alysha gained confidence, joy, and independence, inspiring her parents to make a legacy gift so more children can thrive as she has.

Videos

Video
  • 11/26/2024

Video: ECR 1 minute end of year giving video

Thank you for your support in 2024. Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a beautiful 2025 from Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford.

Video
  • 09/29/2022

Video: STRIVE for Success #3: Increase Communication

Approximately 40 percent of individuals with autism are non-verbal communicators. Watch this video from the Illinois Autism Partnership at Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford about REINFORCEMENT to learn how to implement strategies and supports in your classroom. This is #3 in the STRIVE for Success educational best practice training video.

Video
  • 06/30/2022

Video: About Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford

Learn more about what we do here at Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford.

From the blog

Blog
  • 03/12/2026

7 Key Takeaways: Building Stronger Workforces Through Disability Inclusion

One year after Illinois’ Dignity in Pay Act was signed into law—requiring companies to pay workers with disabilities at least minimum wage by 2029—business leaders, advocates, and policymakers gathered to discuss what inclusive employment looks like in practice. Hosted by Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford and Social Responsibility Chicago, the conversation explored how organizations can build stronger workforces through disability inclusion. Here are seven takeaways worth bringing back to your organization.

Blog
  • 10/08/2025

A Journey of Resilience and Joy: Alysha's Story

When Christine and Lou adopted their daughter Alysha from Bulgaria, they struggled to find the right support for her trauma and learning needs—until they discovered Easterseals Academy. Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, Alysha gained confidence, joy, and independence, inspiring her parents to make a legacy gift so more children can thrive as she has.

Blog
  • 09/29/2025

Q&A with Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford's Board Member, Gary Kohn

Architect Gary Kohn first connected with Easterseals in 2003 while designing the Easterseals Academy in Chicago. What began as a professional project grew into a lasting commitment—Gary has now served nearly 10 years on the ECR Board of Directors.

Guidebooks

Parent Sibling Youth Engagement Guidebook 2019

A Parent's Guide for supporting siblings of individuals with disabilities.

View / Download (pdf)

Podcasts

Podcast
  • 04/03/2023

Episode 4: Demystifying Early Intervention

Early Intervention is a statewide program that provides supports and services for families to help their children under age three meet developmental milestones. You'll hear from our Early Intervention Program Managers Peter Byrne and Marlene Strobe in a conversation with our host Reema about our Early Intervention services.This podcast is meant to demystify how Early Intervention works for parents and caregivers, as well as provide information on how to access services.

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Resources

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