Illinois Vision Conferences

Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) Vision Conferences


Conferences for Illinois Parents of Children with Vision Loss

Parents of children ages birth through twenty-one are encouraged to join us for in-depth discussions of useful topics. Learn from experts in the field as well as from fellow parents.

Service providers are welcome to attend. This is a great opportunity to gain a new perspective and earn professional credits in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere! EI and CPDU credits are available.

The Conference Program

  • Blindness versus Low Vision
  • Social/Emotional Needs
  • IEP and Transition
  • Orientation and Mobility

Childcare is NOT provided

  • Assistance with some expenses (may include child care) related to attending the conferences is possible (see family funding section below).

Registration Confirmation

  • About 2 weeks prior to the conference, you will receive a confirmation packet that will include program agenda, area hotel information, a map, and driving directions. All registration confirmations will be sent through Email unless US mail delivery is requested.

Invite Teachers

  • Your child's providers/teachers are welcome to attend with you as a team. EI and CPDU credits are available to teachers.

Help Publicize This Event

  • Feel free to make copies of the flyer and registration forms. Distribute forms to friends. Hang flyers in prominent places in your community.

Translation and ADA Accommodations

  • ADA accommodations are available including sign language and Spanish interpreting. Spanish translation services may be available as well. Please make requests on the registration form and submit at least 3 weeks prior to the conference date.

Family Funding

Families of children attending the conferences may be eligible for funding to help pay for lodging, mileage and childcare expenses. The Arc of Illinois and the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities offer Consumer Involvement Program-Consumer Stipend funds. To request a copy of the application form, please contact the Arc of Illinois at (815) 464-1832 or find one online at www.thearcofil.org.

STARnet has funding to help families with children with special needs (between the age of birth to 6 years old) attend a conference Age eligibility and amount varies throughout Illinois. To inquire about these fellowships and the eligibility criteria, go to Starnet.org OR contact--

Southern Area

Roe.stclair.k12.il.us/starnet

Sheri Kraus

(618) 825-3969

skraus@stclair.k12.il.us

Central and Northwestern Area

www.starnet.org

Mary Smith

(217) 370-1739

mk-smith@wiu.edu

South Suburban/East Central Area

Shelia Bauer

(708) 342-5370


Locations of Conferences

Southern Illinois Vision Conference

Belleville Area Special Service Cooperative

2411 Pathways Crossing

Belleville, IL  62221

Northern Illinois Vision Conference

Kankakee Community College

Workforce Development Center, 1st Floor

Iroquois Room (D152)

100 College Drive

Kankakee, IL  60901


For registration information, please contact:

Michelle Clark, Executive II

658 E. State Street

Jacksonville, IL 62650-2130

Voice: (217) 479-4414

Fax:  (217) 479-4412

E-mail: Michelle.Clark@illinois.gov