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--
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