Special Needs Events
“Legal and Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family”
Presented by Clancy & Associates
Hosted by Stevenson High School ELC
Stevenson High School Exceptional Learners Collaborative, 990 Corporate Woods Pkwy., Vernon Hills, IL
Learn about about Decision Making tools like Guardianship and Powers of Attorney, Special Needs Trusts, and Government Benefits. This seminar is geared toward families whose children are approaching the Transition age of 18.
Kate Schye and Jennifer Sabourin, attorneys and parents of children with disabilities, will be presenting. Presentation is open to all!
See the flyer for more information.
District 215 Transition Resource Fair
(Public welcome)
September 27, 2023 5:00PM – 7:00PM
TF South High School, 18500 Burnham Ave., Lansing, IL
This Transition Resource Fair will be open to high school and transition-aged students with disabilities and their families from communities throughout South Suburban Cook County. Browse the fair to meet agencies, school options, employment services, and many more resources for your transition-aged student. These connections provide insight to a wide range of agencies that serve the transition and adult age span.
This year’s theme is “Building a Better Future Together” and will focus on providing attendees with information to help empower them to use their voice to make positive choices and changes in their life.
Options Fair 2023 (In-person – Public welcome)
October 11, 2023 6:00PM-8:30PM
York Community High School, 255 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst, IL
Don’t miss this highly anticipated annual event! This Resource Fair is geared toward high school and transition-aged students with disabilities and their families. Browse the fair to meet agencies, certificate, college and vocational options, employment services, and many more resources for your transition-aged student. There are usually 80+ booths to visit and gather valuable information under one roof! These connections provide insight to a wide range of agencies that serve the transition and adult age span. You’ll be glad that you went!
See the Options Fair website for more information.
“Decision Making: Exploring Guardianship and Powers of Attorney” (ZOOM – Public welcome)
Presented by Clancy & Associates
Hosted by Giant Steps Autism Organization
October 24, 2023 6:00PM-7:00PM
Participants will learn how to prepare for their child’s 18th birthday, when a child needs decision-making support, how to assess the type of decision-making tool for their child, all about Supported Decision Making, Powers of Attorney and Guardianship, and court processes. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. This is the first presentation in our 2023 Transition Series!
Please email [email protected] to register. Check our website events page for updates.
“Special Needs Trusts and Financial Planning” (ZOOM – Public welcome)
Presented by Clancy & Associates
Hosted by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
November 1st, 2023 6:00PM – 7:30PM
Learn all about Special Needs Trusts: What is a SNT? Why does my child need a special needs trust? How do SNTs protect government benefits? Who are the people I should choose to guide my child when I am gone? How does a SNT work? Our financial expert will discuss how to save for your child’s future, what government benefits can provide for your child, and tips and tricks to build assets for your own retirement as well as your child’s future.
This is the second presentation in our 2023 Transition Series!
See Turning Pointe’s website for updates on how to register.
“Legal Planning for the Special Needs Family”
Presented by Clancy & Associates
Illinois Statewide Transition Conference
Thursday, November 2nd, 2:15PM-3:15PM
Learn about about Decision Making tools like Guardianship and Powers of Attorney, Special Needs Trusts, and Government Benefits. This seminar is geared toward families whose children are approaching the Transition age of 18. Kate Schye and Jennifer Sabourin, attorneys and parents of children with disabilities, will be presenting. Presentation is open to all!
This presentation is offered through the Transition Conference which promotes effective, person-centered transition planning to address all aspects of adult life for those with disabilities.
See the website for more information.
“Transition Top Ten – What To Do at Age 18” (ZOOM – Public welcome)
Presented by Clancy & Associates
Hosted by Giant Steps Autism Organization
November 14th, 2023 6:00PM-7:00PM
This presentation covers all things Transition! Our team of experts and guests will address a concise list of “must-dos” for a young person turning 18. If you’re worried that you’re behind on your “list”, this is the seminar for you. Learn about what you still need to do and meet the experts you need to help you complete your tasks.
This is our third and final presentation in our 2023 Transition Series.
Please email [email protected] to register. Check our website events page for updates.
The BEST Fair
A Resource Fair hosted by Niles North High School (In-person – Public welcome)
November 15, 2023 6:00PM-7:00PM Presentations
7:00PM-8:30PM Resource Fair
This Resource Fair hosts agencies, certificate, college and vocational options, employment services, and many more resources for your transition-aged student. These connections provide insight to a wide range of agencies that serve the transition and adult age span. This in-person resource fair is for students with special needs, their parents/guardians, and professionals.
See the BEST Fair website for more information.
Past Events & Speaking Engagements
Through age and skill appropriate classes, HRET improves the physical, emotional, cognitive and social aspects of the lives of individuals with special needs. Participants will enjoy horseback riding, horsemanship skills, arts & crafts, games, and more!
Is your child moving to a new grade? Meeting a therapy goal? Celebrating the successes of another school year? Every child is graduating from something! This free celebration will include sensory-friendly family-fun, a graduation procession, a personalized medal and optional graduation cap, a professional graduation photo, resources for parents, and games and prizes for kids!
See the flyer for more information and to register.
Address: Ivy Hill Elementary School, 2211 N. Burke Dr., Arlington Heights, IL
Join the LWSRA on Sunday, May 21st from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM for their annual Ability Awareness Fair welcoming multiple service providers. Vendors range from therapy centers and residential living facilities to state funding resources and advocacy groups. Visit their website to learn more.
Location: Lincolnway Special Recreation Center, 1900 Heather Glen Dr., New Lenox, IL 60451
Join Lurie Children’s Transition Program on Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 6:00-7:00 pm via Microsoft Teams for a virtual presentation about Special Needs Trusts.
Ever wonder…What is Healthcare Transition to Adult Care? Do my child’s public benefits change when they turn 18? Will my child need a guardian or formal decision-making help at 18? Get professional advice on all of these matters and more at this virtual event. Learn more here.
Come connect with agencies and programs in our state that provide services & opportunities to help your child and family now and in future! Event will have guest speakers & resource tables. View the flyer for more information. Questions? Email Jenny Sagrati: [email protected]
Location: Giant Steps (2500 Cabot Drive, Lisle, IL 60532)
Planning for your child’s future can be overwhelming – this presentation by Attorney Jennifer Sabourin of Clancy & Associates will walk through various tools that will help protect your child’s future. Participants will learn about guardianship, special needs trusts, and other planning considerations. The presentation will be offered in-person at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation and on Zoom. Click here to RSVP!
Location: Turning Pointe Autism Foundation (1500 W Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL 60540)
The Future Begins Today event is an informational evening for parents and guardians of individuals with a wide-range of developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Information is being shared by over 40 adult service providers and community resource agencies. View the flyer for more information.
Location: Harper College (1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067)
The ARC of Illinois 73rd Annual Convention will take place Wednesday, April 19th from 8am-5pm and Thursday, April 20th from 8am-4pm. The event will be presented in a hybrid format! Click here to view the program schedule. NEW this year! A track of breakout sessions will be presented in Spanish. Visit their website for more information.
In-Person: The Convention will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lisle, IL. As an in-person attendee, you’ll be able to hear from speakers in person, visit with our sponsors and exhibitors, view the silent auction items and art exhibit, and meet your fellow attendees. You have the option to attend the breakout session of your choice.
Virtual: The Convention will be presented using Zoom Webinar. As a virtual attendee, you’ll be able to join the live stream of the keynote and plenary presentations, and have access to the Convention website with information on the sponsors, exhibitors, silent auction, and art exhibit. Only two breakout sessions per time slot will be available to Zoom attendees.
Join Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 with Consolidated High School District 230 for “PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL” (P.I.E.). Learn more about Guardianship & Special Needs Trusts from the Clancy & Associates team. Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m. via Zoom. See the flyer for more information.
Connect with service providers, including college sponsorships, vocational programs, guardianship, benefits planning, and more. This is an event for families of students with IEPs (all ages/grades). There will be various presentations to support students with disabilities.
View the flyer for more information.
Location: STEP Campus (Brooks Middle School): 360 Blair Lane Door #13, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
The NEXT STEPS team of DuPage County presents “NEXT STEPS: The Transition Series”. This final workshop will be a “mini” resource fair. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with community organizations including: Special Rec Association; College of DuPage; college experience programs; NAMI; community day service organizations and employment agencies.
See the flyer for more information.
Address: Glenbard District 87 Transition Center (450 E Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL 60148)
Connect with Chicagoland providers and learn more about the programs and services that can help you and your loved ones with developmental differences. This event will feature an exhibitor hall, free developmental screeners and parent workshops.
Register for this event online.
Address: Malcolm X College (1900 W Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612)
NEXT STEPS: The Transition Series Workshops
Join the NEXT STEPS team of DuPage County as they present NEXT STEPS: The Transition Series. Each night will focus on a new topic of planning for a student’s successful transition from school to adult life.
Join our firm on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 6:30-8:30pm. During this workshop, attorneys from Clancy & Associates will guide you through the fundamentals of special needs planning and how to protect your child’s access to governmental benefits, programs and services. Please see the flyer for more information.
This workshop will be held in person at Glenbard District 87- Transition Center: 450 E Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL 60148
On Sunday, March 5, 2023, Ed and I are participating in the 2023 Chicago Polar Plunge for the second time! We plunge for our son John, who is 13. He competed in the 50 yard dash and tennis ball throw last spring and loved every minute. He will compete again in Spring 2023!
We plunge for my associate’s kids, up and coming Special Olympians! We also plunge for our clients who are Special Olympians.
Please donate to this important charity. With your support, people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to discover new strengths, abilities, and accomplishments.
There are three easy ways to support my plunging efforts:
- Donate to my fundraising page: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2023cpp/account/1401409/
- Join my team and take the plunge with me at North Avenue Beach on March 5, 2023
- Help me spread the word! Share my fundraising page with your friends and family.
Join me and make the #PolarPromise as I raise funds for the Chicago Polar Plunge today.
You’re invited to The Batavia Special Education Parent Network’s Parent Resource Fair on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Learn about community resources for students from early childhood through age 22, including recreational opportunities, therapy providers, educational consultants, transition planning, and advocacy/support. This is a FREE event. Click here to view the flyer.
View the website for more information.
Location: Batavia High School, 1201 Main St. Batavia, IL 60510
Learn how to create an insightful and comprehensive Letter of Intent for your child’s future care in this hands-on clinic. Jennifer Sabourin, Kate Schye and Katie Clancy, attorneys and parents of children with special needs, will lead you through the steps and provide examples and templates. Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00pm.
Registration is required. Please click here to register for this event. View the flyer for additional information.
Our firm will be leading a presentation “Legal and Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family” for the Niles Township District for Special Education on Tuesday, February 7th from 7:30-8:30 pm.
Learn about government benefits, special needs trusts, estate planning for parents, guardianship and much more! In this Zoom presentation, Attorney Jennifer Sabourin will guide parents through the information needed for transition-age young adults. This presentation will help you feel ready to face the tasks ahead with knowledge and confidence! A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Members of the public are welcome.
Please email us for the Zoom information: info@clancyassociates.com
AutonomyWorks is hosting a Webinar on Thursday, January 26th at 7pm. You will learn more details about the Computer and Manufacturing Associate positions, hear from one of our Associates, and have a chance to ask questions at the end.
Click here to view the flyer. Email Julie to register for this webinar: [email protected]
On Tuesday, December 6th at 7:00 PM, our Associate Attorney Jen Sabourin will be leading a virtual “Legal and Financial Planning” presentation for the Philip J Rock Center & School staff.
This seminar will guide you through the fundamentals of special needs planning, and how to protect your child’s access to governmental benefits, programs, and services. We will advise you on how to provide financially for your child to maximize their quality of life without jeopardizing services. Led by our attorney, Jennifer Sabourin.
Effective transition planning requires keen knowledge and preparedness to execute a student’s life goals. This session will offer an overview of the legal issues involved in transition planning, including how the IEP and transition plan impact a student’s application for public benefits. Discuss special education transition planning with a focus on applying the legal requirements of transition planning and coordination between schools, adult service agencies, and community partners through advocacy strategies. Led by our attorney, Jennifer Sabourin. Click here for more information!
This seminar will guide you through the fundamentals of special needs planning, and how to protect your child’s access to governmental benefits, programs, and services. We will advise you on how to provide financially for your child to maximize their quality of life without jeopardizing services. Led by our attorney, Jennifer Sabourin. Click here for more information!
In our work with young adults who are seeking developmental disability supports and services, we have noticed increasing interest in college programming for individuals with I/DD. To provide information about college programming, we are excited to welcome Alexandra Baig, MBA, CFP ®, Executive Director from the P.A.C.E Program at National Louis University.
Registration is required. Click this link to register!. You will receive confirmation and a link to participate after you register online. The webinar will be recorded.
IAASE is holding its 23rd Annual Fall Conference at the Tinley Park Convention Center! The keynote speakers are Chris Singleton and Juliana Urtubey. The conference will have over 35 hours of professional development on hot topics in special education. Click here for more information!
Address: 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, IL 60477
The Options Fair 2022 will be hosted at Downers South High School on Monday, October 17, 2022 at 6-8 PM. These programs are offered to the public free of charge. No pre-registration is required.
Address: 1436 Norfolk St., Downers Grove, IL 60516
Come join us to mingle and learn about community resources ranging from dance/athletic organizations, therapeutic resources, wheelchair accessible transportation, life and legal planning, and special services with the DG Public Library and Recreation Center. Click here for more information!
Address: Loyal Order of Moose, 1030 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, IL, 60515
This is a free virtual job fair in Rockford, IL on Sep 14, 2022 including hiring managers from local and national organizations on the hunt for top talent like you. As a job seeker, all you have to do is sign up, show up, chat with key decision makers, and get hired. Register online!
Address: 3482 Pyramid Dr., Rockford, Illinois 61109
Cool off with something delicious…Special needs children, their siblings, and family are invited to enjoy this free tasty treat and play time at a park designed for children of all abilities. Click here to reserve your spot!
Mark your calendars! The Annual Disability Pride Parade in Chicago returns this year on Saturday, July 23rd! The parade is currently scheduled to be an in-person event and registration is now open. Click here to learn more and register online.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Living in Holland” – a twist on the poem Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley. The conference will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Naperville, Illinois. This conference will focus on practical education and tips for families raising children and adults with Kleefstra Syndrome. The Clancy & Associates team will be speaking at a breakout session about “Special Needs Legal & Future Planning: Guardianship, Conservatorship, Power of Attorney, Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning”. Click this link for more information.
Have you or a loved one recently received an ADHD diagnosis? Join Beyond BookSmart – Executive Function Coaching for a FREE live webinar on Thursday, June 16th at 7:00pm EST. They’ll share essential information you need to plan your ADHD treatment. Hear from experts in mental health, medication, and behavioral interventions for ADHD in children and adults. Link to register: https://buff.ly/39vJQvY
Our firm was invited to present at the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association Ability Awareness Fair to teach families about special needs planning. Jennifer Sabourin spoke about government benefits, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and IEPs.
How can you plan for and protect your teen’s access to governmental benefits, programs and services? Is your child’s 18th birthday just around the corner? Our firm has partnered with Niles Township District for Special Education #807 to guide you through the essentials of special needs and transition planning, government benefits, and financial planning for the special needs family. Register here!
The Future Begins Today Fair is an annual event hosted by Township High School District 211, High School District 214, Barrington Community Unit School District 220, and Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization. If your child is in high school, this is the fair for you. Attend this in-person fair to meet and greet adult service providers, colleges for those with special needs, agencies, therapy providers, and community resource agencies. You won’t regret attending! This fair is perfect for parents of teens with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Learn more about this event.
What can you do today to protect and ensure your child’s access to government benefits, programs and services? How can you provide financially for your child to maximize their quality of life without jeopardizing these services? Have you completed your estate and special needs plan? The Clancy & Associates team will be partnering with Turning Pointe Autism Foundation to lead a seminar where you’ll learn the essentials of special needs planning, government benefits, ABLE accounts, and financial planning for the special needs family. Learn more about the event.
Because Illinois has an abundance of autism programs and resources, researching and connecting with programs relevant to you and your loved ones can be a time-consuming task. At the Autism & Special Needs Expo, you can quickly connect with service providers through an innovative, virtual platform. Learn more about the event. This resource fair is presented by Chicago Autism Network & The Answer Inc, as part of our commitment to help local families connect with life-changing services and supports.
Each year this event recognizes the abilities of Helping Hand clients and helps our community better connect with people with disabilities through a shared passion for the arts. All proceeds support our programs that transform the lives of over 600 children, adults and their families each year. Register here!
This year’s formal resource fair has been cancelled. Instead, Indian Prairie School District 204 & Naperville Community Unit District 203 have created the “2022 Adult Service & Support Provider Directory“. This website is a valuable resource for parents to be able to access anytime though the year.
Our very own Katie Clancy and Alexandra Baig will be speaking with other panelists to the Ray Graham Association on Thursday, November 18 from 5-7 p.m., on “Navigating the Complex Service Delivery System: Where Do We Start?” This will include an overview and update of the Illinois Service System and its complexities as well as practical advice and applicable guidance of how to successfully navigate the “maze” as families seek services. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the IL Service Delivery System and the important resources that both families and professionals can access along their journey to help their loved ones/transitioning students in planning for their future and achieving their dream. View the flyer for more information and to attend.
Associate Attorney, Jennifer Sabourin will be speaking at the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) Virtual Conference, which will be held on October 21-22. Her presentation will be on “Legal Issues in Effective Transition Planning.” View the IAASE page.
Katie Clancy and Jennifer Sabourin will be presenting “Legal and Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family” on Wednesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m. as a Zoom Webinar. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how you can support your loved one from birth to adulthood. The more you learn, the more you will be ready for your child’s needs at each step of their life. Katie will discuss all of the various aspects to consider for you and your loved one along your life planning journey including government benefits, trust planning, guardianship, housing and establishing circles of support to care for your adult child when you are gone.
Click here to register for this event. View the flyer for more information.
Clancy and Associates, Ltd. is proud to be an invited representative to this year’s Options Fair. The live event will be virtual and held on Wednesday, Oct. 6th from 6-8 p.m. The Options Fair was established to offer students with special needs and their families an opportunity to meet with colleges and universities as well as agencies that can provide services after high school. View their website for more details and information.
Have you prepared a Letter of Intent for your child’s future caregivers? Learn how to create an insightful and comprehensive guide in this hands-on clinic. Jennifer Sabourin and Katie Clancy, attorneys and parents of children with special needs, will lead you through the steps and provide examples and templates. This clinic will be held on Wednesday, September 29th, 7:00pm via Zoom. Registration is required. Click here to register for this event. View the flyer for additional information. Please contact Marketing Manager Lea Whitney via email [email protected] for questions.
Our very own Katie Clancy will be speaking to the Collaborative Divorce Illinois Practice group on Thursday, Sept., 9, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. about Special Needs Planning Issues in Divorce. The CDI group is an interdisciplinary group of divorce professionals dedicated to helping Illinois families divorce dignity and respect. They use and promote Collaborative Process as an alternative to litigated divorce. View their website for more information.
Clancy and Associates Ltd., is proud to be a sponsor of this years’ National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) 2021 Golf Outing event planned for Wednesday, August 4 from 8a.m. to 7p.m. at the Silver Lakes Golf Course. NADS is the oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It was founded in Chicago in 1961 by parents who chose to go against medical advice and raised their children with Down syndrome at home. They have many services ranging from parent support, self-advocacy, public awareness, conference and seminars and much more. View their golf event flyer for more details.
Clancy and Associates, Ltd., is proud to be a sponsor of this years’ Wheaton Junior Woman’s Club Buddy Baseball event. This camp is for children with any type of disability and will include practices and scrimmage games with emphasis on improving baseball skills (i.e. catching, throwing, batting, running bases, etc). Dates for summer 2021 are 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3. Visit the buddy baseball page for more details.
Affordable housing means different things to different people. Learn the difference between affordable, accessible, and supportive housing. Listen as individuals who need these types of housing share their stories. Find out why Glen Ellyn is such a good fit for these individuals and how the Glen Ellyn community would benefit from the diversity that comes with affordable housing. This event will be a webinar and is hosted by the Glen Ellyn Public Library. View the library calendar for more details.
The Future Begins Today Fair is an informational evening for parents and guardians of individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Information will be shared by adult service providers and community resource agencies. This event is hosted by Township High School District 211, Barrington 220 Community Unit School District, Township High School District 214, and Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization. Additional information available here: https://adc.d211.org/FutureBeginsToday2021
Please join us virtually at the Chicago Autism & Special Needs Expo. This event will connect you with Illinois’s abundant special needs resources. Please visit the website (https://www.chicagoautismnetwork.org/expo) to register as an attendee and visit our virtual booth. Virtual access to the event begins on March 13, 2021, with the main event taking place on March 27, 2021.
This is a Resource Fair presented by Indian Prairie School District 204 & Naperville Community Unit District 203 for students and families with disabilities to visit and learn about all of the different organizations that are available to their sons/daughters as part of transition services. The fair is designed to be a one-stop-shop for parents to learn about these options. Please visit http://203-204adultresource.weebly.com/ to learn about various agencies and visit our “booth” to learn about what opportunities Clancy & Associates can provide to your loved one.
Our Attorneys
Katie M. Clancy
Founding Attorney
Event Speaker
Jennifer A. Sabourin
Associate Attorney
Event Speaker
