ACC News
One Place for Special Needs
Dawn Villarreal, moderator of the ACC group site and this website, has created a national
information network for families of all disabilities. The premise is simple. If we are all together in
one place, we can become an enormous think tank of shared resources, knowledge and
experience. In addition to being able to find support groups, events and resources, the website
gives parents the ability to find and network with members who live near them. Dawn is also
working on a national special needs service directory and invites all professionals who work with
disabilities to add their information. For more information, go to www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.
com.
Mac 'n' Cheese parent mentoring
Kristin Nelson and Kelly Hickey, two highly involved members of ACC, have launched Mac 'n'
Cheese, a parent mentoring and coaching service. Each have two children on the autism
spectrum spanning the range of diagnoses (Autism, PDD-Nos, HFA and Asperger Syndrome).
MAC's aim is to provide customized services to families of children with ASD in order to help them
shorten their learning curve, feel confident managing the demands of autism, find some
equilibrium in life and be free to enjoy all of their children and their unique personalities. For
more information go to www.macautism.com
NapervilleWORKS!
Contact: jeruefamily@comcast.net
Laurie Jerue is working on the local level with fellow ACC member and Holy Spirit Catholic
Community Special Needs Liaison, Cindi Swanson on NapervilleWORKS! The nonprofit
organization will help job match teens and adults with developmental disabilities and area
businesses. How many years before your own children will be ready to enter the workforce? 12
years? 7 years? 2 years? It is in your child’s best interest to ensure that there will be job
opportunities for them. Urge your companies to consider hiring someone with developmental
disabilities. Ask Laurie how to set up a similar nonprofit organization in your own town.
