Autism Speaks is dedicated to:

• Science and Research - leading us to answers and interventions
• Family Services - providing families with information, tools and resources
• Awareness - increasing public knowledge and understanding of autism 
• Advocacy - accelerating national and state autism legislation

In Illinois, we have funded over $1,711,915 in these areas.

The Illinois community is fiercely determined to make a difference for their loved ones affected by autism, which is demonstrated through advocacy and other grassroot inititatives. We invite you to find out more and join us in statewide advocacy efforts, local community resources, upcoming events, and other involvement opportunities.

News:

Congrats ING DIRECT Ride Now Chicago for Another Successful Event Six Years in a Row! 
Thank you to the 2,000 participants who came out to Wild Fire Harley to ride, volunteer, and enjoy an after party at the Village of Addison for the 6^th annual ING DIRECT Ride Now Chicago event! Thanks to all of you, we raised awareness about autism and raised nearly $100,000!!  To enjoy some photos from the Ride, follow this link and click on the Ride Now logo on the right hand side of the webpage. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Special Education Law Training for Professionals and Families Funded Through Autism Speaks Community Grants Program
Many families and professionals often have difficulty interpreting and using Special Education Law. In response to this problem, DePaul's Special Education Advocacy Clinic plans to offer continuing legal education courses to practicing attorneys who wish to enhance their knowledge. Additionally, the clinic seeks to train education professionals and parents of children with autism who are unfamiliar with special education law, enabling them to better serve the needs of autistic children.

In keeping with DePaul's mission of providing assistance to underserved communities, the Special Education Advocacy Clinic will meet the following target goals within the next year: first, the clinic will enable at least 16 law students to study special education law as applied to actual families, by facilitating collaboration between school districts and parents and by providing direct legal representation and effective advocacy at Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings. Second, the clinic will train at least 100 family members of children with autism statewide, emphasizing outreach to underserved communities. Third, the clinic will provide free direct legal services to at least 20 affected families per year. Fourth, the clinic will offer special education law workshops for at least 50 future teachers, social workers, therapists, and school administrators enrolled in DePaul University's undergraduate and graduate programs. Finally, the clinic will train 20 attorneys in special education law for continuing legal education (CLE) credit.

At least 170 family members, professionals, and law students in Illinois will learn how to advocate for the educational rights of children with autism and at least 20 families will receive direct legal services. This is a program that has the ability to be replicated at other law schools throughout the country.  For more information go to http://www.law.depaul.edu