NPN is known for helping families find childcare, research schools, navigate developmental differences, and get parent-to-parent advice. Helping families navigate developmental differences is one part of our mission that is especially meaningful to me and the rest of the staff team.
NPN’s Developmental Differences Resource Fair (DDRF) began about thirteen years ago. After listening to parents discuss the need for easy access to resources and information, NPN felt compelled to help. With guidance, direction and support from Lorell Marin from LEEP Forward/ Quantum Leep Academy, and leaders from respected providers such as Tuesday’s Child and others, DDRF was born.
The goal of the first DDRF was to help parents of children with a range of developmental differences including developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, Autism, ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities, and more. That mission remains the same today.
Traditionally, DDRF is an event with an exhibit hall of vendors ranging from therapy providers, therapeutic schools, enrichment activities, medical professionals, and more - and that benefit remains this year. Before, after, and between education sessions, families will be able to talk with expert professionals at the exhibitor tables. (See our growing list of exhibitors here.)
This year - we are proud to partner with experts to support parents in being prepared for proposed changes and advocating for their children. Featured sessions include:
9:00–10:00 AM: “Understanding the Proposed Special Education Law and How to Support Your Child” – Presented by Matt Cohen, founder of Matt Cohen & Associates
11:00AM - 12:00PM: “Is My Child's IEP or 504 Good Enough?” – Presented by Emily Winsor, Managing Director of Tuesday’s Child
Parents of children with a range of developmental differences—including developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, autism, ADHD, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, down syndrome, and physical disabilities are welcome to attend this free event. Children do not need to have a diagnosis in order for parents to attend or benefit from the resources offered at this fair; parents with concerns about their child’s development are sure to find support at the fair.
I hope you will join us at DDRF this year. It is happening on Sunday, April 27th from 9:00am - Noon at Wolcott College Prep Arts & Athletic Center, 1950 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622. There is a free attached parking lot and plenty of free street parking. Registration is FREE and required. You can learn more and register here.
Because NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DDRF is only possible through the support of our parent, business, and non-profit community. We are grateful for the support of our parent members and our sponsors. DDRF’s growing list of sponsors includes CST Academy, Tuesday’s Child, and Wolcott College Prep.
We are also grateful for the support of the professionals and parents who make up our Developmental Differences Advisory Committee: Evelyn Perez-Horita, Family Child Advocate at North Shore Pediatric Therapy; Kimberly Johnson, Board President The Arc of Illinois; Laura Baginski, former chair of NPN’s Developmental Differences Parent Support Group; Lorell Marin, founder of LEEP Forward and Quantum Leep Academy; Michelle Paris, Founder and Clinical Director at Patterns and Threads: Psychotherapy & Consultation; and Tareema Jean-Baptist, Early Childhood Special Education Family PD Specialist Starnet Region V.
