Families with special needs don’t need to miss out on local family fun! We’ve rounded up this month’s events for families and children with special needs. Unless otherwise stated, all events require preregistration. See the event listings for more information and to register.

September Special Needs Calendar

Weekly Events:

Friday Night Dance Party
Every Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Denise Sabala Dance Studios, 560 W. Main Street, Lake Zurich
This 45-minute class is catered to special needs students. Explore your body’s space around you through rhythm, music, socialization, and dancing.

Open Play
Every Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
GiGi’s Playhouse, 5404 W. Elm Street, McHenry
Families and their friends are invited to the playhouse for playtime. Open play helps promote positive beginnings for new families with a child with Down syndrome, creates awareness opportunities for peers and friends, and provides support and networking for families. Come ready for fun and a crazy good time! Open to families with children of all ages and their friends.

Single Day Events

Special Night for Special Needs
5 September, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Jump America, 880 Lakeside Drive, Gurnee
Special Needs Night is held on the first Wednesday of every month; enjoy jumping with low noise and little distraction

Meet Gnat and Corky – Addison the Light Catcher
5 September, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Therapy Tree, 89 Cedar Avenue, Lake Villa
Meet author and illustrator of a special series of books, Gnat & Corky, all featuring special children. Event will include reading of story, Q&A and a special craft. Please RSVP to The Therapy Tree so they have enough supplies on hand.

Mobile Therapy Centers Open House
12 September, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Mobile Therapy Centers of America, 1870 W. Winchester Road, #203, Libertyville
Meet the highly qualified staff and check out their clinic at this open house! There will be a presentation on their newest service: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy! They will have snacks, beverages, games, and crafts!

Down Syndrome Developmental Council (DDC) Monthly Playgroup
18 September, call for time
Pediatric Interactions, 649 Barron Boulevard, Grayslake
All family members are invited for an interactive group play therapy session. The session is led by a developmental therapist and hosted by various DDC parents, and includes dinner. A Spanish language interpreter is available with advance notice. FREE of charge. RSVP to Kris Murray at (847) 630-4991; Spanish speaking families should contact Maria at (847) 219-9200.

Special Needs Equipment Sale
22 September, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Laremont School, 17934 W. Gages Lake Road, Gages Lake
Do you have something to sell or donate that would benefit a child with special needs? Are you looking for sensory toys, standers, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, adaptive bikes, and more? This two hour sale will allow you to sell and buy for the special person in your life. Costs will remain low and proceeds will benefit the children of Laremont School. Email [email protected] for more information or be a seller.

Down Syndrome Playgroup with Early Intervention
29 September, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Fremont Public Library- Meeting Room A, 1170 N. Midlothian Road, Mundelein
This is a time to get together to play and meet other families with a little one with Down Syndrome. Early Intervention will have activities and toys to keep everyone entertained. Parent Support volunteers with National Association for Down Syndrome will be attending and answering questions you may have and a member from GiGi’s playhouse will be there to share information on the the GiGi’s opening in Lake County.  Siblings are welcome. Please contact Melissa at [email protected] or (847) 377-8923 for more information or to let her know you are coming.

Do you know of a program or event we missed? Share it in the comments so we can add it!