Few activities can provide quality state-of-the-art information to professionals and families as focused workshops and conferences. Information is often provided by trained professionals who not only provide the latest news of their field, but present it with enthusiasm. These events also provide participants with great opportunities to meet and learn from participants who are also experienced and have a special interest in the same topic.

General Events Calendar
The Clearinghouse event calendar list is not designed to include every training available, but to highlight special conferences and national and regional meetings. While Illinois-based meetings are highlighted, important national meetings will be included as well.

Training Calendar
A number of Illinois agencies provide regular trainings and workshops. Many of these are provided at no charge or at very low cost to cover the cost of meals and other meeting expenses. Parent scholarships and financial assistance may also be available for some of these organizations. Many of the training calendars can be found on the agency’s websites

Financial Aid
Financial aid for individuals with disabilities and immediate family members, including parents, may be available from The Arc of Illinois Consumer Involvement Program – Consumer Stipends. This program distributes consumer stipends to people with disabilities and their family members to attend conferences of their choice that are directly related to developmental disability issues. This link takes you to a .pdf format document containing information about the program and an application form that can be downloaded.