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iCan Dream Center | Chicago South Suburban Special Education

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Supporting Our Interns Means Building a Stronger Community

Supporting Our Interns Means Building a Stronger Community

You may see iCan Dream Center interns working at local businesses—greeting you, stocking shelves, clearing tables, washing hair, washing cars, or helping behind the scenes. These young people are learning, growing, and contributing every day. All ourstudents have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and many have experienced trauma or systemic barriers that make this kind of …

10 Connection-Focused, Cost-Free Summer Activities for Your Autistic Child

10 Connection-Focused, Cost-Free Summer Activities for Your Autistic Child

Summer can feel overwhelming with pressure to plan elaborate activities—but for autistic children, it’s the simple, consistent moments of connection that matter most. Shared experiences like building a fort or watching the stars help strengthen trust, communication, and emotional security. These everyday interactions support sensory regulation and social-emotional growth, all while creating joyful memories together. When we …

Bridging Sight and Mind: Navigating Mental Health Through Vision Loss

Bridging Sight and Mind: Navigating Mental Health Through Vision Loss

Mental health and vision loss or blindness are interconnected, as the experience of losing one’s sight can profoundly impact emotional well-being, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Individuals facing vision loss often grapple with feelings of grief, anxiety, isolation, and depression, as they adjust to new limitations and navigate changes in their identity and …

Wrapping up Autism Awareness Month but our Journey Continues

Wrapping up Autism Awareness Month but our Journey Continues

As we wrap up Autism Awareness Month, all of us at iCan Dream Center feel incredibly inspired and grateful for the meaningful moments and conversations we’ve shared. This month is special for us because it reinforces our commitment to celebrating neurodiversity every single day. Throughout April, we’ve highlighted the accomplishments, dreams, and boundless potential of …

Op-Ed: Embracing the Potential of Individuals with Autism

Op-Ed: Embracing the Potential of Individuals with Autism

At iCan Dream Center, we have the privilege of witnessing the incredible capabilities and growth of individuals with autism every day. Our neurodiverse students engage in community internships, develop job skills that translate to employment, attend community college and four-year universities, participate in social outings, school dances, build meaningful relationships, demonstrating that autism is not …

The Why Behind Looking to Learn

The Why Behind Looking to Learn

This month, we have covered autism awareness topics of interest for our blog audience. And as we look toward closing an important gap in services for our area’s youth by teaming up with House of Light, today is a great day to talk a little about the intersection of autism and vison impairment. With Autism …

A Gen Z Perspective on Autism

A Gen Z Perspective on Autism

By: Maeve age 16 Honestly, being autistic feels like navigating life with a unique playlist running in your head—sometimes people vibe with your music, sometimes they don’t quite understand your rhythm. For Gen Z, autism isn’t something we’re hiding; it’s part of our authenticity, part of our brand. It’s challenging at times, sure—crowded spaces can …