Access Living

For Immediate Release


Chicago, IL - On September 27, 2008, the Committee for the Integration of Latinos with Disabilities (CILD), DePaul University College of Law’s Special Education Advocacy Clinic and Town of Cicero President Larry Dominick will present the 6th Annual Building Bridges to Independence Conference: Empowering Communities, Individuals with Disabilities, and Their Families.

This year’s conference will include educational presentations on advocacy, employment, and government benefits. Additionally, a special track on Autism will help parents navigate the maze of treatment and educational options. A Defeat Autism Now (DAN) doctor is slated to discuss the latest advances in biomedical treatment options and a special education attorney will present on the educational rights on children with disabilities. Autism is a disability that affects 1 in 150 children.

WHEN: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 9 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

WHERE: The NEW Town of Cicero Community Center
2250 S 49th Avenue Cicero, IL

The 2005 U.S. Census American Community Survey indicates that roughly 10%, or an estimated 7,368 residents of Cicero have a disability and roughly 20.3 %, or an estimated 10,042 residents of Berwyn have a disability. Additionally, Latinos with disabilities and their families often face language and cultural barriers and discrimination when accessing information and services. CILD believes in the importance of providing culturally competent conferences and educational forums to increase awareness of the particular needs of Latinos with disabilities and their families.

For further information about the conference, please contact:
Maricela Hernandez,
Access Living


To register for the special AUTISM track, please contact:
Nelly Aguilar,
DePaul University College of Law