Apr 20 Saturday
The Human Rights Authority is the investigative branch of the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, a state agency that is dedicated to advocating for the rights of citizens with disabilities in Illinois. The Human Rights Authority investigates alleged violations of the rights of persons with disabilities by providers of services. The agency is unique in its use of citizen volunteers to conduct these investigations and make corrective recommendations. As such, Regional Authorities are always seeking to fill vacancies as they occur as well as maintain a pool of potential volunteer members for times when the need arises.
If you feel that you, or someone you know, has had their rights violated by a disability service provider or if you would like to volunteer to participate in the Northwest regional board, located in Champaign, please visit the website at gac.il.gov or call the statewide intake at 1-866-274-8023.
CHILDREN NEEDED FOR AUTISM RESEARCH STUDY EXPLORING COORDINATION AND BALANCE AT NIU
Children between 3 and 12 years of age with and without a diagnosis of autism are eligible to participate. Children will engage in a variety of motor tasks, such as pulling a string, repeating a spoken sentence, or walking on a straight line. Entire study takes about one-hour. Children will receive a small toy.
Interested? Please complete an interest form by going to https://www.niu.edu/huskieslab/participate/index.shtml, emailing huskieslab@niu.edu, or calling The Human Speech Kinematics Experimental Studies (HUSKIES) Lab at 815-753-5211.
Questions? Please reach out to Allison Gladfelter, PhD, CCC-SLP, agladfelter@niu.edu, or Doug Wallace, PhD, at dwallace@niu.edu.
Our research lab is located in the NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic DeKalb, IL 60115.
The Regional History Center at NIU Libraries presents the second annual Northern Illinois Regional History Conference 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at NIU’s Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center. The conference will feature presentations from area historians and scholars on a variety of topics related to northern Illinois' history, heritage and culture in local and global contexts. The conference keynote will be delivered by Professor Erik S. McDuffie from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The conference is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP. For program details and to RSVP, please scan the QR code, email us at rhcua@niu.edu or call at 815-753-9392.
NIU Libraries Regional History Center will host the second annual Northern Illinois Regional History Conference from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center on NIU's campus in DeKalb. The conference theme is “Transnational Communities and Global Influences In/On Northern Illinois.” The conference keynote speaker is Professor Erik S. McDuffie, associate professor of history and African American Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, who will examine the global impact of Black northern Illinois from the late 18th century to the present. Specifically, McDuffie will discuss African-descended people such as Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable, Ida B. Wells and Christine Johnson, the historic, all-Black municipality of Robbins, Illinois, and movements such as the Nation of Islam and the Black Arts Movement. The discussion will provide a theoretical and empirical framework for appreciating northern Illinois as a key site in the making of the modern Black world.
The conference program will also feature concurrent panel sessions with presentations on a variety of topics and projects related to northern Illinois’ history, heritage and culture in local and global contexts.
The Northern Illinois Regional History Conference is free and open to the public. No registration is required but attendees are encouraged to RSVP by April 15, 2024. For more information or to RSVP, please visit the conference webpage (https://tinyurl.com/4n2wkjfs) or contact Bradley J. Wiles at bwiles@niu.edu or 815-753-9392.
NatureFest focuses on families with elementary age children, but everyone is welcome. Extension staff and Master Naturalist volunteers work together to present multiple, hands-on, learning activities throughout the forest. Visitors check in at the registration table to pick up a map and passport to track their experience. NatureFest is a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, and the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Join us for an afternoon of interactive guidance through “nature’s calendar.” Phenology is the study of cycles that occur seasonally in plants and animals. We are all part of this calendar! As Kate and Julie guide exploration of this concept, participants will get a foundational understanding of phenology as well as experience somatic practices to help integrate and create personal connections with the information. Participants will “bind” the information together by creating a three year seasonal journal to continue the journey with phenology beyond the experience of the day.
This program is best suited for ages 13 and older. Space is limited so please register in advance. $20/person includes light refreshments and a journal to take home.
Why should Abraham Lincoln matter to you? Picture yourself sitting next to Carl Sandburg in his cozy study, among his books and papers, as he tells you his intimate stories about why Lincoln still matters today. Sandburg said his biography of Lincoln “returned him to the common people”. Hear why Lincoln's words can revive a “Lincoln-hearted” people to reclaim the American promise.
Steve Duchrow is a spoken word performer and musician who has performed the works of Prairie Poets, Carl Sandburg and Vachel Lindsay, at theatre fringe festivals, the Illinois State Library, historic history sites, fairs and festivals.
This program is free and open to all. No registration is required.
For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
The Rockford Area Arts Council presents its Spring ArtScene, with art of all types showing at all types of venues throughout downtown Rockford & beyond, plus chances to meet some of the artists, live music & more, on Friday & Saturday, Apr. 19-20.
The Creative and Performing Arts program at West middle school will be performing High School Musical Jr. appropriate for all ages. Tickets are purchased at the door. $8 for Adults and $5 for Children/Students/ and Seniors
DeKalb High School Theater will be presenting the Spring Musical 'Grease' at DeKalb HS on April 18-20 at 7:00 p.m.