[Adta] Multiple Questions about Resources in IL/WI

[Dance2heal2 at aol.com]

Hello all!
 
I'm writing to request any input regarding availability/quality of social  
support systems and job opportunities in the area of Greater Chicago and  
Southern Wisconsin.
 
My family is preparing to relocate back to the midwest from the east coast  
in the near future. My husband will be working in Elk Grove village, not far  
from Chicago's O'Hare airport. He is willing to commute.
 
We have two little boys, aged 4 years and 20 mos. Both of them have  special 
medical needs. My oldest son, Iain, has asthma. My youngest, Duncan, has  
diabetes and down syndrome. We're trying to figure out which state - Illinois or  
Wisconsin - will provide the most generous supports for special needs. Here in 
 New Hampshire we are eligible for financial assistance and grants from 
several  different social service agencies to cover extra medical expenses, therapy 
 services, recreational opptys, etc.. We're hoping to find comparable  
services in our new home. And eventually, I'm interested in finding a job as a  DMT. 
 (For now I'm home with the boys, but believe me when I say I'm  practicing 
my DMT skills each and every day ;-)
 
So I have several questions for my colleagues, especially those working  with 
birth-three families, who live and work in either IL or WI. In  Illinois, 
we're checking out the Northern suburbs (Woodstock, McHenry, etc.) and  in 
Wisconsin, we're looking at the Southeastern part of the state (Twin Lakes,  
Kenosha, Racine). I'm already aware of the wonderful resources in Madison, WI -  
including the Hancock Center - but Madison is a bit too far for us to commute so  
I'm looking at totally new territory.
 
REGARDING SOCIAL SUPPORTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
--Are there adequate financial supports for families?
--Is the Early Intervention program comprehensive and effective?
--What is the state's track record for supporting inclusion in public  
schools?
--Does the state have universal preschool thru the public school  system?
 
REGARDING PROFESSIONAL OPPTYS FOR JOBS
When I lived in WI before (1997-2000), I was able to find jobs without any  
additional credentials beyond my DTR. I've heard since that there is a CAT  
license, but would like to know what impact, if any, this has had on employment  
possibilities. I know nothing about IL's licensing practices.
 
--Does the state require licensure in order to practice DMT in an agency  
setting?
--Is licensure relatively easy or very difficult to attain?
--Are there a multitude of job opptys or does one have to market oneself  
tirelessly?
 
Any input at all will be very much appreciated! I've already contacted two  
different down syndrome clinics to connect with community resources, but I'm  
looking for the unique perspective of DMTs in the field. 
 
Thank you for any and all assistance --
Cathi
 
Cathi Teeter McCutchan, MA, DTR
Editor, News & Notes in The Arts In Psychotherapy
PR Chair, New England Chapter, NEADTA
Manchester, NH
E-mail: _dance2heal at aol.com_ (mailto:dance2heal at aol.com) 
 
 
 
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