As the rate of childhood developmental disabilities increases, more Chicagoland families find themselves in need of resources and support. But one topic that deserves more attention is the need for qualified caregivers.
As a mom to a child with special needs, I know how daunting it can be to find qualified caregivers. Caring for a child with special needs requires commitment, unique qualifications, and heart.
That’s why my friend Tessa and I launched the Special Needs Family & Caregiver Connection of SW Cook & Will Counties, an online community to help families connect with caregivers who specialize in caretaking for individuals with special needs.
What started as a small group of local caregivers has transformed into a team of nearly 2,500 members across Chicagoland helping one another navigate parenthood. Families can post both short-term and long-term jobs at no cost to a network of engaged, qualified caregivers, and those caregivers have a direct line into potential job opportunities. This has proven particularly beneficial for professionals like teachers and nurses who want to pursue additional employment.
Our team perfectly illustrates the power of technology to convene and strengthen communities. The technology companies on whose platforms we operate have made our mission possible, providing free access to members and enabling us to share experiences, resources, events, and more. I hope that our policymakers recognize the instrumental role that technology plays in the special needs community and encourage future innovation so communities like ours can thrive across Chicagoland.
Jen Ivey
Lockport
