Transition: Education Resources
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College Tip Sheet
Youth with disabilities preparing for college can use this Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet to learn about the types of accommodations available and how to receive them.
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College tip sheet in English
DSCC’s Planning for Accommodations at College tip sheet in Spanish
DSCC’s Planning Your Education and Transition for Life After High School Tip Sheet
You play a big role in making sure you get the special education services you need. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families learn more about school meetings, work and independence after high school.
The tip sheet includes a transition planning checklist and information on:
- Participating in your Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
- Speaking up about your interests, strengths and skills
- Feeling confident by knowing your rights
DSCC’s Planning Your Education and Transition for Life After High School tip sheet in English
DSCC’s Planning Your Education and Transition for Life After High School tip sheet in Spanish
DuPage County Transition Planning Committee
The DuPage County Transition Planning Committee is a group composed of representatives from the local special education co-ops, school districts, Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services office, adult service providers, vocational coordinators, representatives of the business community, parents and clients. The committee meets to network, educate, learn, share and support services for individuals with disabilities
Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)
This four-year program offers a full-time, post-secondary educational experience to young adults with developmental disabilities. Ages 18-28 high school graduates with disabilities can earn certificates in academics, independent living skills and social/recreational skills.
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126-3296
(630) 617-3752
elsa@elmhurst.eduEP!C (Empowering People. Inspiring Capabilities.)
Empowering people. Inspiring capabilities. ( EP!C ) serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. EP!C helps individuals with disabilities at all levels achieve their goals and live their lives to the fullest by providing a range of programs and services including:
Educational services
Community living services
Employment services
Harvest horticulture program
EP!Casso art programEP!C provides services to individuals in central and some southern Illinois communities.
Illinois Center for Transition and Work
The Illinois Center for Transition and Work (ICTW) provides support to special educators, related services personnel and administrators by providing statewide training and technical assistance. ICTW strives to improve employment outcomes by focusing on preparing students with extensive support needs for the transition from high school to employment.
The ICTW website offers information and webinars on a wide range of resources, including:
Customized employment
Pathways to employment
Building self-determination skills
Transition assessment tools
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Work-based learning experiencesIllinois Community College Initiative
The Illinois Community College Initiative provides academic and vocational training programs for eligible students with disabilities at in-state public community colleges and approved community colleges bordering the state. People with disabilities who are determined eligible for the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) vocational rehabilitation program may complete community college coursework leading to an associate’s degree or to a degree, certificate, or other industry-recognized credential or certificate.
DRS will help students with:
The cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies
Transportation costs
Other eligible costsSee the Illinois Community College Initiative flyer for more details. To get started, contact your local DRS office using the locator tool or call (877) 581-3690. TTY and relay callers can dial 711.
Illinois Special Education Information for Parents/Guardians
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has developed guides and resources specifically for parents of students with disabilities to help them navigate the educational system and know how to best work with district and school personnel. Visit ISBE’s Special Education – Parents/Guardians page for more information.
Illinois State Board of Education LGBTQ Student and Family Resources
The Illinois State Board of Education provides resources for LGBTQ students and their families including information on the gender spectrum and Illinois High School Association policy.
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)’s mission is to provide Illinois students with information and assistance to help make education beyond high school accessible and affordable.
ISAC provides comprehensive, objective, and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families—giving them access to the tools they need to make the educational choices that are right for them. Then, through the state scholarship and grant programs ISAC administers, ISAC can help students make those choices a reality.
The ISAC Student Portal offers free online tools and resources for students, as well as short videos about college planning and financial aid. It also offers ISAC College Q&A, a free texting service that allows any student to submit their financial aid and college planning questions and receive a response from ISAC staff.
ISAC also offers assistance through the agency’s call center at (800) 899-4722 (ISAC).