Resource Directory /

Transition: Education Resources

  • Parent Guide to Special Education

    “Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois” is a guide for parents, teachers, administrators and others to learn about the educational rights of children who receive special education and related services due to disabilities that affect their ability to achieve academically.

    Special education laws and procedures are complicated and can be difficult to understand. This guide from the Illinois State Board of Education will clarify some of the procedures of special education. It contains information about many of the most common topics related to the broad special education landscape, from identification and evaluation to transition planning and complaint procedures

  • Preparing For College When You Have Congenital Heart Disease

    Going to college is an exciting time filled with new friends and experiences. When you have congenital heart disease (CHD), it can be overwhelming or tempting to put your care on the back burner. It’s very important that you stay in care and are as prepared as possible.

    The Adult Congenital Heart Association provides this resource with tips to help you maintain good health while you further your education.

  • QuestBridge

    QuestBridge is a nonprofit that connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to scholarships, financial aid and other learning opportunities to help them attend top colleges nationwide. QuestBridge also provides a Student Resource Center featuring a student workbook, checklists and tips for preparing, applying and paying for college. Its programs include:

    • The College Prep Scholars Program helps high school juniors become strong applicants to top colleges.
    • Quest for Excellence Awards provide high school juniors opportunities to receive scholarships, laptops and funding for partner college visits.
    • The National College Match is the next step for high school seniors. College Match participants can apply for free to colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship.
    • The QuestBridge Regular Decision program provides finalists who do not match an opportunity to be considered for admission and financial aid through a partnering college.

    Visit the QuestBridge website for up-to-date program information, application deadlines and information about other programs.

  • RAMP- No Limits Center for Independent Living (CIL)

    RAMP (RAMP-CIL) is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). It welcomes anyone with a disability, regardless of their disability, age or economic status. The organization serves Boone, DeKalb Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. RAMP-CIL services for youth and adults include:
    • Information and referral
    • Youth education and advocacy
    • Portable ramp loans
    • Independent living skills training
    • Employment services
    • Fast Track Transition services for youth

  • School Meetings for Children and Preteens: Skills Tips

    School Meetings for Children:  (English) (Spanish)

    School Meetings for Preteens:  (English) (Spanish)

  • Shepherd’s College

    Offers three-year post-secondary educational programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Programs include general education for independence, culinary arts, and horticulture.

    1805 15th Avenue
    Union Grove, WI 53182-1597
    (262) 878-5620
    info@shepherdscollege.edu

  • Special Education Helpline

    Equip for Equality has a toll-free Special Education Helpline to help families get appropriate education services for their children. The Helpline can assist by providing:

    • Someone to talk to about your questions and concerns
    • Information sheets on frequently asked questions
    • Sample letters and forms
    • Referrals
    • Other assistance as needed

    Contact the Helpline at 1-866-KIDS-046 (1-866-543-7046) or specialed@equipforequality.org.

  • TDI for Access Communication Access Scholarship Program

    TDI for Access’ annual Communication Access Scholarship Program recognizes graduating high school students who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deafblind (DHH). The scholarship program is open to graduating DHH high school seniors anywhere in the United States who plan to attend post-secondary school at either a technical college or university.

    The scholarship recognizes students for their passion and capacity to lead and serve as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on accessible communication technologies. The application window is from March to May every year.

  • The Odyssey Project at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    The Odyssey Project offers free University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign courses in the humanities to income-eligible adults in east-central Illinois. Odyssey students can earn up to eight transferable college credits in an environment designed to support non-traditional students, especially those whose education has been interrupted for whatever reason.

    The courses include free textbooks and course materials, access to computers, bus fare to and from class and more.

    Visit the Odyssey Project website for more details and program fact sheets in Spanish, French and Simplified Chinese.

  • Think College

    Think College provides resources, technical assistance and training related to college options for students with intellectual disabilities. It also manages a national listing of college programs for students with intellectual disabilities in the United States.

    See the Think College fact sheet in English or Spanish for more details. Think College resources also include:

    • Learning modules for families on exploring college options, how to pay for college and more
    • The “Student Corner” and Emerging Advocates Student Group
    • A searchable list of colleges nationwide and what they offer
    • Recursos para Familias (Family resources in Spanish)