Transition: Education Resources

DSCC’s Planning Your Education & 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 & Transition for Life After High School tip sheet in English

DSCC’s Planning Your Education & Transition for Life After High School tip sheet in Spanish

DuPage County Transition Planning Committee

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.edu

EP!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 program

EP!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 experiences

Illinois 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 costs

See 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).

Illinois Student Records Keeper: For Parents of Students Who Receive Special Education Services

The Illinois Student Records Keeper booklet from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is for parents to use to keep important information about their child and their special education and related services. It is a companion to A Parent’s Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois.​​​​​​​