Resource Directory /

Transition: Education Resources

  • Northwest Special Recreation Association’s Online Activity Center

    The Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) launched the NWSRA Activity Center to ensure that families have access to free activities, games and other online resources that will enable participants to lead healthy, active lives. The center includes activities, resources, videos and games as well as a program guide for weekly Zoom programs.

  • PACER Center

    PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. It serves families across the nation.

    Parents can find publications, workshops and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment and other services for their children with disabilities.

  • PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment

    Information and resources for families of youth with disabilities on transition planning, civil rights, work-based learning, higher education and more.

  • 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

  • PKU Organization of Illinois Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship

    The PKU Organization of Illinois awards the Andrew Craig Memorial Scholarship annually to qualified individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) or allied disorders. Eligible applicants may receive scholarships of up to $2,000. The scholarship applicant requirements include:

    • Having PKU or an Allied Disorder diagnosis
    • Currently residing in Illinois
    • Enrolling to attend an accredited college, university or vocational school for the fall semester of the current calendar year

    A student may receive more than one scholarship during their secondary education but not in consecutive years.

  • 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