Transition: Education Resources

Lake County Center for Independent Living

Lake County Center for Independent Living (LCCIL) is a non-residential, cross-disability organization governed and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities. The center advocates for a fully accessible society that is inclusive of everyone. LCCIL serves Lake and McHenry counties.

LCCIL offers transition services to adults who want to live independently in their homes in the community and youth who seek a fully productive, independent life as they transition into adulthood. Programs include community transition services, pre-employment transition services and youth transition services.

LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education

The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education‘s (LEASE-SPED) website provides quick links, event calendars and resources to help navigate the transition to adulthood, as well as training and educational resources for parents, students, social workers and educational professionals.

The LaSalle/Putnam Educational Alliance for Special Education provides:

• Parent resources
• The Illinois Valley Transition Planning Committee (IVTPC)
• Upcoming events
• Quick links to MyInfinitec and more

For questions, please call (815) 433-6433 or email lease@lease-sped.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois

The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Illinois offers resources and supports to empower individuals with learning disabilities throughout their lifespan. It provides people with learning disabilities, their families, teachers and other professionals information on state legislation, learning disabilities, awards and scholarships, and more.

Learn more about LDA of Illinois scholarship opportunities for students, special education teachers, parents and other awards.

National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind people in the United States. NFB helps create a wide range of opportunities for children and adults who are blind in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Programs and services cover a wide range of areas, including advocacy, education, Braille certification, parent support and resources, training, employment, technology and more.

A small sampling of NFB resources includes:

• Braille resources
• Free White Cane Program
• Free Slate and Stylus Program
• Scholarships and awards
• Career mentoring

For more information, contact NFB at (410) 659-9314 or nfb@nfb.org

There is also an Illinois chapter. Visit the National Federation of the Blind in Illinois website, call (312) 343-8396, or email  president@nfbofillinois.org.

National Federation of the Blind of Illinois

The National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) is a nonprofit organization serving blind individuals and their sighted friends and family of all ages. NFBI provides information, programs and well-trained leaders to help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities, and effect change at the state and national levels. Programs include:

• A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or otherwise print-disabled
• Scholarship and education programs
• Voter resources
• Statewide and local chapters

Visit NFBI’s website to view the complete list of Illinois chapters and contact information.

Please contact the chapter nearest you for more information.

National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center

The National Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center provides technical assistance and resources to support youth and young adults with disabilities and their families during the transition to adulthood. RAISE provides information, toolkits, webinars and support to help individuals:

• Better understand vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs and services
• Communicate more effectively with transition, rehabilitation and other professionals
• Understand the Rehabilitation Act and how it supports employment, supported employment and independent living
• Develop an Individualized Plan for Employment

RAISE’s resources include:

• The RAISE Youth Engagement Toolkit Series
• Parent Centers
• Resources for self-advocates, families, partners and parent centers
• Adult Ally Toolkit and Podcasts – to guide and empower adults in disability advocacy, post-secondary transition, education and beyond

Many of the resources are also available in Spanish.

For questions, email RAISE using the form on the Contact Us page.

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides a wide range of information, training and supports to build and strengthen services and instruction for secondary students and out-of-school youth with disabilities. Its website offers:

• Training and technical assistance.
• Easy-to-find transition topic areas. Each topic includes an additional list of key resources, related topics and training webinars.
• Webinars and toolkits

For any questions, contact NTACT:C online.

PACER Center Transition and Employment Resources

PACER Center provides 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

“A Parent’s Guide – 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 (ISBE) 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.

Review individual topics and chapters or download a complete copy of “A Parent’s Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois” on ISBE’s website.

Perkins School for the Blind College Readiness Resource Center

Perkins School for the Blind College Readiness Resource Center helps students and the many people involved in assisting them prepare for success. Students, families and education professionals can access helpful planning and assessment tools, checklists and resources for going to college, pre-college training programs or heading straight to work.

The College Readiness Resource Center includes:

• Resources for families to start planning early
• Information on the laws that affect the transition from high school to college
• How to get students ready for life after high school
• The College Readiness Checklist and Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) Toolkit