Education Resources
“What’s New in the 2020 ISBE Parent Guide on Understanding Special Education in Illinois?”
Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center provides a summary of the key updates in the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2020 Parent Guide on Special Education.
A Parent’s Guide to Virtual Learning
This guide from the National Center for Learning Disabilities discusses how to support students with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis.
A Place for Us provides students with disabilities and their allies a space to connect, network and empower one another through peer mentoring that spans from high school through college. This nationwide nonprofit helps students with disabilities succeed in higher education by unifying disability rights activists in colleges across the country. A Place for Us provides:
- A digital network of students with disabilities and their allies to be mentors for high school students and underclassmen with disabilities
- Students with disabilities and disability advocates willing to share their stories
- Nationwide mentors who can help you navigate your higher education journey
- Mentorship opportunities
The U.S. Department of Education Department provides this transition guide to help students with disabilities and their families understand the years-long process and the options available to them as they prepare to leave public education.
The guide includes information on transition planning, transition services and requirements, education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities, and how to support the decisions made by students and youth with disabilities.
Accessible Chef is a collection of free visual recipes and other resources to help teach cooking skills to individuals with disabilities at home or in a special education classroom.
Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL)
Achieving Independence and Mobility Center for Independent Living (AIM-CIL) provides training, peer support, information and referrals, community development and advocacy services to help individuals with disabilities participate in all aspects of family, social and community life. AIM-CIL serves residents with disabilities and their families in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.
Other AIM-CIL programs include:
Assistive Technology Program – Individuals/families can apply to receive up to $500 for an authorized device(s). Only one device per person/per household.
Educational Scholarship Program – Students can get up to $1,000 for college or trade school registration/application/lab fees, books and/or class tuition. Only one scholarship per student/household. Please refer AIM-CIL’s website for specific requirements and deadline dates.Advice on Returning to School in “New Normal” Times
The Child Neurology Foundation and the American Academy of Pediatrics have joined forces with medical and educational experts to create a Back-to-School Educational Series.
The series covers issues including:
When a child should return to school
Medications in school
Holding an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the “new normal” COVID-19 era
Additional resources to inform decision-making for families of children with special needsAdvocating for LGBTQ Students With Disabilities
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students with disabilities face unique challenges as a result of their disability status and potential bias related to their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Educators, counselors, parents/guardians and other adult allies play an important role in ensuring the safety, inclusion and well-being of these students.
This Human Rights Campaign Foundation guide provides educators and parents/guardians an overview of the rights of LGBTQ students with disabilities as well as actionable recommendations on how to best support them.
After 22 Transition Program for Adults With Disabilities
After 22 is Richard J. Daley College’s comprehensive transition program for adults with disabilities ages 18 and older. The After 22 Pilot Program connects adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to career training, educational opportunities and jobs. This program also teaches students life skills, provides them with coaches and mentors, and allows them to experience social and extracurricular activities.
Students who complete this program will earn a Career Advancement Certificate from the college (not an academic degree).
To enroll in After 22, students must have been ensured a free public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), have a documented intellectual disability, have a high school diploma or GED, and be 18 or older.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Internship Programs
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) provides two internship programs offering professional and career development opportunities for students and recent graduates with disabilities. The programs help participants access meaningful employment, gain leadership skills and connect to the broader disability community.
Learn more about the programs and how to apply:
AAPD Fall Internship Program
AAPD Summer Internship Program