Resources
- Community Supports and Resources
- Transition Steps Checklist
- Assistive Technology
- College of DuPage
- Department of Rehabilitative Services
- Special Olympics
- Family Group Seminars
Community Supports and Resources
The Adult Services Access Guide is a resource for District 86 students with disabilities and their families. This comprehensive digital book has more than 90 local and statewide resources, programs, benefits, and services in a one-page snapshot to support learning about and connecting with a variety of supports, including college experience, day programs, government benefits and independent living.
Transition Steps Checklist
Assistive Technology
Please contact us at AT@hinsdale86.org if you have questions, need information or require assistance.
Assistive technology is considered for all students and implemented when typical classroom supports are not working for a student the way those supports work for most of the other students. This student may need extra support or a more specialized program. The role of assistive technology is to make the student more independent while still allowing them to access the least restrictive environment.
When determining which assistive technology tool would be best for a student, there are 3 classifications of technology to consider - low-tech, mid-tech and high-tech. The team determines which type of tool is most universally accepted in the student's environment and what tool the student will continue using after he/she graduates from high school.
Low Tech - Something that does not require a power source, is easily transportable and does not require a lot of student or staff training. This is something that cannot fail. Examples: Paper and pen, calendars, special paper, slant boards, magnifiers, laminated communication boards, plastic line readers.
Mid Tech - These supports often require battery, and sometimes a computer. They also may require some maintenance or programming to work. This type of device typically requires some training for the student to implement its use. Usually these supports are ready to go "out of the box." Examples: A tape recorder, alarm clock, talking watches, switches with recorded messages, Google Docs, a keyboard or laptop to type responses.
High Tech - This class of AT is the most complex and almost always requires electricity to function. It also requires a higher level of training/programming, individualization and support. If considered for a student, this level of technology will need commitment for consistent use from the student, staff and family to be most effective. Examples: Dynamic display AAC devices, speech to text programs, text to speech programs, coded note taking software, specialized equipment for mobility, vision and hearing.
While technology is available in classrooms and specialized programs for accessibility are available, assistive technology cannot solve every problem. Difficulties with executive functioning (memory, attention, problem solving, organization) are not traditionally "fixed" with technology. A student who can write but cannot use a paper graphic organizer, or dictate for help with that organizer, may not be the best candidate for added technology. That said, every student is an individual, and the assistive technology team in our district is willing and ready to collaborate with staff to find good supports for every student who needs support. A collaboration or evaluation for assistive technology does not mean we will find the perfect fit immediately but we will work together to find a tool that works.
College of DuPage
You can use the links below to learn more about COD and its programs.
Department of Rehabilitative Services
District 86 students and families who are looking for more information about and/or to establish connections and open cases through the Division of Rehabilitation Services' (DRS) Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP) can contact:
Taryn Chrapkowski
District 86 Transition Specialist
tchrapko@hinsdale86.org
630-734-2516
Additional information about the Division of Rehabilitation Services can be accessed by visiting the agency's website.
Special Olympics
In the past, there have been teams for basketball, swimming, soccer and track. With enough interest, the young adults will have their own alumni team that competes in traditional meets, games
and tournaments.
Special Olympics Sports
- Basketball (November – February)
- Swimming (January – March)
- Track and Soccer (March - May)
Please know that all Special Olympics athletes must have an updated physical form on file through their home high school.
If you have questions or need more information about Special Olympics, please contact Kathy Craig at kcraig@hinsdale86.org or 630-468-4038.
Family Group Seminars
The D86 Transition Program collaborates with surrounding districts to put on monthly seminars around important transition topics.
Seminars are typically held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM on Zoom.
*Ofrecemos interpretacion en Español*
2023-2024 Seminars
- SEPTEMBER - Transition: What to Expect
- OCTOBER - College Experience Programs
- NOVEMBER - Recreational Day Programs
- DECEMBER - Government Benefits: Social Security
- JANUARY - Waiver Funding: DRS vs. Home-Based Services
- FEBRUARY - Trauma
- MARCH - Relationships, Dating, & Sexual Health
- APRIL - Supported Decision Making, POA, & Guardianship