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.
*Ofrecemos interpretacion en Español*
Seminars are typically held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM on Zoom.
Monthly Zoom Link: https://dupage88-net.zoom.us/j/87146792240
If you would like to be added to the email list to be notified about upcoming meetings, please email Ashley at aprincip@hinsdale86.org.
Text 'FAMILY' to 33339 to receive text reminders of monthly seminars.
2023-2024 Seminars
- SEPTEMBER - Transition: What to Expect
- OCTOBER - College Experience Programs
- NOVEMBER - Recreational Day Programs
- DECEMBER - Government Benefits: Social Security
- JANUARY 17th - Waiver Funding: DRS vs. Home-Based Services
- FEBRUARY 21st - Trauma
- MARCH 20th - Relationships, Dating, & Sexual Health
- APRIL 17th - Supported Decision Making, POA, & Guardianship
SEPTEMBER - Transition: What to Expect
Meet Rachel Merke, a dedicated Transition Coordinator with a passion for guiding students and their families towards a successful future. With over a decade of experience working with transition aged youth, Ms. Merke has developed comprehensive transition plans that empower students to smoothly navigate the journey from school to post-secondary life. Her presentation will focus on the purpose of transition planning and explore potential outcomes.
View the recording here. Passcode: g.h39xS#
Access the handouts here.
OCTOBER - College Experience Programs
These programs allow students to attend college, be on campus with their peers, and be a part of the college experience.
- College of DuPage COACH Program
- Elmhurst University ELSA Program
- National Louis University PACE Program
- Aurora Pathways
PACE, COACH, and ELSA are for non-degree seeking students focusing on vocational and life skills. Pathways is for degree-seeking students with Autism from Aurora University.
School | Program | Person | |
---|---|---|---|
College of DuPage | COACH | Tracy Kline | klinet940@cod.edu |
College of DuPage | Autismerica | Dr. Michael Duggan | duggan@cod.edu |
Elmhurst University | ELSA | Tim Ahlberg | ahlbergt@elmhurst.edu |
National Louis University | PACE | Alexandra Baig | abaig2@nl.edu |
Aurora University | Pathways | Jessica "JJ" Jensen | jjensen@aurora.edu |
View the recording here.
NOVEMBER - Recreational Day Programs
These programs provide in-house and community-based activities. Representatives from the programs will talk about the day services they provide, their ideal clientele, how to apply, and funding options.
View the recording here.
DECEMBER - Government Benefits: Social Security
Attorney Stacey Dembo will present "What Parents of Transition Age (18-22) Students Need to Know about Social Security." The Social Security process can be intimidating for many families and Stacey will help demystify the process. She will share information that parents need to know about the different Social Security benefit programs available to people with disabilities, the Social Security application and appeal processes, SSI financial eligibility requirements, and Disabled Adult Child eligibility.
View the recording here. Passcode: f781wq?2
Access the Powerpoint here. Access the 2024 SSI Deeming Chart here.
JANUARY 17th - Waiver Funding: DRS vs. Home-Based Services
Heather will give an overview about the many Medicaid Waiver Programs in Illinois. Our students generally seek funding from DRS Home Services, DDD Home Based Funding and/or CILA and DSCC-Division of Specialized Care for Children. They can be easily confused but are all sources of DHS funding in the State of Illinois. Participants will learn the differences between the programs as well as when they can be utilized for people with disabilities.
View the recording here.
Access the Canva presentation here.
Access the clickable and scannable QR codes from the presentation here.
FEBRUARY 21st - Trauma
This presentation will focus on trauma-informed care to build parent resilience through education of better understanding what trauma is, its impact, and what supports to provide in responding to those affected by trauma.
View the recording here.
MARCH 20th - Relationships, Dating, & Sexual Health
Zoom link: https://dupage88-net.zoom.us/j/87146792240
APRIL 17th - Supported Decision Making, POA, & Guardianship
Zoom link: https://dupage88-net.zoom.us/j/87146792240