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Programs such as trade schools, vocational schools, and career and technical education programs offer individuals hands-on training and core academics necessary for a specific career in the trades and technical jobs that the individual is pursuing. These programs prepare you for the world of work.

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A community college provides a two-year postsecondary educational program for individuals to obtain their associate's degree and can prepare them to transfer to a 4-year college. Typically, community colleges are also more affordable and will cut down the cost of student debt.

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Colleges and Universities are institutes that provide students with a higher education and offer more research opportunities. Typically, these institutions are costly. They offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in various occupations and career paths.

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LINKS: https://elgin.edu/.                                            https://elgin.edu/student-services/student-access-disability-services/         

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Student Access and Disability Services

Building B, Room B105/B125

847-214-7717

Fax: 847-608-5479

sds@elgin.edu

Hours

Monday through Thursday: 7:30 am to 5 pm

Friday: Closed

At Elgin Community College, students can choose from over 130 areas of study to earn a degree or certificate in their chosen career path. ECC also provides apprenticeships, internships, and other advanced technical training experiences so students can apply their knowledge to the real world.

PROS:

Affordability for families and students.

Classroom flexibility includes in-person, online, and hybrid options.

Small classroom sizes and available accommodations for those who may need extra resources.

CONS:

It requires students to find their transportation to and from school.

Tuition rates may go up depending on where students live.

Placement test will have to be taken before admission.

(Elgin Community College, 2024)

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LINKS: https://www.elmhurst.edu/           https://www.elmhurst.edu/student-life/support-services/student-accessibility-services/                                   

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Contact Linda Harrell at (630) 617-6448 or send an email to get a Documentation of Disabilities packet and discuss the documentation you need.

Elmhurst University offers over 70 majors to undergraduate students. Our comprehensive support services, including real-life experiences and student support services, are designed to ensure your success. Various Collegiate immersion programs during the summer prepare incoming undergraduate students as they begin their journey in higher education.

PROS:

Campus resources are available for wellness and academic support.

Many career path options are available.

CONS:

Commuting to and from school if the student wants to live at home.

Pricing is more expensive than a trade at a community college.

(Elmhurst University, 2024)

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Elmhurst University | Private Education | Meeting Facilities ...

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Contact Information

North Central College

Student Disability Services

30 North Brainard Street

Naperville, IL 60540

Phone: 630-637-5264

Fax: 630-637-5462

Email: sds@noctrl.edu

North Central College has many opportunities for postsecondary education opportunities that students may be interested in. The school provides many different supports for success, such as the student success center, the center for career and professional development, learning commons, etc.

PROS:

North Central College is a diverse institution that provides equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

CONS:

Bigger college with more students attending.

(North Central College, 2024)

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LINKS: https://www.niu.edu/index.shtml https://www.niu.edu/disability/index.shtml          

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Disability Resource Center

Peters Campus Life Building, Suite 180

Monday-Friday

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

815-753-1303

815-753-9570 (fax)

drc@niu.edu

More than 100 undergraduate programs are available for students, and a multitude of resources to help individuals succeed in their post-secondary education journey. NIU helps students plan for their classes and provides academic support in writing, resources, technology, and other academic success centers and study supports.

PROS:

Diverse campus

Supports for students with disabilities.

Many programs to choose from.

CONS:

Big university with many students.

It is more expensive than if the student attended community college first.

(Northern Illinois University, n.d.)

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NIU Women’s Soccer (@NIUWomensSoccer) / X

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Contact Information

West Chicago Professional Center is conveniently located at 245 W. Roosevelt Rd. Building 1, Unit 4 West Chicago, IL 60185, United States

630-232-3250

West Chicago Professional Center is a local trade school that offers programming in refrigeration, HVAC, electrical, and combined courses. Students can utilize state-of-the-art equipment and apply their real-life knowledge and experience to become experts in their chosen field. To ensure our students find the perfect job that fits their needs, the West Chicago Professional Center offers comprehensive job placement assistance. We guide our students through every step of the job application process, from resume writing to interview coaching and identifying job leads.

PROS:

Hands-on experience and state-of-the-art equipment for students.

Job placement support

Low tuition

CONS:

No specific accommodations are available for students with disabilities.

(West Chicago Professional Center, 2022)

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Contact Information

Hope

15 East Hazel Dell Lane

Springfield, IL 62712

833-585-54375

info@hope.us

Hope is a vocational program that provides pre-employment and vocational skill training to students with disabilities to help prepare them for the real world. Students are immersed in on-site vocational training, job coaching, and placement in community-based careers. Each student is evaluated by a job coach based on their strengths and skills so they can create their unique program.

PROS:

Individualized programming.

Pre-employment and vocational skill training to help individuals with employment and employment success.

CONS:

There are no specific career programs.

The program is somewhere other than local.

(Hope, 2024)

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Hope - Hope, Growth, Independence and Joy!

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The Hope Vocational Academy provides vocational and pre-employment services to people with disabilities. Our goal is for the individual to secure and sustain competitive employment. Services include on-site vocational training and job coaching. After training, participants find placement in community-based careers.

When a person begins at Hope, they first meet with a job coach. The job coach learns the person's skill set and ideal career. They then develop a unique program plan for the participant. This plan accounts for the person's goals and desires for employment. All future training takes the program plan into account.

After the consultation, participants start on-the-job training in Hope's in-house employment programs. In our in-house training, the individual receives fair, competitive pay for their work.
Through our programs, people find joy and empowerment.

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Vocational Programs The Hope Vocational Academy provides vocational and pre-employment services to people with disabilities. Our goal is for the individua ...

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Contact Information

844-877-2688

At Lincoln Tech, we believe in learning by doing. That's why we offer a variety of career paths, including automotive, skilled trades, health science, information technology, and culinary, all with a strong emphasis on hands-on practice. Our programs provide students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen trade. Please get in touch with their institute to learn more about specific programs and the exciting hands-on opportunities they offer.

PROS:

A large variety of trade programs.

Hands-on practice

CONS:

While the website does not list specific accommodations for individuals with disabilities, the institute does provide an inclusive learning environment. You may request more information about a particular program if you have specific needs.

(Lincoln Educational Services, 2024)

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Here are some resources for beginning your journey in transitioning from high school to work or postsecondary education opportunities:

https://www.illinoislifespan.org/website-links/transition-resources/

https://tap-illinois.org/state-resources/

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Volunteering isn't just about helping others. It's also a chance for personal growth. You can develop social skills, gain job experience, and build confidence by serving your community. You'll become an active member of society, and that's a journey worth taking.

Some of the volunteering opportunities available are:

Serving/Preparing meals

Food pantry

Cleaning up the community

Helping care for animals

CLICK the link above to search for volunteer opportunities.

(The Arc, 2023)

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For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's one-stop source for apprenticeship: www.apprenticeship.gov.

Phone: 1-877-872-5627

Speech and Hearing Impaired: 1-877-889-5627

The apprenticeship opportunities not only help individuals with disabilities develop work skills and explore various career paths but also provide comprehensive support and services. This ensures that every student's needs are met, offering a reassuring level of support.

(U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.)

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IDHS Division of Developmental Disabilities provides individuals with support and services based on their needs and strengths to progress in abilities and quality of life.

CLICK the link above for more information.

(Illinois Department of Human Services, 2023)

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The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity offers job training services to individuals.

The services provided include:

Illinois WorkNet- Job fairs, job training services, resume resources, and grant opportunities.

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program- Construction pre-apprenticeship training.

Workforce development-career training and employment services.

(State of Illinois, 2024)

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References

The Arc. (2023). Inclusive volunteering. The Arc. https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/inclusive-volunteering/

Elgin Community College. (2024). You will fit right in. Elgin.edu. https://elgin.edu/.

Elmhurst University. (2024). Welcome to Elmhurst University. Elmhurst.edu. https://www.elmhurst.edu/

Hope. (2024). Vocational academy. Hope. https://hope.us/vocational-academy/

Illinois Department of Human Services. (2023). Developmental disabilities. IDHS. https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29761

Lincoln Educational Services. (2024). Put your potential to work at Lincoln Tech. Lincoln Tech. https://info.lincolntech-usa.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=lincoln%20tech%20college&click=sem&infinity=ict2~net~gaw~ar~414595835450~kw~lincoln%20tech%20college~mt~e~cmp~~ag~&cq_cmp=26446177infinity%3Dict2~net~gaw~cmp~Brand%20INFO%20US%20EN

North Central College. (2024). Welcome to North Central College! Become a cardinal. North Central College | Naperville, IL. https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/

Northern Illinois University. (n.d.). Homepage. Northern Illinois University | Your Future. Our Focus. https://www.niu.edu/index.shtml

State of Illinois. (2024). Job training. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. https://dceo.illinois.gov/assistanceforindividuals/jobtraining.html

U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Homepage. Apprenticeship USA. www.apprenticeship.gov.

West Chicago Professional Center. (2022). Chicago area trade school / HVAC & electrical approved courses. West Chicago Hvac. https://www.westchicagohvac.com/

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Independent living is not just a living arrangement but a powerful opportunity for individuals with autism to take control of their lives, own or rent their living space, and become truly independent. It's a journey of empowerment, where individuals live on their terms and may receive services from outside agencies as needed.

The ILRU Directory of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Associations is a valuable resource that will guide you to various centers in your state, ensuring you find the appropriate services you require. It's a reassuring tool that simplifies the process and provides the support you need.

Contact Access Living

Voice: (312) 640-2100

TTY: (312) 640-2102

Fax: (312) 640-2101

Access Living is a dedicated center that works with individuals with various disabilities, including autism. It believes in the right of these individuals to choose their living arrangements. It is a nonresidential, private nonprofit. The programs offered through this center include advocacy, independent living skills, transition support, peer support, information, and referral.

Pros:

Supports individuals as they navigate independent living to ease the transition.

Cons:

It does not provide an overview of the apartment type or home availability.

No information on renting prices.

(Access Living, n.d.)

Contact

Voice: (217) 223-0400
TTY: (217) 223-0475
Fax: (217) 223-0479

West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living

It is a not-for-profit advocacy center. The state and federal grants fund it. This center provides affordable apartment units and housing for individuals with disabilities. They also promote involvement in the community.

Pros:

Provides advocacy, independent living training, information/referral, peer counseling, transitioning, ADA assistance, personal assistance training, equipment loan program, etc.

Cons:

It does not provide an overview of the apartment type or home availability.

No information on renting prices.

(West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living, 2024)

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Residential programs for individuals with autism should be determined by the severity of their disability and their needs. These programs help individuals become active community members and develop the skills for the best quality of life.

Contact Information for PACTT Learning Center

773-338-9102

The PACTT Learning Center is a facility that provides residential program services to individuals aged 7-22 and individuals 18 or older with 24-hour residential care. The individuals are part of a Community-Integrated Living Arrangement.

List of eligibility requirements:

Formal Autism Diagnosis

Personality, preferences, likes/dislikes, abilities, gender, behavior, and level of needs must integrate well with the other individuals in the program.

Safety and behavior

Guardian consent

Funding comes from the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois State Board of Education, or other public or private sources.

Pro:

Many services and oppertunities for a positive quality of life for individuals with ASD.

Cons:

Living amongst seven other individuals.

Less privacy

(PACTT Learning Center, 2021)

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Spring Health is an Illinois behavioral health organization that provides various resources and services to those seeking to understand and manage their behavior. The organization offers in-home and clinic-based services.

Home Services:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Behavioral Consultation Services

Educational Consultation

Clinic Services:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Speech Therapy

Insurance/Payer Plans Accepted

(Spring Health, n.d.)

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Illinois Department of Human Services Provides Funding

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Milestones Autism Research: Adult Independent Living Skills to Gradually Learn at Any Age

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References

Access Living. (n.d.). We are access living. Access Living: Home. https://www.accessliving.org/

Illinois Department of Human Services. (2023). IDHS: Independent Living. http:/​/​www.​dhs.​state.​il.​us. https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=115292

Milestones Autism Resources. (2024). Adult independent living skills to gradually learn at any age. Milestones Autism Resources. https://www.milestones.org/map/adult-living-skills

PACTT Learning Center. (2021). PACTT residential programs — PACTT learning center. PACTT Learning Center. https://www.pactt.org/live

Spring Health. (n.d.). SpringHealth | Illinois. SpringHealth Behavioral Health. https://springhealthbehavioral.com/locations/illinois/

West Central Illinois Center for Independent Living. (2024). West central Illinois center for independent living. WCICIL. https://www.wcicil.org/