Autismerica at College of Dupage
Michael Duggan, Counselor/Professor
(630) 942-2845
Sheryl Ebersold, Accommodations Specialist
(630) 942-3798
Autismerica is a student organization for students on the autism spectrum to better educate themselves about COD and socialize with one another in a safe and supportive environment. Parents are also provided a separate meeting opportunity. Meetings for the Spring semester are held on the second Thursday of each month.
Choices: College Disability Programs & Support Services Database
Downloadable database through Choices, a website designed to help students and parents navigate through the process of post-secondary planning. Provides autism spectrum information and post-secondary resources.
Provides an online guide that lists and outlines government sources and organizational resources for students with disabilities. This information including Students rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA, how to tell the prospective school about the student's special needs and updated scholarships and grants students can apply for.
Elmhurst Life Skills Academy
Tim Ahlberg
190 Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126-3296
(630) 617-3309
ahlbergt@elmhurst.edu
ELSA offers an outstanding educational opportunity for young adults with developmental disabilities. This full-time, postsecondary program enables ELSA students to work productively and live as independently as possible.18 years and up; tuition-based, grants available.
Lewis and Clark Community College
Supported College Transition
5800 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035
618.468.4127
rellington@lc.edu
The Supported College Transition Program (SCT) was designed for students with little mainstreaming experience in high school and the academic preparation that indicates that they can be successful in smaller sections of college developmental courses with the additional support provided by a Transitions class. Students have career goals that require college credentials.
Gretchen Walsh, M.S.Ed, director, academic support center
4545 College Road South Euclid, OH 44121
(216) 373-5185
gwalsh@ndc.edu
Students enrolled with the academic support center take the same classes and must meet the same expectations as other Notre Dame College students. Students participating in the ASC may major or minor in any of the programs offered at the college. All students with the ASC participate in an orientation program separate from Notre Dame College to assist them in their transition to college. The year ends with a recognition day for the academic support center students, parents and faculty. Application requirements: to participate in the academic support center you must be a full-time traditional student, and you must submit documentation of a learning disability, along with a completed application. Services offered based on individual documentation include: note-taking assistance, extended time for completing tests, alternative format for taking tests, books on audio format, use of a scribe, distraction free environment and taping of class lectures.
PACE at National Louis University
122 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 261-3770
paceprogram@nl.edu
PACE at NLU is a three-year post-secondary program which is designed to meet the transitional needs for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities.
Options for College Success
Kevin Holbrook, Director of Admissions
1515 Maple Avenue Suite 190 Evanston, Illinois 60201
(847) 425-4797, ext. 202
kholbrook@optionsforcollegesuccess.org
Options for College Success is a non-profit organization serving individuals 18 and older, with a mission to develop the skills, confidence, and courage to transition into living and working independently.
Ketra Kuniej, Career College Director/HR
1500 W. Ogden Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
630-615-6032
kkuniej@turningpointeaf.org
The Career College is an educational and career exploration opportunity for adults with ASD, social and communication challenges and other learning differences. Career College is for students to gain skills that prepare them for independent employment, offering a highly individualized learning and training environment focusing on individual strengths, skills and areas of challenge. The Career College format is based on C.O.P.E.S.™ model of instruction. These core components (Communication, Organization, Positive Behavior Supports, Emotional Regulation, Social Skills and Sensory Needs) are the focus of the curriculum. Ages: 18 and up
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Our guide includes valuable resources for students with disabilities, such as:
- A curated list of more than 85 disability-specific scholarships
- Strategies for utilizing state and local financial aid resources
- An overview of loan forgiveness and reduction options
Autismerica at College of Dupage
Michael Duggan, Counselor/Professor
(630) 942-2845
Sheryl Ebersold, Accommodations Specialist
(630) 942-3798
Autismerica is a student organization for students on the autism spectrum to better educate themselves about COD and socialize with one another in a safe and supportive environment. Parents are also provided a separate meeting opportunity. Meetings for the Spring semester are held on the second Thursday of each month.
Beyond BookSmart
Wendy M. Craven Outreach Coordinator
wcraven@beyondbooksmart.com
630-333-6698
Beyond BookSmart and WorkSmart Coaching provides one-on-one Executive Function coaching online for students and adults.
27231 Calle Arroyo San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 496-9001
Casa de Amma nurtures the abilities and independence of adults with special needs. We provide a broad spectrum of vocational, residential, educational and social opportunities in a responsive and caring environment.
Website is designed to help students and parents navigate through the process of post-secondary planning. Provides autism spectrum information and post-secondary resources. The Choices Committee is hosting an event - CHOICES 2022 to be hosted in person at Evanston Township High School on October 18, 2022. This has typically been open to the public!
City Colleges ACCESS Centers
Each of our seven colleges has an ACCESS Center staffed by professionals who can guide you through the process of receiving accommodations based on your documented disability. If you don’t have a diagnosis of a disability, but you suspect that you might have one, our staff can advise you on next steps and make appropriate referrals.
College Internship Program (CIP)
CIP Bloomington, Indiana
877-566-9247
admissions@cipworldwide.org
CIP provides individualized, post-secondary, academic, internship and independent living experiences for young adults with Asperger's, high-functioning autism and learning differences. Ages: 18-25 years; tuition-based.
College Living Experience (CLE)
info@ExperienceCLE.com
866-376-4783
With 6 locations across the United States, CLE Centers can be found in Ft. Lauderdale FL, Washington D.C, Austin TX, Denver CO, Costa Mesa CA, and Monterey CA. Each Center location is situated near area colleges and vocational programs so students have easy access to CLE support services while they pursue their degree, college or career of interest.
Disability.gov - Scholarships
Students who are planning to attend college or enroll in other postsecondary education or training have many financial aid options, including scholarships, grants and loans. Be sure to consider both public (federal, state, and local government) and private financial aid sources.
Provides an online guide that lists and outlines government sources and organizational resources for students with disabilities. This information including Students rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA, how to tell the prospective school about the student's special needs and updated scholarships and grants students can apply for.
Elmhurst Life Skills Academy
Tim Ahlberg
190 Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126-3296
(630) 617-3309
ahlbergt@elmhurst.edu
ELSA offers an outstanding educational opportunity for young adults with developmental disabilities. This full-time, postsecondary program enables ELSA students to work productively and live as independently as possible.18 years and up; tuition-based, grants available.
The Guide for Students with Autism
In this guide, you will find:
- Information on choosing colleges and tips on college success
- Scholarships and useful resources for college students with ASD
Sara LaMontagne; Adult Services Program Coordinator
2020 Dempster Evanston, IL 60202
847-905-0702
slamontagne@havedreams.org
Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism at Northwestern University: This one year business-based transition program is for young adults with ASD in their last year of high school transition, who have the goal of competitive employment.
Higher Education for Students with Disabilities: Rights, Resources and Accredited Online Schools
This guide helps students with disabilities and their parents better understand their rights when it comes to post-secondary education. In addition to outlining laws and regulations that apply specifically to students with disabilities, our guide offers tips and information about finding a college or university that best suits a student’s needs.
JJB Educational Consultants, Inc.
Jill Burstein, MA, CEP, IECA member
1441 Hemlock Knoll Terrace Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 940-8090
jill@jjb-edconsultants.com
Specializing in post-secondary placements for students with autism.
Lewis and Clark Community College
Supported College Transition
5800 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035
618.468.4127
rellington@lc.edu
The Supported College Transition Program (SCT) was designed for students with little mainstreaming experience in high school and the academic preparation that indicates that they can be successful in smaller sections of college developmental courses with the additional support provided by a Transitions class. Students have career goals that require college credentials.
Mental Health Guide for Autistic College Students
Tips to help you feel less overwhelmed & improve well-being. This project was funded by the Organization for Autism Research.
Text-only version for those who may find the graphics too distracting; it can be downloaded here.
Minnesota Independence College & Community (MICC)
7501 Logan Ave S. STE 2A Richfield, MN 55423
(612) 869-4008
Minnesota Life College (MLC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
nAblement
Website of SPR Companies focused on supporting the training, mentoring, networking, placement and professional growth of qualified candidates with disabilities into technology roles. nAblement fosters its own client opportunities while also collaborating closely with each of the SPR Companies three strategic companies – MPS Partners, Redpoint Technologies and Talent Acquisition Partners. Qualified candidates secure professional technology opportunities suited to their skill sets, and clients secure access to this valuable and underutilized segment of the workforce while extending their diversity profile.
PACE at National Louis University
122 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 261-3770
paceprogram@nl.edu
PACE at NLU is a three-year post-secondary program which is designed to meet the transitional needs for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities.
Progress Center for Independent Living
Main Office:
7521 Madison St. Forest Park, IL 60130
708-209-1500
info@progresscil.org
Satellite Office in Blue Island:
12940 S. Western Ave. Blue Island, IL 60406
708-388-5011
Provides assistance in advocacy, housing issues, independent living skills training, and resources for personal support workers. Also provide services and activities designed to prepare young people with disabilities for the transition to higher education and employment.
Options for College Success
Kevin Holbrook, Director of Admissions
1515 Maple Avenue Suite 190 Evanston, Illinois 60201
(847) 425-4797, ext. 202
kholbrook@optionsforcollegesuccess.org
Options for College Success is a non-profit organization serving individuals 18 and older, with a mission to develop the skills, confidence, and courage to transition into living and working independently.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
OAR accepts applications on an annual basis for the Schwallie Family Scholarship program. These scholarships are for one academic year, $3,000 each, to be applied towards tuition, books, and other expenses associated with higher learning. To be eligible, students with an established autism or Asperger Syndrome diagnosis must be accepted for enrollment or pursuing undergraduate studies at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States during the fall semester. This can include four-year colleges or universities; two-year colleges; and trade, technical, or vocational training programs. For more information, please visit OAR’s website.
551 Route 6A East Sandwich, MA 02537
(508) 888-0489
admissions@riverviewschool.org
Riverview School’s Post-High School Transition Program for young adults, ages 17–22, is called GROW—Getting Ready for the Outside World.
5455 N. River Run Drive Provo, UT 84604
(801) 226-2550
info@svacademy.org
ScenicView Academy is a Nonprofit School for Young Adults with Autism & Learning Disabilities.
Website is meant to serve as a blueprint/toolkit for Illinois postsecondary education (PSE) institutions in developing inclusive programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It is also meant to support existing programs in ongoing efforts to become more "inclusive" according to the federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) standards. The background information and resources available on the site are intended to be used by students and families, as well as a general audience e.g. disability service providers.
Ketra Kuniej, Career College Director/HR
1500 W. Ogden Ave. Naperville, IL 60540
630-615-6032
kkuniej@turningpointeaf.org
The Career College is an educational and career exploration opportunity for adults with ASD, social and communication challenges and other learning differences. Career College is for students to gain skills that prepare them for independent employment, offering a highly individualized learning and training environment focusing on individual strengths, skills and areas of challenge. The Career College format is based on C.O.P.E.S.™ model of instruction. These core components (Communication, Organization, Positive Behavior Supports, Emotional Regulation, Social Skills and Sensory Needs) are the focus of the curriculum. Ages: 18 and up
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Our guide includes valuable resources for students with disabilities, such as:
- A curated list of more than 85 disability-specific scholarships
- Strategies for utilizing state and local financial aid resources
- An overview of loan forgiveness and reduction options
Disability.gov - Scholarships
Students who are planning to attend college or enroll in other postsecondary education or training have many financial aid options, including scholarships, grants and loans. Be sure to consider both public (federal, state, and local government) and private financial aid sources.
Provides an online guide that lists and outlines government sources and organizational resources for students with disabilities. This information including Students rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA, how to tell the prospective school about the student's special needs and updated scholarships and grants students can apply for.
Financial Resources and Discounts for Students With Disabilities
From the most important federal financial aid information to helpful deals to free stuff, this list of discounts for disabled students will help take the focus off bank accounts and back onto studies.
The Guide for Students with Autism
In this guide, you will find:
- Information on choosing colleges and tips on college success
- Scholarships and useful resources for college students with ASD
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
OAR accepts applications on an annual basis for the Schwallie Family Scholarship program. These scholarships are for one academic year, $3,000 each, to be applied towards tuition, books, and other expenses associated with higher learning. To be eligible, students with an established autism or Asperger Syndrome diagnosis must be accepted for enrollment or pursuing undergraduate studies at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States during the fall semester. This can include four-year colleges or universities; two-year colleges; and trade, technical, or vocational training programs. For more information, please visit OAR’s website.
