Special education students and their families can learn about local programs and services that are available to them as they make the transition from school to adulthood during the ELSA Transition Fair and Information Session, to be held on March 12 at Elmhurst College.
The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA), in partnership with the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED), will host the event. More than 20 agencies and organizations that provide education, job training, employment, day programs, living options and health services to adults with disabilities will be at the Transition Fair. Some of these include the Ray Graham Association, Seguin Services, Aspire, Helping Hands Rehabilitation Center, Achieve SIU, Best Buddies Illinois and the DuPage Center for Independent Living.
Faculty and staff from the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy will host an information session on the ELSA program, its curriculum, admission requirements and financial aid opportunities.
The ELSA Transition Fair and Information Session will be held on Wednesday, March 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Frick Center at Elmhurst College. The ELSA information session will begin at 7:30 p.m. Reserve your space online or by contacting ELSA at (630) 617-3752 or elsa@elmhurst.edu.
About the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy
The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy, or ELSA, is a four-year program that offers a full-time, post-secondary educational experience to young adults with developmental disabilities. With an emphasis on academics and career exploration, ELSA helps students work to increase their literacy skills and abilities in writing, mathematics and reading. ELSA also emphasizes technology and career exploration courses, including job shadowing, internships and field experience. Instruction in personal finance is integrated throughout the program. Additionally, students have the option to audit Elmhurst College undergraduate courses, beginning in their second year of study, pending necessary approvals. The ELSA program also develops students’ independent living skills and social and recreational skills.
About SASED
The School Association for Special Education in DuPage County is a cooperative of 18 school districts providing services to 6,442 students with disabilities in DuPage County. A complete continuum of services is provided for all students with disabilities ages 3-21. Member districts provide special education and related services to the majority of students with disabilities. SASED, as an extension of each member district, provides programs and services for students with moderate and severe disabilities, and for students whose behavior requires an alternative setting. SASED also operates specialized programs on a regional basis for students with severe hearing, vision and orthopedic disabilities.