LADSE Lyons Township High School (LTHS), Riverside-Brookfield High School (RBHS), and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program at Hinsdale South High School (DHH). You see evidence of

LADSE The LaGrange Area Department of Special Education

Vocational AllianceLADSE The LaGrange Area Department of Special Education

Vocational AllianceBusiness and Education Partnerships 2014 - 2015 Building Bridges, Connecting Students, and Driving SuccessBusiness and Education Partnerships 2014 - 2015 Building Bridges, Connecting Students, and Driving Success

‘A YEAR IN REVIEW’ 2014 - 2015

LADSEVocational Alliance

Building the Future Now

‘A YEAR IN REVIEW’ 2014 - 2015

LADSEVocational Alliance

Building the Future Now

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Thank you to the following businesses for your partnership with the Vocational Alliance members: Lyons Township High School District 204, Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of DuPage West Cook and LADSE. These business partnerships are key to student vocational growth and successful transition into the world of work.

Together, we are “Building the Future Now.” Adventist Hinsdale Hospital - Docks - Kitchen - Linens - Mail Room - Sterile Supplies - WarehouseAdventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital - Emergency Department - Environmental Services - Food Service - Materials Management - Healthcare at Home - H.I.M. - Pastoral Care - Plant Operations - Security - Sterile Processing - Radiology - RegistrationAdventist Hospital FoundationAlex & Aldo’s RistoranteAramarkAthleticoAutonomyWorksBarker Shopbb’s Baby DonutsBill’s PlaceBottle & BottegaBrookdale Burr RidgeBrookfield ZooBrookfield Zoo - Hamill Family Play ZooBrookfield Zoo - LibraryBurger King - JolietCantataCantata Adult Life ServicesCatNap from the HeartCasey’s MarketChicago Cook Workforce PartnershipCinemark Theater - North RiversideCISCOCommunity Park District of Lagrange ParkContinental MotorsDino’s Pizzeria and Fast FoodEden Child Care CenterElementsElmhurst CollegeFamily Video - LaGrangeFamily Video - Westchester

First Methodist Church of LaGrangeFlurGrace Episcopal ChurchGrand Avenue PreschoolGreat American BagelHanson CenterHarley- Davidson Windy CityHelping Hand ServicesHinsdale Humane SocietyHinsdale South H.S. – RecyclingChicago Oakbrook Hills - Hilton Resort and Conference CenterHodgkins Park DistrictHodgkins Public LibraryHoney Bee CafeIllinois Children Masonic HomeImpact Dance Studio - CountrysideImpact Dance Studio - LaGrangeIndian Prairie LibraryJ Benak Services Inc.Jewel-OscoJostensKensington SchoolLaGrange Public LibraryLaGrange Theater Laidlaw Elementary SchoolLittle People’s CountryLoyola University & Medical CenterLoyola Center for FitnessLoyola Hospital - MailroomLoyola Hospital - ORLoyola Hospital - PEDSLoyola Hospital - TransportLoyola University of ChicagoLoyola University of Chicago FitnessLTHS North Campus LibraryLyons Township High School North & South CampusLyons Township High School Transition House GardenMAAS AutoMagic NailsMidwest Operating EngineersMoney Management EducatorsNew Hair ImageNorth Riverside LibraryNow ServingOasis Women’s Fitness & Spa

Palmers PlacePark District of LaGrangeParts TraderPleasantview Fire DepartmentPlymouth Place Senior LivingOak Park ArmsQuest FoodsRadius Product DevelopmentRiverside Brookfield High SchoolRBHS - Audio Visual DepartmentRBHS - Special Services DepartmentRBHS - Special Services Department ChairRBHS - TransitionRBHS - AthleticsRight FitRiverside Public LibraryRobert Crown CenterRolling LanesSaint Francis Xavier Food PantrySeason’s HospiceShredderWorksSnackersSubcon IndustriesSuper DealsTargetThe Eval CenterThe Greater LaGrange YMCA of Metro ChicagoThe LeaderShopThe Max McCook Athletic & Exposition CenterTischler’sTJ MaxxToyota ParkTropical SnoTurano BreadUnited KitchenUPSVillage of BrookfieldVillage True Value HardwareVolkswagenVulcanWalgreens - CountrysideWalgreens - Indian Head ParkWalgreens - LaGrangeWalmartWest Suburban Senior ServicesWest Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry

LADSE Vocational Alliance Business Education Partnerships 2014 - 2015

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Partnerships have long been the foundation of our success, but this year is likely the best ever for LADSE, Lyons Township High School (LTHS), Riverside-Brookfield High School (RBHS), and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program at Hinsdale South High School (DHH). You see evidence of expanding and ever-stronger partnerships throughout this Year in Review booklet and you will learn much more about our partners as a result of participating in this celebratory breakfast. My comments are best summarized by “thank you” this year:

Thank you to the business partners who joined the Employer Advisory Board and/or the LADSE Vocational Alliance. Your participation provides students with learning experiences, job skills, and meaningful guidance.

Thank you to the business partners who contributed to today’s breakfast and/or who made other donations to support transition programming for students in LADSE programs.

Thank you to Tropical Sno for supporting the LTHS transition program by opening its business to LTHS Transition Perks.

Thank you to the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Helping Hand, Adventist LaGrange Hospital, and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership for Project SEARCH. The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently honored this partnership with its annual Community Collaboration Award! Most importantly, student interns are finding jobs and elements of this instructional model can be easily applied to other LADSE programs.

Thank you to Autism Speaks, AutonomyWorks and RBHS for working with us to write, draft, and teach a new social skills curriculum for students who are entering the workforce. The curriculum is available and may be used by any employer, agency, or school district. For more information contact [email protected] Finally, thank you to the LADSE Employer Advisory Board, and entire LADSE vocational team for their commitment to serving students through school-community partnerships. LADSE’s purpose is to sustain these partnerships and to facilitate success for all!

From LADSE’s Executive Director

Dr. Sheri WernsingExecutive Director

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The LADSE Employer Advisory Board is a vital link between business and education throughout the Vocational Alliance communities. Together we provide expanded vocational opportunities for students. Opportunities that allow them to learn, explore and experience real work in real work environments. Thank you to our Employer Advisory Board members for their vision and commitment to our students and our business and community partnerships. Meet Our Employer Advisory Board:

Stephen Pleimling, Chair, Elmhurst CollegeGary Erickson, Co-Chair, Money Management EducatorsDavid Casey, Casey’s MarketLauren Farina, Loyola University Medical CenterGregg Glotzbach, UPSLouis Hamer, Il Division of Rehabilitation ServicesMesha Jackson, Walmart

Sharon Kacsits, Turano BakeryJudy Matijevich, PartsTrader Phyllis McCall, Hilton Chicago/OakBrook Resort & Conference CenterEugene Ognibene, Heartland BankJohnetta Ryan, CISCO

While 2013 was the year of reflection for the WSCCI (West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry), 2014 was the year of re-engagement through collaboration. In the past twelve months, the WSCCI has been able to increase its presence, support and visibility in order to become a more effective partner throughout our region. By working closer with our members (especially critical partners such as LADSE), the WSCCI has been able to help create more awareness and opportunities for healthy business, all while refocusing our efforts through a new vision: to build a vibrant and prosperous community of thriving businesses who understand the value of collaboration, the power of a unified voice, and the obligation to reach beyond individual fulfillment for the greater good of the community.

The WSCCI is eager to continue to support the efforts of LADSE, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital and Helping Hand Center through their Project SEARCH initiative, while identifying ways to bring awareness to people with disabilities and the non-profit organizations that can offer support to help realize this major economic force within our economy. Just as LADSE continues their partnership with CCWP (Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership), the WSCCI has also brought CCWP on to its board of directors in order to make sure that this focus remains at the forefront of our economic goals. In addition, the WSCCI has made a commitment to focus on creating more comprehensive and robust advocacy efforts surrounding our businesses (both non and for profit alike) in collaboration with regional partners such as the Small Business Advocacy Council and the Small Business Majority.

The Chamber is truly excited for what lies ahead in 2015 as we continue to evolve our vision and mission through a series of community strategic planning activities. By working together, the communities of Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, McCook, Western Springs and Willow Springs will continue to prosper. Equally, by having a healthy regional business climate that creates and sustains jobs, enabling businesses to thrive, the support of LADSE and our many other non-profit partners will also continue to succeed.

West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Ken Grunke, Executive Director

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Thank you to our sponsors of the 2014-15 Employer Appreciation Breakfast

The students at the LADSE Transition Center (TC) started a lunch service in the fall of 2012 called TC’s CHOW NOW.

The lunch service is for businesses in the Village Market strip mall in LaGrange Park and nearby locations.

How it works: Transition students choose a different “restaurant of the week” each week. They distribute information and order forms as well as update the information on the website. Orders are placed by customers of each business the day before delivery. Food is then delivered the next day at a predetermined time. A great service!

The service allows students at the TC to work closely with the community by providing a service to their customers as well as establishing relationships with local restaurants that are used.

Students gain skills in the areas of communication, technology use, money management, problem solving and responsibility. The service also helps students increase their self-confidence and independence in the process.

The students also maintain a website with current information on the restaurants for the month and the ordering process. The website can be found at www.cchownow.weebly.com

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The goal of the Transition Center is to allow Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, ages 19 to 22, to attain maximum independence within their communities by providing them with a variety of real life experiences and opportunities. Students attend the center in LaGrange Park. They develop their independence in daily situations, understand their role in society to become responsible citizens, improve their job skills for future job choices, become familiar with the communities in which they live, and integrate academic skills into everyday scenarios.

Real Learning in Real Time + Building Skills through Real Work = Authentic Success!

Lyons Township Transition Center In 2009, Lyons Township High School began a Transition Program to serve students 18-22 years old with various disabilities/abilities who have met the requirements for graduation, yet continue to receive training in one or more of the following areas: independent living, recreation/community access, and work experience. The Transition Program offers a continuum of services in an authentic setting with meaningful practice and application of a full spectrum of independent living and vocational skills.

In 2012, the Transition Program started an in-house coffee and coaster production business called Transition Perks. After great success and hard work, in 2014, the Transition Perks business connected with Tropical Sno owner, Nick Cozzi, who provided the opportunity for the Transition Perks coffee business to open a storefront.

The business is student-operated and maintained to develop the skills necessary to obtain future competitive employment. The proceeds will be used to fund scholarships, vocational training programs, and additional future student-operated micro-businesses.

As a separate fund raising initiative, individual students will be selling private label Transition Perks coffee cans to assist with their future independent living endeavors. You can bring home their private label coffee sold at the Transition Perks location, Need coffee and muffins delivered for your next morning meeting? Think Transition Perks!

For more information, contact David Paske at [email protected] or call 708.579.6520

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Transition Perks is located at: 1062 Hillgrove Avenue in Western Springs, IL Open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 10:30am.

Gluten free products by Flur are also available.

The goal of the Lyons Township High School Transition Program is to create vocational experience as well as teach independence for life. Gardening has been one way to cover all of those areas of learning with one project. What began as a very humble experiment with two raised beds about five years ago has evolved into a quarter acre garden with partnerships at local restaurants as well our presence at the La Grange Farmers Market.

Given the success of these initial efforts, the Lyons Township High School Board of Education supported the installation of a ¼ acre organic garden just east of the Transition House. The garden includes outdoor classroom space, ADA accessible pathways and raised beds, beautiful wrought iron fencing, six raised vegetable beds, along with decorative shrubbery, flowers and trees.

The garden is largely self-sufficient with little capital investment required beyond the landscape/construction elements. With our stall at the La Grange Farmer’s Market and direct sales to local chefs, students are learning about the responsibilities of raising funds to sustain viability. The exposure to gardening, green initiatives, nutrition/healthy living and involvement in the Farmer’s Market is consistent with many of the objectives that Transition students work on for lifelong learning, vocational experience, community interaction and greater independence.

This project has been approved and is supported by the Cook County Extension Master Gardener Program. This affiliation has helped foster relationships for the Lyons Township High School Transition Program. The produce from the Transition House is given to a variety of local businesses including:

• The Fruit Store • Nicksons Eatery • Now Serving • St. Francis Food Pantry • Vie in Western Spring’s

For more information, contact Joseph Duffy at [email protected] or call 708.579.6500.

Transition House Garden

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Currently in it’s 12th year, ShredderWorks continues to grow and to provide valuable work experiences for our students as well as a valuable service to the community. There have been 10 students connected with ShredderWorks so far this school year. We welcomed 14 new customers this year and added an additional shredding machine to our space which has helped us keep production high. In March, our crew surpassed their targeted goal of shredding 855 pounds by an additional 289 pounds! One student increased his average pounds shredded from 5 pounds per class period to 20 pounds per class period! The students earned a pizza party for their efforts!

The ShredderWorks program operates year round. The Riverside Brookfield High School students use this program during the school year and during summer with work program time funded through the Chicago Cook County Partnership at LADSE.This document destruction work program offers local businesses, community organizations, school districts, public municipalities and individual community members the opportunity to have their shredding done by an efficient and secure cross-cut document destruction service while supporting student work-learning.

All customers receive a receipt of document destruction. Guidelines of the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) are followed.

“Don’t let your information fly off into someone’s hands!” Call ShredderWorks at 708.442.3997 to arrange a drop off time. No job is too small!

Shredder Works at Riverside Brookfield High School

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The Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital Project SEARCH ProgramIn 2013, LADSE was asked by the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Service to partner with them in bringing the Project SEARCH Program to the State of Illinois. This successful program has laid the foundation for 5 other programs in Illinois. The Project SEARCH model originated at Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital in 1997. The successful model has been replicated and it is opening doors for transitioning students with disabilities in over 300 programs worldwide. The employment rate average is 85%. Project SEARCH is a work immersion model for students who are 18-22 years old and ready for their last year of school. Students attend the program daily at Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital, based on a school calendar. The new “Interns” will have three, 10-week, internships across the year. Interns start their day in class, then go to their internship where they spend 4.5 hours working. The interns return to class to debrief the day and work on their class assignments. Each internship is designed to build a core set of skills around the talent and interests of the students. The goal at the end of the program is employment in the community.

Adventist LaGrange Memorial Hospital (ALGMH) is the business arm of the program. They, along with LADSE, Helping Hand, Division of Rehabilitation Services and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership are the partners in the ALMH Project SEARCH program. Each partner has a collaborative role in creating pathways for successful outcomes for each intern.

This collaborative partnership has been awarded the 2015 Champions in Leadership Award for Community Collaboration by the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

For more information contact Karen Steffan at [email protected] or 708.482.1170

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We would like to thank the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center for their partnership with LADSE. We are proud of the student’s progress due to the Hilton’s commitment to our program and our students.

This year, the 23rd year as a Host Site Partner with LADSE, nine students worked side-by-side with key employees learning the technical side of their positions. Students also learned about communication in the workplace, professionalism, time management, workplace rules, following directions, and

teamwork throughout their work experiences. The areas our students work and learn in are Food Prep, Kitchen, Laundry, Conference/Event Services, Lobby Services and Room Service preparation. Stefan Muele, Executive Director, along with his staff, are looking forward to the expansion of the program, more opportunities for authentic success!

Host Site Partnerships

Loyola University & Medical Center and LADSE are completing the 22nd year of partnership. The Transitional Work Experience Program (TEP) at Loyola University & Medical Center offers students the opportunity for hands on learning throughout the hospital campus, in areas of student interest. Students who have had in school and /or other group work experience in the community apply to attend this program. Participants work alongside other Loyola staff in their assigned department.

This year, five students had the opportunity to learn and work alongside mentors. Our students worked in the following departments: Linens, Transport, Mailroom, OR Materials and Pediatrics Volunteer. Each student has grown from their experience at Loyola. Students gain technical skills of the job in addition to important soft skills, all in preparation for their independence in the world of work. We look forward to adding more training options next year in partnership with staff at Loyola.

Loyola University & Medical CenterLADSE Transition Experience Program Tricia Iraci, Employment Specialist

Hilton Chicago OakBrook Hills Resort & Conference Center LADSE Transition Experience Program Tricia Iraci, Employment Specialist


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This year, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program provided direct support and/or training to a record number of Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) students. Out of 79 students in the DHH program, 58 are enrolled in DRS. We have placed these students in over 40 different work experiences throughout the school year, with most students having at least three training experiences. Nine students have been hired competitively this year.

The DHH Transition Center has expanded its micro-business, TC Chow Now. The students deliver weekly carry-out restaurant lunches to 6 area businesses and services. They are learning a variety of life-long work, communication and social skills within this work experience.

The instructional staff at Hinsdale South is a vital part of the work experience program. When students receive a stipend check, the teachers incorporate banking into their weekly lessons and community outings. They also re-teach and role play work issues that arise on the job. We are extremely appreciative to the teachers, aides, coaches, therapists, social worker, counselor and behavior specialists that offer daily support to the work program. The following businesses are partners in developing opportunities for work-learning: Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, LaGrange Family Video, Brookfield Zoo, Seasons Hospice, Impact Dance Studio, Jostens, Indian Prairie Library, and Hinsdale Humane Society.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Hinsdale South High Schoolby Candy Cunningham, DHH Vocational Coordinator

Lyons Township High School had approximately 80 students participating in work programming through the LIFE program, North Campus Work Program and the Transition Program. The programs have strived to develop new training opportunities and expand upon current work sites to provide experiences that promote independence and build skills for future employment.

The Transition Program has expanded the Transition Perks business by opening their own coffee shop in Western Springs. The LTHS Work programs have developed new community partnerships, with 13 businesses in the community: Hodgkin’s Public Library, Hodgkin’s Park District, Oasis Women’s Fitness and Spa, Max

McCook Athletic and Exposition Center, Rolling Lanes Bowling Center, Flur, Ticshlers, Bottle and Bottega, Honey B, Elmhurst College Men’s Basketball Team, Laidlaw Elementary School, Catnap, Super Deals and LaGrange Theater.

Currently students are employed at Tony’s Finer Food, Ledo’s Pizza, Mariano’s, DMJ Snow Plowing, bb’s Baby Donuts, Grand Avenue Preschool, Wendy’s and 3 students are employed at Jewel in Countryside. We appreciate the commitment and continued support of our community partners.

District 204 Lyons Township High School North and South Campus Work Program by Cara Brown, LTHS Vocational Coordinator and David Paske, LTHS Transition Coordinator

District Transition Programs

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It’s been another busy year at Riverside Brookfield High School! This year, the vocational and transition programs have supported 29 students in 45 job experiences with 17 different employers. We are excited to have North Riverside Library as one of our new business partners. They are providing work experiences for 2 of our students. West Suburban Senior Center, an ongoing volunteer site for the students in our transition program, is another new employer this year. In addition we have “reconnected” with some previous business partners, the Greater LaGrange Area YMCA of Metro Chicago and The Eval Center in Westchester.

The RB Transition Program had the privilege of working with 10 participants this school year. We continue our community-based programming with connections at the LaGrange YMCA for fitness, book club at the Riverside Public Library, and providing recreational programming for seniors at the West Suburban Senior Center. Additionally, the transition program was excited to increase access and opportunity for young adults to expand their interests and knowledge through post-secondary learning opportunities. We had three students accessing classes at either Triton or Morton College, as well as, students participate in classes at CSS Academy.

In addition, efforts are continuing to increase the number of students accessing DRS (Division of Rehabilitation Services) supports for college and career goals. Over 23 students met with a DRS counselor this year to apply for the program. Lastly, a class was recently added within the vocational program that focuses on the social skills needed to independently access the community for work, recreation and adult living. The students are having a wonderful time and were able to enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant.

We would like to thank all our employers and community partners for the invaluable roles you play in assisting our students to grow in independence, learn new work skills and fully access their communities. Please know you are truly appreciated!

District 208 Riverside Brookfield High School Work and Transition Program By Ronnie Carey, RBHS Transition Specialist

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Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) recognizes the value of work learning and work experience for students with disabilities while they are in high school. The LADSE/DRS partnership began as a pilot and grew into a statewide model as a work experience support system for transition age students. While in high school, the DRS Transition Specialist works with students, families and districts by providing guidance and counseling, work learning and work experience opportunities. The Transition Specialist also assists students in identifying linkages to post high school supports.

We were honored to have been asked by DRS to partner with them on Project SEARCH. This program, still in its first year, has brought many people together with the goal of employment for 10 student interns. The Adventist Memorial Hospital has an exceptional team and are exceptional partners in this effort. Helping Hand Services staff, along with the LADSE Vocational Alliance, has committed resources and talent and blended the partnership to make this program successful. We recognize David Hansen, Director and Kathryn Kaniewski, STEP Advisor for bringing this model to Illinois and giving us this opportunity to assist in laying the groundwork.

The LADSE/DRS Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP) is sponsored by the IL Division of Rehabilitation Services. Services are designed to assist eligible students achieve their goals in employment, education and training, and independent living. During calendar year 2014, the LADSE DRS Transition Specialist, Alex Budziszewski, worked with over 300 students throughout the districts and programs we serve.

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (CCWP) aims to improve services, reduce costs and support job creation and economic development across the Cook County Workforce system. This collaborative partnership has supported highly successful opportunities for youth throughout the LADSE service area. We appreciate the opportunity to offer in-school youth valuable workplace training skills through the funding opportunities made available to us from the Chicago Cook workforce Partnership.

Our CCWP Summer Work Program enabled 45 in-school youth to gain over 3,500 hours of work experience. In addition, we were awarded a second grant from the Department of Human Services and CCWP that offered us the opportunity to design a more flexible schedule that focuses on out-of-school youth. To date, 10 students have participated in this program and have gained over 1,000 hours of work experience.

Funding for both of those programs has made it possible for 55 in and out-of-school youth to have 4,500 hours of work experience within 10 months. We appreciate ongoing training offered to our staff from CCWP. We acknowledge our CCWP team, Regional Manager Jennifer Quick and Program Coordinator Zaida Chaidez, for their commitment and expertise shared with our staff throughout the year.

Program Funding Partnerships

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Distinctive Programs for Districts, Students and Families

The Brookfield Zoo has been a partner with LADSE since 2001. Through a grant initiative under Community Memorial Foundation, this partnership developed a tool for zoo visitors with Autism to be able to enjoy their visit to the zoo. The tool is a visual map and a visual organizational tool for support that is still available today. As the partnership grew and developed, more opportunities were created for district students to work and learn in the Hamill Family Play Zoo, as part of their work program. Today, Brookfield Zoo has developed multiple initiatives to assist visitors with Autism and other communication disorders to enjoy the zoo, volunteer and/or work at the zoo.

The Brookfield Zoo staff support tours of Career Academy students and student job shadows with LADSE and joint community and district programs. Thank you Brookfield Zoo for your continued partnership and inclusive program opportunities!

Brookfield Zooby Karen Steffan, LADSE Coordinator of Vocational Programs

1.2.Connect is a Vocational Educational Job Club tailored to school and students’ needs, focused on the introduction to the world of work. Facilitated through supported study halls, vocational classes, and monthly outings students gain insight on employment preparation, job seeking, and job maintenance. Through the 6 units and 36 session curriculum, collaboratively

taught in a partnership with vocational staff from the school, students develop skills which leads to future success as an employee. During the 2014-2015 school year 93 students from Lyons Township High School and Riverside Brookfield High School have participated in 1.2.Connect.

1.2 Connectby Pierre Michiels, LADSE/CCWP Job Developer

This will be LADSE’s 10th straight year with a summer Career Academy. We are proud to say that, as of this year, the Career Academy program will have served over 150 LADSE students and families. Career Academy is a program founded on the idea of direct experience as a method of learning. Each year 12 to 15 students will visit up to 18 different industries in order to assess their own personal interests and vocational goals.

To date, the LADSE Career Academy has facilitated over 140 different job shadows. That number grows each year as new community partners embrace the role direct contact has on shaping students’ vocational goals. Thank you to our LADSE board and to our community partners for helping to make this program such a success. Career Academy 2015 will be hosted by Lyons Township High School.

Career Academyby Alex Budziszewski, LADSE/DRS Transition Specialist

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Unique Initiatives are Building Bridges. Connecting Students. Driving Success!

Thank you to our Business Partners.

Prepping for the World of Work in Data Management and Processingby Karen Steffan, LADSE Coordinator of Vocational ProgramsThis partnership trio focused on the development of a tool for training students in social communication skills for the workplace and a work set to train skills for process execution work. This package was completed this year and rolled out to local districts, transition programs, and adult service providers through a train-the-trainer format. The material will be available, for no charge, to all interested programs through

the Autism Speaks website. Thank you to Autism Speaks and AutonomyWorks for their partnership in the development of this comprehensive tool for districts across the country!

For more information contact LADSE Voc at 708.482.1186

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Next Steps is a training series on Transition Planning for parents and families of children with disabilities. The LADSE Next STEPS team members volunteer their time to provide five workshops in the fall of each year for parents and family members. This workshop is specific to Illinois and is managed by the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). This year, over 65 family members attended the workshops.

In addition, the team has delivered the training to 35 University of Illinois students in the applied sciences program LEND and 13 families from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. This fall, the NEXT STEPS workshops will be hosted by Riverside Brookfield High School and will run Tuesday evenings, October 6th through October 27th, 6:00-8:30pm. Next steps a resource fair is planned for November 12th.

For more information contact LADSE Voc at 708.482,1186.

NEXT STEPS: The Transition Training Series for Parentsby Karen Steffan, LADSE Coordinator of Vocational Programs

This year, in tandem with the NEXT STEPS the Transition Series, we offered a Resource Fair which was open to the public. This was a joint effort of our LTHS and RBHS district staff and the NEXT STEPS team at LADSE. This venue gave 120 parents

and families opportunity to meet over 40 current and post-secondary supports and services agencies, organizations and educational program providers.

Transition Resource Fairby Joanne Messina, PhD., Transition Consultant

Documents

LADSE Lyons Township High School (LTHS), Riverside-Brookfield High School (RBHS), and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program at Hinsdale South High School (DHH). You see evidence of