What a great turnout! Thanks to all our parents, students, staff members, and representatives!!

All about the Transition Fair

It was awesome to see so many of you last Thursday at Mather for our 1st Diverse Learners Transition Fair. We had various representatives from many different local colleges, employment agencies, and social service organizations to provide information and to assist students with creating an effective pathway towards their goals, post high school.

Listed below are some helpful contact information of educational/agency resources:

Marriott Bridges Chicago - The goal of their program is to “young adults with disabilities find meaningful jobs during and after they complete high school” (https://bridgestowork.org/chicago/)
RUSH Hospital Autism Assessment Research Treatment and Research (AARTS Center) - They serve to “..provide patients and loved ones with services from professionals who are dedicated to providing evidence-based evaluations and treatment options for people with autism spectrum disorder.” (https://www.rush.edu/locations/autism-assessment-research-treatment-services-aarts-center)
City Colleges of Chicago - Their ACCESS Centers creates “..accessible learning environments that reflect the needs of our diverse student body by dismantling barriers to accessible education” (https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Pages/ACCESS%20Center.aspx)
ACCESS Living Chicago - Their mission is to “...ignite disability power and pride, provide critical services, and break down systemic barriers to create a stronger, more inclusive society” (https://www.accessliving.org/)
ONE SUMMER CHICAGO - Connecting Youth to a Successful Future with a Summer job in Chicago. One Summer Chicago brings together government institutions,community-based organizations and companies to offer employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24. (http://www.onesummerchicago.org/)
Aspire Work Program - We start by working closely with you to establish personal goals. Then, we create a plan that’s right for you. That plan could help with living more comfortably, connecting with others, or finding a job. (https://aspirechicago.com/programs/)

Northeastern Illinois University - Student Disability Services (SDS) is committed to fostering inclusion and full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of their University experience. (https://www.neiu.edu/university-life/student-disability-services)
Mayor’s Office of Disability - Their mission statement “...strives to prepare individuals with disabilities for successful and meaningful job placements and career opportunities, eliminate barriers and inequities and ensure professional opportunities for leadership development and advancement” (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mopd/provdrs/CareerCenter.html
ODLSS/College and Career Services - This agency “...promotes social and economic mobility among CPS students by building systems and providing support to increase the number of CPS graduates who earn postsecondary credentials and enter into fulfilling, family-sustaining careers.”(https://www.cps.edu/about/departments/college-and-career-success/)
National Louis University PACE Program - Path to Academics, Community and Employment (P.A.C.E) is a three-year, post-secondary certificate program designed to meet the transitional needs for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities. (https://nl.edu/pace/discover-pace/#:~:text=P.A.C.E.,the%20vibrant%20city%20of%20Chicago!)

Important Forms/Documents: The following links are permission/consent forms that are connected with IEPs, SAT Testing, and agency information to assist with achieving individual post secondary goals. Please contact our case managers Mike Zeimet (mgzeimet@cps.edu) and Joseph Canna (jjcanna@cps.edu) with any additional questions:

Consent to invite an outside agency

Upcoming Events

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We are fast approaching the end of the school year. Spring final exams are next Wednesday (May 31st) and Thursday (June 1st). The schedule is as follows:

Finally, we’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment and complete this simple survey. Your feedback is essential, as it helps us with better knowing you and our DL students!

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We at Mather greatly appreciate your support. We want the best from our DL students. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and/or concerns.

Thank you!

John Luster

Diverse Learners Department Chair

(jhluster@cps.edu)