<p>All, first thanks for taking the time to read my post. I am a sister of a low IQ HS senior. She is about to graduate and is looking for colleges in the state of IL that can offer programs to help her learn a trade or achieve an associates or bachelors degree. She needs a school that can work with her as an individual to meet her learning needs. Are any of you aware of any IL schools that can work with borderline low average IQ individuals?</p>
<p>Why don't you start with community colleges? There are the most likely to be able to fulfill your stated needs. They have a large array of trade programs and usually have strong programs in place for special needs.</p>
<p>Also consider trade schools like schools for beauticians.</p>
<p>There are some colleges that make a special effort to help out students with learning disabilities. I'm not sure how to find them, though. My brother, who has severe dyslexia, graduated from a four year state university that helped him enormously. They provided tutors, books on tape, oral exams and lots more help. He is a tremendously successful businessman now.</p>
<p>These days there are a number of colleges with special programs for students who are intellectually disabled. This article will give you a good start on finding them:
<a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/46537%5B/url%5D">http://www.newsweek.com/id/46537</a></p>
<p>Not mentioned in the above article, but worth investigating is an organization called College Living Experience. It is a program that supports young people with special needs as they adjust to college life and move into independence. They have a program in the Chicago area where students can attend many different two and four year schools. Students live in special dorms, have hands on mentors to help them adjust to independence and college academics, and work with them to make sure they complete their educational goals. It is an excellent program, but somewhat pricey. Here is the link to their website: <a href="http://www.cleinc.net/%5B/url%5D">http://www.cleinc.net/</a></p>
<p>I would recommend calling the special needs coordinator at the community college nearest you. Here is a link for Chicago: <a href="http://www.ccc.edu/ss/special.shtml%5B/url%5D">http://www.ccc.edu/ss/special.shtml</a></p>
<p>Most college websites will offer information as well. Here is WIU's: <a href="http://dss.wiu.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://dss.wiu.edu/</a></p>
<p>Other resources: <a href="http://www.iser.com/cle/cle-chicago.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.iser.com/cle/cle-chicago.html</a></p>
<p>Have you talked to her caseworker at her current school? She may qualify for 'transition services' and that may provide access to special programs or $. Also, try placing a call to your state's office of rehabilitation services and ask if they coordinate transition services and what's available. If they don't, they should still be able to point you in the right direction.</p>
<p>If this high school senior is receiving special education services, the public school is required to do transition planning for post graduation beginning at age 14. In addition, if applicable, students receiving special education programming can (if they choose to do so) avail themselves of services through the public school system until age 21. For some students, this can come in the form of vocational training, job placement and coaching and the like. If you haven't already done so, perhaps a conversation with the current case manage as noted by the previous poster, would be helpful.</p>
<p>I'm sorry I don't know about schools in IL. But here in CT, the folks handling transition planning do have information about further educational opportunities for students receiving a wide range of special education services.</p>
<p>What your sister likes should determing what she should do following hs and of course your parents should guide her to choose a course for which success is possible if not likely.</p>
<p>I had a brother who was not cut out for academic work but he had a gift for visualizing mechanical type components. He went on to a career in drafting initially and eventually became a master toolmaker. Tthe point being that the route to the most successful and happy life doesnt necessarily include a BS degree.</p>
<p>In the words of Cliff Stoll, if we do not train both good mathematicians and plumbers, neither our theories or our pipes will hold water.</p>