NEXT STEPS: The Transition Series

Training for parents and family members of students with disabilities.
Free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Join the NEXT STEPS team of DuPage County as we present NEXT STEPS: The Transition Series.
Each night will focus on a new topic of planning for a student’s successful transition from school to adult life.

All workshops will be presented virtually. Join via Zoom using the link below. 

• Next Steps Zoom meeting link

WORKSHOP 1 – Tuesday, March 4, 2025  (6-8 p.m.)
Understanding Medicaid Waivers & Home Services: Service Inc. representatives will discuss the PUNS list and the use of Medicaid waivers to fund programs for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The Arc of Illinois will discuss other Medicaid waiver funded services such as the DRS Home Services Program and the difference between Medicaid and Medicare. 

WORKSHOP 2 – Tuesday, March 11, 2025  (6-8 p.m.)
Financial Planning: During this workshop, Protected Tomorrows will present on government benefits and financial planning as it relates to people with disabilities.

WORKSHOP 3 – Tuesday, March 18, 2025  (6-8 p.m.)
Vocational Tracks: This workshop will focus on a variety of vocational opportunities available after high school/transition. 

WORKSHOP 4 – Tuesday, March 25, 2024  (6-8 p.m.)
Post-secondary Programming: Our final workshop will focus on opportunities available after transition. Special recreation representatives from WDSRA and Laura Gonzalez from UCP-Seguin will discuss special recreation and day program options in the area.

All workshops are designed to be individual trainings. You may attend one or all four workshops in the series.

Questions? Contact Erin Hoving at [email protected] or 630-942-6783.

Day Program Tours

Wondering what day programs are available to your child after transition? Join us for an opportunity to tour and learn about available options in the area.

Fall Tour: NEDSRA-TREC
     DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM
     LOCATION: Sunset Knolls Recreation Center (820 Finley Road, Lombard, IL 60148)

Please RSVP for this event to Erin Hoving at [email protected] or 630.942.6783.

Next Steps

Informative, informal training sessions for parents and family members of students with disabilities.

Join the NEXT STEPS team of DuPage County as they present NEXT STEPS: The Transition Series. Each night will focus on a new topic of planning for a student’s successful transition from school to adult life.

All Workshops will be held in person at: 
     Glenbard District 87 – Transition Center
     2166 Gladstone CT, Glendale Heights, IL 60139
Or join via Zoom: Next Steps Zoom Meeting Link

For further information, contact Erin Hoving at 630-942-6783 or [email protected] 

Next Steps team members include Erin Hoving, Glenbard District 87; Lori O’Connell, Community Unit School District 200; Justin Olson, Elmhurst School District 205; and Sara Tatham, SASED (the School Association for Special Education in DuPage).

Ligas Family Advocate Program

LFAP provides broad outreach to Illinois adults and families who are selected from the PUNS or notified in advance of a future PUNS selection. Webinars are held to support navigation of the adult developmental disabilities system and uncover outside-the-box solutions.

Endorsed By: The Arc of Illinois
Date: Monthly – 1st Thursday
Time: TBD via Zoom

Click here for upcoming event details and registration links!

Transition Planning Committee (TPC) Meetings

TPC is made up of representatives from local special education districts and cooperatives, community providers, Division of Rehabilitation Services staff, adult service providers and parents. The committee has banded together to improve the transition experience from high school to successful adult life for young adults with disabilities. New participants are always welcome. Dates to be announced.

Coffee-Time Conversation

This is an informal discussion group that welcomes anyone who is interested in meeting other parents/caregivers of young adults with disabilities.  Dates will be announced soon
Contact person: Erin Hoving, [email protected] or 630-942-6783.