Meeting minutes are as follows…

Meeting was opened by Barb Petersen at 7:10 pm. April 12th DFDN presenter will be Mary Doherty addressing services through Life Management Services, PACT, Inc. Look for e-mail flier for details. Parent- driven political forum being explored by DFDN prior to 2006 November election.

Mary Ann Ricketts organized presenters and was moderator.
Below is a brief overview of each program presented. Please contact each program for complete information. PACE and Elmhurst Life Skill Program welcome tours of their programs. Call for an appointment.

The PACE Program
National-Louis University
Carol Burns, Director
847.256.5150 x2671
cburns@nl.edu
www3.nl.edu/academics/pace
847.905.2671
bkite@nl.edu
Carol Burns presented. “20 years of college based programming for students with multiple learning disabilities”, states the PACE brochure.

* Student profile: 25 students accepted each fall. Students who typically fall through the education track having learning disabilities affecting all areas of life. Students need to be motivated with a desire for independence. College age 18 to 25.
* Program: College experience providing bridge between home and world. Academics, Vocational training, Life Skills, Socialization.Student support, but no job coaching.
* Outcome: Certificate of Completion. Internships leading to possible job, but no job assurance.
* Tuition: $21,000 + room and board + spending money totaling $30,000 per year.

Elmhurst Life Skill Program (ELSA)
Elmhurst College
Nancy Cheeseman
630.617.3752
elas@elmhurst.edu
nancych@elmhurst.edu
Nancy Cheeseman presented. New program began Fall 2005 with 11 students.

* Student profile: College age 18 to 25. Reading skills at 3rd or 4th grade level. Motivated students.
* Program: 4 year program. No residential component. Academics (Math/Tech., Science, English) Career, Independent Living Socialization.
* Outcomes: Certificate of Completion. Possible job, but no assurances.
* Tuition: Fall 2005- $10,800.per semester

COD Vocational Growth Programs
College of DuPage
Sally Field Mullan
Faculty/ Program Coordinator Vocational Skills Program
630.942.3854
www.cod.edu/vocational

Sally Field Mullan presented.

* Student Profile: 18 to 56+ with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
* Program: Employment Skills I and II, Keyboard Skills, Computer Skills I and II, Automotive Skills, Food Service Skills, Hotel Housekeeping
* Skills. Eight-week courses meeting four hours each week.
* Summer Programs
* Outcomes: “Designed to develop entry-level employment skills and enhance independent living.”, states the COD brochure. No job assurance.
* Tuition: $87. per credit hour +$30. program fee totaling $204. per course. Horticulture Course meets 12 weeks for a $321. fee.

College for Life
Lewis & Clark Community College
Kathie Haberer, Director
618.468.4126 or 618.468.4211
khaberer@lc.edu
There was no presenter. Literature from College for Life was distributed at meeting.

Next DFDN meeting will be April 12, 2006. Lisle Library 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m

Submitted by: Barbara Petersen