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Our March Friday Forum event, held at the Palatine Library, featured a presentation by representatives of the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

NSSEO/DRS Transition Specialists Nancy D’Andrea and Greg Hill presented an overview of the DRS/STEP program which is administered through NSSEO for High School Districts 211 and 214. Serving between 450-500 students per year, the STEP program provides vocational exposure, supported work experiences, training and on-the-job evaluations.

DRS Supervisor Cindy Lilburn discussed the process of linking with DRS adult services. A highly individualized process that  includes referral, eligibility and intake, the focus is on determining the goal and then evaluating what services are needed to achieve that goal.

Finally, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Karie Frazier talked about the Home Services Program which is designed to allow disabled individuals to remain in their home. Services available through the Home Services Program include respite, personal assistant services, environmental modifications and home delivered meals.

Thank you to Nancy, Greg, Cindy and Karie for sharing their time and expertise with our families.

The PowerPoint presentation from this seminar can be accessed here:

CTC-DRS Friday Forum 031315