Students with special needs in Oak Lawn-based Community High School District 218 will be getting some extra help in learning how to live in the community and find a job, as well as a boost in grasping academic skills.
The District 218 board unanimously approved two BUILD (Building Understanding, Independence and Learning Department) programs Monday to help students function independently, as well as a special-education summer school program, in part to meet federal requirements.
BUILD, formerly the four-year Trainable Mentally Handicapped Program, will include three additional years of transition preparation for 18 to 21 year olds. The program will have a part-time vocational coordinator, transition/vocational teacher, five teacher’s aides/job coaches, as well as a nurse.
Michael Padavic, director of student services and special education, said students in the program are some of the most difficult to place in community jobs. Students function at about a 1st- through 5th-grade level. Padavic said the district will likely partner with small businesses, community colleges and possibly social service agencies, for help with the students. The program will begin next fall at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island.
A Community Foundation Pilot Program at Richards High School in Oak Lawn will offer two years of courses for juniors and seniors with cognitive disabilities, helping students learn daily living skills, such as cooking, grocery shopping, using public transportation and maintaining a bank account,
The district will also be adding a summer school program in reading and math for about 30 special education students who need extra help.
