Chicago Public Schools Fair Aims To Prepare Students With Disabilities For Life After High School
A Unique Opportunity for Students with Disabilities
Kimani Vines, a sophomore at Englewood STEM High School, had always dreamed of joining the military. She even poses like a cadet for photos – shoulders back, head up, hands clasped. However, after attending the Chicago Public Schools’ college and career fair for students with disabilities, Kimani’s plans changed. She discovered a new interest in animation and is now considering studying it before joining the Navy.
The Student Transition FAIR
The fair, held at Malcolm X College in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, is an opportunity for students with disabilities to explore their options for life after high school. Over two days, teachers, counselors, and other school support staff from 46 high schools brought about 700 students to check out booths staffed by representatives from colleges and employers, as well as a virtual reality area related to trade jobs and a room for mock interviews.
Addressing the Unique Needs of Students with Disabilities
The fair is tailored to the specific needs of students with disabilities, including connections to community agencies that can provide housing or training opportunities for students with severe disabilities, or trade or career opportunities, transitional day programs, or college preparation programs that don’t exist elsewhere.
Preparing Students for Life After High School
The fair aims to ensure that all students with disabilities feel like they can access the same opportunities as their peers. About 8 years ago, CPS added a new graduation requirement that all students, including those with disabilities, must come up with a post-secondary plan.
Students Practice Interview Skills and Learn about Career Options
On the morning of the second day of the fair, hundreds of students and teachers walked around a large conference area with multiple rooms. Some visitors approached the college and career booths, including Kimani, who said she liked the idea of going to college but wasn’t sold on it, until she talked to a representative from Columbia College.
Conclusion
The Student Transition FAIR is an essential event for students with disabilities, providing them with the opportunity to explore their options for life after high school. The fair addresses the unique needs of students with disabilities, preparing them for life after high school and ensuring that they have access to the same opportunities as their peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Student Transition FAIR?
The Student Transition FAIR is a college and career fair for students with disabilities, held at Malcolm X College in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago. - What are the goals of the fair?
The goals of the fair are to provide students with disabilities with the opportunity to explore their options for life after high school, address their unique needs, and prepare them for life after high school. - Who can attend the fair?
The fair is open to students with disabilities from 46 high schools in Chicago Public Schools. - What types of booths and activities are available at the fair?
The fair features booths staffed by representatives from colleges and employers, as well as a virtual reality area related to trade jobs and a room for mock interviews.
