Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education--Roosevelt
The mission of ICRE-R is to provide transition services including independent living, post-secondary education, vocational training, advocacy, community participation, and services to assist students with disabilities in achieving the highest level of independence in community living and employment. ICRE-R, first opened in September of 1946 under the name Illinois Children's Hospital-School (ICHS), provides a comprehensive transition program for students with physical disabilities and other health impairments who have completed their high school education, but have deferred their high school diplomas. The program is four (4) years in length and is available to students for four (4) years or until they reach 22 years of age, whichever comes first.
ICRE-R works with students, parent/guardian, local education, and community agencies to assist with coordinating services from high school to adult living. Students may attend ICRE-R as a residential student in the dormitories or attend the day program Monday - Thursday, as a day student. Each student's program is tailored to his/her individual needs, skills, and interests and each have the opportunity to learn:
- Living Skills,
- Vocational Skills,
- Employability Skills,
- Self-Advocacy,
- Social Skills,
- Leisure Skills,
- Medical Management, and
- Mobility Skills
Students participate in College Education and Vocational Training. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors are part of the students programming and help coordinate the services that will best suit the needs of the students and their families.
ICRE-R offers a wide variety of evening extracurricular programs in the arts, music, drone program, rock climbing, swim, and dance. Services at ICRE-R are offered at no charge to Illinois residents.
FY23 Highlights
- ICRE-R provided educational instruction to 32 transition students and 6 Pre-Employment Preparation students.
- Six students were able to live independently in their own community apartments with support from skills learned from the ICRE transition program.
- Students participated in the Mobility Access Program (IMAP) whereby, through the efforts of a mobility trainer, students learned independent mobility throughout the entire Chicagoland area.
- Successfully expanded our culinary arts program to include a pop-up kitchen and coffee shop.
- Students performed dance routine for the mayor of Chicago during the Mayor's community program.
- Education Department restructured and implemented new assessment tool to measure student progress.
- Collaborated with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to Implement ICRE-R Self- Employment program.
Vision for FY24
- Ensure that all eligible students are connected with appropriate housing options, including PUNS and the Statewide Referral Network (SRN).
- Increase enrollment in college for current students attending the ICRE program and provide ongoing support.
- Ensure students with apartments are prepared for successful independent living, including budgeting, and having access to community resources.
- Maintain current infection control practices to assure healthy/safe learning environment.
- Expand job and internship opportunities.
