Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education- Roosevelt (ICRE-R) 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.
FY24 Highlights
- ICRE-R filled 9 staff vacancies.
- 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.
- Education Department restructured and implemented new assessment tool to measure student progress in the program.
- Collaborated with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to Implement ICRE-R Self Employment program.
Vision for FY25
Our FY25 vision for ICRE-R is to establish a winning program in all areas of transition, which encompass the following four key areas:
- Post-Secondary Education and Training: Activities and skills related to instruction or learning situations that prepare students for life after graduation.
- Employment: Activities and skills necessary for developing work-related behaviors, as well as obtaining and retaining a job.
- Independent Living: Activities and skills related to the actions that adults undertake occasionally or regularly in their daily lives.
- Community Participation: Activities and skills that help students develop interests outside of school, preparing them to engage with their community.
Introducing the W.I.N. Initiative
Work, Innovation, and Networking (W.I.N.). These principles are central to our mission at ICRE-R. We will actively pursue WORK opportunities and job training for our students, empowering them to achieve their goals. By fostering a culture of INNOVATIVE thinking, we will continuously explore new adaptive equipment and technology tailored to their needs. Through NETWORKING, we will embrace diverse perspectives and experiences, creating collaborations that inspire creativity and drive progress. Regardless of whether a student is interested in seeking employment, pursuing entrepreneurship, enrolling in post-secondary education, or finding an apartment in the community, we will adopt a W.I.N. approach to support them in achieving these goals.
We are also pleased to announce the formation of our ICRE-R Alumni Group. This group aims to strengthen connections and foster a supportive community among our alumni and students, serving as a valuable networking resource for both groups.
