About

Illinois Pathways to Partnerships Project (IPPP)

Program Overview

The Illinois Pathways to Partnerships Project (IPPP) aims to improve transition outcomes, competitive integrated employment (CIE), and independent living outcome for students with disabilities, ages 10-24, across the state of Illinois.

IPPP includes collaborative partnerships among the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS), Centers for Independent Living (CIL), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), universities, participating school districts, and employers.

Students enrolled in IPPP will participate in a new, comprehensive Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) curriculum implemented by Centers for Independent Living beginning as early as age 10 and following the students throughout their school years. This curriculum helps students to prepare for gainful employment, a better quality of life, increased economic independence, and a more integrated member of their community.

Pre-ETS include:

Job Exploration Counseling
Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs)
Counseling on Postsecondary Education Opportunities
Workplace Readiness Training
Self-Advocacy Training

Illinois Tech's Role in IPPP

Department of Psychology staff at Illinois Tech have partnered with community and state agencies as part of the IPPP. Illinois Tech offers 3 free training programs. In addition, participants will be compensated for their time.

Separate trainings are offered for IPPP parents/caregivers and youth service providers including: Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), and Centers for Independent Living (CIL).

The goal of the parent/caregiver trainings is to empower and educate families so they feel confident to engage in the transition process for, and with, their child.

Alternatively, the provider trainings offer professional development opportunities to best support the youth with disabilities that they serve.

Illinois Tech is committed to using these training opportunities to help improve transition outcomes across the state of Illinois.

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