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COD's Reach Out to aid students with developmental disabilities

Continuing Education/Extended Learning at College of DuPage will offer four new enriched socialization classes this fall for adults with mild to moderate developmental disabilities as part of its new Reach Out program.

The classes, designed for 21- to 40-year-old students, will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. beginning the week of Monday, Sept. 24. Each course will be offered on a different day of the week, and students can enroll in just one class or any combination of classes, including all four.

“When developmentally disabled students graduate from high school, many parents are left wondering ‘What's next?'” said Clare Garling, Continuing Education coordinator. “These courses are offered in direct response to a need expressed by parents. We're pleased to offer practical courses that also encourage socialization.”

The course schedule is as follows:

Mondays: “Independent Living Skills” will boost responsibility and confidence. Topics covered include planning and organizing a household through daily scheduling, practical skills, and health and safety issues.

Tuesdays: “Communication Skills” will examine a meaningful exchange of ideas, feelings and information through expressive and receptive communication.

Wednesdays: “Time Management Skills” will help students set priorities and organize their days to complete scheduled tasks.

Thursdays: “Self-Advocacy Skills” will help students learn how to confidently assess their own needs and express them in a way that will be received and understood.

“Our Reach Out courses complement credit or vocational College of DuPage classes that these students may want to attend,” Garling said. “The College is committed to offering a full spectrum of opportunities for students, and these courses provide valuable information in a safe, comfortable environment.”

Each class costs $199 and runs through the week of Nov. 5. To register, call (630) 942-2208. For more information on Reach Out, email garling@cod.edu.

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