College, career fair for special needs students

In an effort to help encourage and provide guidance for parents transitioning their students out of high school and into vocational or collegiate opportunities after graduation, local educational institutions are participating in Directions College and Career Fair 2015.

The event, from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights, is sponsored by Palatine-Schaumburg Township High School District 211, Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Barrington Unit School District 220, St. Viator High School, Harper College and the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success.

All students who have received any type of special education programming, as well as their families, are encouraged to attend. Representatives from colleges and postsecondary institutions will be available to distribute literature and discuss their programs.

"District 211 is excited to once again be part of bringing the Directions College and Career Fair to the Northwest suburbs," said Renée Erickson, director of special education in the district.

"Directions College and Career Fair is a great opportunity for students with special education needs and their families to explore postsecondary education and training options as they plan for the future. With over 50 postsecondary education and training organizations participating, this is set to be the greatest event this group has hosted to date."

The evening will begin with a keynote from Mark Harris, director of Student Disability Services at the University of Iowa, on some of the top mistakes parents make during the transition to college.

From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., attendees can view a panel discussion with representatives from four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, career training programs and Life Skills training programs.

For details or to register, visit directionscollegeandcareerfair.org.