Directions College & Career Fair helps special needs students

The Directions College & Career Fair 2017 on Tuesday, Sept. 26, will be co-hosted by Township High School District 211, High School District 214, Barrington Unit School District 220, St. Viator High School, and Harper College.

The fair will be held at the District 214 Forrest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, in Arlington Heights.

The event is designed to help students with special needs and their families gain information about opportunities following high school.

"This event is an eye-opening experience for parents," said Lauren O'Donnell, District 211 transition specialist. "It is a great place for them to research possibilities and have their questions answered."

Registration opens at 6 p.m., followed by an address from keynote speaker Dr. Mark Harris beginning at 6:15 p.m. Harris, who serves as director of Student Disability Services at the University of Iowa, will speak about the top mistakes parents make during the transition to college.

"We brought Dr. Harris back based on a lot of positive feedback from parents at a previous event," said O'Donnell. "He provides a realistic perspective for everyone."

Following his speech, parents and students will be able to meet with representatives from more than 50 colleges, postsecondary institutions and career preparation programs. The event is scheduled to run until 8 p.m.

For information, contact Lauren O'Donnell, District 211 transition specialist at (847) 755-1851, or Patrick Abraham, District 211 transition services coordinator, at (847) 755-1846.