NIU held a training project for learning disabled staffs of community colleges throughout Illinois in August, which resulted in a statewide network of assistance to Illinois community college teachers.

The project was directed by Ernie Rose, an NIU assistant professor of special education. In addition, other NIU faculty provided special training and workshops for staff members of 48 of Illinois’ 52 community colleges.

“The project began as a technical assistance to people in service for disabled students in Illinois community colleges,” Rose said.

He said the project at NIU, which began the network, consisted of a two-day workshop covering assessment, learning strategies, service networking, counseling and academic skills.

Currently, these topics are covered at demonstration centers throughout the state set up at Kishwaukee College; Malta, Richland Community College; Decatur, Kaskaskia Community College; Centralia, and due to popular demand and requests, in Chicago at Citywide College.

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act has for many years provided assistance to handicapped people from age three through age 21. “Because of this act, more learning disabled students are getting a college education and given the opportunity and understanding of their abilities, learning disabled persons are very capable of completing a college degree,” Rose said.

The state’s Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), the Job Training Partnership Act, mental health, and adult education and literacy programs also have taken advantage of the training programs, which are currently titled “Illinois Post-Secondary Support Service,” by enstating representatives.

“The people who participated in the project were highly satisfied due to the interest in regulation and state network development. There is no further funding available for the NIU project, but as a result of it, technical assistance will continue throughout the state due to the network,” Rose said.