We are appealing for your support to establish post-secondary educational opportunities for adults with cognitive disabilities through Southwestern Illinois College.

Currently, there is a significant gap in educational accessibility for these adults, limiting their opportunities for growth, self-empowerment, and contribution to society. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 35% of young adults with cognitive disabilities continue their education within six years of leaving high school, compared to 53% of their non-disabled peers (Snyder, de Brey, & Dillow, 2019). The lack of post-secondary opportunities in Southern Illinois reflects this national issue on a local level.

SWIC's strategic plan indicates an intention to "deliver policies, programs, and opportunities that deliberately seek input, participation, and representation from underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized communities and to foster a culture of belonging for all, particularly underserved students." 

Adults with cognitive disabilities represent such an underserved population, yet there are no educational opportunities in our area for individuals who are not seeking a degree.  The mental and physical health costs resulting from a lack of community engagement are enormous. Currently, the only post-secondary educational opportunities lie outside our district forcing long commutes on students and parents and barring many from participation.

We believe in the right of these individuals to access appropriate educational opportunities. Their underrepresentation in local post-secondary institutions reflects a poignant, urgent need for change. Join us in advocating for improved access to, and the creation of, post-secondary education opportunities for adults with cognitive disabilities in Southern Illinois. Let's bridge the gap in educational accessibility and make progress towards greater inclusivity. Please take a moment to read the following heartfelt parental pleas and sign the petition.

"As a parent of a special needs young adult who has finished the Belleville district 201 program, my daughter, Kennedy, is in need of a local special needs program for those who have aged out of the public education system. 

Kennedy currently attends Lewis and Clark's College for Life program in Edwardsville on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  This program offers a continued learning and socialization program which gives these individuals more than a classroom education.  College for life offers a community where they are given the opportunity to socialize, to be encouraged, to make friends, to learn and most importantly - to have a place where they feel like they belong.  They not only get these many experiences, but they are able to feel connected to their college campus. Kennedy is proud to let others know that she attends college - Lewis and Clark.

Even though Kennedy's motivation in attending College for Life is not to receive a certificate or degree, she is attending for so many more reasons. The quality of her life is so incredibly enriched because of the two days a week she attends College for Life. 

I am so thankful for this program!  It has been an absolute blessing for Kennedy!   I am saddened for those families who cannot take advantage of this program because of the travel.  I am disappointed that there is not a College for Life program in the Belleville area - which would give local residents a place to go. The number of individuals a program like this would benefit in the Belleville area would be absolutely off the charts. The commute to Edwardsville is a challenge for many families and for some, it makes it an impossible option for their child.

A Belleville area College for Life program is a very long time coming!  This is a huge need for our community, but no one has been able to make it happen.  We are here to keep this discussion going as long as it takes so that we can make this need a reality."  Lisa Elbe, Parent

"My son, a student with autism spectrum disorder, is currently enrolled in an educational program in Edwardsville. Due to the absence of local options for students with intellectual disabilities, he faces a daily commute of 6 hours, traveling three hours each way. This lengthy commute begins with the earliest morning bus at 6 AM, only to arrive at the college at 9 AM.  It is a significant burden on him, both physically and emotionally as well as a significant barrier. A local program would give my son a sense of belonging to his community and would eliminate both the emotional and financial cost of this commute."  Sonji Palmer, Parent

The need for continued education for adults with intellectual disabilities is huge and urgent!  When my daughter turned 22 she didn't stop learning though the education system prevented her from this opportunity.
Adults with disabilities have the capacity to learn just like the rest of us. College for Life can bring those life-sustaining learning opportunities back with classes like Self Advocacy, Healthy Living, Computers, Pop Cultures, Literature, and Current Events just to name a few. Not to mention the importance of social interaction with friends & teachers! Continued education will help my daughter and her friends be more self sufficient and better able to adapt in our community.  It's a Win-Win!"  Kathy Harnar, Parent

This is what a day looks like for my two sons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  It starts with getting ready for school, then a two hour commute.  They have been up three to four hours before school even begins.  Yet when they arrive on the campus of CFL in Edwardsville, they are eager and delighted.  They strive to do their best in all their classes.  They are learning socialization and self-advocacy and they are developing friendships.  Now just imagine if their commute could be shortened; if we could bring such a program closer to home.  How much more they could benefit from knowing their OWN community cares about their well-being and growth.  Pamela Harvey, Parent

"Creating an accessible place for lifelong higher learning for my daughter with an intellectual disability ensures she and her friends can continue growth, independence, and a sense of belonging in an inclusive environment in the community they live. It's a vital step in shaping their future."  Kelly Calloway, Parent