D218 Special Education Expo Highlights Regional Support Services

OAK LAWN, IL — For the first time, Community High School District 218 and the Eisenhower Cooperative are co-hosting a Special Education Expo on Wednesday, March 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the district’s administrative center, 10701 S. Kilpatrick Ave., Oak Lawn.

The event is designed to connect families with essential community resources and support services—all in one place!. This expo provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to explore a wide range of local and regional resources that support children through adults with special needs.

The Eisenhower Cooperative piloted the event in 2024. The district is partnering with the co-op this year to grow the event.

“Our number one goal is to raise awareness for our families of the wide array of community-based support they have around them and to give them information to connect with those services,” said Dustin Cochrane in a news release, CHSD 218 director of special education.

Attendees can expect to meet with vendors offering services such as respite care, special recreation opportunities, adult and community programs, applied behavior analysis therapy services, legal and advocacy support, and assistive technology demonstrations. Confirmed vendors include Respite Care, SWSRA, the Oak Lawn Park District - Special Recreation, ABA Midwest, The Arc Illinois, Gigi's Playhouse, Chicago Hearing Society, Helping Hands, CTF Illinois, and SWTCIE Illinois.

Expo attendees will also be able to network with experts and service providers and gain valuable information on support services.

Whether families are seeking guidance on transition planning, therapeutic services, or recreational opportunities, the Special Education Expo is a one-stop shop for valuable resources tailored to support the unique needs of people with disabilities.