OPTIONS | Transitions to Independence
College-Connected Support
College Transition Program for Young Adults With Learning Disabilities
Students who demonstrate readiness may take real college coursework while receiving executive functioning coaching, academic oversight, accountability, and individualized guidance from the OPTIONS team.
Real College Coursework With Structured Support
Students who demonstrate academic readiness and social maturity may enroll in coursework at John A. Logan College, with the possibility of progressing to additional coursework and, for some students, Southern Illinois University. OPTIONS provides college support and academic coaching to help students manage coursework, review work for accuracy, communicate with instructors, and use accommodations appropriately.
Who May Benefit
The College Liaison works with students and college personnel to support course selection, educational goals, and communication. Progress is monitored so concerns can be addressed before they become failures. The goal is not a sheltered version of college; it is supported participation in real college expectations while executive functioning and self-advocacy become more independent.
College Participation Grows With Demonstrated Readiness
Students may begin with a limited course load and increase responsibility as they demonstrate stronger academic and self-management skills. College participation is coordinated with the student’s overall OPTIONS schedule so academics, vocational development, communication, and independent living remain manageable and connected.
College With a Support System
Practice College Independence Without Losing the Structure
Students who demonstrate academic readiness and social maturity may begin coursework at John A. Logan College while continuing to receive OPTIONS support. The College Liaison works with students and college personnel around course planning, accommodations, communication and progress. Students receive academic coaching to manage coursework, review work for quality and communicate important information to instructors.
- Intentional course selection based on readiness and goals
- Academic coaching for planning, accuracy and follow-through
- College Liaison communication with appropriate consent
- Progress monitoring with instructors approximately every three weeks
Real College Coursework With Structured Support
College Coursework
Students who demonstrate readiness may enroll in coursework through John A. Logan College.
Executive Functioning
Students develop systems for organization, deadlines, workload management, and follow-through.
College Liaison
Coordinated oversight supports course planning, accommodations, communication, and progress monitoring.
Gradual Independence
Support decreases as students demonstrate stronger self-management and academic responsibility.
Who May Benefit
- Students capable of college-level coursework
- Students overwhelmed by unsupported college expectations
- Students who struggle with organization or time management
- Students who need coaching around communication and accommodations
- Students who need college and independent living support together
A Real College-Connected Environment
Start a Conversation
A Clearer Path Forward Starts With Understanding Fit
OPTIONS does not expect independence all at once. An admissions conversation is a practical first step to understand readiness, support needs, and whether the program aligns with your student.
Admissions Conversation
Begin with a confidential conversation focused on fit, not pressure.
Start a ConversationQuestions about readiness, timing, academics, living, or vocational pathways are welcome.
admissionsinfo@brehm.orgConnected Support
How This Connects Across OPTIONS
College coursework sits within the broader academic support model at OPTIONS.
College success depends on systems developed through our executive functioning and study skills program.
Students strengthen academic self-advocacy through speech and language services for post-secondary learners.
Progress toward greater independence is guided by our three-phase transition progression.
Families interested in this pathway can begin with the OPTIONS admissions and fit process.
Start a Conversation
A Clearer Path Forward Starts With Understanding Fit
OPTIONS does not expect independence all at once. An admissions conversation is a practical first step to understand readiness, support needs, and whether the program aligns with your student.
Admissions Conversation
Begin with a confidential conversation focused on fit, not pressure.
Start a ConversationQuestions about readiness, timing, academics, living, or vocational pathways are welcome.
admissionsinfo@brehm.org