A Legacy of Building Independence
For more than three decades, OPTIONS has helped young adults with learning differences transition from structured school environments into independent adult life.
Why This History Matters
Families exploring transition programs are not only evaluating services.
They are evaluating experience, stability, and whether a program truly understands the path from high school to adulthood.
The history of OPTIONS reflects decades of work helping young adults build independence through structured support, real-world practice, and community integration.
An Integrated System for Building Independence
Independence is built through consistent practice across four connected areas.
30+ Years of Experience
Supporting young adults with learning differences
Early Pioneer in Transition Education
Helping shape a growing field
Real-World Independence Model
Built around community integration
Still Evolving Today
Adapting to changing student needs
The Evolution of OPTIONS
From its beginnings at Brehm Preparatory School to its role today as a comprehensive transition program, the mission of OPTIONS has remained consistent:
Helping young adults build the skills, confidence, and independence needed for meaningful adult lives.
Timeline
1982
Foundations at Brehm Preparatory School
The story of OPTIONS begins with Brehm Preparatory School.
Founded by Carol Brehm, the school was created to support students with learning disabilities through structured academic environments tailored to how they learn best.
As students approached graduation, a larger question emerged:
What happens after high school for capable students who are not yet ready for independent adulthood?
That question would eventually become the foundation for OPTIONS.
1994
OPTIONS Begins
OPTIONS was created as a post-secondary bridge for students who had completed high school but still needed support transitioning into adulthood.
Students began developing skills in:
- independent living
- executive functioning
- communication
- self-advocacy
- readiness for adult responsibilities
At the time, very few structured transition programs existed for young adults with learning differences.
OPTIONS was helping define a field that had not yet fully emerged.
Early 2000s
Expanding Into the Community
As the program grew, OPTIONS expanded beyond the original campus into the broader Carbondale community.
Students began living in apartments, navigating public spaces, and building independence in real-world environments rather than isolated settings.
This shift reinforced a core philosophy that still shapes the program today:
Independence is built in the community — not apart from it.
2010s
Building a More Integrated Model
Over time, OPTIONS evolved into a more comprehensive transition program integrating:
- academics
- vocational development
- communication support
- independent living
- community-based learning
The goal became larger than helping students succeed in one area.
It became helping young adults practice independence across school, work, home, and community life.
Today
A Real-World Transition Environment
Today, OPTIONS serves young adults ages 18–25 in a structured, college-connected environment in Carbondale, Illinois.
Students live in apartments, engage in vocational experiences, access college opportunities, and practice daily independence within a real college-town community connected to Southern Illinois University.
While the program has evolved over the years, its mission remains unchanged:
Helping young adults move toward meaningful adult lives with structure, support, and real-world practice.
One of the Early Programs of Its Kind
At a time when few structured transition programs existed for young adults with learning differences, OPTIONS helped define what post-secondary support could look like.
Its early approach combined:
This integrated philosophy continues to shape the program today.
OPTIONS Today
Today, OPTIONS serves young adults ages 18–25 in Carbondale, Illinois within a real college-town environment connected to Southern Illinois University.
Apartment-based living that builds independence
Academic and vocational opportunities
Real-world practice every day
A structured team that supports lasting growth
A Philosophy That Has Remained Consistent
While the program has evolved over time, one belief has remained central:
Independence is not simply expected — it is built through experience, repetition, support, and practice.
That philosophy continues to guide OPTIONS today.
Explore the OPTIONS Transition Program
Families exploring post-secondary options often want to understand not only where a program began—but how it supports students today.
An admissions conversation can help determine whether OPTIONS is the right fit for your student’s goals, strengths, and support needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did OPTIONS begin?
OPTIONS began as a post-secondary transition extension of Brehm Preparatory School for graduates who had completed high school but still needed structured support before fully independent adulthood.
What made OPTIONS different early on?
OPTIONS helped pioneer a community-based model focused on independent living, academic growth, vocational development, and real-world practice for students with learning disabilities and related challenges.
Is OPTIONS connected to Brehm Preparatory School?
Yes. OPTIONS grew out of the work of Brehm Preparatory School and remains rooted in that legacy of supporting students with learning differences.
Where is OPTIONS located today?
OPTIONS is located at 900 South Brehm Lane in Carbondale, Illinois.
What is OPTIONS today?
Today, OPTIONS is a post-secondary transition program that helps young adults build independence through academics, vocational development, and independent living support.