Special Education at Illinois State University
 
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Get Involved in Student and Professional Organizations

Students are encouraged to become actively involved in student and professional organizations to learn more about the field; develop strong communication and leadership skills; and network with students, faculty, and professionals.

Student Organizations

Best Buddies

Enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships. Monthly meetings bring all Best Buddies on campus for group activities with individuals with disabilities. Also, we have individual contacts with our Best Buddy on a weekly basis. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month.

Faculty Advisor:

Deaf Redbirds

Provides opportunities for socialization between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who desire contact with the deaf community. We wish to establish deaf awareness through athletic and service activities.

President: Steve Bourque
Faculty Advisor:

Student Council for Exceptional Children

Provides members, who share a concern for all children with special needs, with opportunities to share fun, learning, and leadership experiences with a diverse group of people on the Illinois State campus. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month, except when they fall on finals or university breaks.

Faculty Advisors: and

Students Serving Individuals with Disabilities (S.S.I.D.)

Provides service to individuals with disabilities within the Bloomington-Normal communities. S.S.I.D is devoted entirely to service-based activities to support individuals with disabilities. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month.

Faculty Advisor:

Become involved in other College of Education student organizations.

Professional Organizations

Alexander Graham Bell Association

Provides resources and support network; and advocates for listening, learning, talking, and living independently with hearing loss.

American Association on Mental Retardation

Promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)

Dedicated to rendering all possible support and assistance to the professionals who work in all phases of education and rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired children and adults.

Beach Center on Disability

Works to make a significant and sustainable difference in the quality of life of families and individuals affected by disability and of those who are closely involved with them.

Best Buddies International

Enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.

Council of American Instructors of the Deaf

Promotes student learning and development by bringing together local, state, regional and national interest organizations.

Council for Exceptional Children

Dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.

Learning Disabilities Association of America

Creates opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities and reduces the incidence of learning disabilities in future generations.

National Association of the Deaf

Promotes, protects, and preserves the rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America.

National Information Center for Handicapped Children and Youth (NICHCY)

Provides information on disabilities and disability related issues for children and youth, birth to age 22.

TASH

Concerned with human dignity, civil rights, education, and independence for all individuals with disabilities.

The Arc of the United States

Advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.