Eric Hiller, of Elgin, stands in front of the Ziegler’s Ace Hardware in Bartlett, where he works. Hiller has autism and he and his parents say what he learned at Harper College’s Career Skills Institute helped him find new confidence and solid workplace skills. - Original Credit:
And that’s helped 24-year-old Eric improve his capabilities as a part-time employee at Ziegler’s Ace Hardware in Bartlett. School District U-46 recently started referring people to the program, said Sharon Basten, who now oversees the Career Services Institute. Two students who attended U-46 schools are currently enrolled and eight U-46 graduates have taken part over the years, she said.
In Illinois, students with autism can attend public school until age 22. About 10 years ago, a group of parents called Ken Ender, who was Harper’s president at the time, looking for workplace training and support for their post-high school autistic children. [Most read] As Chicago Bears tight end Jimmy Graham’s career reaches its twilight, he looks to leave a lasting legacy beyond the football field through flying — and helpingThe institute is run out of Harper College, but it’s not limited to students who live within the college district’s boundaries.
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