Department of Special Education at Illinois State University

10/28/2026

Each year, the Wheeler Foundation provides full-tuition scholarships to dedicated paraprofessionals in the PULSE program, and over the past four years, 67 PULSE students have benefited from this incredible scholarship!

Samuel, a SECA in Chicago Public Schools, is one such Wheeler Scholar set to graduate from PULSE in May:

“The Wheeler Scholarship has been a life-changing support in my journey toward becoming a special education teacher. It has allowed me to pursue my degree and complete the PULSE program without the weight of financial stress, giving me the freedom to fully focus on growing as an educator. Because of this opportunity, I am one step closer to living out my purpose.”

If you are interested in starting your journey, applications for our next PULSE cohort are now open. You can find more information and complete a pre-application form here:

The PULSE program is designed for special education paraprofessionals with at least 2 years of classroom experience seeking to earn their bachelor’s degree in special education and their Professional Educator’s License (PEL) with a Learning Behavioral Specialist 1 (LBS 1) endorsement. This progr...

10/27/2026

Meet SSID! ❤️

members of Students Supporting Individuals with Disabilities (SSID) have been busy putting their passion for helping others into action.

This semester they've created cards for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, volunteered with Miracle League Baseball, and helped with a trick-or-treating event with Autism McLean.

Great teachers are shaped by more than what they learn in the classroom.

Experiences like these help our Redbirds build relationships, strengthen their connection to the community, and better understand the people they'll one day serve.

SSID would love to have you join at their next meeting - follow their socials or redbird Redbird Life for updates!

10/17/2026

🎨 SEAT Center Spotlight: Palm Crayons!

This , we’re highlighting Crayola Washable Palm Grasp Crayons, featuring 12 classic and bright colors!

Their egg-shaped design fits in the palm of the hand, making them easier to grasp. Their bright colors and smooth texture offer a fun sensory experience while supporting hand strength, coordination, and motor planning.

From creative expression to recreation and leisure, Palm Crayons offer another way to explore the joy of coloring!

📍 Visit the SEAT Center in Williams Hall at Illinois State University to learn more about our accessible resources.

10/16/2026

Different Powers. One Flock. Redbirds Reunite ❤️🖤

Our Department of Special Education got a SUPER makeover! 🦸‍♂️

From showcasing assistive technology to celebrating the many ways we make learning accessible for all, our student ambassadors and team brought creativity, energy, and a whole lot of Redbird spirit to our department!

A HUGE thank you to our amazing student ambassadors, especially Niko, and Dr. Allison Kroesch for the time, creativity, and hard work that went into bringing this superhero-inspired experience to life!

We love seeing our students, faculty, and staff use their superpowers to make our department such a special place!

10/15/2026

Have you met our friends at ?

If not, stop by a meeting and say hello! Braille Birds meets every Friday from 2–3 p.m. in Fairchild 323. Everyone is welcome!

⠠⠃⠗⠁⠊⠇⠇⠑⠀⠠⠃⠊⠗⠙⠎ focus on spreading awareness about adapting various activities to be accessible to people with blindness or low vision, as well as helping people learn basic Braille. You do not have to be a Low Vision Blindness major or a Special Education member to join!

10/14/2026

We are of our robust clinical experiences.We believe the best teachers are prepared through exceptional clinicals in real classrooms, meaningful connections, and opportunities to learn from the people they'll work alongside in the future.

On Monday, Danielle Carr, our Clinical Assistant Professor in our Learning and Behavior Specialist program, hosted a Real World Teacher Lab. This gave 28 future special educators the opportunity to participate in mock interviews, connect with local school administrators, and learn directly from families navigating special education.

A HUGE thank you to Danielle for organizing this incredible experience and the community partners that donated their time.

And the feedback? We couldn't be prouder! Administrators praised the professionalism and engagement of our teacher candidates, and one student summed it up perfectly:

"As always ISU goes above and beyond! Thank you so much for this great opportunity!"

THIS is how we prepare exceptional special educators 🍎

09/30/2026

We couldn’t let September slip by without recognizing National Guide Dog Month!

Guide dogs are so much more than loyal companions—they are highly skilled working animals trained to help their handlers navigate the world with greater independence. Most guide dogs spend more than two years preparing for this important role!

A friendly reminder: service animals are working animals, not pets. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are generally permitted anywhere members of the public are allowed.

09/30/2026

We couldn’t let September slip by without recognizing National Guide Dog Month!

Guide dogs are so much more than loyal companions—they are highly skilled working animals trained to help their handlers navigate the world with greater independence. Most guide dogs spend at least two years preparing for this important role!

A friendly reminder: service animals are working animals, not pets. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are generally permitted anywhere that members of the public are allowed to visit. Please take time to educate yourself on service dog etiquette so that these animals can best perform their important work.

09/29/2026

📍 The SEAT Center has a temporary new home!

We’re excited to welcome students, families, and members of the ISU community to our new location in Williams Hall during the remodel of our permanent space in Fairchild Hall.

From accessible technology and learning tools to a welcoming space for connection and support, the new SEAT Center is ready for you.
Come visit us in the South Reserve Room at Williams Hall and check out our new space! 💻📚