ACCESS

Camp Launch

About the Camp

Camp Launch is a result of the combined efforts of ACCESS Deaf Services along with key players throughout the state of Illinois such as the Chicago Hearing Society, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), the Illinois School for the Deaf, and 360 Degree Academy. Collaboratively, we have fostered an innovative and effective camp for young D/deaf individuals that focuses on crucial pre-employment and/or college transition skills that will equip them to successfully navigate life post-high school.

Conceptually, Camp Launch seeks to address the large percentage of Deaf students with additional disabilities, nationwide whom report lower educational attainment due to the combined impacts of their various disabilities. According to the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, an estimated 13.6% of deafblind people, and 14.1% of deaf-disabled people obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 39.8% of hearing people with no additional disabilities.

Building upon this data, and drawing on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, the “SIUE Camp Launch” summer camp was designed to allow attendees to engage in a wide variety of activities geared toward transitioning from high school to college and employment. Over the course of the experience, participants will learn fundamentals of self-advocacy, understanding the law (ADAAA) as it applies to persons with disabilities, job exploration and counseling, work-based learning experience, and explore postsecondary pathways to higher education.

2025 Camp Dates

• Camp Dates:
  • New Campers: July 11 - 13 for screening required by the Department of Rehabilitation Services
  • Returning Campers: July 14 -18
    • Arrival on the evening of July 13

Qualifications

Campers must have an open case with DRS and be between the ages of 14.5 - 22 for eligibility.

Amenities

Campers will stay in SIUE residence halls with chaperones and have their meals in the Morris University Center.

Activities

Our campers will participating in the following activities throughout the duration of the camp:

• Art Projects
• Campus Activities
• and Field Trips.

Camp participants will also take part in skills development in the following areas:

• Interpersonal Skills for College and Beyond
• Work-Based Learning
• Work Readiness
• Team Building
• Instruction in Self-Advocacy

Registration Opens: December 1st, 2024

Please visit the following link for a sample lesson from camp presenters.

For more information, please email: AccessDeafServices@siue.edu

Special thanks to our partners and collaborators for Camp Launch!

• 360 Academy
• Illinois Department of Human Resources, Division of Rehabilitation Services
• Chicago Hearing Society
• Illinois School for the Deaf