Archive for March 2021

Our very own Dr. Roberta O’Shea, PhD, DPT was presented the 2020 Honorary Conductor Award by the Andras Peto Faculty of Semmelweis University, and the International Peto Association for her outstanding contribution to the field of Conductive Education. Dr. O’Shea is the second American to receive this award in 30 years. Congratulations to our dear friend “Robbie” on this well-deserved honor – we are all so proud and grateful for you!

Robbie is a founding Board Member of the Center and for the past 20 years has dedicated her career to education and improving the lives of underserved children and young adults with physical disabilities. She was instrumental in helping the Center design a successful transdisciplinary team of Conductive Education Teachers, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists who work seamlessly in delivering a quality Conductive Education Program. Robbie has also written over 15 publications on Conductive Education and participated in 8 CE-related research studies.

Bravo Dr. O’Shea! Our heartfelt thanks for giving so much of your time and talent to ensure children with disabilities grow up healthy and able to reach their full potential, regardless of their income or insurance status.

We are proud to announce that Center staff, Dr. Ann Jackson, DPT, received the 2021 Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) Societal Impact Award! The award is given to those who “demonstrate commitment and dedication to addressing issues related to societal welfare…and exemplify the compassionate nature of the physical therapy profession”.

All of us at the Center for Independence have experienced Ann’s dedicated and compassionate nature firsthand! Ann was at the heart of the Center’s expansion to under-served people with disabilities living in the Southland community and founded the Center’s Label Us Able group.

Ann is also working closely with Dr. Roberta O’Shea and Governors State University in starting up a new Post High School Advancement Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. The objective of the program is to introduce college readiness or future employment concepts to individuals with intellectual disabilities who are striving for gainful engagement with the community and society. Candidates must have completed high school attendance required hours.

Congratulations Dr. Ann Jackson – You are an inspiration to us all!

For more information on GSU’s Post High School Advancement Program – please contact Continuinged@govst.edu