Posts by Sam B
CBS News Feature: Push for Accessibility
The Center for Independence’s Brighton Park location and our neighbors, Devices 4 the Disabled, were featured on CBS News this week!
We have been advocating for the city of Chicago to fix the sidewalks for years and add handicap-accessible ramps and parking at the space on 36th Place.
Read or Watch full story on CBS2.
*UPDATE 1/22/24: Designated parking signs have been installed thanks to Alderwoman Julia Ramirez. Stay tuned for further updates!
Etienne’s story
Etienne was evaluated at the Center for Independence through Conductive Education in 2021 and joined us for the 4 weeks individualized motor learning summer intensive program. He enjoyed time with his peers, and after summer, life happened. He had major hip surgery and moved houses, which meant he had to stop coming to the Center.
In 2023, Etienne ‘s mom decided to try the Center’s summer intensive again and Etienne was placed in a group with his similarly abled peers for 3 days a week, 6 hours a day.
He drove in his power chair on the first day of summer camp using a special joystick to drive, with a big, shy smile!
The students in his group were a bit older than him, but they all relate to the feeling of coming in and seeing the therapy rooms after a long time!
Like everyone else, Etienne started using elbow supports, in addition to his Benik hand brace, and after the initial tears, it started to feel better! He began reaching with his arms forward. Etienne wanted to sit with his peers at the plinth table for games, art and fun!
He got so very brave sitting on a stool with a walker behind him for safety around his trunk. Once the game started, he was part of the group with his voice and his smile. The fear of sitting with less support and more independence was gone!
By the end of the Center’s summer intensive program:
- Etienne was sitting on a Rifton toilet seat every day he came. He even asked to be left alone to get some privacy!
- He sat at the plinth with his peers for 45 minutes without any complaint about wearing his elbow supports
- He ambulated inside/outside with the Rifton Gait trainer for 150 feet daily with assistance and a smile! He has not been in a walker for over 2 years due to his previous hip surgery!
- His mom now uses the same Rifton toilet seat at home for showers.
- Etienne is now using his home bike, after practicing at the Center with his peers outside in the parking lot.
The Center is looking forward to discovering more of Etienne’s skills when he continues attending the program on a regular basis!
Story by Gabi Molnar, Conductive Education Teacher
Award-Winning Program Empowers Mothers of Children with Disabilities
Friend of the Center and Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Helen Bourke-Taylor, was recently interviewed on a podcast called “Too Peas in a Podcast” hosted by Mandy Hose and Kate Jones. In it, Helen mentions the Center for Independence and our Executive Director, Patti Herbst! Helen, with the help of Patti and the Center, developed a program called Healthy Mothers Healthy Families, which is the longest-running, most effective program for mothers of children with disabilities in the world.
The award-winning program offers free workshops, a free self-paced website and training for pediatric OTs to better support moms of children with disabilities. Listen to the interview.
“Too Peas in a Podcast” is designed for peas (mothers of children with additional needs) and peafessionals (anyone else who plays a key role in the support systems for children with disabilities, parents and families), the podcast snaps the isolation barriers experienced by peas. The podcast addresses mothers being seen, looking after themselves and a change in practice. Learn more about Healthy Mothers Healthy Families.
Construction of Countryside Location Completed!
Therapy Resumes in Improved Rooms
The Center is happy to report that the construction on the Countryside location was officially completed in February and therapy has resumed in our new and improved therapy rooms!
We would like to give heartfelt thanks to the following companies and folks who made our renovation possible:
- Studio 222 Architects for creating an improved and functional design of our space
- Designs for Dignity for donating carpeting and furniture for our new parent waiting room, phone booth, and staff offices
- Ben Campbell and AMS for donating all of the HVAC work
- St. Cletus School and Parish for welcoming Center children and staff into their building to ensure critical programs continued throughout construction!
- The Mayor and Building Department Staff at the City of Countryside for ensuring our renovation was timely and safe
- Klein Construction for managing the project timely and on a budget
- Our neighbors Sharma & Associates for being patient with the noise and inconvenience as our space was remodeled
- MP Flooring Solutions for donating brand new flooring and carpeting to our offices
Diversity Scholarship Award Ceremony
Meet Kiya Raines!
Please join us in celebrating Kiya Raines, Doctorate of Physical Therapy Student, the first recipient of the Center’s Diversity Scholarship! Kiya is completing her student clinical rotation at the Center. Our thanks to the Board of Directors, Diversity Committee and therapy students that applied for the award.
Pictured from left to right: Board Members, John Thomas and Tracy Lewis, Kiya Raines, DPTS, Josephine Boggs, Clinical Supervisor, and Board Members, Erick Valdez and Clay Kalweit.
