Infants & Children
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.
What’s CFI Been Up To?
When the COVID-19 coronavirus health crisis closed the doors of Center for Independence our dedicated physical and occupational therapists, conductive education teachers and social worker opened their laptops, charged their smartphones and sprang into action! Our professional staff were ready to provide innovative, telehealth therapy services using social media outlets and video chat platforms!
Our hardworking staff immediately began (and continues!) to provide telehealth therapy services to more than 100 children and young adults with physical disabilities while our building is closed. To support the families during this pandemic, our therapy staff also developed home exercise programs and organized equipment lending for all families. We will continue providing telehealth therapy and social work services until Governor Pritzker declares it is safe for our doors to reopen.
Check out a short 90-second video of the talented Center staff delivering virtual PT, OT and CET services to children with physical disabilities:
During this time of crisis, people with cerebral palsy need access to vital healthcare services to breathe every breath, and step every step. The Center is using remote communication technologies to provide skilled healthcare intervention for those most at risk, so children and young adults with cerebral palsy stay active, remain healthy, and feel safe!
The Center fully understands the emotional and financial burden this crisis is having on our families. Our top priority is making sure that children and young adults with disabilities remain healthy and active. To help make that possible, the Center will not be charging families for telehealth therapy throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
The Center estimates that we will provide over $350,000 in charitable care teletherapy services to children and young adults with disabilities throughout the duration of our closure due to the pandemic.
How Can You Help?
You can change the lives of so many hardworking children and young adults with physical disabilities by making a donation. In this time of the unknown, you can make a difference in a way that works for you. If you donate now through June 1, 2020, your gift will be MATCHED by The Coleman Foundation up to $25,000!
Thank you for supporting the Center for Independence and the dedicated children and young adults we serve.