The Center News
State Representative Nicole La Ha Honors Patti Herbst
Springfield, IL…State Representative Nicole La Ha proudly welcomed two guests to the third annual Emerging Women Leaders (EWL) conference: Patti Herbst and Kim Zoeller. The event took place today in Springfield.
“I am honored to have had Patti Herbst and Kim Zoeller join us at the Emerging Women Leaders Event,” Rep. La Ha said. “Supporting strong professional women like Patti and Kim has been a personal goal of mine, which I am excited to expand as State Representative.”
Patti Herbst is the Executive Director of the Center for Independence Through Conductive Education, Inc. With a commitment to maximizing independence for individuals with physical disabilities, the center has provided invaluable services to countless families, regardless of their financial circumstances. Herbst is dedicated to empowering others through her work.
Hillgrove Avenue Magazine Article
Feature Article About Working Together Chicago
Nora Dudley begins this article featuring WTC with the Herbst’s story:
In 1987, Justin Herbst was born ten weeks premature, and suffered a severe stroke. This led to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy–spastic quadriplegia, a permanent neuromuscular disorder and the most severe form of CP, limiting the ability to move the limbs, torso and face. Despite his diagnosis, Herbst’s mom Patti believed her son could become independent. A decade later and frustrated by a lack of improvement in the traditional medical therapy model, Herbst’s parents enrolled him in a Canadian program focused on conductive education…
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!
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.
Dr. O’Shea Honored with Honorary Conductor Award
April 28, 2023, APF Welcomes a New Honorary Conductor!
We are delighted to congratulate Dr. Roberta Kuchler O’Shea on being awarded the prestigious Honorary Conductor Award by Semmelweis University and the András Peto Institute in Hungary, as acknowledged on their website.
We are deeply appreciative of Dr. O’Shea’s unwavering support of Conductive Education through research, advocacy, and education, and we thank her for the countless volunteer hours she has contributed to the Center, staff, board, and families.
Congratulations, Robbie!