The Center News
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.
Center Receives Highest Accreditation from CQL
The Center is delighted to have recently been awarded its highest level of recognition: accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). This endorsement is a true testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the staff and board in providing quality programming and leadership that empowers individuals with disabilities to lead independent and meaningful lives. It is an affirmation of our commitment to help these individuals reach their full potential. We are thrilled to receive this accreditation and remain determined to continue providing the highest level of service to those we serve.
Hope is the Foundation CFI’s work
Our vision is that all people with disabilities should expect to live with dignity and pride in who they are. The Center’s programs help children and young adults with disabilities gain the confidence and skills they need to lead self-determined lives filled with purpose.
The last two years of living through a Pandemic has been exhausting for the entire world. Like everyone else, we are relieved that there is finally light at the end of a very long tunnel. This year will be exciting and filled with renewed hope. Our Therapy Programs are back to pre-Covid levels and the Center’s Working Together Chicago program is getting young adults with disabilities back to work! We are also thrilled to announce that this year the Center will completely renovate our Countryside location – after 22 years of constant use, it is in need of an upgrade!
Our heartfelt thanks to all of you, our generous supporters, who have helped keep the Center operating in person throughout this crisis. Your support gave hope to the Center staff, our children, young adults and families, to come out stronger and remain confident that great new opportunities are ahead of us.
Please read the Center’s Annual Report that came out March 2022!
Dr. Roberta O’Shea, PhD, DPT – 2nd American to receive Honorary Conductor Award!
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.
Dr. Ann Jackson, DPT – 2021 IPTA Societal Impact Award!
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