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Center for Independence News
Welcome to our news page, featuring articles and informative blog posts by our staff.
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!
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
Aileen Provan, from the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners posted an article on the IAMCP blog, May 5. The post features Working Together Chicago, a CFI program, which is a great opportunity for employees looking to be come involved in the IAMCP Diversity and Inclusion program.
Read her article titled: “The Hidden Talent Pool; A D&I story that will give you fresh ideas on how to attract new talent”
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.
Our Mission
The mission of the Center for Independence is to help children and young adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in the home, school, community and workforce. Our therapy programs help children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop life skills, motor-function and an "I Can!" attitude.
Committed to breaking down barriers to employment, the Center also provides job training and placement for young adults with developmental disabilities through our innovative program Working Together Chicago.
The Center is an IL 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
EIN: 36-4259162
Our Vision: That children and young adults with disabilities have the opportunity to be fully participating members of the community.
Expect more, learn more...DO more!
Center Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Program times vary — check calendar.
Quick Contact
Center Locations
CFI Main Center
100 W. Plainfield Rd.,
Countryside, IL 60525
The Hope Collective
23153 W Miller Rd.,
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Brighton Park
2701 W. 36th Pl.
Chicago, IL 60632
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