Approximately 150 people attended the March 25 tour of the Abilities Lab at The Douglas Center, a Skokie nonprofit geared to helping people with disabilities.
The Friday daytime tour was co-sponsored by the Village of Skokie’s Human Relations Commission as part of the annual Coming Together program in Niles Township.
Since its inaugural 2010 season, Coming Together has highlighted cultural offerings and community topics with a variety of programs, often scheduled at libraries and schools. In the past, organizers of Coming Together have frequently picked one ethnic group to focus on. This year, however, Coming Together has the theme, “Sharing Experiences of Disability.”
The Douglas Center staff and clients do that every day.
More Top Picks Epson Perfection V39 Ii
According to its website, “The Douglas Center serves to assist adults living with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities in improving their independent living skills and enrichment of their quality of life.”
The program was launched in 1999, said Omar M. Khan, M.D., director, health and wellness, administration and development of The Douglas Center, at 3445 W. Howard St.
“What we really like to do at The Douglas Center is really highlight the word, ‘ability,'” Khan said.
“The main focus of our program is to provide individuals that we work with an opportunity to learn life skills…improve their quality of life,” Khan said.
Tour participants could take part in interactive simulations or create usable art like handmade greeting cards. They could stay for as long as they liked and were encouraged to spend time learning about The Douglas Center through activities and conversation.
There was a station that highlighted horticulture, as an example. As tours took place, attendees could see people working at sewing machines or assembly stations and could ask about projects being fulfilled.
“This program in particular, Abilities Lab, as part of Coming Together, was really an opportunity to get people in the door to learn about the population that we work with and to better serve our participants in various community settings,” Khan said.
Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen was among the tour attendees.
“It’s important, I think, that we show that The Douglas Center and their clients are part of our community,” Van Dusen said.
“I come over at least a couple times a year and I always walk away feeling inspired by the people who work here as well as the clients.
“They do some really amazing work and it’s important that the community be aware of this,” Van Dusen said.
Elizabeth Kristiansen, director of administrative services at The Douglas Center and volunteer coordinator, shared some reflections about The Douglas Center’s clients and others.
“We’re absolutely all the same,” she said. We all have abilities. It’s not about the disability, it’s about the ability.”
Faye Jacobs of Wilmette, a volunteer, said, “I believe that volunteering is an opportunity to give back to the community.
“And as for me, “Jacobs added, “I just really love working with people that I can help in some small way because by helping them, they grow, and they learn and they feel good about themselves.”
Anne Matsumoto of Evanston has volunteered for The Douglas Center for approaching one year.
“It’s just an amazing community, ” Matsumoto said.
To the volunteers, “I appreciate every moment that they give of their time,” Kristiansen said.
