“We’ve got a spirit of innovation—of trying new approaches. [We’re] kind of breaking new boundaries for people with disabilities, but also for the community.”
-Jim Kales based at 18 community homes in the Western Suburbs, working with disabled adults who live in these homes and have been integrated into their respective communities. Over time, services have evolved considerably. For example, Kales said Aspire is now using physical therapy to increase motion in infants with Down syndrome. This technique can bolster development down the line, as these individuals are able to experience more, thereby learning more about their surroundings. With these types of advances, Kales said we should not be surprised to see people with autism or Down syndrome achieving more as time progresses. Aspire also works with families of individuals with developmental disabilities, hosting parent support groups, as well as one for siblings.
Focus on careers
Aspire was founded in 1960 by a group of parents that desired more for their children with disabilities, and Kales said he believes that “pioneering spirit” has continued to the present-day. “We’ve got a spirit of innovation—of trying new approaches,” he said. “[We’re] kind of breaking new boundaries for people with disabilities, but also for the community.” One of Aspire’s newest innovations is its CareerLink enterprise, developed through partnerships with large companies like OfficeMax and Walgreens. Designed for young adults with disabilities making the transition into the workplace, CareerLink is a training center that provides a simulated work experience in realistic workplace environments, thereby allowing prospective employees to find the right fit, while also enabling prospective employers to evaluate their options. “It actually has the ability to train adults with disabilities in a real-world environment before putting them into an actual job situation,” Kales said. “I think the significance of that is twofold: on the one hand, people with disabilities can build their confidence and their skills; but the other exciting thing about it is employers say, ‘You’re not just throwing somebody at me; let’s hope that it works out.’ We can say, ‘This person trained
for 12 weeks; his productivity at the warehouse station was 92 percent. He did well in this area; we think he’s going to be a good fit for you.’” Kales said this method is beneficial for both sides, as companies are less inclined to feel pressure to make a sympathetic hire. “It creates more of a rigorous process, so it’s not just, ‘Hire this person, because it’s a nice thing to do,’” he said. “We find that [method] doesn’t tend to be sustainable. If it’s, ‘Hire this person, because he’s one of the best people for the job, regardless of the fact that he has autism or Down syndrome,’—then you really can get to an ability to hire more people.” Next year, the Hillside-based CareerLink center will be expanding to include a simulated OfficeMax store. Here, employees will do everything from helping hypothetical customers shop to scanning items for purchasing.
Partnerships
Aspire partners with a wide range of corporations, such as OfficeMax, Walgreens, MB Financial and Groupon. Kales said the partnership approach his organization takes separates it from some charities; he said many companies have found it “refreshing.” “We don’t go to companies and say, ‘Hey, we’re a charity; here’s our hat; give us some money,’” he said. “We go to companies and other organizations and say, ‘How can we partner together? How can we help you with your business? How can we help move your business objectives forward.’”
Church and school groups can also get involved with Aspire through volunteer projects. “When we get a company or a church or a school-group involved in helping us with our mission, it’s also modeling our vision of inclusion, because those people in the community are learning about the gifts of people with disabilities,” Kales said. “They’re learning about how we’re all stronger together.”
Fundraising opportunities
Aside from partnering with companies, Aspire also relies on two primary fundraisers to raise money towards its programs and services. One fundraiser is held in the city, the other in the Western Suburbs. Big City Night is an evening gala that benefits Aspire’s initiatives for kids with disabilities. This year’s event will be held at the Chicago Marriott hotel on Feb. 8, and will be emceed by Art Norman of WMAQ-TV. Each summer, Aspire conducts a golf tournament at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook that benefits its career and life-enrichment initiatives for adults with disabilities. This year’s Aspire Classic Golf Tournament will be its 29th, and will be chaired by board member Gary Kobus, a Hinsdale resident. Kobus, who has family members that have been affected by disabilities, has been working with Aspire for the past three years. He said he was stirred to involvement on both a “personal” and “philosophical” level. “My personal interest is seeing my relatives struggle in their daily lives,” Kobus said. “The programs they’re in are very good, but they’re very different from what Aspire offers. “It’s the inclusion—it’s the ability to help these individuals step into the community and really create a meaningful life.” For more information about Aspire, visit www.aspireofillinois.org. If you have a child or young adult with developmental disabilities, you are encouraged to dial (708)-547-3550. If you have any interest in participating in or attending the golf outing at Butterfield Country Club this summer, contact Gary Kobus, gkobus@ lpc.com. www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 33