Step By Step
What can we say about Danny? He’s a big guy with a big personality and an even bigger heart. The Danny you all met tonight is outgoing, funny, and charming as can be. But he wasn’t always so confident in his communication skills.
Danny came to UCP Seguin in 2008 at the age of 20. He was bright, but a little shy, especially with people he didn’t know very well. But he liked to work and was determined to grow. Soon Danny started to work at Seguin Auto Center. This guy can give your car the best detail you’ve ever had! Since he lives at home with his family, this gave him an opportunity to make new friends. He learned new skills and how to be part of a team. His confidence began to grow.
Soon ComEd approached UCP Seguin about its Energy Force Ambassador Program, an opportunity for people with disabilities to get involved in their community to discuss their energy needs. Again, Danny’s confidence grew. He felt comfortable talking to new people and explaining all the features and benefits that ComEd offers.
In 2023, UCP Seguin was chosen to be part of a pilot program with the Illinois Lottery to sell tickets at O’Hare Airport. Who would be better to join this team than Danny? He has thrived in the new role. He is extremely helpful and INCREDIBLY tech-savvy. Not only can he restock machines and handle deposits, but he can also give you all the stats on your newest phone, highlight the features of a specific car model, and weigh the pros and cons of any video game system. He’s also built his own computers for ultimate gaming!
Danny is a superstar! He takes care of his mom, has become family to his favorite staff Armando and Ana, and is a true friend to his BFFs Casey and Joe. Danny has truly blossomed in his 16 years at UCP Seguin, and he has become quite the character. He is living his life without limits and for that he was recently recognized as a Shining Star at The Big Event!
Turning Dreams Into Reality
Casey has big dreams and reaches for the stars every day! He is determined to live his life without limits, and it is a joy to be along on the ride as he accomplishes the goals that he sets for himself.
In 2015, Casey transferred from UCP Seguin’s children’s foster care program into adult services. He moved into the CILA home in Tinley Park and attended the day program where he volunteered at the Pacific Mission Garden Homeless Shelter and at local food pantries.
It was Casey’s goal to be as independent as possible. The first step was to move into an UCP Seguin’s Intermittent CILA, and ultimately, the residential staff were able to help Casey secure his own apartment in Berwyn. Casey had a remarkable transition into independent living and his Respite staff were able to help him every step along the way in his journey.
In 2015, Casey participated in a high school work program that helped him secured a job at Walgreens as a cashier. When moving to Berwyn, he was able to transfer to a new store and he quickly adjusted to his new work location and is one of the nicest cashiers at Walgreens where he loves his job. Casey is getting ready to celebrate his 8th year of employment there.
Casey has worked to build close relationships with his siblings and recently became a proud uncle for the first time. Several of his siblings live out of state but that does not stop him from staying close to them. Casey also has a great love of Halloween and heavy metal music and attends numerous concerts each year. Casey is a serious online gamer which has allowed him to gain friends all across the world. And, Casey has great friends – two of them are here this evening – at UCP Seguin! When Casey walks in at UCP Seguin you would think he is a rock star!
Finding Your Voice
Iris is a fifth-grade student at Arbury Hills Elementary who loves singing, makeup and nail polish, bowling, gymnastics, and swimming. She’s a member of the Cub Scouts and enjoys going to the zoo, especially to see the giraffes.
Her school district is a part of the Infinitec Coalition, which allows students, staff, and families access to assistive technology and supports them with training and resources. Infinitec provided training to Iris’s teachers so they could support Iris as she learned to speak using her new device.
To help Iris connect with others through the spoken word, she utilizes LAMP Words for Life on an iPad. Iris selects buttons representing words which the app turns into speech. LAMP Words for Life is an augmented and alternative communication (AAC) device that allows for natural language acquisition and complex vocabulary, growing with the user as their use of language expands.
Iris is a prime example of how assistive technology and staff support can open doors. LAMP Words for Life allows Iris to connect with the people in her life more easily inside and outside of the classroom.
Shortly after receiving her device, Iris was able to tell her family “I love you” for the first time. She recently took her first plane ride to visit her grandparents— where Iris introduced herself to the entire flight crew before peppering them with questions.
At school, she has become a leader and role model for her classmates. Iris leads small groups and has also been chosen to be a Student Ambassador. She was given a speaking part during last year’s winter program where she used her device to deliver lines flawlessly in front of hundreds of people.
Iris began using LAMP Words for Life in first grade—at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Iris mastered her device with the help of her parents and remote learning teachers. The training provided by Infinitec allowed her teachers to best utilize the app’s features to support Iris as she learned to communicate in a new way.
One of her teachers shared, “It was as if the door connecting her brain to her mouth was locked, and for the early years of her life she was pounding on the door, trying to open it. Once she started using her AAC device, it became the key to unlocking that door. And when she opened it, she ran out and never looked back!”
Iris is flourishing through her own abilities but also with the assistance of her device, which has allowed her to gain independence and confidence while forging and deepening connections with others.
