Independent living center celebrates success
April 26, 2012 1:26PM
Updated: May 28, 2012 8:04AM
JOLIET — The Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living celebrated its 22nd year of offering services to people with disabilities at its annual meeting,.
Harrah’s Casino Joliet was presented with the center’s Accessibility Achievement Award.
“Harrah’s has been a true community partner with the center for several years and an integral partner in the center’s growth,” said John Stanton, president of the center’s board. A Harrah’s employee has served on the, center’s board for many years and Harrah’s has been home to the center’s annual fundraiser for six years, Stanton said.
The Harrah’s Foundation also provided a grant for expansion of the center’s office.
Russell Anderson was presented with the Ed Roberts Excellence in Independent Living Award, named for the man considered the founder of the independent living movement for disabled people.
Anderson lived in a nursing home after becoming blind. He now lives in his own apartment after participating in the center’s community reintegration program.
In 2011, the center served more than 2,400 people with disabilities; helped 22 people with disabilities move from nursing homes to their own residences; taught youth leadership to disabled high school students in Will and Grundy counties; provided 236 free amplified telephones to people with hearing loss; and purchased assistive technology devices for 23 children with disabilities. In addition, the center opened an office in Morris to better serve Grundy County residents
