Save the date!
Disability Pride Parade
Join Staff and CFI families at this year’s Disability Pride Parade!
WHEN: July 25 at 10:30am
WHERE: Harold Washington Library, 400 S State St, Chicago, IL
WHAT: Disability Pride Parades are annual community events held globally, with significant gatherings in cities like Chicago to celebrate disability identity, culture, and history, marking the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The parades actively seek to end the stigma surrounding disabilities, promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity, and advocate for full inclusion. Events are planned to be fully accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible routes, ASL interpreters, and accompanying disability justice block parties.
RSVP: ccoleman@cfice.org and be entered to win a $25 Visa Gift Card!
Save the date!
WTC is Headed to the 2026 Options Fair
Options Fair is the Largest Disability Resource Fair in the western suburbs!
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Students and adults with disabilities, families, and caregivers.
All are welcome!
WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 6pm - 8:30pm
WHERE: Addison Trail High School, 213 N Lombard Road, Addison, IL
JOIN US FOR A CHANCE TO:
- Find your path to employment—visit the Working Together Chicago table!
- Learn about employment services, benefits, and community resources.
- Meet face-to-face with nonprofit organizations and service providers.
- Explore your Options. Discover more Opportunities. Gain Independence.
Visit OptionsFair.org for more details.
We hope to see you there!
Recent WTC Events
Our First Annual Rock N Bowl Fundraiser Was a Huge Success!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our first Rock N Bowl Fundraiser a striking success! We enjoyed a fun-filled evening with the family and friends to support people with disabilities.
We welcomed many new faces who learned more about the Center for Independence's Working Together Chicago (WTC) Employment Services Program! WTC empowers individuals with disabilities to enter the workforce! Your participation provides opportunities, resources, and employment services that make a lasting difference in the lives of the individuals we serve.
The night was filled with great bowling, exciting raffles and prizes, delicious food, and plenty of laughter. Thank you! Your support will provide meaningful support to people with disabilities who are ready to work in the community.
MAY 2026 / CFI Family & Friends Day at the Ballpark
For the third year in a row, CFI staff, families, friends, and supporters came together for a day at the ballpark to cheer on the Chicago White Sox. The event gave children and adults with disabilities, along with their families, the opportunity to enjoy an accessible and inclusive community outing while building connections and creating lasting memories.
Accessible recreational opportunities are an important part of community inclusion, and we are proud to help make experiences like this available to the individuals and families we serve. We had a fantastic time and look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come!
MARCH 2026 / Navigating Resources and Services
The Center hosted the Navigating Resources and Services event, bringing together more than 15 agencies, organizations, and service providers. This event created a valuable opportunity for individuals with disabilities and their families to connect directly with resources and learn about available supports face-to-face. Navigating services and benefits can often be complex and overwhelming, but through strong community collaboration, we are helping make the process more accessible, informed, and manageable for those we serve.
Let's Work Together
The Center for Independence believes that people with disabilities can have great success in the labor market when they have the right supports and are given a chance. Join us today in making this possible.
Contact
Charlie O'Malley
312-995-3302 or Email
Center for Independence through Conductive Education Inc., an Illinois nonprofit under Section 501 C 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The mission of the Center is to help people with disabilities achieve their highest level of potential.
Working Together Chicago promotes workforce diversity and inclusion through superior employment services for people with disabilities.