Ray Graham Association Services Hit all the Right Notes with DuPage Illinois Musician : May 20 2011

Ray Graham Association Services Hit all the Right Notes with DuPage Musician
Trib Local : By Jim Ladd

LISLE, IL – MAY 19, 2011 – Rick Schroll’s life moves to a different beat these days. The rhythm is smoother and the harmony sweeter… all because of the opportunities offered to him at Ray Graham Association. Rick has lived in RGA’s Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) program since 2009. For the fifteen years prior to that Rick was living at the Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee, Illinois. Shapiro is the oldest state institution in the country, housing 575 residents in a facility that was built in 1877. Receiving commodity services in this antiquated facility was not meeting Rick’s personal needs. Additionally, because of the Shapiro facility’s inability to afford him much in the way of individual attention he was not able to pursue any of his personal interests… particularly his passion for music.

Ray Graham Association’s President and CEO Kim Zoeller (pictured right) with Rick Schroll at RGA’s 2nd Annual Walk & Roll Benefit.




After moving to RGA’s Abilene Community Integrated Living Facility in Bloomingdale, Rick’s life has certainly increased in tempo. His days are now filled with meaningful learning experiences and volunteer activities in the community. He has a feeling of belonging with his housemates whom he refers to as his brothers, and most importantly he has the opportunity to make choices that allow him to pursue his individual interests that he never was given before. Since moving to the Abilene facility Rick has been able to attend several concerts, worked on his keyboard playing, and now performs regularly for his roommates and annually at the RGA Holiday Party. Rick’s father has commented on several occasions that he is much happier living in a community integrated environment and the staff that supports him is always glad to see the smile that lights up Rick’s face when you talk to him. Rick is making the most of his opportunities… and most importantly he is happy to be doing so.

Ray Graham Association (www.ray-graham.org) provides services to people with disabilities and welcomes those who come from state-run institutions. “We have a proven record of successfully transitioning people who come to us from state-run institutions to fully being community integrated” says Kim Zoeller, President and CEO of Ray Graham Association. Zoeller continues: “Our individualized focus allows people with disabilities a greater array of opportunities to work and volunteer in their community, spend more quality time with their families and pursue their own interests. In my opinion there really is no end to the positive differences this type of living opportunity can offer a person as opposed to remaining placed in an institutional setting”. The services at RGA are offered at an efficient 70% savings per person in comparison to the costs incurred by Illinois’ state facilities. The difference is more than just the cost; the person-centered focus of service delivery is meaningful and effective. For Rick, it has certainly struck the right chord!

For more than 60 years, the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities has been serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. Ray Graham Association provides a broad array of services and support, including early intervention, residential, day programs and supported employment services to nearly 2,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout the western suburbs. They are the first organization in the world that supports people with disabilities to be accredited by the Council on Quality Leadership using the Quality Measures 2005 and Person-Centered Excellence 2010. The nonprofit organization was named in honor of the late Mr. Ray Graham, the first director of special education in Illinois.

Ray Graham Association is dedicated to the full participation of all people with developmental disabilities in a quality life by providing leadership that supports the accomplishments of individuals, strengthens families and inspires community involvement, which is symbolized by our Monarch Butterfly logo. The Monarch Butterfly and people with disabilities share many of the same characteristics. Each is beautiful, resilient, fascinating, and courageous. Each meets their journey toward independence as an opportunity to soar to great heights in meeting life’s challenges.

For more information on Ray Graham Association and its services, please call (630) 620-2222 or visit us on the web at www.raygraham.org.