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Sean Learns Life Skills
It was a hot day at the Brookfield Zoo and Sean Farrelly was ready to go home. He was tired and feeling miserable. Sean and his cousin headed for the exit. But when Sean spotted a group of people with physical and developmental disabilities nearby, he made a beeline toward them. Suddenly Sean perked up. He spent two more hours at the zoo with his new acquaintances.
Sean, who lives at home in Glen Ellyn with his parents and two brothers, is challenged by an intellectual disability that makes everyday life difficult. Although the 24-year-old doesn’t speak, he can understand what people say and he follows directions well.
The zoo visit, which took place in the summer of 2008, was a turning point for Sean’s parents, Anne and Pat, at a time when they were considering day programs for him.
“We realized Sean was comfortable when he was with other adults with disabilities,” says Anne. “We also knew he needed to be in a regular routine and to have a longer, structured day.”
Anne and Pat found Aspire through friends who had a child already receiving Aspire services. Anne says they “fell in love” with Aspire for the companionship it offered their son. Sean, affectionately called “Seanie” by his family, started attending Aspire’s Life Skills Training Program in Hillside in November 2008.
On any given day at Aspire, Sean settles in and then gets involved in music, gym, art and spa activities. His favorite pursuits are playing basketball, doing an obstacle course, kicking the balls in the gym and, most of all, dancing. He responds well to everyone, but has a special relationship with “the guys” in his group.
“Seanie loves his day at Aspire. He is always, always happy,” says Anne. “And every staff member we come in contact with is just great.”
Aspire’s staff saw Sean transition and adjust very well in his first year at Aspire. “Sean is developing in all areas because he is so willing,” says developmental training instructor LaTondra McKinney. “He goes with the flow, takes it all in and likes being exposed to new things. His body language lets us know he enjoys what he is doing. He has a big personality and a big smile to go with it.”
At the same time that Sean is having fun at Aspire, he is also learning life skills that are pointing him in the direction of becoming more independent. His parents are beginning to look at the possibility of Sean living with friends. Aspire is providing the support he needs to do just that.
“While he doesn’t learn and think like a typical 24-year-old adult, he still deserves the opportunity to live away,” explains Anne. “It would be a disservice to him to keep him at home. It will be difficult for our family because we will miss him, but I think Seanie would just love it."
