AID center teaches life skills -- and has fun, too
The history of the Association for Individual Development dates back to 1961. Since that time the group has provided services to infants, children and adults who are developmentally delayed.
The local branch of the organization originated in Aurora and then expanded services to Elgin. Last year, the Association offered services in Batavia to a number of area residents.
"We work to enable those who come here to be able to live and work independently," said Shean Simmons, a direct support professional at the center. "We offer everything from living skills to how to do a job interview."
Participants come to the center's new home, in the space vacated by the Bethany Lutheran Church pre-school. From 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. they learn special skills. They take cooking classes and learn to follow a recipe and make a specific dish. They do crafts and take art classes. They work with a job coach to learn how to interview and develop job skills.
"Some already have jobs," said Simmons, "and many live in independent living homes and are able to get around by taking public transportation."
A new addition last year to the AID program was a weekly music class organized by Nita Chevalier.
"I had worked with AID years ago, working as a teacher at Keeler School," Chevalier said. "I spent 15 years working with three-year-olds. When I heard that the Association was opening a center in Batavia, I decided to see if I could help in any way."
Chevalier approached the staff and asked them what they needed. She purchased some items for them and bought some flowers to cheer the place up. She also offered to be a liaison between Bethany Lutheran Church and the center.
"I went over to the center and noticed that they had an art teacher who was teaching a class," she said. "I thought that I might be able to share my love of music with them."
Chevalier chose songs that she thought the participants would enjoy, and the result was very rewarding.
"Music is the universal language," Chevalier said. "Some of our singers are more comfortable singing than they are talking."
Dorothy Anderson and Shirley Grant help Chevalier with her music program. Anderson also has experience working with developmentally delayed children in Lake County.
The singers have sung for a number of different organizations. Last year they learned love songs and led a sing-a-long at the Michaelson Center. They also sang for the seniors who attend the Elderday program.
Right now the singers are practicing songs to lead a sing-a-long for Bethany's senior citizens. They'll sing popular carols, including one of their favorites -- "Grandma Got Run Over by Reindeer."
"I'm a grandmother and I really don't like that song," Chevalier joked to the group.
It's exciting to see how much everyone enjoys the music and enjoys playing rhythm instruments along with the music. The joy of singing lights up their faces as they sing familiar carols that are loved by us all.