College of DuPage grads design new spaces for adults with autism at Canopy day program

Two recent College of DuPage interior design program graduates designed a newly installed kitchen, laundry and restroom facility at Canopy, a day program in Sugar Grove for adults on the autism spectrum.

Kelly Cone of Sugar Grove and Connie Imler of Antioch, who both graduated from the program in 2018, participated in the project under the guidance of COD instructor Suzann Nordstrom.

Canopy is a division of Giant Steps, an organization serving children and young adults on the autism spectrum in the Chicago area. Canopy specifically serves adult clients through individualized programming that supports participants in lifelong learning and engagement.

The new space provides valuable opportunities for clients to learn and enhance their independence.

"The addition of this facility means that we can focus on helping participants build important life skills," said Lillian Peterson, director of Canopy Adult Services. "Many of the individuals who we serve still live with their families and caregivers. Having a sense of independence enriches the lives of our clients and also makes it easier on those caregivers."

Imler said she learned lessons that will remain with her as she continues to navigate her career.

"I realized how important the planning process is in a long-term project such as this one," Imler said. "There was a lot of research that went into this. We had to consider the unique layers and challenges when designing a space for people with autism, such as visual stimulation and the need for routine."

Cone said having the opportunity to work with an organization focused on doing good in the community, such as Canopy, is personally fulfilling.

"Giving back to my community is important to me," she said. "This is an organization that allows adults with autism to continue to progress even after they're done with school. It's important for people to know that helping others should be associated with anything we do."

Peterson applauded Cone and Imler's commitment to designing the space so that it works best for Canopy's clients, saying they put a great amount of effort into making it accessible for adults on the autism spectrum.

Nordstrom was impressed by Cone and Imler's persistence shown during the process, which began while Cone and Imler were both students at COD.

"They were very flexible in their approach," she said. "They went through a variety of modifications during this process and they stuck with it, which is not always easy to do."

The recent graduates said it would not have been possible without Nordstrom's guidance. Imler described her as a "phenomenal instructor," while Cone added that "what stands out about Suzann is her thoroughness in the way she teaches. Learning from her, we know what to do in almost any circumstance."

Michael Slusarz, president of Slusarz Corporation, and Dan McFadden, president of PB Kitchen Design, both played key roles in the installation of the new space.

They described working with Nordstrom, Cone and Imler as a pleasant experience and said they could not have asked for a better effort from the team of designers.

"The COD design team was great," McFadden said. "They had good ideas of what the facility should be. For anything that was asked of them, they handled it well and with a fresh approach. We wanted them to learn from it and they did."

Overall, more than 20 organizations, businesses and partners committed time and resources to the completion of the space.

"There were people who stepped up in every aspect," Peterson said. "Everyone was proud to be a part of this. Many people involved actually have a personal connection to someone with autism, so it was a relatable experience. That was amazing to me."

Learn more about the Interior Design program at www.cod.edu/academics/programs/interior_design/index.aspx.

Learn more about Canopy at www.mygiantsteps.org/canopy.