Computers help Marklund bring 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' to life

With the help of high technology, residents and clients of Marklund at Mill Creek happily put on the musical "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Tuesday afternoon.

Many of the 23 performers have severe physical, mental and developmental disabilities that affect their ability to speak. But they were able to say their lines through the use of computerized communications devices.

Workers and volunteers recorded lines from the play, and loaded them on to each device. The actors could then say their lines by activating them on the computer. Some used switches; the woman who played Lucy, Heather D., asked to have an aide use a stylus, to speed things up.

"It's a normal thing to do a Christmas play at Christmas time," said director Joanna Vicker, a certified occupational therapy assistant, about why Marklund put on the play. She said it fits in with their goals to have clients experience as much of life as they can. "People (clients) really like the acting."

Other residents provided accompaniment, playing maracas, hand drums or bells attached to their wrists. And others formed a choir that sang Christmas carols and songs at appropriate points in the show, including the finale of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

Audience members included other residents and day clients, workers, and clients' families. Marklund at Mill Creek serves 96 adult residents and about a half-dozen day clients. It also runs the Marklund Philip Center for Children in Bloomingdale, including a nursing facility, day school, early intervention program and a respite care program.

"This (the play) helps their self-esteem. They are doing something for the community and the residents," said Laurie Schaefer, music therapist.

And why was Heather cast as the strong-willed, outspoken Lucy?

"Because Heather is a woman who knows what she wants!" said Vicar, while Heather looked up in agreement.