Special Voices Amplified
Four dedicated Barrington parents came together to found Barrington Area Special Voices in 2008. United by their shared belief that families with children who have special needs needed a forum for education, advocacy, and social activities, they set out to create an organization that achieves those goals. The result is a formidable network of parents, siblings, and teachers working together to ensure that everyone succeeds — and has fun doing it.
Barrington Area Special Voices (BASV) President and mother of three Jennifer Garrels takes her commitments seriously. In 2006, she and her 1-year-old daughter waited in Woodland Early Learning Center’s family room while her son attended preschool. Woodland, located in Carpentersville, houses District 220’s early learning programs mandated under Title 1 of 2001’s No Child Left Behind Act. The children served by the program either have special needs, or are found to be “at-risk” for one of several reasons (i.e., single-parent family, complications at birth, socioeconomic challenges, academic concerns, etc.).
As the weeks passed, Jennifer got to know staff members and helped out informally on several projects. It became evident that Jennifer’s time was needed. “At the time, Woodland had four PTO members. I noticed that all of the other area schools had larger PTOs with significantly more funds,” Jennifer says. She signed on as a PTO member, and within months became the organization’s president. “It all happened pretty quickly,” she says. “I just jumped in.”
Barbara Romano, principal of Woodland Early Learning Center, commends Jennifer’s efforts. “Jennifer really dug in and committed her time. Our school’s parents have young children and they’re already juggling a lot. It can be difficult to get people involved with the PTO,” Barbara says. “Jennifer ran our book fair while holding her newborn the entire time. Once she makes a commitment there’s no stopping her!”
Finding their voices
Jennifer’s main priorities as PTO president were to recruit more parents, raise funds to improve resources at Woodland, and ultimately develop a stronger voice in the community for children with special needs. She sought to augment what she already found to be an impressive early intervention program: “I have always felt that we are so lucky to have the amazing staff and programs offered by District 220. They do incredible work,” Jennifer says. Parent and past PTO member Jennifer Bulandr seconds this view: “I really credit Woodland’s staff with the remarkable changes in my son. We’ve been thrilled with the early learning program.”
While the programs provided by Woodland’s staff are excellent, the 1958 facility does not meet students’ needs. “At times, staff members have to decide between plugging in a student’s [assistive technology] device or plugging in a fan on a hot day,” Jennifer Garrels says. Although some temporary modifications have been made, the building is not accessible to all students.
Compounding the problem is the center’s location on the western edge of the district. “It is very hard for Deer Park or North Barrington residents to get their children here,” Barbara says. “We really need a school with a central location to ensure accessibility for everyone.” It was evident to Jennifer Garrels that what was needed was beyond the reach of even the most motivated PTO: They needed to build a new school.
Jennifer Garrels’ and Jennifer Bulandr’s efforts were joined with those of Barrington parents Paul Conover and Dave Holt. “We were the right group of people at the right time,” Jennifer Bulandr says. “We really have a unique dynamic. Our skill sets are different, but we blend nearly seamlessly. I have never worked more effectively or efficiently with any group of people.” This synergy and their shared dedication to improving conditions for future Woodland students led these motivated PTO members to form the Early Learning referendum campaign, chaired by Jennifer Garrels and Judy Okazaki, in 2007.
The four parents gave tremendous time and energy to the campaign, despite their knowledge that their own children would not benefit from a new facility. “It’s about our children as a community, not about our children as individuals,” Jennifer Bulandr says. The referendum did not pass, but the team still had the momentum and motivation to forge ahead.
It was during the referendum campaign that Jennifer Garrels, Jennifer Bulandr, Paul, and Dave noticed that there was an unmet need in the community. As they sought to mobilize Barrington families with children who have special needs, they realized that there wasn’t an organization uniting that population. The seeds for BASV were planted, but their children were now ready to transition to other schools in the district. Remarkably, the four supported Woodland’s PTO even after their children had moved on to other schools. “It was important to us to transition everything to the new PTO. Since kids are only at Woodland for two years, it’s hard to have any continuity,” Jennifer Garrels says.
Special voices are heard
As they worked to strengthen the PTO, they also began planning BASV. They wanted to bring together families with children of all ages who represent all types of unique needs. “It was so motivating for me to see all the wonderful things happening at Woodland Early Learning Center — children who started the school year unable to walk or talk, learning to walk or learning to talk without communication devices at the end of the year,” Jennifer Garrels says. “I thought if we could continue that positive momentum when children leave the early learning program by providing the tools and support families need outside of school, we would help maximize the potential and possibilities for these children.”
Fundraising efforts began and were met with great success. The District 220 President’s Council formed a cookbook committee chaired by Deanna Griffin and Sue Randall. They produced I Want That Recipe!, which generated more than $11,000 in sales. BASV also received grants from the Barrington Junior Women’s Club, the District 220 Educational Foundation, the Noon Rotary, the Barrington Area Community Foundation, and several individual donors.
In September 2008, BASV held its first meeting at the Community Church of Barrington. There were 45 people in attendance — a number that confirmed the founders’ belief that there was a clear need in the community. Nearly a year later, the organization has a seven-member board of directors, 75 member families, and many more on its mailing list.
BASV’s mission is multifaceted, which is appropriate for the community it serves. Its mission is to “work to provide advocacy, education, and social growth opportunities, and to promote acceptance for children with special needs, and their families in the Barrington area.” To this end, BASV has hosted speakers and parent coffees at the homes of BASV members, which provide an opportunity for parents to connect in a casual environment.
Making connections
Many parents of children with special needs find these connections absolutely essential. Sean Carey, father of 4-year-old Liam who is diagnosed with Autism, is grateful for the opportunity to exchange information with other parents. “Shared experiences are so important. Through talking with other parents we learn potentially what to expect. That reinforcement, that knowledge that our child is doing things that are normal and expected, is a huge comfort,” he says. In fact, Sean is so passionate that he has become co-chair of BASV’s marketing committee and sits on the board. “There are so many positive outlets [through BASV] that you can find something of use at every single event. It’s just a fantastic organization,” Sean says.
BASV also offers fun social activities for families. On the first Saturday of every month, they have an open gym night at Kids in Action Gymnastics Academy (KIAGA), a gymnastics academy in the Village. The community’s response has been impressive: 62 children attended the first event. “It was inspirational,” Jennifer Garrels says. “I’ll never forget the boy who was so determined to climb the rope. He tried so hard, but wasn’t able to make it all the way to the top. When he came down, he said to the coach, ‘I’ll get to the top next time.’” The local Jimmy John’s has donated sandwiches, and Clarke’s Irish Bakery has donated baked goods as well. “Gary and Lynette Griffin, KIAGA owners, are such gracious hosts. Our nonprofit working together with local businesses and civic organizations really makes it a community-wide effort,” says Jennifer Garrels.
Ann Minciotti, a pediatrician living and working in Barrington, believes that BASV is a much-needed resource in the community. And as a mother of three whose middle child, Steven, has Autism, she knows firsthand the trials of raising a child with unique needs. “Parents of typical kids might not realize how difficult it is to get out and do things with children who look different and act different. I have parents [in my practice] who just don’t go out,” Ann says. “It is such a relief to have a place to go where people just get it; where parents and kids won’t think anything of kids’ differences.” Barbara Romano agrees that BASV fills a great need. “These parents do need help,” she says. “There also needs to be awareness that these kids are members of our community. They’re kids with special needs, but really they’re just kids.”
Kathy Brodin moved to Barrington more than a year ago, and BASV has been an invaluable resource for connecting her family to both the special needs community and the community as a whole. “It’s amazing to have established so many connections in such a short time. It’s also such a comfort to know that other families are dealing with similar issues,” Kathy says.
BASV’s offerings continue. The Child and Family committee, chaired by Jennifer Bulandr, is planning a parents’ yoga night at Barrington Park District, couples events, and an ice skating event. BASV has also endowed a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a Barrington High School student in the top 50 percent of their class and who plans to major in an area related to special education. This year, the scholarship recipient is Jena Parsons, who plans to attend Illinois State University to study special education.
The BASV founders are also creating a mentoring program that will match parents of younger children with special needs with parents whose children have already gone through the district. Parent Susan Collins wishes she had a mentor when her son, J.P., was younger. “I wanted to connect with someone with children older than mine to help alleviate anxiety for myself and for my son. If I can predict change, that’s very helpful for him,” she says. Jennifer Garrels is looking forward to fostering the mentorships. “It’s a scary experience for anyone to have to enter this process with their kids. It’s so nice to have that one person to turn to … I want BASV to be that backbone,” she says.
If the Barrington community’s early response is any indication, BASV will flourish. The founders, who were recognized at the Barrington area Character Counts! awards in April for the Pillar of Fairness, are gratified that their programs have met with wonderful support. Barbara Romano echoes the sentiments of many area parents in her compliment to the founders: “They’re my personal heroes. They really are.”
For more information on Barrington Area Special Voices, or to join BASV’s online discussion group, go to www.baspecialvoices.org.
New School Plans
Barrington’s early childhood program will soon have a more modern home as plans proceed for a new Early Learning Center adjacent to Prairie Middle School.
The state-of-the-art facility will be constructed as an extension of the current middle school building, using fund balances and financing made possible by the school district’s exceptional ‘AAA’ bond rating.
Barbara Romano, principal of Woodland Early Learning Center, is thrilled the new school will be ready for students in the fall of 2010. “Woodland was built in 1958, as a K-8 school. We now have 280 kids, and we’re still growing,” she says. “We have wonderful resources in this district; we just need an easy-to-get-to facility that better meets our students’ needs.”
The eco-friendly building is designed by Perkins + Will, an international architectural firm renowned for creating child-centered educational environments. The school’s 16 classrooms are based on a village concept with a central corridor for specialists surrounded by four clusters of four classrooms, each with a shared or common area. “It will really foster a sense of community,” Barbara says. The building will also feature accessible bathrooms, softer lighting, a larger library, and rubberized floors in the physical recreation rooms. There are two outdoor courtyards, and the school hopes to furnish playgrounds through fundraising.
Parents of children who attend Woodland’s Early Learning program are eagerly anticipating the new school. “For our kids to reach their potential, they deserve a facility commensurate with other schools in the district,” says Susan Collins. Following final approvals by the Board of Education as well as other municipal and environmental agencies, project manager Pepper Construction broke ground this summer on what will be the school district’s newest and most innovative learning center.
Best Buddies
Barrington High School junior Anna Ollinger and freshman Steven MacKendrick love to meet at Egg Harbor for M&M pancakes.
Since they’re both early risers and share a love of food, it’s their idea of a perfect outing. They’re “Best Buddies,” paired by the Barrington High School club that seeks to foster supportive friendships between typical students and students with special needs.
“I love spending time with Steven,” Anna says. “He’s not very verbal, but I can tell by the way he’s smiling that he’s having a great time.” Steven, who has Autism, and Anna also get together periodically at one another’s homes, usually to make brownies or chocolate-covered pretzels.
Anna, who has been a member of the club since her freshman year, will be the 2009-10 BHS Best Buddies president. She joined the club at the encouragement of her friend Sierra Shum. Right away, Anna knew she was part of something worthwhile. “Before many of the Buddies get involved in the program, they don’t have anyone to hang out with. I realized quickly how having one friend can make such a difference in someone’s life,” she says.
The club, which began at BHS in 1996, currently includes 35 members and seven Buddy pairs. The club’s executive members work hard with faculty adviser Erika Cobb to ensure successful matches, and only serious potential Buddies need apply. “This club isn’t just to put on your resume,” Anna says. “You’re committing to a person, not just a club.”
Best Buddies hosts numerous events throughout the school year, from a Halloween party in the fall to a Best Buddies Ball in the spring. They recently celebrated the end of the 2008-09 school year with an outdoor picnic.
Anna is a busy BHS student, participating in National Honors Society, varsity gymnastics, AP honors classes, among several other commitments. Still, she places great importance on the time she dedicates to Best Buddies. “You don’t realize how isolated kids with disabilities are in the community until you have a chance to get to know them,” Anna says. “We’re more alike than different.”
For more information on Best Buddies, go to www.bestbuddiesbhs.8m.com or www.bestbuddiesillinois.org.
Renee Blue is a freelance writer who lives in the Village of Barrington. She can be reached at reneecblue@hotmail.com.