Groups from Saint Xavier, District 218 transition program get together to paint, form friendships
A simple art project was enough to bring some joy to special education students in Oak Lawn, as they were able to paint alongside their friends from Saint Xavier University.
The participants were painting a straw horn with sunflowers and pumpkins as part of a monthly session that brings together members of the Adult Transition Program at Oak Lawn School District 218 and Saint Xavier students, giving both groups a chance to interact with their counterparts who are similar in age.
There wasn’t a bored face in the crowd at the recent painting session.
“I like getting to interact with students I’ve never met before,” said Andrew Sobczak, of Merrionette Park, one of the ATP students. “Plus my mom wanted me to do something.”
Sobczak, 20, an aficionado of jazz music, was glad he went.
“I’m getting excited about future events,” he said.
The clubs started a few months ago and has included such activities so far as bingo, karaoke, charades and a pizza party.
“Each time, students get to show their different abilities,” said Tess Barry, a SXU senior. “All the ATP students always have a smiling face when they come here. They really seem to enjoy everything they do here. You can tell they’re excited to come, and we’re excited, too!”
Alison Wilde, an administrator in the District 218 ATP program, had been teaching special education at Richards High School in Oak Lawn for five years when she switched her focus to adults. She quickly noticed students weren’t getting the same peer interaction they had in their high school classes before entering ATP.
“We really wanted to give our students an opportunity to socialize with peers of their own age, so that’s how we came up with this partnership with Saint Xavier University,” she said.
The university in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood
neighborhood was an easy choice because Julie Staresinich, a speech and language therapist who works with the ATP students and helps out with the club, also teaches in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at the university. District 218 also partners with Trinity Christian College for a Best Buddies Program, where those college students build relationships with ATP students.
Jen Glaz, who teaches art at Shepard High School in Palos Heights, was on hand at the recent meetup to facilitate the painting project. She had already worked with many in the group.
“The first thing I really love is seeing some of my former students,” Glaz said. “It’s wonderful to see how they’ve grown since leaving Shepard.”
The club also helps Saint Xavier students get more experience toward potential careers in speech therapy.
“It’s been really fun interacting with the students and getting to know them,” said Corinna Olsen, a SXU senior studying in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program.
Fellow student Ellie Engel, also a senior in the program, agreed.
“I like getting the experience and interacting with the students,” she said, adding the sessions were also just plain fun.
That’s what ATP student Amari Barnes, 19, who lives in Alsip, loves about the program, too.
“I like painting and meeting the students,” said Barnes, smiling as he worked on his project.
The ATP Program is for students with intellectual and physical disabilities, and focuses on life, social and vocational skills.
“I really like working with this age group because you’re able to build connections with these students,” noted Wilde, the administrator. “You’re able to see that what we are exposing our students to has a lifelong impact.”