Envision Unlimited Blog

Invented in the 1960s, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a decades-old, tried-and-true method for teaching social and emotional skills to children with autism and other developmental disorders. In short, ABA is a type of therapy that helps to bridge communication or behavioral issues through reinforcement methods. The ultimate goal is for individuals to become more independent and successful, long-term.

Executives and owners of businesses in the architecture, engineering and construction community joined members of Envision Unlimited's executive team on April 11, to break ground on an ADA-compliant group home in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood for seniors with disabilities.

In response to the spike in autism diagnoses and news that minority children are less likely to be diagnosed or receive treatment, Envision Unlimited has expanded its accredited ABA Therapy program into underserved areas.

Envision Unlimited has dreamed of building an accessible group home for our older members for many years. Not only has this never been done, but the construction cost for a specialized home such as this exceeds $1 million.

Beginning March 17, all cryptocurrency donations made to Envision Unlimited can be doubled, thanks to our participation in #CaringWithCrypto, a $20M crypto fundraising initiative. It is run by The Giving Block and Shift4.

Tim Smith's support for Envision members and his involvement in our Buddy Biking program is well documented. He was named our 2020 Donor of the Year and 2021 Volunteer of the Year. He even created our "InMotion for Envision" alternative when the pandemic canceled our Bike the Drive fundraiser.

Meet Lauren Smith, the newest member of Envision's executive management team. Lauren joined us at the beginning of the year in the newly created role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). We are very excited to have her on board.

On September 18, more than two dozen members of Envision's Mental Health professional staff and clients gathered in Jackson Park to walk along the lakefront with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Chicago. The event raises funds to provide free mental health support, education, and advocacy program for those who cannot afford services.

Want more power? The 2021 InMotion event is bringing it! This year, InMotion is a "30 for 30" Challenge. What's that?

July is Disability Pride Month—an opportunity for us to purposefully come together to amplify each other, to honor and accept everyone’s uniqueness in the naturally diverse human quilt. Why July? It was 31 years ago in July that President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is even a Disability Pride flag.