Envision Unlimited Blog

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.

Envision shares the values of independence and inclusion represented by Juneteenth--a day that is broadly misunderstood. To salute our newest federal holiday, we produced a video to clear up the confusion. Enjoy!

So much is happening at Envision Unlimited that could help or inspire you.

Our Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Tim Smith, chief corporate counsel for CME Group. Due to the pandemic, the event was held outdoors—coincidentally, at our Westtown Center, where Tim has volunteered for several years as a Biking Buddy. He also ended his 3,000-mile virtual bike tour across the country last year there to raise money for people with disabilities.

The Envision Unlimited staff has gone to extraordinary lengths during the pandemic, to assure that our members have the physical and emotional support they need. But CEO Mark McHugh wondered how these caregivers are faring--and what should all of us do to make sure we are physically and mentally strong when we emerge from this period. He sat down with Michele McDonough, Envision's Director of Mental Health Services, to ask for some tips we can use to take care of ourselves.

Envision Unlimited President and CEO Mark McHugh was featured in a Chicago Tribune story about efforts to convince state lawmakers to provide adequate funding for organizations serving Illinoisians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Remember when you brought a joyful smile or maybe a tear to your mom's eye when you presented her with your handmade Mother's Day gift? The Envision Unlimited Associate Board is offering an opportunity for both of you to relive those moments. Or, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry for yourself or your bestie.

Click to read the latest news about our partnership with UCP Seguin.

Envision members have their own perspectives on the people and activities that impact their lives.

The Envision staff has joined Crain's Chicago Business' elite group of Healthcare Heroes for 2021. To qualify, honorees had to be working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, making an impact and saving lives.