Feb. 2, 2008 – Clients of the VI Association for Independent Living, which is a partner agency of the Department of Human Services Division of Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation, will be featured in a local Chicago television program about the lifestyles of disabled persons, according to a press release from DHS. Seven clients were recently interviewed in a group discussion by Beatrice Leonard, a popular television and radio host, who has been blinded by retinitis pigmentosa. She travels as an advocate for those who are disabled and promotes change in the attitudes and behaviors of businesses and other entities toward the disabled.
Leonard listened to the clients' experiences and familiarized herself with the function of DHS' disabilities program and that of the VI Association for Independent Living. Participants spoke about their employment goals, current abilities despite their impairments, the need for more accommodations by establishments, and all aspects of day-to-day living. A Department of Tourism representative, Allegra Kean, also took the opportunity to discuss the efforts made by many retailers throughout the territory to accommodate disabled tourists.
Participants will be featured on the soon to be broadcast pilot television program "Travelers with Disabilities Having Fun," which will air every Tuesday night on Chicago's WTTW channel 11.
