Perspectives & Press

What does it mean to be the director of your own life? That was the question REACH and Catalyst members explored during a recent presentation with performer, public speaker, and disability rights advocate Bradley Westmaas. Through storytelling, conversation, and interactive activities, Bradley encouraged members to see themselves as the director of their own film, reminding […]

Local Businesses are helping create opportunities, connection, and belonging for people with disabilities through golf outings. On Monday, August 31, 2026, CEL will host its Annual Golf Tournament at Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove. The outing raises critical support for CEL programs and services while bringing together longtime supporters, partners, and new faces […]

On Friday, March 20, CEL Board Member and co-founder of CEL’s The Nora Project Lauren Schrero joined anchor Brian Jackson on Good Day Chicago to talk about the power of inclusion in schools and why programs like CEL’s The Nora Project matter, especially right now. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize […]

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM, a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and promote inclusive employment practices. This year marks the 80th anniversary of NDEAM, and the City of Highland Park celebrated by issuing an official Mayoral Proclamation, and presented it to CEL at the October 20 City Council […]

This October, the US Department of Labor is celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It is an annual recognition of the positive impact that people with disabilities in the American workforce and an acknowledgement of the importance of increasing opportunities for people with disabilities.  Building a career is a challenge […]

At CEL, we believe everyone deserves the chance to share their talents and pursue meaningful employment. That’s why we were so proud to host our first-ever Reverse Job Fair, a unique event that turned the traditional hiring process upside down. Instead of employers setting up tables, CEL members became the hosts of their own booths. […]

CEL’s The Nora Project is on a mission to build inclusive classrooms all across the country. At its core, inclusive education is about expecting, planning for, and valuing the needs of all students. Spaces are designed in a way where students with and without disabilities are empowered to learn together, and educators have positive attitudes […]

CEL looked a little different in 1988. We didn’t have our own beautiful building with Universal Design, and social/recreational programs were all that we offered. But even back then, our members were supported by excellent, dedicated staff who cared about them. That’s the year Marilyn, a young professional eager to make a difference, first walked […]

On Tuesday, July 22, CEL CEO Herb Washington and member Jay M. kicked off the morning with an appearance on Good Day Chicago! They joined anchor Natalie Bomke to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and share how CEL helps people with developmental disabilities lead more independent, empowered lives. As […]