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 Herb explained during the segment, the ADA opened doors, but CEL goes even further by helping people not just gain access, but thrive. Every day, CEL lives out the spirit of the ADA by supporting members as they pursue opportunity, exercise their rights, and experience dignity and belonging.

“[CEL] is a place I love to go to every time,” Jay said.

In just one year as a CEL member, Jay has jumped into our Catalyst, REACH, and Employment Opportunites programs with enthusiasm. Cooking, grocery shopping, and swimming are a few things he enjoys with his CEL friends. Jay and his sister Lisa also shared their CEL story at this year’s Chefs’ Night gala, helping raise awareness and support for programs that empower members like him.

While the ADA has created meaningful progress, there’s still work to do. Today, only 20% of people with disabilities are employed, compared to 70% of those without disabilities. That gap isn’t due to lack of motivation or talent, it’s about lack of opportunity.

When Jay shared that he was looking for something close to home where he could use his helpful, friendly nature, CEL’s Employment Opportunities program matched him with the perfect fit at Pinstripes, providing support to ensure he would be welcomed into an inclusive workplace where he thrives.

CEL is working toward a more inclusive world for people with and without disabilities, starting in classrooms with The Nora Project and continuing across a lifetime through our many member programs.

We’re grateful to Natalie for leading such a thoughtful interview and for giving Jay the chance to share his voice. The entire Fox 32 team made us feel welcome, from Beth and Melody behind the scenes, to Anita Blanton waving from the news desk, and Mark Strehl taking a moment for a photo in the hallway. You are all shining examples how inclusion can be as simple as treating people with disabilities the same way you’d treat anyone else: with kindness, warmth, and respect.

Watch the full interview on the Fox 32 website!