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Oak Park proclaims March 2026 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month; local service providers call for continued supports
Summary
President Vicki Skamman and the board adopted a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Representatives from local organizations described services, hiring needs, group homes and program anniversaries and thanked the village for recognition.
President Vicki Skamman read a proclamation designating March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the board voted to approve the proclamation.
"Now therefore, I, Vicki Skamman, president of Village of Oak Park, and the board of trustees do hereby proclaim the month of March 2026 as developmental disabilities awareness month in the Village Of Oak Park," Skamman read.
Community partners accepted the proclamation and described local services. "I'm Miriam Burko. I'm the executive director of West Suburban Special Recreation Association," said Miriam Burko, who noted WSSRA has provided five decades of services to Oak Park and neighboring communities and that the organization is hiring. Oak Park River Forest High School special-education teacher Brian Dubina said the public school system plays a role in preparing students for community employment: "I wanna be out there and connecting with you, with everyone in the community because the community is there for them after they leave the public school system."
Joe Mangoni, president and CEO of UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago, described transitional and job-readiness services the organization provides. Nicole Altna, CEO of L'Arche Chicago, introduced a resident named Anders who spoke briefly about having found a home and volunteer opportunities.
Trustees voiced appreciation and approved the proclamation by voice vote; the proclamation will be distributed to community partners and staff said they will coordinate photo opportunities and follow-up outreach.
