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While there has been a significant change in the activities and opportunities available to people with disabilities compared to ten decades ago, some issues still need to be addressed. One issue that stands out is the challenge of integrating children with disabilities into the community as they become adults.

For example, a lot of adult worlds are not inclusive to people with disabilities and make it difficult for individuals with disabilities to feel like they belong in society. Jobs are still not easily accessible, and there is a general lack of understanding of most disabilities, including Autism.

Evergreen Park Public Library and create a social club

In light of these challenges, in 2020, the idea was sparked to reopen the Evergreen Park Public Library and create a social club specifically for young adults with disabilities. This club, aptly named Stacks Social Club, aims to provide a safe and inclusive space where individuals can engage in various activities such as golfing in the library, playing musical instruments, and reading scripts aloud.

The club also organizes game days at the Evergreen Park Recreation Center to promote social interaction among its members. Mary Black and Nicki Seidl are the co-authors of a successful grant application to Autism Welcome Here, which generously awarded them a $1,000 fund. This helped kickstart the club’s programming for a whole year, making it an exciting venture for teens who visit the library.

Partners and donors

Mary Black is thankful for the support of partners and donors who have contributed to the club’s success.

For instance, she cited the donation from Beverly Ridon, which significantly impacted the club’s operations.

Additionally, Whole Foods has been regularly donating snacks for its food literacy programs, while Professor Meg Carroll of St. Xavier University has been a great resource and partner for the club.

Her students participate in exchange for observation hours as part of the master’s degree program in special education at St. Xavier University. Again, the collaboration with Professor Carroll and her students has greatly benefited the club and its members, making it a valuable partnership for promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for learning and growth.

Inclusive spaces and promoting social interactions

At Illinois Autism Center, we highly appreciate people like Mary Black and Nicki Seidl, as it takes a great deal of passion, dedication, and effort to create such an amazing community space for individuals with autism. We believe that the Stacks Social Club is a model for other communities to follow in creating inclusive spaces and promoting social interactions for individuals with autism.

At IAC, we share the same vision as Mary Black and Nicki Seidl, which is to create a more aware, accepting, supportive, and understanding society for individuals with autism.