Countdown to AHS Celebrates

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Presented virtually from 5:30 to 6:30 PM CST Heading link

  • 5:30 PM

    Welcome and alumni awards presentation

  • 6:00 PM

    Breakout sessions

  • Registration: Free

    Register on or before Nov. 2

  • Connect with health professionals from a number of fields and disciplines

  • Reflect on the contributions made by our alumni as educators, discoverers, collaborators and advocates

  • Learn how we’re working to help people live self-determined lives in a society without barriers

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2021 AHS Alumni Honorees Heading link

Edward Mirzabegian ’79 BS MLS, a health care and hospital operations expert, receives the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. Alison Liddle ’98 BS PT, an entreprenuer who brings access to health care to underserved populations, receives the Loyalty Award. Robert Gould ’11 MS DHD, ’16 PhD DIS, a disability studies scholar and researcher, receives the New Alum Award. Marie Jarrell ’87 BS PT, who motivates individuals to make a big impact through many smaller efforts, receives the Service Award.
Edward Mirzabegian head shot

Edward Mirzabegian ’79 BS MLS
2021 AHS Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award

Chief Executive Officer, Antelope Valley Hospital

Alison Liddle headshot

Alison Liddle ’98 BS PT
2021 AHS Loyalty Award

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, M Street Pediatric Therapy

Robert Gould headshot

Robert Gould ’11 MS DHD, ’16 PhD DIS
2021 AHS New Alum Award

Assistant Clinical Professor, UIC Department of Disability and Human Development

Research Director, Great Lakes ADA Center

Marie Jarrell head shot

Marie Jarrell ’87 BS PT
2021 AHS Service Award

Founder and President, Sunbow Foundation

Program Manager, Briotix Health

Learn how we’re working to help people live self-determined lives in a society without barriers by participating in one of three breakout sessions. Heading link

Teachers and elementary school-aged students in a classroom working around tables.

From the Classroom to the Community: Partnering with Chicago’s Youth to Improve Health and Wellness

Lindsey Strieter, Clinical Instructor, UIC Department of Physical Therapy
Tiffany Besana, Student, UIC Department of Physical Therapy
John Heybach, Founder and President, Altus Academy
Alfredo Villegas, Principal, Altus Academy

Started in 2016, the UIC Department of Physical Therapy created a program called the Health and Wellness Academy (HWA) to promote healthy living practices in Chicago youth. HWA’s partnership with Altus Academy has become much more than a community health initiative. This session will share how students from both UIC and Altus form relationships through educational opportunities that motivate learning beyond the classroom walls and into their communities—building positive relationships with food and movement.

A group of eight people wearing face masks hold an award in front of an orange background

Learning Together: An Innovative Community Partnership in Service of Individuals and Families with Down Syndrome

Ashley Stoffel, Clinical Associate Professor, UIC Department of Occupational Therapy
Jenica Lee, Clinical Assistant Professor, UIC Department of Occupational Therapy
Vanessa Peixoto Honorato, Student, UIC Department of Occupational Therapy
Grace Glenny, Site Coordinator, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago
Jennifer Puma, Program Coordinator, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago
Lauren Duffy, Therapeutic Programming Committee Member, GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago

The UIC Department of Occupational Therapy has partnered with GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago for over 10 years to support programming for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. UIC OT students lead and develop groups with GiGi’s Playhouse staff, participants and their families to improve independence in everyday activities, including self-care, play, dance, cooking and employment. This session will describe examples of this authentic, mutually beneficial and collaborative effort leading to a model of sustainable and unique community partnerships.

Two people work to install an assistive device on a man's wheelchair.

3D Printing and Accessible Classrooms: Collaborating on Tools to Enhance Independence in Vocational and Everyday Activities

Kathy Hooyenga, Clinical Assistant Professor, UIC Assistive Technology Unit
James Graham, Equipment Specialist, UIC Assistive Technology Unit
Abigail Thomas, Occupational Therapist, Easterseals DuPage and Fox Valley
Becki Heimerle, Speech Language Pathologist, ICRE-R
Aida Christopher, Student, ICRE-R

The Assistive Technology Unit (ATU) of the UIC Department of Disability and Human Development, in collaboration with the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Roosevelt (ICRE-R), a high school transition program for students with physical disabilities, developed an ICRE-R student-run, adaptive equipment clinic. Utilizing 3D printing, adaptive devices are customized to students’ requested needs, enhancing students’ ability to participate in everyday activities independently. This session will share examples of the adaptive equipment designs and describe the work of the ATU, ICRE-R and UIC students to further develop the program, including teaching ICRE-R students 3D printing skills.

Register at the Forever Flames level Heading link

Register by Oct. 26 at the Forever Flames level to receive an AHS tote bag containing a charcuterie board with an assortment of imported and domestic cheeses, carefully paired hors d’oeuvres, a non-alcoholic cocktail kit and more—delivered right to your door for your enjoyment during the event! Hurry, quantities limited.*
*This option includes delivery, but is only available to those residing within 40 miles of 221 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612
Register

Plan for your attendance Heading link

Use the form below or send us an email at advanceahs@uic.edu to learn more, request accommodations, ask for directions or make other inquiries.

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Notice of filming and photography Heading link

By participating and being present during the event, you give the University of Illinois at Chicago the right to use photographs or video/audio recordings taken of you during the event for educational or promotional purposes and for sharing with external news media.