A day of fun in our community.
Our amazing CASE teachers and paras took our students on an exciting community outing filled with movement, learning, and lots of smiles!
First stop: Students headed to the Oak Lawn Racquet Club and Gymnastics Center. This was the ultimate sensory gym! The kids had the best time running, jumping, bouncing, and climbing in a space designed for them to move their bodies safely. This was more than just play—activities like these help improve motor planning, coordination, balance, and self-regulation while giving our students a chance to have fun and burn off energy! The joy on their faces as they leaped into foam pits and swung from bars was priceless!
After more than an hour of nonstop movement, the students and staff hopped back on the bus and headed to Culvers for lunch. But this wasn’t just about eating—it was a chance to practice real-life communication and life skills! Kids were able to use their AAC devices and visual supports at Culvers to order their meals and exchange money. An "AAC device for speech" refers to an Augmentative and Alternative Communication device, which is a tablet that helps kids communicate by generating spoken words through a visual interface. It acts as a way to supplement their speech when needed. After ordering, kids sat down to dine in and enjoy their lunch together. These moments are so powerful—practicing these skills in a real-world setting builds confidence, independence, and social engagement!
Community outings like these are so much more than just a fun trip. They allow our students to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-life situations, gain new experiences, and feel included in the community. Seeing them interact, communicate, and navigate the world around them is what it’s all about!
Huge thank you to the staff, families, and community partners who help make these experiences possible! Remember...inclusion matters!