Media coverage from 2003 through 2006

2006

February

Counselor/ the Magazine for Addiction Professionals published a story titled “Substance Abuse Treatment for Disabled Persons” that highlighted the story of Denise, a participant in Anixter Center’s Addiction Recovery of the Deaf Program. The story depicted how Denise coped with the challenging combination of chemical dependency and mental illness. The article also featured a backgrounder on Anixter Center’s mission and services.

The Daily Journal of Vineland, New Jersey, mentioned the Lekotek/Toy Library program at the Shirley Eves Developmental and Therapeutic Center. The National Lekotek Center’s program stimulates child development and strengthens the family unit through play.

January

Parents magazine ran a story on toys for children with special needs. The National Lekotek Center’s top three picks were featured in the article.

The Evanston Review announced Cheryl Smith’s promotion from vice president of Program Services to executive vice president of Anixter Center.

In Parenthood.com, an article titled “Picking Winners: How to Select the Right Toys for your Child,” Diana Nielander, Director, National Center Lekotek, was quoted on the importance of finding the right toy for children with disabilities. The National Lekotek Center was also listed as a resource for parents seeking advice regarding their child’s recreational needs.

The National Lekotek Center’s AblePlay Rating System was featured in the “Around the State” section of Newsbreak Magazine, the publication of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. Diana Nielander, director of the National Lekotek Center, was quoted on the importance of finding an appropriate toy for a child with a disability.

2005

December

Cheryl Smith’s promotion to Anixter Center’s executive vice president was written up in Michigan State University’s Fall 2005 Alumni News. Previously vice president of Program Services, Smith was quoted in the column as saying her passion for and commitment to Anixter Center’s work drives her goal to refine and enhance the quality of services offered to people with disabilities.

Chicago Parent ran a story about finding the right toy for a child with disabilities. The National Lekotek Center’s website, www.ableplay.org, was highlighted in the piece. Diana Nielander, director, National Lekotek Center, was quoted.

The National Lekotek Center was highlighted in an article about selecting the best toys for a child with disabilities on ChicagoParent.com. Diana Nielander of the National Lekotek Center was quoted.

KFSM Channel 5 News Fort Smith-Fayetteville, a member of the New York Times Broadcast Group that serves northwest Arkansas, the River Valley and eastern Oklahoma, announced National Lekotek Center’s receipt of The Mattel Children’s Foundation’s domestic grant in a story on its website.

An article on the website of FOX 19-WXIX, a Raycom Media station in Cincinnati, Ohio, reported that the National Lekotek Center was named a recipient of The Mattel Children’s Foundation’s domestic grant.

WNEM TV 5, a CBS affiliate that covers the mid-Michigan area, announced The Mattel Children’s Foundation’s decision to include the National Lekotek Center in the group of organizations set to receive its domestic grant.

The Evanston Review, a Pioneer Press weekly newspaper in north suburban Chicago, published a letter by Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman regarding the CTA’s proposal to double the fare for people with disabilities.

In The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a story covering the Alpharetta’s Country Club of the South noted that the National Lekotek Center will benefit from the Club’s annual fundraising gala as it was named one of this year’s charitable organizations.

The Southern Illinoisan website did a story on the National Lekotek Center’s new website, www.ableplay.com, which rates toys for children with disabilities. Diana Nielander, director of the National Lekotek Center in Chicago, was quoted.

The Deerfield Review covered Rep. Karen May’s (D-58th) receipt of Anixter Center’s Legislator of the Year Award. Rep. May and Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman were pictured together with the award.

The Daily Herald, a suburban Chicago daily newspaper, published a letter by
Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman supporting Mayor Daley’s decision to block the CTA’s proposal to double fares for people with disabilities.

The Chicago Tribune quoted Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman in a story called “Disabled Spared CTA hike.” In the article, Mr. Bergman pointed out that many people with disabilities who use CTA live on monthly incomes of $600 to $650, illustrating that a doubled fare would make a major impact on their living expenses.

In the online edition of the Chicago Tribune, Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman was quoted on the negative impact a doubled fare would have on the lives of individuals in a story titled “Disabled Spared CTA hike.”

The National Lekotek Center was featured in an article titled “Special Toys for Special Kids” in The Southern Illinoisan. Diana Nielander, director of the National Lekotek Center, was quoted.

President and CEO of Anixter Center Allan I. Bergman was featured in an article on ABC7’s website titled “Illinois Not-for-Profit Organizations Facing Budget Woes.” Mr. Bergman pointed out that Illinois historically under serves people with disabilities in terms of state funding, especially considering Illinois is one of the wealthier state in the country.

The Peoria Star Journal ran a story on the National Lekotek Center’s AblePlay Rating System. Diana Nielander, director of the National Lekotek Center, was quoted as she pointed out that many toys can be adapted to accommodate a child with disabilities.

The Journal Star, which serves Central Illinois, featured the National Lekotek Center’s AblePlay Rating System. Diana Nielander, director of the National Lekotek Center, was named in the piece.

The Evanston Review covered the National Lekotek Center’s debut of the AblePlay Rating System.

Newsday’s Parent & Children Long Island magazine, of suburban Long Island in New York, published a story titled “Selecting Toys for a Child with a Disability,” written by Diana Nielander, director of the National Lekotek Center. Nielander’s piece, called “Good Choices,” also ran in the magazine as did information on Lekotek’s website and “Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids,” which was available at Toys R Us stores.

November

Inside Lincoln Park, a weekly Chicago newspaper, ran a story on the diverse group of award recipients at Anixter Center’s 26th Annual Awards Luncheon. State Representative Karen May was among the honorees as her exceptional work with people with disabilities earned her this year’s Stuart G. Ferst Legislator of the Year Award.

Inside Publications’ Web site featured a story on Anixter Center’s 26th Annual Awards Luncheon. The article highlighted some of the evening’s award recipients, including Anixter Board member Rita Bakewell, who received the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Spirit of Life Award.

The web site of National Lekotek Center was listed as a resource for choosing toys for children with disabilities in an article titled “Finding the perfect toy for baby’s age,” published in the Exeter News-Letter.

The Daily Chronicle, DeKalb, Ill., published a story on Anixter Center presenting the Partners Through Progress Award to Northern Illinois University’s Center for Access-Ability Resources at the 26 th Annual Awards Luncheon.

The Daily Herald reported on State Representative Karen May being honored as Anixter Center’s Legislator of the Year at Anixter Center’s Annual Awards Luncheon in the Lake County in 60 seconds section of the paper.

Northern Today , a biweekly publication of Northern Illinois University, published a story under the title “Kudos” about an award presented to Northern’s Center for Access-Ability Resources by Anixter Center at the 26 th Annual Awards Luncheon.

Several Pioneer Press newspapers including, the Evanston Review and the Mount Prospect Times, reported on the “Media Champion Award,” presented to Gary Taylor of Pioneer Press at Anixter Center’s recent Annual Awards Luncheon. The story was titled, “Anixter Center Honors Pioneer with Award.”

Editor & Publisher , the leading trade magazine of the publishing industry, also ran a story on the award received by Pioneer Press. It was headlined, “Pioneer Press Newspapers Lauded for Coverage of Physically Challenged.”

Cheryl Smith was listed in the “People on the Move” section of Crain’s Chicago Business for her promotion from vice-president of programs to executive vice-president of Anixter Center.

A story about Lekotek’s recently launched Able Play Rating System™, a free on-line service that helps consumers and professionals select toys for children with disabilities, was featured on PR Newswire, a leading wire service of the public relations arena. The article quoted Diane Nielander, director of National Lekotek Center. The story was also picked up by the Dallas News and dallasnews.com.

The Lincolnshire Review and the Deerfield Review profiled Pamela McEvoy, who lives in her own apartment in north suburban Zion while receiving services and supports from Anixter Center.

A story titled, “A special need for play: Playthings are a ‘must’ for children with disabilities,” named National Lekotek Center as an expert resource regarding the market for toys and kids with disabilities. The article was printed in Playthings, a leading monthly publication of the toy industry.

The public relations web site/portal, businesswire.com, featured a press release titled, “B. Dazzle’s Inc.’s “Insects” Scramble Squares ® Puzzles Wins Prestigious Honor Award in the Nation’s Most Distinguished Parenting Awards Competition.” The release quoted Ellen Metrick of Lekotek, who serves as a judge for the National Parenting Publications Awards.

September

Playthings featured National Lekotek Center in a Web story titled “Special needs toy site.” The article focused on Lekotek’s new AblePlay Web site.

The States News Service distributed a story titled “U.S. Department of Labor selects human service agencies in five states for training/technical assistance for people with disabilities.” Anixter Center is one of five training sites to participate in the Training and Technical Assistance to Providers (T-TAP) national assistance center, which helps community rehabilitation providers apply customized employment strategies for people with disabilities who are seeking competitive jobs.

August

The Lester J. Anixter Memorial Golf Outing received coverage in Pioneer Press Newspapers on the North Shore. Two photos and a story about the fund-raising event were printed in the Trend section.

A Copley News Service story from Peoria featured comments from Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pioneer Press Newspapers included comments from Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman in ‘Growing concern,’ a story about adolescents with autism in Illinois.

July

La Raza, a Chicago-based Spanish language newspaper, featured CALOR Facilitator and Advisor, Joann Montes, in a story titled “Joann and her Fight against AIDS.” CALOR is a division of Anixter Center.

A story with several photos, “Parlor party helps keep ACT together,” appeared in the Trend Setters section of the Evanston Review. The Adult Community Transition Program in Highland Park held its annual fund-raiser in May.

A guest essay, “At ADA milestone, many promises go unfulfilled,” by Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman, appeared in nearly 20 Pioneer Press newspapers including the Evanston Review and Mount Prospect Times.

Hoy, a leading Spanish language newspaper in Chicago, published a story called “Falta empatía pro discapacitados” covering the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It included comments from Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman and Christian Santana of CALOR, a division of Anixter Center.

The State Journal-Register and the Lincoln Courier covered the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and included a quote from Allan I. Bergman, president and CEO of Anixter Center. The piece was titled “ADA anniversary marks some steps forward, others in place.”

The “For the Better” column of the Chicago Tribune Magazine profiled Harvey Walter, a person served at Anixter Center, under the heading “Craving Independence.”

A story about Chicago Hearing Society’s audiology services, “Chicago Hearing Society Offers Wide Range of Screening Tools and Services to Address Hearing Loss,” was printed in the July issue of the Chicago Hospital News.

June

Specialkidstoday.com addressed the topic of toys for children with special needs (“The Importance of Play”). The story included the National Lekotek Center’s top 10 tips for choosing a toy for a child with a disability.

May

Chicago Hospital News and the Advance for Audiologists reported on the first Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Day in Chicago. The event was sponsored by CHOICES for Parents. Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center, is a founding member organization of CHOICES for Parents.

April

The Waukegan News Sun featured Anixter Center’s residences in Zion and Winthrop Harbor in an article called “On their own.”

March

The Northbrook Star profiled Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman, a Northbrook resident, as a “Northbrook Personality.”

The Evanston RoundTable covered the National Lekotek Center’s 25th Birthday Bash (“Lekotek Honors Schoenberg, Kain”), which took place in February. State Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg and retiring Lekotek board member Howard Kain were recognized for their longtime support of Lekotek.

January

INSIDE Publications published a story on its front page called “People with disabilities just part of family. The article profiled ACCESS at Anixter Center, a full-service health-care facility for people with disabilities.

IARF Newsbreak, the monthly publication of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, featured a story and photo about Harvey Walter, an individual served by Anixter Center who received IARF’s William Schneider Achievement Award. The issue also included an item chronicling Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services Associate Director Rob Kilbury’s visit to Anixter Center.

WTTW Channel 11 re-broadcast a story about young adults with disabilities making the transition from high school to community life, highlighting Anixter Center’s Adult Community Transition Program in Highland Park.

2004

December

WBEZ 91.5 FM/Chicago Public Radio, in its coverage of Worlds AIDS Day on December 1, included a brief segment on CALOR, a division of Anixter Center that serves people with disabilities in Chicago’s Hispanic community. The report focused on the challenges people with HIV/AIDS face in maintaining their treatment regimens.

HOY, the largest Spanish-language daily newspaper in Chicago, also covered CALOR in conjunction with World AIDS Day.

ABC-TV Channel 7 aired a segment on the CTA’s plan to increase paratransist fares for people with disabilities. The segment featured interviews with Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman as well as an individual who receives services at Anixter Center .

Parenting, a monthly magazine; The Southern (a daily in downstate Illinois); several weekly newspapers in the north suburban Chicago Pioneer Press newspaper network; KGO Radio AM 810 in San Francisco; the Illinois Radio Network, which broadcasts to 50 towns throughout Central and Southern Illinois; KFOX-TV (Channel 14) in El Paso, Texas; the Ottawa Daily Times in Central Illinois; and several other media and Web outlets covered a story titled “Top ten tips for selecting toys for a child with a disability: National Lekotek Center provides practical advice on choosing playthings guaranteed to make a child smile.”

November

Highland Park News, a Chicago north suburban weekly, published a story titled “A smile does the talking,” about Robert Sirotti, a young man who is deaf and is employed at a Target store in Highland Park. Robert used the resources of Anixter Center and its JobWorks Program to land his job.

The Evanston Review, a north suburban weekly, ran a letter titled “Proposal to boost CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) fares is unfair” from Anixter Center President and CEO Allan I. Bergman about the CTA’s plan to increase paratransist fares for people with disabilities.

The Chicago Sun-Times published a letter titled, “CTA Budget hurts disabled” from Allan I. Bergman, president and CEO of Anixter Center.

ABC-TV Channel 7 ran a segment titled “Finding perfect toys for kids with different abilities,” including a demonstration of several appropriate toys with an explanation of why these playthings hit the mark.

Inside Publications published a story titled “Anixter Center to break ground for accessible housing in Lincoln Park” about a 14-unit development at 2537-41 N. Halsted St. in Chicago, scheduled to open in autumn of 2005.

“Chicago Tonight,” a public affairs program aired five nights a week on the city’s PBS station, WTTW Channel 11, featured an in-depth segment on helping young adults with developmental disabilities transition to the community after high school. It spotlighted Anixter Center’s Adult Community Transition (ACT) Program.

October

ABC-TV Channel 7 aired a segment on Anixter Center’s 25th Annual Awards Luncheon, spotlighting the “Media Champion” Award presented to Reporter Karen Meyer. Karen specializes in covering stories of interest regarding people with disabilities.

Inside Publications ran a story titled “Anixter Center’s Greater Life Program integrates seniors with disabilities into the community.”

September

WBEZ Chicago Public Radio: Anixter Center President and CEO Allan Bergman was featured in an interview about the importance of voting for people with disabilities.

Northbrook Star: This story announced that Allan I. Bergman, a resident of Northbrook, a northern Chicago suburb, had recently joined Anixter Center as president and CEO.

Inside Publications, a neighborhood weekly, covered Anixter Center’s voter registration drive in a story titled “Lincoln Park voter registration drive empowers people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote.”

August

Illinois Entertainer: One of Chicago’s leading entertainment magazines featured Chicago Hearing Society’s sign language interpreter services for musical and theatrical performances. “Sign O The Times” included several quotes from Chicago Hearing Society interpreter Michael Albert.

INSIDE Publications: The neighborhood weekly reported on Mayor Daley’s introduction of an ordinance authorizing construction of The Center on Halsted, a new $2.8 million affordable rental housing development for people with physical disabilities. Anixter Center will be the developer of the facility.

The Lombardian: “Hearing Society provides interpreter services” profiles Chicago Hearing Society’s sign language interpreting services.

July

WLS Channel 7: Karen Meyer of WLS featured Center Court Grille. The piece included interviews with Helene Levine, director of Transition Services, and young people who work at the Grille in Schaumburg.

June

Chicago Tribune, (Crain’s) ChicagoBusiness.com, Chronicle of Philanthropy, Daily Herald: Each of these outlets ran items announcing the hiring of Allan I. Bergman as Anixter Center’s new president and CEO.

Daily Herald: In a lengthy feature, “Serving up opportunities,” the Daily Herald profiled      Center Court Grille, a food service on-the-job evaluation program for young people with disabilities located at the IDOT building in Schaumburg.

WBBM Channel 2: Disability reporter Jim Mullen featured Lekotek in a story on the impact of Gov. Blagojevich’s budget cuts. A Lekotek family from Evanston was featured in the segment.

IARF Newsbreak: The publication for the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities included a tribute to Stuart G. Ferst, who retired as Anixter Center’s president and CEO.

May

The Southern Illinoisan, Rolling Meadows Review: Each of these newspapers presented stories about Lekotek’s state budget cut and efforts to rescue the program for children with special needs and their families.

WLS Channel 7: Chicago’s ABC affiliate reported on the Lekotek funding cut for FY05. Reporter Karen Meyer met with a family that receives services from Lekotek in Humboldt Park.

March

Crain’s Chicago Business: In a Crain’s listing and feature, Anixter Center was named the 12th-largest nonprofit organization in Chicago .

Hoy, Chicago’s Spanish-language newspaper: A front-page story detailed the funding woes at Lekotek of Illinois due to Governor Blagojevich’s intention to eliminate Lekotek’s $600,000 in funding from the FY 2005 Illinois state budget. Illinois Lekotek locations are affiliates of the National Lekotek Center , the country's central source on toys and play for children with special needs.

Inside, Chicago ’s Lincoln Park neighborhood newspaper: A front-page article was titled “New Focus Program at Anixter Center helps reclaim lives after brain injuries.”

February

Associated Press/ national syndication, plus national and international web sites: “A Valentine's Day journey: Deaf couple enters a new world - hearing each other's voices,” reported on the cochlear implant surgery of Russ Ewald, who had the procedure at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago . His wife, Jenni Ewald, an employee of Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center, had the same surgery earlier this year.

Schaumburg Review, Elk Grove Times and Hoffman Estates Review, West Suburban Chicago : These weeklies, all part of the suburban Pioneer Press newspaper chain, ran a lengthy story titled, “Meeting needs: Anixter, Expo Design team results in happy employee.” The article spotlighted the job-placement services provided by Anixter Center .

www.MSN.com: Anixter Center was prominently featured in a story that highlighted the agency’s JobWorks Program and staff member Sarah Michaelson. The article, which has appeared in newspapers nationwide because it was written by Chicago Tribune syndicated columnist Carol Kleiman, was titled ”Downtime is a good time to reassess.”

ABC-TV Channel 7, Chicago : Anixter Center ’s New Focus Program for individuals with severe brain injuries was the subject of a lengthy segment with Disability Reporter Karen Meyer. New Focus Program manager Sarah Nicolson was interviewed as were several Anixter Center Clients.

Baby Talk-National Magazine: “Developmental toys are everywhere” spotlighted Lekotek’s involvement in the “Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids,” a collaboration with Toys “R” Us. The National Lekotek Center is the country’s primary source on toys and play for children with special needs.

January

Chicago Tribune: An editorial titled “The Lessons of AIDS” mentions CALOR, a division of Anixter Center, an agency that serves people with disabilities in Chicago’s Latino community and a division of Anixter Center. The editorial specifically cited the work of CALOR and quoted CALOR employee Martin Gonzales Rojas.

Green Sheet , United Kingdom : A publication originating in the United Kingdom that covers the documents imaging and processing industry, ran a bylined article by Bob Dolgan, public relations specialist at Anixter Center . Titled “Success story for Anixter Center,” the article profiled the agency’s successful Imaging Business.

2003

December

Newsbreak, Springfield , IL: The publication of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Newsbreak highlighted Anixter Center ’s October 2003 awards luncheon and news of Stuart Ferst being named a winner of the “Gargoyle Award” in October by the Council for Disability Rights.

Chicago Tribune: Writing in the newspaper’s “Q” section, Health Columnist Bob Condor mentioned the Adult Community Transition Program (ACT) in an article titled, “Disabled kids’ parents worry about the future.” ACT helps young adults with developmental disabilities create a meaningful life after high school.

New York Post: A story featured the collaboration between the National Lekotek Center, a division of Anixter Center, and Toys “R” Us in the ongoing publication of the “Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. National Lekotek Center is the country's central source on toys and play for children with special needs.

ABC-TV Channel 7, Chicago: National Lekotek Center spoke to Reporter Karen Meyer about how to choose the best toys for children with disabilities. National Lekotek Center is the country's central source on toys and play for children with special needs.

Hospital News, Chicago: A story reported on the presentation of the “Lester and Rosalie Anixter Spirit of Life Award” to Dr. David McLone of Children’s Memorial Hospital . Dr. McLone was honored for his lifelong dedication to treating people with spina bifida.

The Wilmette Life, North Suburban Chicago: In its “People and Promotions” column, the paper covered the honor paid to Stuart at the agency’s annual luncheon. The story specifically cited the tribute paid by Illinois State Rep. Julie Hamos.

November

Associated Press/national syndication: “ A special toy guide” provided details about the ongoing collaboration between Toy Retailer Toys “R” Us and the National Lekotek Center in producing ” Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. National Lekotek Center is the country's central source on toys and play for children with special needs. This story also ran in The Deseret News (Utah), the Dallas News, the Daily Journal (New Jersey), the Columbia Dispatch (Ohio) the Atlanta Constitution and the Windsor Star (Ontario, Canada), among other newspapers.

Daily Southtown, Chicago: A story reported on the cochlear implant surgery of Russ Ewald, who had the procedure at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago . His wife, Jenni Ewald, an employee of Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center , had the same surgery earlier this year.

Daily Southtown, Chicago and Daily Herald, North Suburban Chicago: Bothpapers published letters from Anixter Center President and CEO Stuart Ferst regarding the devastating impact of recent budget cuts affecting people with disabilities.

October

Chicago Tribune: Sarah Michaelson, employment counselor at JobWorks, was prominently quoted in an article titled, “Downtime is a good time to reassess,” by syndicated columnist Carol Kleiman. The article advised employees on how to perform most effectively when their workplace environment isn’t particularly busy. The article has also appeared in several other newspapers around the country and in Canada.

Wilmette Life, North Suburban Chicago: The paper covered the news that Anixter Center President and CEO Stuart Ferst was awarded “The Winged Gargoyle Award” for Lifetime Achievement in Disability Advocacy from the Disability Rights Council.

September

Chicago Tribune: A feature story in the “Working” section focused on Angela Burkhardt, a creative arts therapist at Anixter Center. Titled “Therapist draws on art in the healing process,” the article spotlighted the therapeutic value of art therapy and gave Angela an opportunity to discuss the client population served by Anixter Center.

August

Evanston Roundtable, North Suburban Chicago: An article titled “Lekotek Receives Christopher Reeves Grant” highlighted a grant given to National Lekotek Center , the country’s primary source for toys and play for children with special needs, to purchase two adapted bicycles for the organization’s play sessions and toy-lending program.

July

Crain’s Chicago Business: In a letter titled “Contract Complaints,” Anixter Center President and CEO Stuart Ferst addressed the negative impact of a two percent “reserve” that the state of Illinois placed on disability service providers.

Newsbreak, Springfield , IL: In the publication of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, IARF President Jim Hogan lauded the advocacy efforts of Anixter Center, commenting that, “You can clearly see that Anixter Center has made impacting government a priority throughout its agency. Anixter Center is to be commended for its high level of commitment in carrying out the coalition’s legislative agenda.”

June

Chicago Tribune: In a major story in the Business Section, a story titled “Helping workers make a difference” featured the three contract businesses operated by Anixter Center. The story’s subhead was: “ Lincoln Park ’s Anixter Center employs the disabled, but it gives them more then just something to do.”

Booster, Chicago: “Anixter Allies” was the headline over a picture of an Anixter Center client with State Rep. Cynthia Soto (D-4 th) at the state capital in Springfield . Clients met with state legislators to talk about the need for adequate funding for community-based services for people with disabilities.

May

Chicago Tribune: A photo in the Metro Section was headlined, “Protest targets reduced state funding.” The caption explained that Anixter Center clients were gathered to protest proposed cuts in state funding for human service agencies.

Chicago Sun-Times: A story titled, “Video makes phone calls easier for the deaf” explained the benefits of video relay service (VRS), a new technology that enables people who use American Sign Language to place phone calls using a two-way Internet video connection to “speak” to an operator who will interpret for them. Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center, partners on the service by providing the interpreters.

April

Chicago Tribune: “Budget cuts catch many by surprise” explored how the FY 04 state budget would impact a variety of organizations across the state. Anixter Center President and CEO Stuart Ferst was quoted.

Chicago Tribune: A large photo of an Anixter Center client in a wheelchair, watching Governor Blagojevich’s budget speech as an interpreter signed in a roomful of Anixter Center clients, staff members and agency supporters, conveyed a strong visual message about the importance of adequate funding for people with disabilities.

Chicago Tribune: An article titled “Agency anxious about budget fate” painted a poignant picture of the Adult Community Transition Program (ACT) in suburban Chicago, a program that helps young adults with developmental disabilities create a meaningful life after high school. The program's funding had been endangered.

March

Daily Herald, Suburban Chicago: A letter from Anixter Center President and CEO Stuart Ferst titled, “State still must fund social services” addressed the negative affect of slow payment to human services agencies by the State of Illinois.