When the Elaine Kersten Children’s Center in Northbrook temporarily closed for construction this summer, Speech-Language Pathologist Jennie Marble took the opportunity to work with a teenager outside of the clinic—at a local ice cream shop.

Jennie, who is also the Director of Integrated Pediatric Therapies at JCFS, had focused her work with Paige* on practicing social exchanges, such as making mock flower purchases and then creating flower arrangements. At the start of the summer, they compiled a list of outings to practice, and much to her family’s surprise, Paige chose to visit an ice cream shop.

“We really try to have goals or activities that the individual is choosing, where the individual has autonomy and they’re picking what community means to them,” Jennie said. “If it’s something they want to do or are passionate about, we try to lean into that because it’s going to be more motivating and impactful for the individual.”

Jennie and Paige began practicing for their ice cream outing by thinking through the various options, preparing their order and doing mock ice cream purchase exchanges. When it was time to put their practice to the test in the real world, Jennie and Paige’s adult older sister accompanied Paige to the ice cream shop.

Paige attempted to place her order, but quickly changed her mind and said she no longer wanted to do it. So they regrouped, strategizing the best way to accomplish her goal. Jennie said it was a good opportunity to coach Paige outside of the clinic.

“Taking what we learned in the clinic and putting it to practice in real life can sometimes be tricky,” Jennie said. “That’s one reason our program puts so much emphasis on engaging and setting goals with caregivers and parents.”

After the group made a plan for Paige to place her order, she went to the counter, handed her order to the clerk, got her ice cream and paid for the transaction.

“We had a great time and Paige was so proud,” Jennie said.

She also explained that frequenting the same places allows individuals with disabilities to build community, allows the adult helpers to pull back because the community knows the individual, and builds confidence for everyone. And sometimes these relationships can lead to future job opportunities.

*name changed for anonymity