The Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital in Chicago lent some space to Access Living to host a Valentine’s Day event for Latinos with disabilities. For more than four hours, Latinos with disabilities and their families celebrated Valentine’s Day.

Event organizers arrived early, dotting the party room with festive adornments. When people started to arrive, they came with homemade food and drinks. They were ready to have fun and share their treats with friends and family.

“We plan these events to promote a sense of community among Latinos with disabilities and to reduce isolation, to get people out of the house,” said Luz María, an event organizer.

Mrs. Fernanda, a woman who attended with her daughter added, “We make an effort to be here even though it’s tough to do with the cold weather and limited transportation options.”

At the event, Dr. Brígida Hernández from the University of De Paul, conducted a short poll with attendees to gather information about their experience with services for employment. She also asked them how they felt services could be improved. Individuals who participated in the survey were reimbursed with cash for their time.

“At events like this people are able to spend time together, eat together and make money together,” event attendee Guadalupe joked. Guadalupe came to the event with her 78-year-old mother to get her out of the house and more involved in the community.

After the lunch and the survey, the event organizers conducted a raffle with prizes including Valentine’s Day treats. Several of the children who attended the event were in charge of choosing the numbers of the raffle winners. Nearly half of the 41 attendees received a small gift as raffle winners.

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