Party with a Purpose a Big Success

07/17/2009

On June 24th a full-house of JJ's List fans and supporters, from teenagers to seniors, with and without disabilities packed the interactive computer classroom at the Northbrook Public Library to learn how to build a voice for community participation. High school students, parents, teachers and social workers huddled around their computers, offering peer support as needed, and tapped out their reviews of local businesses, agencies and service providers.

Earlier in the evening, volunteers JJ Hanley, Carol Finnegan and Debbie DePalma welcomed and oriented everyone and praised website users for the hundreds of reviews posted since JJ’s List went live in March. They urged everyone to do their part to use their wallets to support businesses that provide disability aware service.

Special Guest and reviewer, 14-year-old Tim, talked about why and how he writes his reviews for JJ's List, including his favorite pizza parlor. Besides liking the pizza, he really likes that the staff there is patient with him if he needs extra time. Ellen McManus, representing Bridge Builder and disability-owned business McManus McShredder, spoke to the group about how the Bridge Builder Directory provides unique promotion for businesses owned and/or operated by a people with disabilities.

Review party-goers capped off the evening with a celebration of efforts and served up a beautiful JJ's List "logo" cake.

Review parties are a great way for people with disabilities to build technology skills and generate a lot of reviews at one time. And they give people touched by disability from different backgrounds, generations and communities a place to find camaraderie and join in a common purpose. If you are affiliated with a school, agency or organization...or just have some friends you'd like to get together to write reviews – send us an email to set up your own review party. And be on the look-out for future review parties on the website. It's fun, easy, and will make a big difference in the quality of life for our family and friends with disabilities on the North Shore and beyond.

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jake74

10:32am 07/22/09

I unfortunately couldn't attend this review party, but I had a great time at the review party held at Center for Independent Futures. I made a couple new friends there and I think everyone learned a lot.