An email from Jessica Hirmiz, a student at D219’s Bridges Adult Transition Center, led to a special visit from CBS Chicago and a surprise message. Jessica helped provide a tour of the Bridges facility for CBS reporter Jim Williams who learned about the vocational training, life skills, and curriculum for students with disabilities.

With help from teacher Natalie Komo, Jessica answered questions about her activities and school experiences, and why Bridges is such an important part of her life. “Jessica doesn’t give up,” remarked Komo. “ If she wants to learn something, do something, Jess will do it.” 

The visit began with a tour of the Mason Jar Lab, where students create and package handmade items, including Jessica’s paintings. Staff explained how the space and equipment are designed to match student abilities and build workplace skills. A school-based business, Mason Jar, Inc., also runs out of the adaptable lab space. 

In addition to the Mason Jar Lab, CBS visited the Target store lab, the culinary lab, and the apartment lab, where students were involved in real-world curriculum and community-based instruction. Bridges students Piotr Litera and Molly Parsaoran demonstrated how they are learning to live more independently.

As part of the visit, CBS arranged a surprise for Jessica who wrote in her email, “I would love to share my skills with the CBS staff and my favorite actor, Bradley Perry. This would be my most amazing experience!” Perry recorded a video that was played for Jessica at the end of the Bridges tour. She was overjoyed by Perry’s personalized video message and the staff were thrilled to play the video multiple times at Jessica’s request.

View the news story on the CBS website: Bridges Adult Transition Center in Lincolnwood, Illinois helps students with developmental disabilities achieve independence.