# 'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism **URL:** \ **Category:** Lounge\ **Created:** [June 5, 2011, 5:40am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615 "2011-06-05T05:40:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2012, 7:24pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/361 "2012-11-28T19:24:08Z")
The last two posts have mentioned the nonprofit organisation _Fraser_, Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of Autism services. In 2011, Autism specialists from _Fraser_ offered their expertise to help the director, playwright and actors to accurately portray characters that are on the Autism Spectrum for a theatre production. This was the _Mixed Blood Theatre_’s ‘On the Spectrum’… > [@](#): > > …Is autism a disability or a difference? This simple but profound question is at the center of a new play …A young man with Asperger’s, passing as “typical” after years of mainstreaming and therapy, connects online with a woman who proudly champions her autism as a difference, not a disorder. This love story between an “aspie” and an “autie” reveals the contradictions between finding success as yourself and on the world’s terms, and the conflict between the desire for acceptance and the desire for achievement… Here are links to photos from the production: [http://mixedbloodtheatre.tumblr.com/tagged/on-the-spectrum](http://mixedbloodtheatre.tumblr.com/tagged/on-the-spectrum) [http://tcjewfolk.com/wp-content/uploads//2011/11/OnTheSpectrum-6878.jpeg](http://tcjewfolk.com/wp-content/uploads//2011/11/OnTheSpectrum-6878.jpeg) (sources: [http://www.fraser.org/Fraser/media/Assets/pdfs/newsletters/focus/FraserInFocus\_Dec2011.pdf](http://www.fraser.org/Fraser/media/Assets/pdfs/newsletters/focus/FraserInFocus_Dec2011.pdf); [Autism and romance mix in live-via-Internet ‘On the Spectrum’ - latimes.com](http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2011/11/autism-play-on-internet.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2012, 7:20pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/362 "2012-11-29T19:20:48Z")
[Yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/361) mentioned the Minneapolis, Minnesota-based _Mixed Blood Theatre_. This is a nonprofit, multi-racial theatre company that promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through artistic excellence–using theater to address artificial barriers that keep people from succeeding in American society. ‘Theory of Mind’ was another _Mixed Blood Theatre_ show focused on issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders… > [@](#): > > …“I always try to act normal but my normal isn’t normal.” > > Bill is a college-bound 17-year-old, equipped with scholastic brilliance but low emotional intelligence, keen self-awareness yet an inability to read social cues, and a charming directness yet prone to taking everything he hears literally. In this sensitive yet unsentimental portrait of a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome, Bill’s outing with a young woman becomes a memorable, insightful look at the tugs, shifts and about-faces found on the autism spectrum… Here is a link to a video on the production: [Theory of Mind at the Fringe on Vimeo](http://vimeo.com/13832988) (source: [Theory of Mind :: Minnesota Fringe 2010 :: August 5 - August 15 :: Minneapolis + St. Paul](http://www.fringefestival.org/2010/show/?id=1242)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2012, 4:25pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/363 "2012-11-30T16:25:07Z")
The last few posts have mentioned shows from Minnesota’s _Mixed Blood Theatre_. This is a nonprofit, multi-racial theatre company that promotes cultural pluralism and individual equality through artistic excellence–using theater to address artificial barriers that keep people from succeeding in American society. Another _Mixed Blood Theatre_ show which was focused on issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders was ‘Vestibular Sense’… > [@](#): > > …When a young man with autism and a perseverant predilection for roller coasters gets caught up in Fourth of July hi-jinks at a Norse theme park, his autism proves to be simultaneously an advantage and a bane. > > …The play leaves you with a heart-wrenching, mind-awakening, soul-moving compassion that can lead to a greater understanding of life for anyone who is disabled. Not to close them in but to be open to life’s realities for them… Here are links to some photos from the production: [Minneapolis Photo Gallery](http://www.citypages.com/photoGallery/index/17278/0/) [Google Image Result for http://images.publicradio.org/content/2006/11/02/20061102\_scene\_2.jpg](http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://images.publicradio.org/content/2006/11/02/20061102_scene_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/11/03/autismplay/&usg=__DGNWW_cBteU2v2DPJglkqjKPKN0=&h=225&w=300&sz=10&hl=en&start=3&zoom=1&tbnid=6xuMO2LAYMRkJM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=116&ei=-U65UOeXCcrXigKz64GgDQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmixed%2Bblood%2Btheater%2Bvestibular%2Bsense%2Bchris%2Broberts%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbo%3Dd%26biw%3D2560%26bih%3D1378%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1) [Google Image Result for http://images.publicradio.org/content/2006/11/02/20061102\_grandmaisaac\_2.jpg](http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://images.publicradio.org/content/2006/11/02/20061102_grandmaisaac_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/11/03/autismplay/&usg=__hBEWKzVsJkDCrNXDQN9VvY7PKEE=&h=225&w=300&sz=9&hl=en&start=4&zoom=1&tbnid=OGXSAw6UMvXXBM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=116&ei=-U65UOeXCcrXigKz64GgDQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmixed%2Bblood%2Btheater%2Bvestibular%2Bsense%2Bchris%2Broberts%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbo%3Dd%26biw%3D2560%26bih%3D1378%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1) (source: [Vestibular Sense Access Press](http://www.accesspress.org/2006/12/vestibular-sense/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2012, 4:42pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/364 "2012-12-01T16:42:18Z")
I have mentioned the nonprofit organisation _Fraser_, Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of Autism services, in a number of recent posts. For example [this one](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/361). Amy Oelkers is the mother of Mason and Gabe, both children who were diagnosed at _Fraser_ with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) which is on the Autism Spectrum… > [@](#): > > …“It’s hard to accept something is different with your child, but early intervention is vital to success,” she said. “Mason and Gabe were both able to get therapy early and now attend mainstream schools. Seeing my children participate, make friends and just be happy little boys is a blessing.” > > “Fraser has helped our entire family, not just Mason and Gabe. It’s now a joy doing things together as a family and we have Fraser to thank for that.”… Here is a link to a video showing the success story of the Oelkers children: [Mason and Gabe’s Success Story - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgYycblIB_g) (source: [Mason and Gabe’s Story | Autism Success Stories](http://www.fraser.org/Resources/Success-Stories/Mason-and-Gabe)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2012, 4:17pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/365 "2012-12-02T16:17:58Z")
I have mentioned the nonprofit organisation _Fraser_, Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of Autism services, in a number of posts in the past week. Earlier this year, a fundraising event was held to benefit the nonprofit’s Autism services… > [@](#): > > …The 2012 Fraser Walk for Autism, presented by BMO Harris Bank, raises $95,000 for Fraser Autism Services on Saturday, April 14, 2012. About 1,500 people participated or volunteered at the event, which was held at the Mall of America. > > Highlights included therapy animals, the BMO Harris Bounce House, and the Minnesota Twins ticket giveaway. Fraser would like to thank all its sponsors, volunteers and participants for making this the most successful Walk we’re ever had!.. Here is a link to a video of the event: [2012 Fraser Walk for Autism - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAaTLVz048g) (source: [Events | Autism Fundraising Events | Fraser](http://www.fraser.org/events/fraser-walk-for-autism)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2012, 7:06pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/366 "2012-12-03T19:06:48Z")
[Yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/365) was on ‘the 2012 _Fraser_ Walk for Autism’. _Fraser_, a nonprofit organisation, is Minnesota’s largest and most experienced provider of Autism services. The first ever ‘_Fraser_ Walk for Autism’ was held in 2008 and sponsored by _GMAC ResCap (Residential Capital)_, a financial services company headquartered in Minneapolis… > [@](#): > > …Meet friends, window shop and get some exercise while raising money for our local community’s most urgent need–autism services. For those who want to go for distance, the Mall of America provides a half-mile walking course. This family-friendly event is fun for all ages, breakfast and children’s games are provided… Here is a link to a video of the 2008 version of the event: [Fraser Walk for Autism - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IICdbbqy5ao) (source: [Good Age : Event Calendar](http://www.mnpubs.com/index.php?publication=goodage&page=232§ion=79&viewDate=2008-04-12&mode=viewEvent&event=4164)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 3:36pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/367 "2013-01-05T15:36:05Z")
The [last post in this thread](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/366) mentioned the sponsorship by _GMAC ResCap (Residential Capital)_, a financial services company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, of the 2008 ‘_Fraser_ Walk for Autism’. Another ‘GMAC’ is Garrett ‘GMAC’ McNamara, an American professional big wave surfer and extreme waterman explorer. McNamara is involved with _Surfer’s Healing_, an organisation that was the subject of a [previous post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/97)… > [@](#): > > …Of his many recent undertakings, McNamara is most enthusiastic to discuss Surfers Healing, an organization that teaches children with autism how to surf. > “We get to recharge our batteries with the children. In the process the kids accomplish something they never thought possible. By the end of the camp, parents are in tears, we’re in tears–joyful tears,” says McNamara who calls the work “almost selfish” because of the good feeling that comes from giving hope to others. “I think it’s so emotional because, when parents get the [autism] diagnosis, their hopes and dreams [for their children] crash down. It becomes a battle getting through the day without a major issue or breakdown.” Surfers Healing not only teaches a skill, but adjusts expectations as well. > > …McNamara remembers one boy from Montauk that had so much energy his mother would put him in the water and watch him paddle from lifeguard tower to tower. “We were able to work with him and channel that [energy]. By the end [of the camp], he was up on his own,” which is McNamara’s goal for each event. “I’ll find [a kid] who’s got enough skill to detach. I’ll work with him one-on-one throughout the day and commit to taking him surfing when I leave.”… Here is a link to a video of Garrett McNamara and a _Surfers Healing_ youngster riding a WaveJet surfboard in Narragansett, Rhode Island: [Garrett McNamara and Surfers Healing Youngster Ride WaveJet - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI5OxNZmJHs) (source: [Surf Break with Garrett McNamara | Positive Impact Magazine Stories & Solutions on how to live a Happy, Healthy Sustainable Life](http://www.positiveimpactmagazine.com/2012/11/19/surf-break-with-garrett-mcnamara-on-life-surfers-healing/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2013, 1:26pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/368 "2013-01-06T13:26:24Z")
[Yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/367) focused on Garrett ‘GMAC’ McNamara and his work with _Surfer’s Healing_. McNamara is also involved in another nonprofit organisation, _Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA)_, which is committed to the preservation and protection of the environmental and cultural elements that are inherent to the sport of surfing. The ‘6th Annual SEAPaddle New York City Event’ and ‘White Water Evening’, held in August of last year, was an opportunity to bring awareness and funding for _SEA_’s environmental projects and ancillary Autism charities… > [@](#): > > …THE SEAPaddle NYC Proudly raises money for: > > BEST DAY FOUNDATION: > Best Day Foundation enables kids with special needs to build confidence through safe, fun adventure activities which stretch their limits, expand their true potential, reinforce their achievement, and connect them with diverse populations in their community. Some of these activities include surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, snow-tubing and more. Best Day is run by an experienced team and supported by generous sponsors who help keep the programs free for all. Best Day chapters make a big impact in their communities. > > AUTISM FAMILY SERVICES of NJ (AFSNJ): > AFSNJ is the host of the beach bash, which is free and open to New Jersey families living with an autistic child. What began as a small event with about 150 people has grown to over 2,000 attendees in 2009. The beach bash is an all day event that includes arts and crafts, a DJ, interactive games, and lunch provided by Whole Foods market and a surf camp courtesy of Surfers Healing. At the 2009 event 200 children surfed, the most in surfers healing history. > > AUTISM NJ: > Autism New Jersey is nonprofit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education and consultation. Autism NJ encourages responsible basic and applied research that may lessen the effects of, and potentially prevent autism. Autism NJ is dedicated to ensuring that all people with autism receive appropriate, effective services to maximize their growth potential and to enhance the general public’s overall awareness of autism. > > HAWAII AUTISM FOUNDATION: > The Hawaii Autism Foundation’s mission is to educate and help families find and fund treatments for autism spectrum disorders. The foundation was started by filmmakers Don & Julianne King who created the movie Beautiful Son, a personal story of their family’s journey to find help & healing for their son Beau. They established the Hawaii Autism Foundation with the help of a group of local parents who share a vision to help families access treatments for children with autism in Hawaii. New board members, Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama recently helped raise money and awareness for the making of Beautiful Son by paddling and biking the length of the Hawaiian Islands. > > PARENTS of AUTISTIC CHILDREN (POAC): > POAC, formed in 1999 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has a proven track record of providing services to children and adults with autism, their families, and the professionals who serve them. Since its inception POAC has provided training, services, outreach and support for thousands of people throughout New Jersey and across the country. The vast majority of these services are provided 100% free of charge. In addition, POAC funded the first statewide program for the early detection of and intervention for children with autism. POAC has partnered with universities and treatment centers to form programs that include researched-based procedures which have proven to be effective for those with autism. While many organizations exist to find a cause and cure for this developmental disability, POAC has focused its attention and resources on how best to help the children and families who are struggling with autism today. POAC strives to help individuals with autism achieve their highest potential in their homes, schools and communities. > > SURFERS HEALING: > Surfers Healing seeks to enrich the lives of children with autism and the lives of their families by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing. Surfers Healing volunteers travel across the coastal United States and Hawaii allowing autistic children an opportunity to experience the healing affects of the water at no charge. > > VIRGINIA AUTISM PROJECT: > We are a grass roots, state-wide coalition of families with children affected by an autism spectrum disorder. Our current priority of our mission statement is to create positive change for people on the autism spectrum through Autism Insurance Reform. > The Virginia Autism Project (VAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on educating, advising and collaborating with federal, state and local decision makers and the general public on issues that impact individuals with autism and their communities, while raising awareness throughout Virginia. Here is a link to a video of the inaugural ‘SEAPaddle New York City’ event held in 2007, which also raised money and awareness for Autism: [SEA Paddle 2007 - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbonHT6eT_U) (source: [The 6th Annual Surfers? Environmental Alliance SEAPaddle NYC Presented by O?Neill Kicks Off August 17, 2012 at Pier 40](http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/8/prweb9796015.htm)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/369 "2013-01-07T15:03:40Z")
My last two posts have focused on surfing-related nonprofits and Autism. Another such nonprofit is the South Florida-based _Surfers for Autism_–which holds events as far north as Daytona Beach. The organisation is in its fifth year of staging surfing events to benefit children on the Autism Spectrum and their families… > [@](#): > > …About 50 children, ages 7 to 12, got the surfing basics on the sand before paddling out and belly-riding the colorful foam surfboards over knee-high waves. > > “Some of these kids have never touched a surfboard before. We had six who stood up and rode it all the way into the sand,” said Lou Rodas [founder of _Surfers of Autism_] > > “I knew the effect that water had on my brother,” said Rodas, a lifelong surfer whose …autistic brother lives in San Diego. “When autistic kids are in the water, they don’t have to focus on anything else. It’s very soothing and calming.” > > …“They take to it right away,” said Don Ryan …an event volunteer from Boca Raton and a competitive surfer for 34 years. “It absolutely works; we don’t know why. They’re out there with the elements: the smell of the ocean; the taste of the salt; the sound of the waves; the buoyancy of being in the water. We have some families who are watching their children surfing and they can’t believe it.” > > …The surfers, who collected donations, sold T-shirts and raffled off prizes, will present a check Saturday to Autism Speaks… Here is a link to a video on _Surfers for Autism_: [Surfers for Autism - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFc8ZU2afiE) (source: [Autistic children learn ‘language of movement’ - Sun Sentinel](http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2008-04-06/news/0804050280_1_surf-schools-surfing-event-autistic-children)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 1:03pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/370 "2013-01-08T13:03:46Z")
I have mentioned in previous posts, for example [this one](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/specialisterne-leveraging-the-unique-skills-of-autistics-at-competitive-market-terms/50245/189), the Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit _HEAL (Healing Every Autistic Life) Foundation_. Indeed, _HEAL_ is another Florida nonprofit that is involved in teaching children on the Autism Spectrum to surf. ‘Riding the Wave of Autism’ is an inspiring 6-minute short film by a local filmmaker about the program… > [@](#): > > …The opening night short film, selected for its inspiring story and unique subject matter, is Riding the Wave of Autism directed by Josh Hansbrough who will attend the Opening Night festivities. The film, features volunteers from all walks of life who throw off their coats and ties for a week to teach autistic kids to surf at HEAL’s surf camp. We relive the euphoric feelings of child-like excitement as the children break down their own barriers of capability… Here is a link to a video of the above-mentioned, heartwarming film: [Riding the Wave of Autism - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYPLK31DFEY) (source: [http://yeticket.com/wp/tag/kerry-bishe/](http://yeticket.com/wp/tag/kerry-bishe/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 3:29pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/371 "2013-01-09T15:29:16Z")
One nonprofit that was mentioned in a [recent post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/368) is the _Best Day Foundation_. This organisation helps children with special needs (including Autism Spectrum Disorders) build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure activities like surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, snow sports, and more. The _Best Day Foundation_ is California-based but also has a chapter in New Jersey… > [@](#): > > Eight-year-old Addison …of Union Township is mildly autistic and suffers from a delayed-speech disability. > But Addison had no trouble expressing his feelings about Sunday’s outing on the beach at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch, where he and 38 other special-needs children got to ride the waves on boogie boards, surfboards and kayaks. > “It was the best day ever,” Addison said. “Awesome” and “excellent” he said of his experiences on a surfboard and a kayak. > > …Addison’s mother, Maria, agreed, “It’s overwhelming to see these children get a chance.”… Here is a link to a video of a 2011 _Best Day Foundation_ event in Long Branch, New Jersey: [BEST DAY FOUNDATION - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNFVtVl9J1s) (sources: [Best Day Foundation - Best Day Home Page](http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/); [Foundation grants N.J. kids with disabilities ‘best day ever’ in Long Branch | NJ.com](http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/08/foundation_for_disabled_grants.html)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2013, 7:40pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/372 "2013-01-10T19:40:51Z")
The subject of [yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/371) was the _Best Day Foundation_, an organisation that provides outdoor adventures like surfing and snowplay to kids with special needs (including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders). This California-based nonprofit holds regular beach days in Ventura County… > [@](#): > > …The day concludes with lunch and an award ceremony where the children win prizes from Best Day sponsors. Previous sponsors include the Autism Society of Ventura County (ASVC), the Quicksilver Foundation and the Ventura Outrigger Canoe Club. > > Joe Marquez, president of the ASVC, has two sons with autism who have been to Best Day beach events. > > “It was literally one of the best days they’ve ever had,” he said. Marquez admitted he was nervous as he watched his 6-year-old son swim out with a lifeguard and a surfboard. > > “As soon as he realized how much fun it was, he was very happy,” Marquez said… Here is a link to a video of a _Best Day Foundation_ event in Ventura County, California: [Best Day Foundation Ventura, CA surf day - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBpTBXzUmQc) (source: [Ventura County Reporter - The Best Days of summer](http://www.vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/the_best_days_of_summer/9927/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2013, 1:10pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/373 "2013-01-11T13:10:27Z")
My last two posts have focused on the _Best Day Foundation_, an organisation that provides outdoor adventures like surfing and snowplay to kids with special needs (including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders). The _Best Day Foundation_ was actually created by two long-time volunteers of another nonprofit, Max Montgomery and Brooks Lambert, who wished to bring services like the award-winning _Ride-a-Wave Foundation_ to other communities. The _Ride-a-Wave Foundation_ is a Santa Cruz, California-based organisation that helps kids with special needs (including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders) build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure activities like surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, snow-tubing, and more. Here is more on the _Ride-a-Wave Foundation_ from Susan Walton, author of the book ‘Coloring Outside Autism’s Lines’… > [@](#): > > …We had been slowly acclimating our son (who is seriously affected by autism) to the beach, trying to work through the sensory challenges. I looked around online and learned about the Ride a Wave Foundation based in Santa Cruz. It was a fateful moment when I fired off an email wondering if our special needs parent group could work with them. > > Faster than I could have imagined, twenty of our children with various challenges of all different ages assembled on the beach for our first day of surf camp. Our families cheered as the kids had an experience that smashed the limits of their disabilities and put endless smiles on their faces. It was difficult to know who had a better day, the campers or the parents. > > Since then, parents from our group have gathered annually for a day of surf camp with Ride a Wave. We marvel at their incredible organization on the beach, their attention to safety and dedication to fun. But perhaps most of all, we marvel at the volunteers. > > These men and women, some of whom are firefighters and coast guards in their ‘day jobs,’ throw all their energy into giving our kids with special needs the time of their life. To them, there is no challenge so great as to exclude surfing. > > …The Ride a Wave volunteers are organized into teams, with Buddies on the beach and Surfers in the water. Parents tend to interact more with the Buddies, because each child is paired with one for the day. The Surfers spend the day in the water, taking kids in wetsuits and full safety gear out to catch waves… Here is a link to a video, created by Ali Samieivafa, giving viewers a real close-up look at some of the _Ride-a-Wave Foundation_’s great work: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw70sLRnUHY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw70sLRnUHY) (sources: [Best Day Foundation Business Profile on PRLog (bestday)](http://biz.prlog.org/bestday/); [Surfing with Special Needs | Laura Shumaker | an SFGate.com blog](http://blog.sfgate.com/lshumaker/2011/06/14/surfing-with-special-needs/)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2013, 2:40pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/374 "2013-01-12T14:40:31Z")
The subject of [yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/373) was the _Ride-a-Wave Foundation (RAW)_, a Santa Cruz, California-based organisation that helps kids with special needs (including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders) build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure activities like surfing and bodyboarding. Founded in 1998 by Danny Cortazzo, a firefighter, paramedic, and lifeguard, the _Ride-a-Wave Foundation_ has been praised for the great efforts of its volunteers… > [@](#): > > …I’m surprised no one else has shared the wonders of what it is that makes Ride A Wave so amazing. > > For a few weeks every spring/summer, Ride A Wave hosts children and adults with a range of disabilities from all over California to participate in the wonders of the Pacific Ocean at Cowell’s Beach in Santa Cruz. > > On any given weekend in May or June, you will see a host of volunteers aiding in great kayaking, boogie boarding and surfing times! You don’t have to be a water person to volunteer either. RAW is a completely volunteer based organization, and we can use you no matter what your skill set is. We always need folks on the beach to help keep our “campers” comfortable and safe. Sometimes it’s just about being someone’s special friend for the day. > > And trust me when I say this is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. I’ve helped calm the nerves of an Autistic child get over his fears of the water to watch him completely wig out at how cool kayaking can be (and then not want to leave the boat, but that’s another story). > > …Ride A Wave is outfitted to handle the most challenging of disabilities, and we try and accommodate everyone who comes to our camps. Regardless of how much is going on in your life, I always ask people to just come down for a day and check us out. I promise you will leave completely changed. Here is a link to a video of a _Ride-a-Wave Foundation_ kayaking event: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioBMbTNAiBE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioBMbTNAiBE) (sources: [http://coastviewsmag.com/ride-a-wave-danny-cortazzo](http://coastviewsmag.com/ride-a-wave-danny-cortazzo)’s-gift-to-children-with-special-needs; [Ride-A-Wave - Santa Cruz, CA](http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/ride-a-wave-santa-cruz)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2013, 10:10pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/375 "2013-01-13T22:10:34Z")
[Yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/374) was on the _Ride-a-Wave Foundation_, a California-based organisation that helps kids with special needs (including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders) build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure activities such as Kayaking. Sailing is another water-based adventure activity that may be useful for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Beirut, Lebanon-born George Saidah is the man behind the _Heart of Sailing Foundation_, a nonprofit whose mission is to introduce special-needs children to sailing… > [@](#): > > …Saidah, now founder and executive director of Heart of Sailing, is at a loss to articulate what it is about sailing and special-needs children that go so well together. Maybe, he speculates, it is the combined feelings of freedom, wind, calm and performing tasks as a team. > “I cannot put it in words,” he says. “But if you see the kids’ faces when they take the wheel, for example. Their faces light up. That is an experience I cannot describe. That by itself is worth a million dollars.” > …[Michelle’s] 10-year-old autistic son, Andrew, also went on a Daysail. “He has his certificate framed and hanging in his room along with his hat and medal,” [she says]. “Andrew remembers every child’s name that he met that day. It was a great social event for him.”… Here is a link to a video with more on this great program: [Heart of Sailing Maiden Voyage in Indiana - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s94iDdYFj3Q&noredirect=1) (source: [http://www.heartofsailing.org/Info/Media%20coverage/dad.pdf](http://www.heartofsailing.org/Info/Media%20coverage/dad.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/376 "2013-01-14T16:37:34Z")
The subject of [yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/375) was the _Heart of Sailing Foundation_. This California-based nonprofit was founded in 2004 by George Saidah, a successful software entrepreneur. Saidah, originally from Lebanon, was motivated by his personal experience with a loved one with a cognitive disorder. A sailor for more than 40 years, he dreamed of combining his love of the ocean with service to the community. Since retiring in 2005, Saidah devotes his time to developing _Heart of Sailing International_ to create a fun and therapeutic opportunity for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The foundation has developed chapters in several locations, for example in Oregon… > [@](#): > > …The foundation teamed up with Project P.A.C.E (Parent and Child Enrichment), a Beaverton organization that specializes in working with children with autism spectrum disorders, as well as Down Syndrome Network Oregon, Rose City Yacht Club and Island Sailing Club to provide families with a unique opportunity on the water. > > During the outing, parents are along for the ride as their children take the wheel. > > ‘This day-sail program has been a powerful and positive experience for the families we work with,’ said Eric Hamblen, co-founder of Project P.A.C.E. 'The water is a natural draw for children with autism. > > ‘The excursion allows children and their families to share a novel experience together.’ > > The chance to enjoy an outing on the river meant a great deal to the Zyweck family of Tigard. > > Marcus Zyweck, an 8-year-old third-grader with autism, wasn’t quite ready to return to the dock after his turn as captain. > > ‘He did not want to go back into the harbor,’ said his mother Ana Zyweck. ‘He was laughing and enjoying himself. He refused to take the boat in because he was having so much fun.’ > > Marcus was not alone. > > His older brother Alex, 10, took time during the voyage to sit on the bow of the boat and dangle his feet in the water. > > ‘I also liked invading the other ship,’ Alex joked. ‘I wanted to pull up to the other one and crash into it.’ > > ‘The boys earned a reputation early on as pirates,’ their mother added. > > For Ana Zyweck and her husband, Christian, the day on the river was filled with warm memories. > > ‘It was very pleasant and peaceful,’ Christian Zyweck said. ‘It was nice to be able to spend time together.’ > > Those words were music to Saidah’s ears. > > ‘Taking these families out is very rewarding for me,’ he said. > > There have been times that Saidah has watched a child with autism laugh for the first time, prompting his mother into tears. > > ‘She had never heard his laughter before,’ he recalled. > > He also receives e-mails from families talking about the impact the sailing trip had on their loved one’s life. > > ‘One mother, whose son is nonverbal, said her son was all excited about getting a medal and certificate,’ Saidah said. ‘He went to bed that night and when he woke up in the morning he said, ‘Boat, sail today.’ That’s pretty neat.’ > > Saidah and volunteers Bob and Mary Laird, who donated the use of their 42-foot Nova sailboat, took time at the end of the day to praise the young sailors and pose for pictures… Here is a link to a video of another Daysail out of Portland, Oregon, arranged by _Heart of Sailing_: [Sean goes Sailing - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqMZ6ebULKM) (sources: [Heart of Sailing Foundation](http://www.heartofsailing.org/mission.asp); [Portland Tribune and Community Newspapers - Portland Tribune and Community Newspapers](http://portlandtribune.com/component/content/article?id=95045)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2013, 3:51pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/377 "2013-01-15T15:51:23Z")
[Yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/376) mentioned Eric Hamblen, the Portland, Oregon Chapter Director for the _Heart of Sailing Foundation_ and also co-founder of _Project P.A.C.E. (Parent and Child Enrichment)_. _Project P.A.C.E._ is a Beaverton, Oregon-based nonprofit that specialises in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Founded in 1992 by Hamblen and Kathi Calouri, a husband and wife team, _Project P.A.C.E._ regularly holds intensive workshops for individuals to learn how to make sense of challenging behavior in children experiencing developmental disabilities and ways to support them… > [@](#): > > …Kathi and Eric will present information on how to understand challenging behaviors through the filter of emotional regulation. This seminar will be appropriate for parents and professionals who are interacting with individuals of all ages and all skill levels with diagnoses of developmental delays that affect social learning… With experience and training in a variety of methodologies, they have a unique perspective on how to successfully guide families within typical daily life activities (e.g., grocery shopping, bedtime routine). They focus on fostering social- emotional development to improve the child’s ability to organize social information, develop meaningful relationships, and remediate the core deficits associated with social learning disorders. They will discuss strategies that can be used at home, in the school, and in the community, helping the child gain competence in all environments… Here is a link to a set of presentation slides, by Eric Hamblen, on the topic of Emotional Regulation: [PPT - Using Emotional Regulation to Manage Anger PowerPoint Presentation - ID:264883](http://www.slideserve.com/studs/emotional-regulation) (source: [http://www.paceplace.org/B/aFormsAndFlyers/Emotional\_Regulation\_MN-10-12.pdf](http://www.paceplace.org/B/aFormsAndFlyers/Emotional_Regulation_MN-10-12.pdf)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2013, 3:36pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/378 "2013-01-16T15:36:42Z")
[Yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/377) focused on _Project P.A.C.E. (Parent and Child Enrichment)_. _Project P.A.C.E._ is a Beaverton, Oregon-based organisation that specialises in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The professionals at the nonprofit created the innovative ‘PACE Place Family immersion Week’ where families spend five days addressing individual targets within daily living activities and community outings. Here is a positive testimonial from a parent who attended an Immersion Workshop… > [@](#): > > …“My husband and I attended an Immersion Workshop hosted at Fraser Center in November of 2008. Our time spent that weekend was revolutionary for our family. The PACE Place model of empowering parents was just what we needed to regain control in our family. We had been reacting to the loudest, biggest behaviours from our son, at the expense of our other children. Learning about how a brain with autism works and the resulting behaviors was like having our eyes opened; we could finally understand some of what our son is going through and how our reaction to his behaviors was negatively affecting both he and our family. During the day of private consultation, the consultants worked small miracles with our son. They were able to keep him calm and keep him with us during the activities. When entering the large atrium at the zoo, our son became very agitated and his voice got louder and he was running ahead of us. We remained very calm and had him sit down with us on a bench and wait until the “Icky feeling” passed. It was amazing! After a few minutes, our son relaxed in the new environment and we were able to enjoy the zoo together. We learned to “Change how he feels and change how he thinks.” This new understanding now guides every decision we make. Since the workshop, our son is now toilet trained and sleeping through the night. I attribute those changes to the new thinking my husband and I learned from watching our consultants work with our son, coupled with hard-work and persistence on our part. Our son is much happier, and so are the rest of our children. The PACE Immersion [Workshop] was just what we needed–help for our family and help for our everyday lives.”… Here is a link to a video on this exciting program: [Autism: Family Immersion Treatment Model at PACE Place - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ocywwP_7pQ) (source: [Yahoo | Mail, Weather, Search, Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos](http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Seattle_SpEd_PTA/message/1603)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2013, 11:15pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/379 "2013-01-17T23:15:29Z")
The subject of two recent posts, [this one](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/375) and [this one](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/376), was the California-based nonprofit, _Heart of Sailing Foundation_. _Heart of Sailing International_ aims to introduce special needs kids to sailing–creating fun and therapeutic opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The foundation has developed chapters in several locations, for example the Houston-Galveston Regional Program in Texas… > [@](#): > > …Michelle Guppy, president of the Houston Autism Disability Network, took her 16-year-old son Brandon out last year. > > “It was so life-changing for us,” Guppy said. > > Right after their expedition Guppy wrote on her blog: “If we were to brave a sailing expedition on a typical charter sailboat, we would have to be prepared for well-meaning stares, and disciplinary glares,” she wrote, "No one would understand why we had to literally carry our son on the boat because the step up was ‘weird’ and ‘scary’ and ‘different’ to him. > > “So much in our lives has been difficult–and that experience, that day, gave us hope! It was our therapy!” she wrote… Here is a link to a video where Captain David McCabe explains what _Heart of Sailing_ is about, how it is run, how it affects lives, and how viewers might be able to help: [Year Round Heart of Sailing Kemah - YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXOXdJvGMNc) (sources: [Come Sail Away…](http://www5.esc13.net/thescoop/vi/2012/08/27/come-sail-away/); [http://www.wiredin.cc/talk\_of\_the\_bay/3-10/heart-of-sailing.shtml](http://www.wiredin.cc/talk_of_the_bay/3-10/heart-of-sailing.shtml)) ---
**Author:** ![Visionary7903](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/45deac/32.png) [@Visionary7903](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Visionary7903)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2013, 5:15pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/380 "2013-01-18T17:15:14Z")
[Yesterday’s post](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615/379) mentioned David McCabe. Captain McCabe is currently the Director of the _Sailing Angels Foundation_, a non-profit dedicated to providing FREE Recreational Therapy & Education, in the form of sailing, to individuals with special needs (including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders)… > [@](#): > > …It was for this reason that Pat Bell had no reservations about placing his son Walker on a sailing boat with McCabe. Now 10, Walker was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. > > “He was fantastic with Walker,” Bell said. “He really seemed to understand what he was dealing with–he was very patient, spoke in a calm, clear voice. He was very clear with his instructions to Walker and what he wanted him to do and what he expected. He seemed like the nicest guy ever. You could tell he had a lot of experience dealing with special-needs kids.” > > …That’s certainly the effect it had on Walker Bell. New environments can sometimes be a source of anxiety for children with autism, but Pat Bell said the combination of water and motion–both of which can act as stimulation for Walker–transformed his son. > > “The first 15 minutes or so, we were a little out of sorts, but then he settled in,” Bell said. “You’re talking about a kid that never stops moving, but I mean, for the next hour and 15 minutes, he just sat there, steadily rocked, maybe hummed a little bit to himself. You could tell he was at peace.”… Here is a link to some images from a _Sailing Angels_ event: [Client Challenge](http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/east_montgomery/news/sailing-away-individuals-with-specials-needs-sail-with-sailing-angels/article_27c450eb-767d-5475-be26-2e7ba1882412.html?mode=image) (sources: [Dave McCabe | LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dave-mccabe/42/4b3/108); [Sailing Angels | The Examiner](http://theexaminer.com/features/recreation/sailing-angels)) [Previous page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=18) [Next page](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615.md?page=20)