# '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:** 1\ **Showing post:** 376
**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)) --- _[View the full topic](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/agricultural-specialisterne-rural-employment-revolution-for-those-with-autism/50615)._