'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism

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The video in the last post featured Krista Kellner, a renowned skater who on the Autism Spectrum as well as her coach. Krista’s Coach is Elizabeth O’Donnell, founder and president of Gliding Stars. Gliding Stars is a nonprofit organisation providing adaptive ice skating programs and related products nationwide for people with challenges…

…Over the years, O’Donnell has successfully mounted themed ice programs that encourage developmentally delayed children to perform in ways they could not have imagined. Many of her students reside in group homes. Some are living with cerebral palsy, autism or fetal alcohol syndrome.

…When O’Donnell started, she said the concept was new in the area.

“There wasn’t anything when I started sports for disabilities,” said O’Donnell. “When I was 6, my best friend’s little brother was disabled, and he was at home. That’s when I realized I liked making disabled people feel included.”

…Gliding Stars is a national organization with chapters in Rochester; Saratoga Springs; Erie, Pa.; Toledo, Ohio; Findlay, Ohio; and Central Florida. There is also an affiliate in Marquette, Mich. At the end of each season, each chapter mounts a publicly attended ice show to showcase the accomplishments of the participants and volunteers, and to provide the incentive of performing in public, a goal that inspires participants during the season. Some skaters have been skating with O’Donnell for decades. O’Donnell, who is 59, admitted she has learned from them all.

“It taught me that everybody is different and that is good,” O’Donnell said. “You never know how far you can go so keep your expectations high. Courage is not the anticipation of fear. Courage is doing it anyway. Do it afraid. Just do it.”…

Below is a link to video of another wonderful skating performance by the Autistic Krista Kellner and her coach; this was as part of the ‘Gliding Stars of Western New York Chapter’: Gliding Stars of WNY 3-24-2012 - YouTube

(source: Gliding Stars gives people with challenges a place to shine - City & Region - The Buffalo News)