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

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The subject of yesterday’s post was the annual ‘ArtShare for HeartShare’ exhibit of HeartShare Human Services of New York. HeartShare is a nonprofit human services agency dedicated to improving the lives of people in need of special services and support, including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders…

…Four years ago, HeartShare staff member Christopher (Chris) Elliott, Tsui Lee and Cynthia Solero began a photo club at the Frances Aiello Day Habilitation Program for participants who had an interest in photography. He thought it would be a good opportunity for the participants to explore the community while expanding existing skills and developing new ones. One of the first members of the club was Leonard.

The moment Leonard picked up the camera it was clear to staff that he had experience with photography and cameras.

“I learned that Leonard received his first camera from his grandmother many years ago and has been taking photographs ever since,” reported Chris. “Very early on, Leonard expressed a desire to sell his photographs so that he could go on trips and buy gifts for family.”

“I want to make money so I can go on trips to China and England,” said Leonard.

“Leonard, who has autism, takes beautiful photos,” continued Chris. “When his photographs were selected to be part of ArtShare for HeartShare, he was so excited. His work was going to be displayed for everyone to see.”…

Here are some links to photos of receptions from past years of the ‘ArtShare for HeartShare’ gallery art show:

Facebook

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http://www.heartshare.org/news-events/2010/nov5.html

(source: HeartShare Human Services of New York > Dreams)

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A recent post focused on Autism and Architecture.

Annapolis, Maryland-based Cathy Purple Cherry, the Principal and Owner of Purple Cherry Architects, is uniquely qualified to design for special needs. Her adoptive son, who is now 20, is multiply-challenged with Autism and other special needs. She also grew up with an older brother who has Down Syndrome. A studio of Purple Cherry Architects, Purposeful Architecture, was created to embrace the design work of organisations supporting individuals with special needs…

…Cathy’s compassion is a key element enabling her to powerfully convey a group’s mission and goals from marketing tools she creates for them – all the way through meeting the needs of that group, and the individuals and families it serves, in the final project design…

…Not surprisingly, the firm is big on what Purple Cherry calls, “giving back to the community. The biggest portion of our commercial effort is non-profit. We just finished a pro bono project for Habitat for Humanity.”…

Here is a link to images of the finished product for Opportunity Builders, Inc.–an organisation that provides vocational training and support services to adults with developmental disabilities: http://www.purplecherry.com/portfolio/view/34

(sources: http://parentingspecialneeds.org/heroes&article_id=11; http://www.homeanddesign.com/article.asp?article=21231)

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The subject of my previous post was Cathy Purple Cherry, the Principal and Owner of Purple Cherry Architects.

Among the many local architectural projects undertaken by the Annapolis, Mayland-based firm is duplex housing for The ARC of the Central Chesapeake Region. The ARC’s mission is to promote respect, create opportunities and advocate for equal rights for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders…

…When arriving at Libby’s house, I honestly didn’t know she had autism. She was very welcoming. Libby has two moms. Her mom was very kind and is like what other mothers are like. Libby was adopted as an infant. She was raised with love, care and everything a mother can give a child. I was very interested in her story. Her parents didn’t know that Libby had autism. “You never know what you’ll get, just like when you’re having a baby.”
But they are happy. They treat Libby like she’s their own child. She is in an environment where she is no different from any other child in the community.
Libby has a collection of (toy) horses. When I walked into her room, it was very adventurous. She is a master at building dinosaurs with Legos. She gets along with people very well.
The Arc is helpful to this family.
This family is doing what they can for Libby. She is getting all that she needs. She is developing along the way and growing up healthy.

In the following link, Kate Rollason (executive director of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region) is being interviewed from 36:02 of the video: [nomedia=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg6hS52xOmQ”]Anne Arundel County Week in Review 706 [HD] - YouTube[/nomedia]

(sources: Catherine Purple Cherry Named disAbility Awareness Day Award Winner | Eye On Annapolis; AAWGT - Arc of the Central Chesapeake)

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The last two posts have focused on Autism-related work in the State of Maryland. Pathfinders for Autism is a Baltimore Metropolitan Area-based nonprofit established by parents of children with Autism…

…“Our primary goal was to find a path for our children through two key elements: researching resources to create a repository of information and hiring a caring professional who would be available to answer questions personally,” says founding board member Becky Galli. “We felt strongly that parents of children with autism needed someone to talk to, not just a packet of information or a website link.”
This goal has led to the creation of a service-oriented group that operates a help line as well as a walk-in center where people can get free advice and resources. Mostly focused on Maryland resources and services, Pathfinders gets calls from all over the state, the country, and sometimes the world. They are able to assist people in Maryland and the DC metro area, but they refer callers from outside the area to national or local-to-the-caller resource centres…
…Pathfinders is supported by fundraising events, grassroots-driven fundraisers, corporate sponsors, private donations, and foundation grants…

Here is a link to a video on Pathfinders for Autism: Pathfinders for Autism - YouTube

(source: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/autism-unexpected/2010/oct/19/spotlight-autism-organizations-pathfinders-autism/)

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The subject of the last post was Pathfinders for Autism, a Hunt Valley, Maryland-based nonprofit that is dedicated to helping individuals with Autism and their families through resources, referrals, and training.

Marlo and Matthew Lemon, together with other members of their family, have been helped by the resources and support of this nonprofit organisation…

…Marlo Lemon of Randallstown calls her 5-year-old twin boys Matthew and Joshua a “double blessing.” To hear her tell it, the boys have been a blessing to one another as well.

Matthew has autism. Joshua, born a minute earlier, does not.

“Joshua is such a good big brother, and though he’s older by just a minute, he takes his responsibility very seriously,” said Lemon, who also has a daughter, Victoria, 4. "No matter what Joshua’s doing, he wants Matthew to be included. If we’re in a public place, and Matthew wants to run off, Joshua will say, ‘Mommy, I’ll go get him.’ "

Lemon said that for a time, Matthew would run away from Victoria, but she and Joshua eventually got him engaged in their activities. And, in making sure that he fits in with all they do, they show him that he, too, must put his plate in the sink after meals.

Sometimes, however, the two wonder: Is Matthew going to talk someday? Why is Matthew allowed to jump on a chair and eat chicken nuggets while they cannot?

There are times, Lemon says, when she and her husband, Frissell, must devote 90 percent of their attention to Matthew, “and I need them to be good, because you never know if Matthew is going to run off.”

But Lemon said she and her husband get plenty of family support; both sets of their parents live within 20 minutes of their home. She added that she makes individual time for each of her other children as well…

Here is a link to a video on how the family has been aided by Pathfinders for Autism (Matthew now uses an assistive technology device to communicate ): Pathfinders for Autism “The Lemon Family” - YouTube

(sources: Autism | Growing up with autism - Baltimore Sun; Autism | Growing up with autism - Page 2 - Baltimore Sun)

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The subject of the last two posts has been Pathfinders for Autism, a Maryland-based nonprofit that is dedicated to helping individuals with Autism and their families through resources, referrals, and training. Another Baltimore Metropolitan Area-based nonprofit is the Kennedy Krieger Institute. The nonprofit medical, educational and research corporation provides inpatient and outpatient medical care, community services, and school based programs for children and adolescents with learning disabilities, as well as disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system…

…Andrea Fujii explains the Kennedy Krieger Institute hopes you will help support its research to fight [Autism].

Years of research has helped develop this early achievement class at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. It’s where young children with autism are readied for preschool.

Peter Waldron’s autistic son, Frankie, was non-verbal until the class.

“Since the age of five, he’s really blossomed and speaks non-stop,” Waldron said.

…That’s why parents say the event ROAR For Autism is so important. All the money raised goes to fund Kennedy Krieger’s research and enhance their programs.

“In a classroom or in play-based situations, we can really change the way they learn,” said Dr. Rebecca Landa, Kennedy Krieger.

…Last year, ROAR for Autism raised $400,000. This year, they hope to match or beat that…

Here is a link to a video advertising the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s ‘ROAR for Autism 2013’: Kennedy Krieger ROAR for Autism 2013 - Why We ROAR - YouTube

(source: Kennedy Krieger ROARs For Autism - CBS Baltimore)

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The last few posts have focused on Autism-related events and organisations in Baltimore, Maryland.

Baltimore, like many other major cities in the United States and Canada, also hosts an annual ‘Walk Now for Autism Speaks’…

With Hurricane Sandy barreling up the coast and memories of last year’s Walk day nor’easter still fresh in everyone’s mind, a record 6,000 walkers arrived to M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD on Saturday October 27th for the 8th annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Over 300 teams raised $274,500+ (still counting) under sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures. Baltimoreans love Halloween and Walk day was no exception. Participants came dressed in costume, kids and adults alike, and the morning included a costume parade and contest. Thank you to our 30 incredible resource providers who continue to support our families in the community and who participated with trick or treating as well as Walk teams.

Opening ceremonies were led by Mary Beth Marsden from WBAL radio, a long-time supporter of this Walk. Entertainment included Lisa Mathews and Mikel Gehl from Milkshake and Den Augoustatos with a KISS performance. Walk Co-chairs Beulah Sabundayo, Luisella McBride and Chris Manouse welcomed the crowd and introduced State Senator Kathy Klausmeier. A special shout out went to our incredible Alpha Xi Delta chapters across the country who have raised over $1 million to support Autism Speaks since joining our cause. Baltimore area Alpha Xi Delta’s were well represented as strong fundraisers and volunteers on Walk day.

…Many thanks to our Baltimore Walk Committee for their countless hours of work on behalf of our families!..

Here is a link to a video of the 2007 event: Walk Now for Autism 2007 - Baltimore, MD - YouTube

(source: Baltimore Walk Now for Autism Speaks Recap | Walk Now for Autism Speaks Blog | Autism Speaks)

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Posts over the last week have focused on Autism-related events and organisations in Baltimore and the State of Maryland.

Nearby Washington DC also hosts an annual Walk for Autism Speaks…

Despite Hurricane Sandy earlier in the week, a record number of walkers joined together on the National Mall Saturday, November 3rd for the 12th Annual Washington, DC Walk Now for Autism Speaks. An estimated 9,000 participants came out to walk for research, awareness, compassion and to date have raised $750,000 and counting!..

Here is a link to a video of Washington DC’s 2008 ‘Walk Now for Autism Speaks’: Washington DC - 2008 Walk Now for Autism - YouTube

(source: Washington DC Walk Now for Autism Speaks Recap | Walk Now for Autism Speaks Blog | Autism Speaks)

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The subject of the last post was Washington DC’s annual ‘Walk Now for Autism Speaks’.

The ‘InFocus Project’ is an initiative of the Montgomery County, Maryland-based Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC). CSAAC is a private, non-profit agency which provides direct services to children and adults with Autism across the lifespan. The ‘InFocus Project’ helps Autistic adults develop self expression and social skills as they photograph the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C…

…When the men finish editing their work, they’ll post the photographs to an online store for purchase. The photographers print, mount, frame and ship all the orders. A $5,000 donation given in 2010 by the Letaw Family Foundation helped cover the cost of editing and printing equipment.
John Boit, a spokesman for the autism agency, said an exhibit featuring the men’s work was held last year at a D.C. studio.
A photograph taken by Matt was used by the high-end travel magazine CEO Traveler with an article about the cherry blossoms.
“They needed a photograph of cherry blossoms,” Mr. Boit said. “He was credited as a photographer. It had nothing to do with the fact he’s autistic.”

Here is a link to a video on the ‘InFocus Project’: Photo Therapy Helps Autistic Adults Blossom - YouTube

(source: Autism provides a different view through the camera in Md. program - Washington Times)

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In yesterday’s post, I mentioned CSAAC–a Montgomery County, Maryland-based non-profit which provides direct services to children and adults with Autism across the lifespan. Jane Salzano founded CSAAC in 1979 after the diagnosis of her eldest son…

Gary is a passionate record collector. Stacked in his closet are more than 1,500 pop, disco and dance albums he has gleaned from record stores across the country.

…Because he is autistic, collecting records is not such a simple hobby for him.

…Gary lives in a home run by CSAAC]. A group counselor accompanies him on his outings.

…In recent trips, Gary, 49, has gone to Baltimore and New York City. In May, a chaperone will go with him to Jerry’s Records in Pittsburgh; in July they will go to Chicago; when September rolls around they will go to Colony Records in New York City.

“It’s good quality music,” Gary said of why he collects. “Second Story [in Rockville] is my favorite record and book store.”

Second Story sells used books, records and other materials and is an ample trove of potential for Gary’s searches.

“Gary is a success story at CSAAC,” said Ayda Sanver, the organization’s director of community development. “There are success stories like Gary every day, but the sad reality is that most people we see at CSAAC are not as high functioning as he is.”

…Gary has been in the residential program for 27 years.

Searching for records online and researching exactly where to find them is part of Gary’s therapy, Sanver said. His reward is getting to buy them.

“I listen to 10 or 12 albums per day,” Gary said. “I search for them on my own, but they help me get there by bus.”

He knows that without the group’s help, his passion for record collecting would have been harder to satisfy than finding a Johnny Mathis album.

Here is a link to a video on Jane Salzano; in the documentary, she talks about the inspiration for her efforts in spearheading the establishment of CSAAC, as well as its ongoing legacy in helping those with Autism: Autism Pioneer Jane Salzano: Founder of CSAAC - YouTube

(sources: Long-running organization helps children and adults with autism; Autism provides a different view through the camera in Md. program - Washington Times)

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The subject of an earlier post was the documentary film, ‘Wretches and Jabberers’. The film, which was released in 2010, is about two men with Autism who embark on a global journey, helping others with Autism to break through their isolation.

The director of that film was Gerardine Wurzburg, the founder and president of State of the Art, Inc. State of the Art, Inc. is a Washington, DC-based communications company whose work focuses on the use of media to promote change in education and health.

An earlier documentary film, entitled ‘Autism Is A World’, was a co-production of CNN Presents and State of the Art, Inc…

…“Autism Is A World” [is] a 40 minute documentary produced and directed by Gerardine Wurzburg, Academy Award winner for Educating Peter, and narrated by actress Julianna Margulies…

The documentary is about Sue who is autistic. She was diagnosed and treated as mentally retarded until the age of 13 when she began to communicate using a keyboard. When you meet her, she does not make eye contact. She obsessively attacks your buttons, endlessly stands at the
faucet and watches water pour over her hand. You would not approach this person. But the documentary takes the viewer on a journey into her mind, into her world and her obsessions. Autism Is A World explores Sue’s world, her writings, and the remarkable friendships she has
created while in college…

Here is a link to a short video on ‘Autism is a World’: Autism is a World - YouTube

(sources: Wretches & Jabberers | Press Releases; http://www.caica.org/Autism%20Oscar%20nominated.htm)

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The post from yesterday was on the 2004 short documentary film, ‘Autism Is A World’.

A more recent documentary film is ‘For Once in My Life’, featuring the ‘Spirit of Goodwill Band’. The Band is part of Goodwill Industries of South Florida, a nonprofit that operates training and employment programs for individuals with special needs. The 28 members of the ‘Spirit of Goodwill Band’ face varying mental and physical disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. Music is their shared joy…

…Christian, who has autism and is blind, reveals himself to be a gifted pianist. Even through a slight stutter, he eloquently describes his wish to become a famous musician beloved by the whole world…

…Godwin, a keyboardist who is autistic, was taught to play the piano by his twin brother Godfrey…

Here is a link to a trailer on ‘For Once in My Life’: Independent Lens | For Once in My Life | Trailer | PBS - YouTube

(sources: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/for-once-in-my-life/film.html; http://cdn.itvs.org/for_once_in_my_life-discussion.pdf)

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A couple of recent posts have mentioned Autism-related events in Washington DC. The United States capital is also home of the nonprofit, DC Autism Parents (DCAP). DCAP’s President, Founder, and Executive Director is Yetta Myrick…

…One mother in the DC area is fighting against all odds when it comes to Autism awareness. Yetta Myrick a single mother, Graduate Student, Studio Technician at C-SPAN and Founder of DC Autism Parents (DCAP). Yetta was inspired to start DC Autism Parents, after her son Aidan was first diagnosed. At the time there was no information readily or openly available to help her son.

…After searching for help and finding no support services in the District, she started DC Autism Parents to give parents the information that was not available to her. DCAP began as a Yahoo! Group in December 2007 and In the fall of 2008, DC Autism Parents was formed as an organization. The group is primarily made up of mothers and grandmothers. DCAP provides support to families of children with autism by offering parents a monthly support group meeting, listserv, playgroup, and buddies program.

…Yetta says as a single mother the major challenge she faces is there is not enough time in the day. “No matter how much I do on a daily basis, I always feel like I should be doing more. There are so many opportunities for teachable moments in a day. I sometimes wish I did not need sleep to function.”…

Here is a link to a video on DC Autism Parents: DCAP Where every child has a Talent and a future - YouTube

(source: DC Mother Fights Autism - Washington DC DC | Examiner.com)

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Some recent posts mentioned Autism-related events in Washington DC. Bike to the Beach is a nonprofit organisation that holds charity ride events for Autism research and awareness, one event being the Washington DC to Bethany Beach ride held every summer…

…When two friends decided to bike from Washington, D.C., to a Delaware beach in 1999, they had no aspirations beyond getting in a good ride. After continuing the challenge for several years, Benjamin Dalley and Joseph, along with a few friends, realized the ride would make a great fundraising opportunity. Together they founded the nonprofit organization Bike to the Beach in 1997.

Bike to the Beach primarily supports Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy group that sponsors research and conducts awareness and outreach activities, but it also aims to promote bicycle use as a healthy mode of transportation.

Today, Bike to the Beach holds [four] rides, all of which cover about 100 miles in one day. …For those who aren’t quite up to the challenge, Bike to the Beach offers training events as well as a relay option for its D.C. and New York rides…

Here is a link to a video on Bike to the Beach: 2008 Bike to the Beach - YouTube

(source: Bike to the Beach: Pedaling for Charity - Benjamin Dalley)

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Some recent posts mentioned Autism-related events in Washington DC. The ‘Washington International Horse Show’ is a unique, indoor equestrian event held annually at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. WIHS is a charitable organisation…

…[2008 was] the horse show’s 50th anniversary, and [that year it partnered] with the D.C.-area chapter of Autism Speaks. On Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. there will be a “Day of Champions” celebration of special needs children and therapeutic riding. This event is free…

Here is a link to a video on the 2008 event, which raised over $200,000: DC International Horse Show - Riders with Autism - YouTube

(source: Washington International Horse Show Offers Top Quality - Courant.com)

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In a previous post I mentioned the annual United States national ‘All Kids Can Create’ program, which encourages young artists with disabilities to continue achieving. One child on the Autism Spectrum who has won the Missouri contest, is Victoria Wright. As her prize, Victoria and her family travelled to Washington, D.C.'s Union Station, courtesy of CVS Caremark…

“We’re very proud of her talents,” Chesterfield Mayor John Nations said. “I have a painting (of a garden) she gave me last fall in my office here. When you have talent you’re willing to share, it enriches the lives of a whole community.”

…“When I paint, a lot of ideas come out,” she said.

Victoria was diagnosed at 22 months with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified), an autism spectrum disorder.

…Victoria’s now working on a new project, a large painting of a beach scene for her mother’s office. “All this positive attention for her art and her school have changed Victoria’s life dramatically, improving her self esteem and confidence,” Michelle Wright said.

Jamie Wright agreed.

“I couldn’t be more proud, but, then, I’m her dad - everything she creates is beautiful to me,” he said.

Here is a link to a video on the talented Victoria: Autistic Teen Exhibits Art In Washington D.C. - YouTube

(source: Teen with autism showcases artistic talent : Sj)

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The post from yesterday focused on a young artist with Autism, Victoria Wright. Another artist on the Autism Spectrum is Dashir Johnson, whose work is widely exhibited via the Arts Unbound program in Orange, New Jersey. Arts Unbound is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide arts education, skills building and a variety of vocational opportunities in the visual arts to youth and adults with mental, developmental and physical disabilities…

…[Dashir Johnson] is known for the strength of human emotion depicted in his work. He describes herself as “an artist who happens to be in the autistic spectrum” and says his artwork depicts the beauty he sees in everyone. He prides himself on representing those with differences and says he hopes that the world sees that same beauty and finds acceptance through his eyes. Through Arts Unbound, he has gained a sense of community and is now more verbal and more engaged with others…

Some of Dashir’s interesting works can be viewed on page 10 of the following catalog: http://www.madisonhouseautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/autism-catalog-v4.pdf

(source: http://www.madisonhouseautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/autism-catalog-v4.pdf)

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The subject of yesterday’s post was the artist on the Autism Spectrum, Dashir Johnson. Dashir’s work could be viewed at an exhibit in the Washington Metropolitan area sponsored by Madison House Autism Foundation–‘Artistic. Autistic. A Life Ahead’. This exhibit featured works of art created by adult artists on the spectrum…

…Madison House Autism Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the issues and challenges faced by adults with autism and their families. Our approach is based on the philosophy that the economic and social impact is too great for families, government or non-profit organizations to bear alone and that the most promising replicable, scalable solutions are those that engage partners from all sectors.

…Established in 2008 as one of the first and few organizations focusing solely on adults with autism…

Here is a link to a short video on the Rockville, Maryland-based Madison House Autism Foundation: Madison House Autism Foundation - How We Began - YouTube

(source: Madison House Autism Foundation - Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism)

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The post from yesterday mentioned the exhibit ‘Artistic. Autistic. A Life Ahead’. This was a multimedia art exhibit on display at Johns Hopkins University’s Montgomery County campus (in Rockville, Maryland) from April 2 to June 1 of last year.

One individual whose work was part of the exhibit and is an artist with Madison House Autism Foundation, is Emily Meehan…

…Emily Meehan held up one of her oil paintings. The bluebird on the canvas shone with electric sapphire blues, perched atop an earthy brown branch. She spoke loudly and clearly, reflecting on one of her favorite pieces. “I pride myself in every detail of the bird,” she said. “That’s why it looks so real.”

For Emily, 17, this was no easy feat, as she has autism, a disability that affects social and communication skills.

…For Emily, making friends and juggling classwork was a challenge for her in elementary and middle school. But as she grew, she learned to cope with the help of teachers and even her classmates. Although she sometimes feels anxious about approaching adulthood with autism, she said she has developed strategies to manage her stress. “The whole living experience–that’s just the next step. I think of things on a day-to-day basis.”

In the fall, Emily plans to attend Montgomery College with the hopes of studying veterinary medicine.

“We can do things just like everyone else can.” she said. “It just might take us more time.”…

Emily Meehan is mentioned in the following video on the ‘Autistic. Artistic. A Life Ahead’ exhibit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO2J2XuNZ5I&list=UUCvmjYSD57ciiWbE-czDFZg&index=2

(source: Maryland autism foundation hosts art show to promote autism awareness - Washington Post)

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The last two posts have mentioned the exhibit ‘Artistic. Autistic. A Life Ahead’, a multimedia art exhibit that was on display at Johns Hopkins University’s Montgomery County campus (in Rockville, Maryland) last year. One individual whose work was part of this exhibit, sponsored by Madison House Autism Foundation, was John J. Hodgson…

…Johns’s work became public in July 2008 with an exhibit at the David M. Hunt Memorial Library. His work was praised as “compelling”, “beautiful”, and “bold”. His art touched and inspired every generation, from the young to the young at heart.

…John has touched all who know him with his warm smile, his energy, and his passion for life. He has many hobbies including running, hiking the Appalachian Trail, traveling, and enjoying the sites and cultural events of New York and Connecticut. John shows through his work, that people on the autism spectrum like himself, have so much to contribute to their communities. All profits from his sales are donated to local organizations that provide services and support to people diagnosed with autism and their families.

Here is a link to a gallery of artworks by John J. Hodgson, who uses classic brush techniques combined with non-traditional tools and methods: http://parkbenchartist.com/gallery/

(source: John Hodgson - TurningArt)