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

Visionary7903 · October 26, 2018, 5:50am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

Here is a link to a video from Foothills Gateway:

(source: Youngstown news, Southern Park Mall hosts Autism Awareness Fair)

Visionary7903 · October 27, 2018, 5:41am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the American state of Ohio.

Across the Atlantic, County Monaghan Ireland-based Thrive Occupational Therapy Services specialises in the provision of sensory integration therapy. This is a cornerstone to the treatment of children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders…

Here is a link to a video from Thrive Occupational Therapy Services from earlier this year:

(source: https://enterprisingmonaghan.ie/index.php/blog/91-most-promising-female-entrepreneurs-in-monaghan)

Visionary7903 · October 28, 2018, 5:37am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

To the southeast, the Arts Corner KIDZ Network Inc. is a Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit that believes in the vehicle of art to build, develop and heal children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Arts Corner understands that the arts are essential to building and nurturing our minds (especially right hemisphere development) and to helping students grow and develop socially, emotionally, psychologically, and in many other ways…

Here is a link to a video of a class from Arts Corner from earlier this year:

(source: https://fun4firstcoastkids.com/calendar/eventdetail/366427/-/the-arts-corner-grand-opening?tmpl=component)

wotan · October 28, 2018, 10:32pm

Visionary7903:

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

To the southeast, the Arts Corner KIDZ Network Inc. is a Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit that believes in the vehicle of art to build, develop and heal children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Arts Corner understands that the arts are essential to building and nurturing our minds (especially right hemisphere development) and to helping students grow and develop socially, emotionally, psychologically, and in many other ways…
Here is a link to a video of a class from Arts Corner from earlier this year:
18 reactions · 14 comments | “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” - Degas Thank you Mrs. Andrea-Denise Davis and The Arts Corner for a fun and creative Sunday afternoon. We’re looking forward to your monthly classes for autism and special needs families! #art #artclass #maysinclusionouting #theartscorner | Carrence Bass

(source: https://fun4firstcoastkids.com/calendar/eventdetail/366427/-/the-arts-corner-grand-opening?tmpl=component)

How does this one post get updated every day, with the new day listed as it’s posting date? This post “Hi Mr. Scrunge I appreciate the response…” Has been here for months. But every day the date is changed to make it appear brand new. smh

Visionary7903 · October 29, 2018, 5:00am

The subject of the last post was the Arts Corner KIDZ Network Inc., Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit that believes in the vehicle of art to build, develop and heal children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Arts Corner understands that the arts are essential to building and nurturing our minds (especially right hemisphere development) and to helping students grow and develop socially, emotionally, psychologically, and in many other ways.

Staying in Northeast Florida, Making Strides For Autism, Inc. is a Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to provide support, training, and advocacy to families and people with autism. In addition, it helps to provide grants to Northeast Florida autism families and schools to purchase medically needed items, autism services, and sensory equipment for classrooms…

Making Strides for Autism and the Jacksonville [Minor League Baseball team] have partnered to host an Inclusion Outing for Autism Awareness on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game versus the Biloxi [Minor League Baseball team]. Funding for approximately 20 families (80 tickets total) with autistic members is provided by the HEAL Foundation. Game day tickets will also be sold to the general public and autism families.

“HEAL is honored to underwrite 80 tickets to the …Autism Awareness Game on June 10 and congratulates Making Strides For Autism on this very special Inclusion Outing!” – Jason Gurka, Executive Director HEAL Foundation.

As a fundraising event, Making Strides for Autism will receive $4 from each ticket purchased at $9 per ticket. To support the autistic participants in the event, Making Strides for Autism will provide Sensory Bags to inclusion outing participants for use at the game. They will also set up their Mobile Sensory Room on site to children that may become overwhelmed during the game and need a break.

“We are thrilled to host this inclusive event at the …game. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects nearly 25,000 individuals in Northeast Florida, and it is wonderful to have community groups like the Jumbo Shrimp support our efforts to connect the community to autism.” – Carrence Bass, President/CEO and Founder Making Strides For Autism, Inc.

Funds raised will be used to help provide more Inclusion Outings, Sensory Bags, and their autism employment programs to people on the autism spectrum and their families…

Here is a link to a video on the ‘Friends With Autism Run and Community Walk’ benefiting Making Strides For Autism, Inc. from the start of the year:

(source: https://makingstridesforautism.org/blog.html)

Visionary7903 · October 30, 2018, 1:15am

The subject of the last post was the Arts Corner KIDZ Network Inc., Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit that believes in the vehicle of art to build, develop and heal children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Arts Corner understands that the arts are essential to building and nurturing our minds (especially right hemisphere development) and to helping students grow and develop socially, emotionally, psychologically, and in many other ways.

Staying in Northeast Florida, the HEAL Foundation is a Jacksonville, Florida-based nonprofit that tries to serve children with autism spectrum disorders and their families in the region by providing grants and programs. HEAL, Healing every Autistic Life, believes that education and awareness are critical in helping children with autism…

The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Benefiting HEAL is a series of 3 Stand Up Paddle Board races and a fun Great Sand & Sea Challenge for kids held on …September 5th, 2016 …in beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. You are guaranteed to have a total blast if you show up to compete, volunteer, or cheer on the participants and take part in the magic of this Paddle Board & Charity Event!

Now in its 5th year, The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle is one of the largest Stand Up Paddle Events of its kind on Florida’s East Coast. Last year’s competition drew a fun crowd of 500 including 225 competitors, all for a great cause that helps individuals with Autism in Northeast Florida.

The Fifth Annual Great Ponte Vedra Paddle was Founded by Dana Current, who sits on the Board of Directors of The HEAL Foundation Healing Every Autistic Life. Dana Current, along with 18 Founding Members whose love and passion for the ocean, surfing and SUP brought them together for a special mission. In 2012, the founders created, organized and executed the inaugural GREAT PV PADDLE to Benefit HEAL, tying the paddle competition into [an] event raising thousands of dollars to assist those Autism living in their community.

All Proceeds benefit the HEAL Foundation…

Here is a link to a video from the HEAL Foundation’s ‘Walk for Autism’ from a couple of years ago:

(source: The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Benefitting HEAL Foundation)

Visionary7903 · October 31, 2018, 6:17am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

The Verbal Behavior Center for Autism (VBCA) is a Marion County, Indiana-based nonprofit that uses an Applied Behavior Analysis approach to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The nonprofit tries to provide them with the necessary life skills to thrive independently at home, at school and in the community…

He started his own business and has grown it 17 percent a year.
Now, Indianapolis entrepreneur Jeff Medley is using his know-how to ramp up a not-for-profit autism therapy center he helped found in the summer of 2003.

As president of the Verbal Behavior Center for Autism, Medley led the center’s move to a larger building near 96th Street and Keystone Avenue Nov. 1. Now the center is adding students as fast as it can hire therapists to work with them.

…Medley and the center’s leaders are facing the entrepreneur’s classic challenge: managing rapid growth.

“In my other business, if the demand was this high, we’d be through the stratosphere,” said Medley, who founded Netfor Inc., which provides technical computer support for franchise networks, in 1995.

That kind of business language is common for Medley and his fellow founders, some of whom also are entrepreneurs. But they’re also quick to point out that the autism center’s bottom line isn’t about black ink; it’s about bettering lives.

…Medley’s son, Noah, goes every day. His 10-foot-by-10-foot room is on the second floor of the center’s new 16,000-square-foot building.

Noah watched a video in his room one recent day-until [a therapist] turned it off. She told him he had to play a word pronunciation game with her before he could turn it back on.

“Candy,” [the therapist] said, slowly.

“Candeen,” Noah replied, touching his index finger to the left side of his chin, just under his lips. Using that sign language for “candy” helps Noah remember how to say the word.

“Outside,” [the therapist] says.

“Outside,” Noah repeated, folding his fingers flat and brushing them by his cheek.

With each word he pronounced correctly, [the therapist] gave Noah a penny. He stuck them on a card with places for five pennies. When he had all five filled, [the therapist] gave him the remote control, and he turned the video back on.

The Verbal Behavior Center’s one-onone therapy is expensive-about $60,000 a year. When the Verbal Behavior Center started, few families could afford to send their kids there.

But in 2005, Medley and his partners discovered that Indiana is one of 13 states that mandates coverage of autism therapy by employers’ health insurance plans.

Suddenly, more parents could afford the center. Fund raising became unnecessary. And the center hired its lead therapist, Carl Sundberg, full time.

“We’ve got a great business model now,” Medley said. The center had 15 students when it moved to its new building. It now has 25 and is shooting for 50.

Sundberg created the curriculum the Verbal Behavior Center uses, and he trains its therapists. Four therapists have obtained advanced training, which they use to train autistic children and their parents in their homes.

“There’s a lot of kids out there that are not getting the services,” Sundberg said. “Our challenge right now would be getting enough staff.”

The center employs 34 people and is looking for more.

…For Medley, providing behavior therapy to more kids is his religious and vocational mission. He spends 10 to 20 hours a week working on it.

“Once you have your mission, you don’t mind spending your life on it,” he said…

Here is a link to a video from the Verbal Behavior Center for Autism from about five years ago:

(source: Entrepreneur grows local autism center: With new building, center looks to triple in size – Indianapolis Business Journal)

Visionary7903 · November 1, 2018, 5:28am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

To the southeast, Mountaineer’s School of Autism is a Miami metropolitan area, Florida-based nonprofit that serves children from kindergarten age. It also provides specialised instruction for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders…

With back to school just around the corner, youth football teams from across [the county] came together to benefit a worthy cause.

On July 19 the Rising Stars Malcolm’s Mountaineers First Annual 7 on 7 Youth Football Tournament took place… The event, which showcased four 14-under age group teams, was a fundraiser for the newly opened Mountaineers School of Autism…

…The tournament is named after Malcolm Walsh-Watson, a 12-year-old who is autistic and deaf. School president Mary Jo Walsh-Watson, a nurse of 16 years, is aiming to provide children with autism and other disabilities with a fair education, something she felt her son was not receiving in the public school system.

Malcolm’s father Leonard is …using his athletic connections in the community to raise awareness for the school. [Local Football team] Head Coach Rick Lee was honored to be involved and is optimistic the event will turn into a tradition.

“It was a lot of fun to do something like this and we hope to keep this [event] going for years to come,” Lee said. “To do something like this for the cause of autism is great.”

Sponsors included Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Pepsi, Pediatric Associates, Ink Link Tattoo, Lantana Fitness, Dockside Grille, Muvico and Healthy Home. In total, an estimated $2,200 was raised.

The Mountaineers School of Autism …is a private non-profit school pending 501c3 approval. The school …will serve children from K-12 dealing with autism as well as those who have a dual diagnosis…

“Malcolm is the mountaineer,” Leonard Watson said. “He’s the first kid in line that’s going to pave the way to help other children like himself as they climb along the mountain together one by one.”

Construction is underway and the school is anticipating opening in January 2015 with an expected 10 to 12 students in the inaugural class.

“The realization that this is coming to fruition is indescribable,” Mary Jo Walsh-Watson said. “I am most grateful for the opportunity to provide a better education not only for my son but also for others as well. There are so many children who need more services and a greater variety of interventions in an environment that is unrestricted.”

The school is seeking donations to help purchase iPads, adaptive furniture, weighted vests and other supplies. Each classroom will have occupational therapy equipment as well as safety measures on doors and windows.

To the Watsons, these children are striving to overcome the odds, which is why the name “Mountaineers” carries a significant meaning.

“All these kids are traveling up a mountain toward the same goal. They’re all pulling on a rope, one by one, trying to get to the top of the mountain. And at the top of that mountain are the goals and the ability to learn and love,” Leonard Watson said. “These children do a lot of things doctors said they’d never be able to do. They said they’d never be affectionate… But with love and patience strides can be made.”

Here is a link to a short video of some children at the Mountaineer’s School of Autism, Academy & Therapeutic Center from earlier this year:

(source: Youth football tournament raises awareness for Mountaineers School of Autism – Sun Sentinel)

Visionary7903 · November 2, 2018, 4:44am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

To the east, Bluelaces Theater Company is New York City’s only nonprofit theater organization dedicated solely to creating highly interactive, sensory-based theatrical experiences for individuals living with various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Its productions challenge theatrical convention to create immersive, multi-sensory environments that celebrate each audience member’s unique lived experience…

New York City parents often share the gift of Broadway with their children. …However, traditional theater performances are often not accessible to all children – particularly those on the autism spectrum.

…“This type of theater is so new and so young,” said Co-Artisitc Director Alison Mahoney. “We’re the first company in New York City to be doing only this type of work – solely devising for this population instead of adapting existing shows.”

Mahoney is directing Bluelaces’ first New York City production set to launch in May 2016. She has worked in this specifically focused theater before, having participated in [another theater company’s] ‘Up and Away’, an immersive theater production …earlier this year.

“* had the privilege of attending all 40 performances during the Up and Away run,” said Mahoney, “which gave me the chance to see hundreds of young people on the autism spectrum interact with theater. I left the Up and Away process with a much stronger understanding of what it means to create art for these audiences.”

Unlike traditional theater productions, Bluelaces keeps its audience sizes small and offers [guides] who pair with each audience member to ensure each an individually tailored experience.

“Every one of the students was caught up in the magic of the room,” said teacher Marjorie Hillocks when speaking about the Spring 2014 show that Mahoney directed while attending Northwestern University, where Bluelaces was originally founded.

“Some [of the students] had never smiled so much before,” Hillocks continued. “And some didn’t want to leave. The adults were equally entranced. There were few dry eyes in the house as they watched the joy in their students’ eyes and listened to the laughter that filled the room. It was a remarkable experience,” she said. “One that will not be forgotten.”

Bluelaces will host its inaugural New York City show at Speyer Hall May 21 - 29…

“We are one small stepping stone in what I hope is going to be a much larger journey throughout the entire theatre community,” said Mahoney.

Here is a link to a video on the program from a couple of months ago: https://www.facebook.com/peersaustralia/videos/2244314905854385/

(source: NYN Media - City & State New York)

Visionary7903 · November 3, 2018, 5:35am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the American state of Ohio.

Across the Atlantic, Eureka!, based in Halifax, West Yorkshire, is the only fully interactive museum totally dedicated to children from birth anywhere in the United Kingdom. It receives support from the National Autistic Society for its inclusion program…

Eureka! Museum’s innovative Helping Hands Project has announced the next round of free Saturday and Holiday Clubs for disabled children and their families from across Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford and Calderdale. The regular clubs offer families the opportunity to take part in specially designed activities, supported by trained members of the Eureka! team, before exploring a different part of the popular children’s museum each week – all completely free of charge.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire, launched Helping Hands at the end of 2011 thanks to funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. The three year project provides a range of services that enable the whole family enjoy a great day at Eureka! and reduce the stresses and strains that a family day out can often entail…

Trizia Wells, Eureka! Helping Hands Project Lead said “We’ve received fantastic feedback from the 85 families that have already taken part in our free clubs, so we’re really pleased to be able to open this fantastic free service up to even more families this year. The clubs are great opportunities to explore, play and learn new skills, but I know many of the families have also benefited greatly from meeting and talking with other families.”

…- Saturday and holiday clubs - a chance for families to play and learn together at sessions run by trained enablers

Ambassadors – Eureka! wants families to help by telling us what they think of our galleries and activities, giving us their ideas and suggestions and telling other families about the Helping Hands project

Saturday & Holiday Clubs

At each of our Saturday Clubs we will have trained enablers on hand to support your visit, additional activities and parking, all completely FREE. Our Helping Hands clubs are a great opportunity to:

Meet other families

Enjoy Eureka!'s fun filled environment

Discover new ways to play and have fun together

Take part in specially created sessions will be run by the Eureka! team

The sessions will include a visit to a different museum gallery each week

Pre booking is essential for these sessions. Places are limited and we will be asking you how we can help make your family’s time at Eureka! as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

Coming up

…Autism Early Years Club

8, 15 and 22 December 2012

…Dates for 2013

…Autism Primary Club

8, 15 and 29 June 2013…

Here is a link to a video of ‘Autistic Pride Day’ at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum from earlier this year:

(source: Even more Helping Hands at Eureka! Children’s museum. | Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group)

Visionary7903 · November 4, 2018, 3:04am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the Cincinnati metropolitan area of Ohio.

To the south, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida is a Daytona Beach, Florida-based nonprofit that provides hope and help to individuals with affected by various challenges, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The nonprofit does this by providing exceptional advocacy, therapy, education, recreation, and support services…

Here is a link to a video from Easterseals Northeast Central Florida: https://www.facebook.com/esnecfl.org/videos/10156360019022612/

(source: Music breaks barriers with Melodic Connections)

Visionary7903 · November 5, 2018, 1:09am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the state of Ohio.

To the east, the Autism Cares Foundation is a Southampton, Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides free programs, activities and events for children with various challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, in the tri-state area. The nonprofit tries to provide integrative resources for life enrichment in a safe and respectful environment…

…[The nonprofit] was founded by Linda Kuepper and her husband Frank.

…As a result of Linda’s …love for her sons, she and her husband started the non-profit Autism Cares Foundation that is now celebrating its 10thAnniversary.

For Linda, nurturing the Autism Cares Foundation has required hard work, positivity, and intense dedication.

To date, the Autism Cares Foundation has held more than 1,250 free social programs and life enrichment opportunities and built a unique community of families bound by their love for their children, teens, and adults with autism, and other special needs.

Linda has teamed up with Margie Ford, Director of Marketing & Sales for Clementon Park and Splash World for the 3rd Annual Special Needs Family Fun Night at Clementon Park and Splash World on Tuesday, August 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The park will be closed to the public and open only to families caring for a loved one with special needs, and parking is free.

The reduced price admission is $15 per person, and $5 from each ticket is being donated to Autism Cares Foundation…

Here is a link to a video on the recently held Autism Cares Foundation Walk fundraiser and awareness event: https://www.facebook.com/AutismCaresFoundation/videos/2084787458212574/

(source: https://omny.fm/shows/marilyn-russells-remarkable-women/remarkable-women-final-072918)

Visionary7903 · November 6, 2018, 3:18am

Hi Mr Scrunge I appreciate the response and will keep your opinion in mind when posting

The subject of recent posts has mainly been on Autism-related events and organisations in the American state of Ohio.

On the other side of the world, STEPS Autism Treehouse is a Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia-based nonprofit that builds community and connect individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, including children, in the Sunshine Coast region. The nonprofit provides support to its community with access to resources, life skills programs, education and social events…

When Marcoola mum Claire Gilmour walked out of a specialist’s office two years ago knowing her four-year-old son Cooper had autism, there was no waiting hand ready to help.

In that numb moment she could never have dreamed she would soon provide that helping hand to hundreds of other families.

Ms Gilmour and Cooper’s occupational therapist …put their heads together and came up with The Treehouse Initiative.

Launched in September 2013, it has become an important resource for children with challenges and their parents.

Ms Gilmour said the community’s response had been overwhelming.

“…it really proves the need for an organisation like this,” she said. “We’re for all children with challenges.”

…“A lot of families with children with challenges find it very hard to go to events… It’s just not possible for our kids,” Ms Gilmour said.

Held every two months, the Treehouse Initiative social lunches help bring parents and health industry professionals together and break down feelings of isolation.

Giving children with challenges the chance to play sport is something close to Ms Gilmour’s heart.

“When I was pregnant with Cooper I had all these hopes he was going to get into sport,” Ms Gilmour said

“Your dreams just get crushed a bit.”

Here is a link to a video from STEPS Autism Treehouse from a couple of months ago: 2.1K views · 30 reactions | "Every kid needs opportunities, confidence, to build resilience and make friends as well." We're proud to support community organisations like The STEPS Autism Treehouse through our Community Sponsorship Program. Their Learn to Ride program helps teach kids with autism how to ride a bike. Read more: www.unitywater.com/sponsorship #CommUnityStories #Unitywater | Unitywater

(source: https://www.coolum-news.com.au/news/autism-help-here/2556126/)

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