+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Advocate 032012

Advocate 032012

Date post: 05-Apr-2018
Category:
Upload: barbarabrennan7079
View: 226 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend

of 12

Transcript
  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    1/12

    The Autism Society of Oakland County

    has a brand new website for 2012 and

    beyond! Our new site features a fresh

    look, new content areas, additional links and

    expanded resources. ASOC announced the new

    site through an email blast to our membership, on

    January 31, 2012.

    Time for a Change

    The ASOC Board began exploring new technolo-

    gy and platforms in the summer of 2011. The

    chapters website needed a major facelift, and

    with all the new technology available, it was time

    for a change.

    The old site was costly to maintain. It was built

    on old technology, and it required us to engage a

    programmer any time we wanted an update,

    shares President Lisa Kowalski. We wanted fresh-

    er content on our site and a platform that would

    allow us to do that quickly and with far less cost.

    ASOC selected a platform that allows for easy

    authoring and adds social media functionality

    enabling our membership to have a voice on the site.

    New Web Address

    The new site is located at www.autismsocietyoak-

    landcounty.org an address that now features

    the chapters full name. Be sure to enter it into

    your bookmarks and add it to your safe senders

    email list.

    New Web Administrator

    ASOC Corresponding Secretary Barbara Brennan

    has been appointed web administrator for the

    new site. Barbaras experience in digital technolo-

    gy and computing makes her a natural for this

    new role. She played a lead role in designing

    and authoring the new site. Her responsibili-

    ties include management of online member-ship, site updating and overall monitoring.

    Join the Community!

    The new website also includes an Online

    Community where individuals with ASD and

    We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website and online

    community! Check us out atwww.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org.

    Advocateof Oakland County

    AUTISM SOCIETY OF OAKLAND COUNTY P.O. BOX 70207, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307 SPRING 2012A PUBLICATION OF THE ASOC TO RECOGNIZE OUR DONORS, VOLUNTEERS AND ADVOCATES

    ASD

    ASD Advocate Spring 2012

    ASOC LAUNCHES

    New Website!ASOC

    MISSION

    STATEMENTTo advocate and supportmeaningful participation in all

    aspects of life for individuals

    with Autism Spectrum Disorders

    and their families.

    IN THIS ISSUE

    Everybody Needs a Job!

    Message from the President ..............2

    A Look Back: The Wonderful

    Programs of 2011 ..............................3

    Team Autism ......................................3

    16h Annual Golf Outing ..................4-5

    ASOC Put EmployabilityPrinciples to Work ..........................6-7

    Spotlight on Dylan Yates ................6-7

    Getting My Own Address ................8-9

    Hanging Out Together ........................8

    Belightful Yoga ..................................9

    Bowling League for Teens ..................9

    Dont Worry, But Dont Wait! ............10

    Donations ........................................10

    Membership ....................................11

    Contribution Form ..............Back Cover

    AUTISM SOCIETY OF

    OAKLAND COUNTY

    (248) 393-3131

    Send us your email address

    at our new email address:

    [email protected] on page10

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    2/12

    There are over 6,000

    students with autism

    spectrum disorders in

    the greater Metro Detroit area,

    with almost 2,000 living in

    Oakland County. Hundreds are

    becoming adults every year

    now. Look at the 2010 data

    chart, located to the right, for

    Oakland County data.

    Parents, schools and

    public agencies need to raise

    children with the expectation

    that ALL of them will have a

    job someday. Using positive

    behavior support strategies

    and a lot of love, young families

    need to collaborate continuous-

    ly with the schools, medical

    community, agencies, recre-

    ation programs and care

    staffs to consistently teach

    communication, use sensory

    integration strategies, build

    social skills and use structured

    learning interventions 24

    hours/ 7 days a week.

    The Autism Society Oakland

    Countys next collaborative

    effort will be improving

    employability outcomes.

    Taxpayers need kids with ASD

    to get scientifically proven

    interventions early to promote

    the most adult independence

    and participation in the work-

    force. Many of these interven-

    tions will only be available to a

    family through medical insur-

    ances and nonprofit subsidized

    funding. Through your contin-

    ued support, many children

    with ASD will become adult

    employees in the future.

    Lisa Kowalski, ASOC President.

    Presidents Message

    2 ASD Advocate ASOC

    Everybody Needs a Job!A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

    how Can you BenefIt froM hIrInga perSon wIth a DISaBILIty?

    Tax CrediTs!

    The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal credit

    available to private for-profit employers who hire from specifictarget groups that have difficulty securing employment.

    EligiblE Work groups

    ssi ecent

    Fd stam ecent, ae 18 t 39

    New he mt w at eat 120 h t qafy f a

    25% cedt and at eat 400 h t qafy f a

    40% cedt n the ft yea f emyment.

    For most target groups, the WOTC allowsa $2,400 maximum credit.

    Do you want to:

    Sv M

    L tv & tii Css

    Ics Cm Ml

    Ics wklc Divsi

    B Cmmi Ld

    Let uS Show you how!!

    At MORC, we are committed to working with businesses like yours

    that have an interest in being progressive. With all the new initiatives

    in the workplace, employees are being told what the goal is but

    with very little help on how to get there.

    Fo mo nfomton, cll Cny t 586.484.6153

    MORC is a non-profit organization that has been providing wide ranging

    services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities to help

    them achieve life, freedom and independence in the community.

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    3/12

    Feel the Beat

    FAR Conservatory was awarded

    a grant from the ASOC to pur-

    chase a Remo World Music

    Drumming Set. Drum therapy

    uses rhythm to enhance psy-

    chological and physical well-

    being, relaxation, social rela-

    tionships, sensory awareness,

    physical dexterity. A drum cir-

    cle encourages an understand-

    ing of true teamwork. Lessons

    learned in the drum circle

    can be directly applied to daily

    living. http://www.farconser-

    vatory.org/

    Let's Talk

    The ASOC provided a grant to

    FAR Conservatory to purchase

    Proloquo2Go software for the

    two iPads that FAR had previ-

    ously received in collaboration

    with a third organization. For

    decades, some children

    with autism have relied

    on bulky text-to-

    speech machines in

    schools and homes

    to help them com-

    municate. This

    software offers

    comparable features as

    those older machines on an

    iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch at a

    fraction of the cost. Now chil-

    dren attending FAR will have

    these communication tools on

    site which will enhance all of

    their programming.

    Art with Heart

    In 2011, Paint a Miracle

    received a grant from the ASOC

    to purchase printmaking equip-

    ment. Paint a Miracle is an art

    studio in Rochester Michigan

    that is uniquely designed for

    people who are living with

    disabilities and other challenges.

    It has an atmosphere of hope,

    growth and encouragement.

    People of all ability levels from

    the greater Detroit metropoli-

    tan area will be able to use the

    printmaking equipment to cre-

    ate art that is easily reproduced.

    Some artists will be able to sell

    their reproduced creations,

    which supports the ASOC initia-

    tives of improving employability

    opportunities. Sign up at:

    http://www.paintamiracle.org/

    Our Friends on the Farm

    Dutton Farm is developing an

    excellent reputation for provid-

    ing positive support and mean-

    ingful hands-on programming

    to individuals with ASD who

    have significant needs. The

    ASOC provided a grant for an

    expansion project that will

    increase their capacity.

    Whether learning daily

    living skills, working

    in the greenhouse, harvest-

    ing crops, feeding farm

    animals, selling fresh eggs

    or cooking in the kitchen,

    there is something for

    everyone. Learn more

    about what they offer at:

    http://www.duttonfarm.org/

    ASD Advocate Spring 2012

    Programs

    A Look Back:T H E W O N D E R F U L P R O G R A M S O F 2 0 1 1

    Through extreme effort, the 110 runners raised about $12,000.The increase in part was due to a fundraising guide the organizerscreated to help runners work their personal networks. This brings the

    overall total to nearly $75,000 since 2006. Congratulations team

    organizers Rajesh Bihani, Nina Bihani, Stephanie Mansfield, and

    Ann Patronik and all the Team Autism runners! Families and individ-

    uals with autism really benefit from this scholarship fund that allows

    those in need to access direct services and therapies through the

    Judson Center.

    TEAM AUTISM MAKES GREAT STRIDES IN

    THE 2011 DETROIT FREE PRESS MARATHON

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    4/124 ASD Advocate ASOC

    Golf Outing

    Walnut Creek

    Country Club

    went under

    construction just before the

    September 12, 2011 golf outing.

    That made the ASOC scramble

    to find another location. Thanks

    to Co-Chairpersons, Mike

    Hayes and Steve Bubnes, and

    Honorary Chairperson Bob

    Abernethy, the Fox Hills

    Golf and Banquet Center in

    Plymouth was secured.

    Steve Bubnes was able to

    contact all the registered golfers

    notifying them of the change.

    Incredible job!

    The weather cooperated

    with another beautiful

    September day. Even with the

    struggling economy, we were

    able to field 200 golfers for not

    only golf but lunch and dinner

    in Fox Hills roomy club house.

    The ASOC thanks the event

    Charter Sponsors: Angelo

    Iafrate, Commercial

    Contracting Corporation,

    Knights of Columbus Council

    #4188 Clawson, Miller Canfield

    and Walbridge, along with

    each of the other 70 corpora-

    tions and organizations who

    contributed to the successful

    event. In many cases, compa-

    nies contributed the time of

    their employees and their

    offices and facilities for plan-

    ning and management of the

    event. Thanks to the many

    people who donated or partici-

    pated in the Silent Auction. The

    ASOC is exceptionally grateful

    for the committed volunteers

    on the golf outing committee

    for the planning and sales of the

    event. Thanks goes out to all

    golfers, donors and volunteers

    for their continued support of

    children, adults and families

    affected on a daily basis by

    autism spectrum disorders.

    Article submitted by Sally

    McInnes, ASOC Director.

    Annual Golf OutingMoves to Fox Hills

    Above Left: Aaron Kowalski, an 18 year old student with ASD,

    volunteers at the outing. Left: The Silent Auction was sponsored

    by the Knights of Columbus #4188 and included wonderful

    donations from many generous supporters.Above: Members

    of the ASOC Board of Directors: Linda Brown, Sally McInnes,

    Lisa Kowalski, Barbara Brennan, Marie Anne Horne (ASOC

    bookkeeper) and Tamra Pickthorn.

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    5/12ASD Advocate Spring 2012

    Golf Outing

    DONATIONS

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    Ray Debold

    Tom Holzer Ford

    Ford Land for generously

    hosting our monthly

    committee meetings.

    CHARTER SPONSORS

    Angelo Iafrate

    Construction Company

    Commercial Contracting

    Group CCG

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    Miller Canfield

    Walbridge

    SILVER SPONSORS KUKA Flexible Production

    Utica Enterprises, Incorporated

    BRONZE SPONSORS

    Alberici Constructors

    Incorporated

    Angelo Iafrate Construction

    Company

    Aristeo Construction

    Barton Malow

    Comau De-Cal Incorporated

    DeMaria Building Company

    Devon Facility Management

    Ferrous Processing &

    Trading Company

    Ghafari Associates

    Heller Machine Tools

    International Industrial

    Contracting

    MAG IAS

    Maritz Incorporated

    Midwest Steel Incorporated Motor City Electric Company

    PCE Monarch

    Schreiber Roofing

    Site Development Incorporated

    Stenco Construction Company

    Tocco and Associates

    Tri-Tec / Gala

    Valianat Machine & Tool

    Incorporated

    Venton

    DINNER SPONSORS

    Ben Hur IndustrailConstructors

    Cinetic Automation

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    Next Generation

    Services Group

    LUNCH SPONSORS

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    SNACK ANDBEVERAGE SPONSORS

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    Triangle Electric

    COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR

    Lamont Brown Advisors

    SILENT AUCTION SPONSOR

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    CLOSEST TO THE

    PIN SPONSOR

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    LONGEST DRIVE SPONSORS

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    Cinetic Automation

    BUSINESS CARD

    RAFFLE SPONSOR

    Roncelli, Inc

    TEE SPONSORS

    CEC Controls Company

    Carol Balagur, Ameriprise

    Financial

    Comau

    Hayes Lemmerz International

    International IndustrialContracting

    Knights of Columbus

    Council #4188 Clawson

    KUKA Flexible Production

    LOC Federal Credit Union

    Novi Family Dental,

    Dr. Tessa Priehs

    Sinder Veterinary Services

    Suburban Collection

    Showchase

    SPECIAL THANKS TO . . .

    Co-Chairpersons: Craig Brown, Steve Bubnes, Michael Hayes

    Honorary Chairpersons: Robert Abernethy, Kelvin Squires, Paul F. Temple

    Committee Members: Steve Bubnes, Joe Dilorio, Wade Herzig, Jackie Jackson, Ron Koshewitz, Lisa Kowalski,

    Claire Lockhart, Larry Lottinville, Diane Risko, Mark Strait, Kari Theisen

    Day-of-the Event Volunteers: Carol Balagur, Barb Brennan, Linda Brown, Ray Debold, Pete Howard, Aaron Kowalski,

    Joe Kowalski, Bill McInnes, Tamra Pickthorn, Cathy Schmidt, Ryan Sellers, Sherry Velasco

    Thank You for Your Donations

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    6/126 ASD Advocate ASA/OCC

    Opportunities

    ASOC Puts Employability

    Principles to Work

    JANUARY 2012

    S M T W T F S

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7

    8 9 10 11 12 13 14

    15 16 17 18 19 20 21

    22 23 24 25 26 27 28

    29 30 31

    ______________________

    FEBRUARY 2012S M T W T F S

    1 2 3 4

    5 6 7 8 9 10 11

    12 13 14 15 16 17 18

    19 20 21 22 23 24 25

    26 27 28 29

    ______________________

    MARCH 2012

    S M T W T F S

    1 2 3

    4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    11 12 13 14 15 16 17

    18 19 20 21 22 23 24

    25 26 27 28 29 30 31

    ______________________

    APRIL 2012

    S M T W T F S

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7

    8 9 10 11 12 13 14

    15 16 17 18 19 20 21

    22 23 24 25 26 27 28

    29 30

    ______________________

    As highlighted

    throughout this

    years newsletter,

    ASOC plowed new ground in

    2011 to support employability

    outcomes for individuals with

    ASD, including training, cross-

    community collaboration,

    and advocacy. But one of the

    activities we are most proud of

    is our own efforts to put the

    concept of employability out-

    comes to work by employing

    businesses who employ people

    with ASD and showcasing

    micro-industries in our biggest

    event of the year our annual

    Golf Outing and fundraiser

    in September.

    Event Suppliers Employing

    Individuals with ASD

    With an event this size, there

    are so many pieces that come

    together to fulfill it, said Lisa

    Kowalski, ASOC President and

    golf committee member. We

    actively sought out businesses

    that employ people on the

    spectrum or school programs,

    in order to promote their won-

    derful products and services.

    During the event dinner,

    more than 200 golfers place

    settings featured a handmade

    gourmet chocolate-dipped

    pretzel. Each was decoratively

    wrapped and tagged with a

    message by the manufacturer,

    The Yum Yum Tree, a Walled

    Lake Schools Transition

    Program business. The ASOC

    purchased 250 of these won-

    derful delights from this special

    education program.

    Melynda Penny, the teacher

    responsible for these students,

    wrote, "We are happy that your

    outing was such a great success

    and appreciated being a part

    of it. My new students enjoyed

    the experience of creating the

    chocolate caramel pretzels.

    Now they understand the entire

    process from manufacturing, to

    packaging the product and then

    getting it ready for delivery."

    (To order delicious treats from

    The Yum Yum Tree, contact

    Melynda at (248) 956-5045.)

    Dylan Yates is a senior with Autism Spectrum

    Disorder at Royal Oak High School where he is

    enrolled in the special education program. He

    has a knack for creating visual art by drawing,

    sculpting and designing on the computer. Dylan

    created this calendar in the Illustrator program

    where he is able to bring his enthusiasm for

    holidays and dinosaurs together: a natural fit

    for Dylan! You can contact Dylan at

    [email protected].

    THE CREATIVE MICRO-INDUSTRYOF DYLAN YATES

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    7/12ASD Advocate Spring 2012

    Micro-Industry on Display

    ASOC also sponsored a micro-

    industry expo during the event,

    featuring the work of several

    burgeoning businesses of indus-

    trious individuals with ASD.

    The expo provided an opportu-

    nity to showcase the work and

    talents of many individuals on

    the spectrum starting small

    businesses. Each exhibitioner

    had a personal display table in

    the central hall of the event.

    The featured products were

    diverse and offered a broad

    range of handcrafted items for

    sale to the golfers, including:

    Artisan soaps

    Needlework, pillows & throws

    Handcrafted wooden bird

    houses

    Paintings & artwork

    Handmade greeting cards

    & notes

    DJ Services

    2012 calendars with

    custom graphic design

    The Board partnered with

    Macomb Oakland Regional

    Center (MORC) to create the

    expo. MORC employability

    staffers Dorothy Maclean and

    Cindi Burdi were instrumental

    in identifying exhibitors specifi-

    cally with ASD. Dorothy helps

    people with disabilities create

    their own micro-businesses,

    and Cindi is a job developer

    who works with businesses to

    hire people with disabilities.

    Both were onsite for the event,

    assisting exhibitors during the

    expo and answering event

    attendees questions about

    employability throughout the

    day and evening.

    The expo was our event

    theme in action, said Kowalski.

    It provided exposure to both

    the golfers and the micro-

    industries. A micro industry

    is just one of the ways that

    people with ASD can be paid

    for their work.

    The golfers also had the

    opportunity to learn more rea-

    sons to consider employing

    people with ASD, including tax

    credits, lower turnover rates,

    and quality work. Every year,

    hundreds of students with

    ASD reach adulthood in

    Michigan. Many people with

    ASD only need part-time work.

    As a community, if we look for

    and support their strengths and

    talents, we will enjoy a valuable

    workforce of the future.

    Article submitted by

    Tamra Pickthorn,

    ASOC Recording Secretary.

    Opportunities

    MAY 2012S M T W T F S

    1 2 3 4 5

    6 7 8 9 10 11 12

    13 14 15 16 17 18 19

    20 21 22 23 24 25 26

    27 28 29 30 31

    ______________________

    JUNE 2012

    S M T W T F S

    1 2

    3 4 5 6 7 8 9

    10 11 12 13 14 15 16

    17 18 19 20 21 22 23

    24 25 26 27 28 29 30

    ______________________

    AUGUST 2012S M T W T F S

    1 2 3 4

    5 6 7 8 9 10 11

    12 13 14 15 16 17 18

    19 20 21 22 23 24 25

    26 27 28 29 30 31

    ______________________

    SEPTEMBER 2012

    S M T W T F S

    1

    2 3 4 5 6 7 8

    9 10 11 12 13 14 15

    16 17 18 19 20 21 22

    24 25 26 27 28 29

    ______________________

    JULY 2012

    S M T W T F S

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7

    8 9 10 11 12 13 14

    15 16 17 18 19 20 21

    22 23 24 25 26 27 28

    29 30 31

    ______________________

    NOVEMBER 2012S M T W T F S

    1 2 3

    4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    11 12 13 14 15 16 17

    18 19 20 21 22 23 24

    25 26 27 28 29 30

    ______________________

    DECEMBER 2012

    S M T W T F S

    1

    2 3 4 5 6 7 8

    9 10 11 12 13 14 15

    16 17 18 19 20 21 22

    25 26 27 28 29

    ______________________

    OCTOBER 2012

    S M T W T F S

    1 2 3 4 5 6

    7 8 9 10 11 12 13

    14 15 16 17 18 19 20

    21 22 23 24 25 26 27

    28 29 30 31

    ______________________

    3023

    3023

    3124

    Several Micro-

    Businesses sold their

    wonderful products

    during lunch at the

    outing. Each business

    is owned by a person

    with a disability.

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    8/12

    Recognizing the need

    to assist families with

    the difficult task of

    planning future housing for

    their adult children with autism

    spectrum disorders, ASOC

    awarded a large grant to local

    non-profit, Community

    Housing Network, Inc. (CHN).

    The result was Getting My

    Own Address for People with

    Autism Spectrum Disorders

    and other Developmental

    Disorders (GMOA), a compre-

    hensive, step-by-step guide,

    including worksheets and

    resources. The grant also fund-

    ed the development of

    Overview Workshop materials

    and staff time to give Overview

    presentations to parents in four

    parts of Oakland County.

    Successful Launch of a

    Much-Needed Resource

    The GMOA Program was

    launched by CHN in

    September 2011 with

    great success and

    interest. In an

    effort to

    share the same

    information with

    families and profes-

    sionals (teachers,

    transition

    coordinators, and supports

    coordinators), CHNs initial

    presentations were to Oakland

    County Transition Association

    (OCTA), and Supports

    Coordinators at Macomb

    Oakland Regional Center

    (MORC) and Community

    Living Services (CLS). Over

    150 parents from Oakland

    County and surrounding

    counties attended presentations

    given at Rochester Public

    Schools, Huron Valley Schools,

    Lamphere Center, and West

    Bloomfield Schools. MORC

    hosted another Overview

    presentation for families from

    Macomb and Oakland

    Counties, with more than

    half the audience from

    Macomb County.

    In an effort to make the

    GMOA guide available to inter-

    ested families and professionals

    throughout Michigan and the

    United States, the GMOA guide

    is available to be downloaded

    for FREE from the CHN website

    at www.communityhousingnet-work.org/GMOA. Many fami-

    lies as well as professionals have

    chosen to purchase a copy of

    the guide in a binder. In fact,

    180 guides have been sold to

    date. In addition, over 300 par-

    ents and professionals from all

    over Michigan have signed up

    for an on-going email alert list

    on the GMOA Program to

    8 ASD Advocate ASOC

    Community

    Getting My Own AddressASOC SEEDS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM

    HANGING OUT TOGETHER

    T he Friendship Club Socials include 25-50 teens and young adults within the autism spectrum, includingindividuals with Asperger syndrome & Pervasive Development Disorders. Come and enjoy an exceptionalselection of video games, perform in the Talent Show, and play ping pong, basketball, floor hockey and board

    games. There is a DJ that plays all the latest hits for those who enjoy dancing.

    Get together for fun, food and friendship at St. Anastasia Activity Center in Troy, Michigan. The group meets

    about every six weeks on Saturdays from 7pm to 11pm. The $5 per person/ $15 per family fee includes snacks,

    pizza, salad and pop. A parent or support staff should plan to stay during the event. Siblings 12 years or older

    are welcome to join the fun. For dates and location information go to www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org

    GMOA is a

    program for

    people with

    Autism SpectrumDisorders and

    Developmental

    Disabilities

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    9/12

    receive information on the two

    Oakland County housing sup-

    port groups and new presenta-

    tion dates.

    Reach Extends Throughout

    Michigan and the Nation

    In an effort to get this resource

    out to more families, CHN has

    also shared the GMOA guide

    across the state and with key

    national organizations. It was

    introduced to professionals

    working with young adults with

    ASD and other developmental

    disabilities across Michigan at

    the April 2011 joint conference

    for Statewide Autism Resources

    & Training (START) and

    Michigan Transition Outcomes

    Project (MI-TOP). START

    was so excited by this resource

    that it has downloaded the

    GMOA guide and made it avail-

    able to all of its trainers.

    Recently, the guide was shared

    as a resource at the Academy

    of Special Needs Planners con-

    ference, a national organization

    of lawyers working with fami-

    lies on issues unique to individ-

    uals with disabilities, including

    future housing planning.

    How You Can Learn More

    Future presentations on hous-

    ing using GMOA include the

    last three workshops in a series

    for Family to Family Alliance in

    Ann Arbor, Cadillac, and

    Detroit. The first presentation

    was given in Owosso in

    October 2011. Presentation

    dates and locations are posted

    on the CHN website at

    www.communityhousingnet-

    work.org/GMOAworkshops.

    The GMOA Support Group

    currently meets two times a

    month from 6:00 pm 8:00

    pm, the second Thursday of

    each month at Apollo Center,

    2029 N. Milford Road,

    Highland, MI 48357, and the

    third Tuesday of each month at

    the offices of CHN, 570 Kirts

    Blvd., Suite 231, Troy, MI.

    The GMOA program has

    touched in excess of 1,500

    people to date and has received

    abundant praise from families

    and professionals. A movement

    has begun to develop independ-

    ent housing for people with

    autism spectrum disorders and

    peace of mind for their families

    thanks to ASOC and its

    Sponsors!

    Article submitted

    by Linda Brown,

    ASOC Vice President.

    ASD Advocate Spring 2012

    Community

    The ASOC teamed with

    Belightful Yoga to offer

    family yoga classes at a

    significantly reduced rate. The

    ASOC is excited about this

    grant because it offers par-

    ents, siblings or caregivers

    the chance to participate and

    enjoy the benefits of yoga too.

    These yoga classes will

    promote focus and relaxation,

    improve balance and strength

    and help people stay fit in a

    fun atmosphere. With the

    person's support also in the

    class, we hope that they will

    practice together at home as

    well. This is a great activity for

    families to enjoy together.

    Article submitted by Lisa

    Kowalski, ASOC President.

    BELIGHTFUL YOGA

    BOWLING LEAGUE FOR TEENS

    OUCARES just started a Bowling League for teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.It is supported by the ASOC. The league will run four 9-week sessions throughout the year.For more information go to www.oakland.edu/oucares or call 248-370-2424

    The OUCares Strikers are ready to hit the lanes and enjoy each other's company.

    Get Your Own Copy!

    Download the Getting My Own Address resource

    guide free from Community Housing Network:

    www.communityhousingnetwork.org/GMOA

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    10/12

    their families can connect, talk and

    support each other. Our vision for

    the Online Community is to extend our

    support for families into a virtual

    community, through dialog and sharing

    online, says Kowalski.

    The Online Community is built on a

    secure social media platform, to provide

    a safe place for individuals with Autism

    Spectrum Disorders and their families to

    connect, share stories, support each other

    and build lasting friendships. If people

    are familiar with Facebook, YouTube and

    Twitter, this part of our new site will feel

    familiar, says Brennan. The new features

    allow people to share and connect in

    many of the same ways.

    Membership in the community is

    absolutely free. To join, interested parties

    13 years or older should complete a

    membership request form and accept

    the ASOC Community Guidelines. Our

    members and web administrator will

    monitor content and postings to ensure

    appropriateness of content.

    Online community members have access

    to all of the following features and content:

    Discussion Forum where people can

    hold conversations by posting messages,

    links and content

    Featured Events including our

    highlighted ASOC events and other

    related community happenings

    Groups for discussion and sharing

    on key topics; current groups

    include Newly Diagnosed, School,

    Transitional and Adult

    Invite to send out a message inviting

    others to join the community

    Photos allows community members

    to post photos

    Profile Page personal profile page

    for individual members

    To learn more, see our Community Page

    and join us!

    Article submitted by Tamra Pickthorn,

    ASOC Recording Secretary.

    10 ASD Advocate ASOC

    The ASOC Thanks You for Your Donations

    In Memory ofDeborah Cassatt

    Mark, Bobbie, Julie, Michael, Lauren,

    Ashley & Melissa Borkin

    Tom Cover

    Alexis Crau

    Leslye & Larry D'Ascenzo

    Beverly Finkel

    Jerimiah Flood

    Pamela Freed

    Anita Goldberg

    Carol Greenfield

    Dr. David & Sandra Kirsch

    Joel Kirsch

    Warren, Barb, Dan & Laura Levin

    Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mong

    Rhonna & Bill Nelson

    Norup International School Staff

    Linda & Marc Ruben

    Joan Sorbilli

    Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sprankle

    Lee & Diane Travelbee

    Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Wolfston

    In Memory ofCharla Andresen

    Nancy & Don Soderholm

    In Memory of Emma Burry

    Anne Bourdeau

    In Memory ofMargaret Debold

    Deborah Darnley-Fisch

    In Memory ofJohn L. Sherby

    Katherine Bourdeau

    In Honor ofKristian Andresen

    Nancy & Don Soderholm

    In Honor of Lynda Sullivan

    Maureen & Rich Wisckol

    Donations throughCharity Motors

    John McCormick

    Donations to Chapter

    Karen Barnowski

    Bijaya Hans

    Marjorie & Maxwell Jospey Foundation

    Sunetra Nandgaonkar

    Donna Yates, DBA Paypal Art Ric McNally

    American Express Charitable Fund and

    Employee Giving Program

    Bower HR/ExpertCare Management Services

    Dean Sellers Ford

    KGlobal Impact/Pitney Bowes

    Employees & Involvement Fund

    Hewlett-Packard Foundation and

    Employee Giving Program

    Ken Barnowski PLLC

    Knights of Columbus,

    Council Number 13319

    Donations

    ASOC Launches New Website

    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children and grandchildren should bescreened for autism at ages 18 months and 24 months. Early Intervention is the key to signifi-cantly improving a childs progress and their future. The Centers for Disease Controls Learn the Signs

    Act Early web page has excellent developmental milestone information, first steps for concerned

    families and awareness information. Go to: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/concerned.html.

    Article submitted by Lisa Kowalski, ASOC President.

    AUTISM: EARLY SCREENING

    Continued from front page

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    11/12ASD Advocate Spring 2012 1

    DEAR READERS

    Please help us keep your address and membership

    status current. Use the form above to join ASOC, renew

    your dues or to notify us that you have moved, or visit us

    on the web at www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org.

    Call Sally McInnes: (248) 349-4539 if you have anyquestions concerning membership and dues. Thank You!

    PRESIDENT:

    Lisa Kowalski

    Linda Brown

    TREASURER:Ken Barnowski

    CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:

    Barbara Brennan

    RECORDING SECRETARY:

    Tamra Pickthorn

    DIRECTORS:

    Sue Hodess

    Sally McInnes

    Cathy SchmidtSue Welcome

    IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:

    Barbara Baker

    PHONE: (248) 393-3131ASOC Board members are parent volunteers. Please leave a message, including

    your question. An ASOC volunteer will return your call as promptly as possible.

    AUTISM SOCIETY OF OAKLAND COUNTY

    P.O. Box 70207 Rochester Hills, MI 48307

    EXECUTIVE BOARD

    VICE PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT ELECT:

    If you are interested in making a tax deductible

    donation to ASOC, a 501(c)(3) organization:

    You may download a contribution form or donate online at

    www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org

    GET INVOLVED LOCALLY!Name(s): ___________________________________________________________________________________________

    Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

    City: ____________________________________________________________State: ______ Zip___________________

    Phone: ( _______ ) ________________________________________________ County ___________________________

    E-Mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

    Oakland County Chapter Dues: Individual (1 vote).........$15.00 = _________

    Family (2 votes).............$25.00 = _________

    Note: Membership in the ASOC requires concurrent

    membership with the Autism Society of America.

    Autism Society of America Dues:

    Household.............................................................................$40 = _________

    Champion..............................................................................$75 = _________

    Professional.........................................................................$150 = _________

    International Household Member ......................................$50 = _________Lifetime Member.............................................................$1,500 = _________

    Donation to the ASOC .................................................................... = _________(Contributions to the ASOC are qualified charitable donations.)

    Total enclosed = _________

    Please make checks payable to the ASOC and mail to Ken Barnowski,

    Treasurer, P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Membership dues and

    donations are also accepted online at www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org

    IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING:q

    Please check here and mail this form to: Marie Anne Horne, ASOC, P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307.Marie Anne will contact you and ask about your available time commitment and how you would like to become involved.

    You may also inquire through the chapter phone line at (248) 393-3131 or Email the chapter at [email protected].

    With the help of caring

    individuals like you, we can

    achieve our mission of improving

    the lives of all affected by autism.

    Thousands of individuals, fami-

    lies, professionals and agencies

    are already part of the Autism

    Society. Together, we can become

    not only a resource for the autism

    community, but also an agent of

    change to help people get the

    services and supports they need

    throughout their lifetime.

    THANK YOU!!!

  • 8/2/2019 Advocate 032012

    12/12

    P.O. Box 70207

    Rochester Hills, MI 48307

    CONTRIBUTION FORM

    Please print clearly.

    Donor Name: ________________________________________________________________

    Address: ____________________________________________________________________

    City: _________________________________State: ______________ Zip Code: __________

    Daytime Phone: ( _____ ) _______________________________________________________

    In Memory of: _______________________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Name of Honoree: ____________________________________________________________

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Occasion: ___________________________________________________________________

    Notification to be sent to: ______________________________________________________

    Mail this form to:

    ASOC c/o Ken Barnowski, Treasurer

    P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307

    All information provided or published in the ASOC newsletter is for informational purposes only. ASOC assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information

    published or provided by ASOC. Under the ASOC Options policy you are responsible for the choice of any treatment, therapy or service provider. Specific services should be

    provided only at the direction and under the supervision of an individuals doctor, care giver or medical professional. Reference to any treatment, program or therapy option is not

    an endorsement by the ASOC. Such references are not intended to be comprehensive statements of available options, programs, services or providers.

    You should investigate alternatives to find options that are the most appropriate for a specific individual.

    NEWSLETTER

    COMMITTEETamra Pickthorn - Editor

    Contributors:

    Lisa Kowalski

    Linda Brown

    Sally McInnes

    Marie Anne Horne

    GRAPHIC DESIGN

    Sunny Design

    (586) 871-7288

    THE AUTISM SOCIETY

    OF OAKLAND COUNTY

    (248) 393-3131

    WWW.AUTISMSOCIETY

    OAKLANDCOUNTY.ORG

    Mailing Address

    P.O. Box 70207Rochester Hills, MI 48307

    NONPROFIT ORG

    U.S. POSTAGE

    PAIDTROY, MI

    PERMIT NO. 36


Recommended