February Edition of `The Spectrum`

VOLUME 24 ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 2016
The Autism Support Center
The Spectrum
Welcome Home!
Contact us:
SUSAN GILROY, EDITOR
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2302
GLORIA RICARDI CASTILLO
CO-DIRECTOR
978-624-2301
WHITNEY RYAN POSADA
SENIOR COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2305
STACEY CRUWYS
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-2347
JACKIE MURPHY
COORDINATOR/BROKER
978-624-3721
April 30, 2016
Jo Ann Simons Named New CEO of Northeast Arc
In November 2015, the Northeast Arc, ASC’s parent agency that helps
children and adults with disabilities become full participants in the community, named Jo Ann Simons, MSW, as its next Chief Executive Officer. Simons began her new role on January 4th.
Simons, who lives in Swampscott, comes to the Northeast Arc from Cardinal Cushing Centers, where she has served as President & CEO since
2008. This is a return to the Northeast Arc for Simons who early in her
career served as the organization’s Director of the Community Division
and Director of Family Educational Services. During this time, Simons
started the first Family Support Program in the state and one of the first in
the country.
Simons has had a successful career working with a variety of agencies focused on serving people
with developmental disabilities. After her first stint at the Northeast Arc, Simons went on to serve as
the Director of Policy for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, The Deputy
Facility Director of the Fernald Development Center, and Executive Director of the Arc of East Middlesex before leading Cardinal Cushing Centers in their master plan to create intergenerational communities on both the Hanover and Braintree campuses.
“Finding the next CEO to lead the Northeast Arc was a critical priority for the board of directors, staff,
and individuals and families we serve,” said Don Fournier, President of the Board. “Jo Ann has had a
highly-regarded career leading non-profits dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and we are
thrilled that she has accepted our invitation to be part of shaping the future of Northeast Arc,” said
Fournier.
Simons currently serves as the disability advisor to the Ruderman Family Foundation and as a Trustee of LIFE, Inc. of Cape Cod. She is a past chair of the National Down Syndrome Society, past
president of the National Down Syndrome Congress, and a consultant to Special Olympics. Simons
is the author of the Down Syndrome Transition Handbook, and Footprints for the Future. She also
contributed chapters to the books, Babies with Down Syndrome and Treating the Dental Patient with
a Developmental Disorder. She was on the Governor's Transition Committee on Health Care and has
been appointed to the Governor’s Commission on People with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities by Governor Charlie Baker.
Continued on next page
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Autism: 1 in 45 according to the CDC
Save the date!
Northeast Arc Camp and
Recreation Fair
April 6, 2016
4 to 6 pm
The Center for Developmental Excellence
6 Southside Road
Danvers
Sponsored by
Northeast Arc’s Family Support Programs:
The Autism Support Center, Family Resource Center
and Recreation & Leisure Program
NEW CEO
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)
“This is a great opportunity for me to return to an extraordinary organization where I worked in the early part of my professional and personal journey,” said Jo Ann Simons. “The
Northeast Arc has grown to become the second largest Arc
in the country and I look forward to helping build on the incredible accomplishments they have made over the last 61
years.”
Simons has two adult children: Jonathan, who has Down
syndrome and lives independently in his own home and has
a life filled with meaningful paid work, important volunteer
activities, and many leisure pursuits. Emily is a litigator with
Ropes and Gray.
Simons received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies from Wheaton College and a Masters of Social Work
degree in Policy, Planning, and Community Organization
from the University of Connecticut.
Simons succeeds Jerry McCarthy, who announced earlier
this year that he would be retiring as CEO after thirty-six
years in the role.
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Jerry McCarthy passing the baton to Jo Ann Simons
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Conquering the Cliff Conference
Join Bridgewell and Northeast Arc for the Conquering the
We are determined to conquer the cliff so that individuals may
Cliff: Autism’s Journey into Adulthood conference on
be successfully integrated into the adult world.
Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Sheraton in Framingham, Mas- Bridgewell is proud to be a leader in serving these young
sachusetts. This full day conference is an opportunity to net-
adults. We are excited about the opportunity to address this
work with up to 500 human services leaders, professionals and emerging need by bringing together experts and innovators in
family members. The conference will feature 18 workshops on
the field to network and share their knowledge.
a wide variety of topics.
Jeri Kroll, Director of Pro-
Many families have described the transition from the educa-
fessional Development
tional system to adult services for their children with autism as
[email protected]
“falling off a cliff.” As more and more individuals with autism
781-776-4137
are entering the adult world, service providers and families
have been working diligently and creatively to develop supports and service models to meet the needs of this population.
TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO ADULT LIFE
A FREE WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS
Transition from School to Adult Life:
Using the IEP to Create Success
WHO:
Johanne Pino,
Autism Public Education Specialist, Massachusetts Advocates for Children
WHAT: Workshop for parents
WHEN: Thursday, February 11th at 7-9pm
WHERE: Newburyport 5 Cents Savings Bank, 63 State St, Newburyport
RSVP: 978-777-9135 or [email protected]
This workshop will address the transition planning, and services required for youth with disabilities ages 14-22, focusing on both the transition special education services which prepare youth for employment, independent living and further education, and mechanisms to plan for services students may require when they exit special education and transition to the adult human service system. Through the use of case examples, participants will learn strategies that
may help students receive important transition services mandated by special education laws. Participants will also
gain an understanding on Chapter 688, the federal law that helps plan for youth with disabilities after they leave
school.
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SUPPORT GROUPS
Acton
ASC Sponsored; Target Group: Mandarin-speaking parents.
Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St (Rt. 27) Acton; bimonthly meetings TBA; Parent facilitator: Wen Li
Contact ASC 978-777-9135 or [email protected] for info.
Burlington
ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of children with
ASD
Burlington Public Library, 1st Mondays, Time 6:30 pm
Parent facilitator: Christine Curtin
Contact ASC at 978-777-9135
Danvers
AANE/ASC sponsored; Adults with Asperger’s
Pizza and Game Night
6 Southside Road, Danvers, 1st Thursday, 6-8 pm
$12 for pizza, salad, dessert, beverage. Prior registration
required.
Facilitator: Gail Kastorf 617-393-3824
Danvers
AANE/ASC sponsored; Target Group: Parents of adults
with Asperger’s
6 Southside Rd, Danvers; 2nd Thursdays, 6:30 to 8pm
Facilitator: Gail Kastorf 617-393-3824
Fee: $90 for 6 sessions, $45 for 2nd parent of same
adult
Danvers
ASC sponsored; Target
group: Parents of children
with Intensive Needs
6 Southside Rd, Danvers;
3rd Wednesday, 10-11:30
am
Contact: Susan Gilroy at
978-624-2302 or [email protected]
Danvers No February
meeting
ASC sponsored; Target
Group: Parents of children
under age 5
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Thursday, 5
-6:30pm
Contact: Jackie Murphy at 978-624-3721
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Danvers
ASC/AANE sponsored; Target Group: Adults (18+) with
Asperger’s syndrome
6 Southside Road, Danvers; 3rd Thursdays, 6:45 to
8:00pm. Contact facilitator Gail Kastorf at 617393-3824 or [email protected]
Lawrence
ASC sponsored;
Target Group:
Spanish-speaking
parents of children
with disabilities
Families & Youth
Initiative, 130 Parker St, Lawrence;
3rd Friday, 9:3011:30am
Contact facilitator
Gloria Castillo 978624-2301 or [email protected]
Lynn
Family Resource Center sponsored; Target
group: Spanish-speaking parents of children
with disabilities
Contact: Aymee Lucifora 978-624-2381
Newburyport
ASC sponsored; target group: Parents of children &
teens; Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, State
Street. Parent facilitator: Nancy Lucier. For more info
contact Susan Gilroy at 978-624-2302.
IT’S A FACT:
Northeast Arc is the second largest Arc in the country.
Vacations and the Downtime
that Follows
By Bailey Strangman, M.A., BCBA, Northeast Arc Behavioral Health Services
School has been in session and daily routines have been established for families and their children. However everyone deserves some time off to relax, take trips, visit family and friends or the opportunity to just sleep in! The word vacation may
hold a different meaning for families who have a child with a disability. For these children a change in routine may increase
challenging behaviors and anxiety during the unstructured vacation time. Below is a list of suggestions to help prepare you
and your family for any upcoming break from the ordinary.
•
Plan ahead! Create a basic structure of what the vacation will entail. Whether you are planning on travelling or staying at
home, having a general idea of what each day looks like will provide some structure throughout the vacation time. This
will also allow you to add in some unexpected activities!
•
Consult with your BCBA or teacher about successful strategies for flexibility and change in routine. They may be able to
provide you with simple tips that will make vacation more relaxing for all.
•
If your child has a morning routine or an evening routine stick with it throughout vacation. This provides your child with
a familiar structure and will also ease the transition back to school.
•
Allow your child to make choices. They may not know what to do with the free time or what exactly is expected of
them. For example, giving them a choice between playing with their favorite puzzle, watching a movie or watching
YouTube videos.
•
Utilize visual schedules! Visualizing what is expected may reduce anxiety and anticipation of what may lie ahead.
These schedules may include pictures or written activities. When making the schedule of the day, include your child in
the process! This is a great way to incorporate them as well as allowing them to make choices as to what their day will
look like!
•
Calendars are a great way to visualize upcoming vacations, holidays or any other scheduled plans. As each day passes cross of the present day and count the days left until the event.
•
Social stories! Create a social story (or ask teacher and/or BCBA for one) about upcoming events, so you can discuss
what to expect and safety rules. These stories are a fun way to inform your child of what the vacation may entail and how
they will spend their time during it. These stories could be done while referencing the visual calendar.
•
Role-play and practice during the weekends if you and your family are planning any new activity during the break. Such
as, role-playing any safety concerns that may arise and including other family members into the practice. This allows all
members of the family to participate and help prepare the child for twists and turns along the way. Practice makes better!
•
Try to minimize demands that are placed on the child and increase positive reinforcement. Provide social praise, items
or activities that your child enjoys for compliance (waiting/listening/etc.), acting appropriately or being flexible during the
day.
•
Please note that these are suggestions and are not an exhaustive list of guidelines. I hope you find some of these tips
helpful. And remember enjoy your vacation! You all have worked hard and have earned some relaxation time!
You may contact Northeast Arc’s Behavioral Health Services at 978-624-2340.
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IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Special showing!
Frozen
February 28th
A special showing of
Frozen
February 28th, 9:30 to 11:30 am
At
Warwick Theater
123 Pleasant Street, Marblehead
The 3rd and 4th grade classes at Temple Emanu-El invite the families (kids 6 to 12 y.o.) of the Autism Support Center to join them at
the Warwick Theater for a private showing of Frozen. Following the
film there will be an opportunity to join a sing-a-long and mix and
mingle. Snacks will be $4.50 pp
Seats limited. Call 978-777-9135
AUTISM AND A.T.
Save the Date!
The Friends of the Autism Center at Mass. Advocates for Children
and the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation, Co-Sponsors:
Meeting of the Minds Forum: Autism Advocacy & Assistive Technology
Wednesday, March 9, 5:30 to 7:30pm
Wine and hors d’oeuvres
Microsoft New England Research & Development (NERD) Center
One Memorial Drive, Cambridge
Featuring
Professor Rosalind Picard, Founder and Director, MIT Media Lab: Affective Computing Group
And
Julia Landau, Esq., Director, Autism Center at MAC
Questions? Contact Carol Savage at 617-357-8431 x242
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IT’S A FACT:
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Transition Tip
TRANSITION TIP #6
Choosing whether or not to disclose your
disability is a big decision. Students with disabilities must learn how to make informed
decisions about disclosing their disability,
decisions that will affect their educational,
employment, and social lives.
Research demonstrates that making the personal decision to disclose a disability can
lead to greater confidence in yourself and
your choices.
*Disclosure is a very personal decision, a
decision that takes thought and practice.
ASC MAGNETS
Support The Autism
Support Center!
Designed by a member
of ASC’s Parent Board
$5 each
978-777-9135
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IT’S A FACT:
The Autism Support Center was founded in 1991.
Expanded
Sensory friendly
movies at AMC
Join AMC Theatres and the Autism Society special sensoryfriendly showings of popular movies. The Sensory Friendly Film
program has expanded to four showings per month.
The second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday.
Family-friendly movies will continue to show Saturdays, starting
at 10am local time
We've added Tuesday showings at 7pm local time that may appeal
to others on the autism spectrum.
•
•
Local theatres:
AMC Burlington, 20 South Ave, Burlington
AMC Braintree, 12 Grandview Road, Braintree
AMC Framingham 15, 22 Flutie Pass, Framingham,
Mass. 17014
AMC Tyngsboro 12, 440 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro,
Mass. 01879
AMC Loews Methuen 20, 90 Pleasant Valley St. Methuen, Mass.
01844
AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to
bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL THEATER TO CONFIRM
DATE, TIME & PRICES.
This is NOT an ASC program!
BINGO NIGHT AT NORTHEAST ARC
Bingo Night
with our friends from
Endicott College
Date: Wednesday, February 17
Time: 6:00 -7:30 pm
Place: 6 Southside Road
Danvers
Prizes, snacks, fun. Free!
Any questions, call Suzanne at
978-624-2318 or [email protected]
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IT’S A FACT:
Ask the
Advocate
Autism is the fastest growing serious
developmental disability in the United States.
Ask the Advocate! February 2016
Comment: Often parents micromanage their child’s IEP and
can miss very important goals.
Response: Communication and social skills may not be affecting the student’s ability to access the curriculum, but might be
affecting his/her ability to access the “life of the school” and the
community.
The emphasis of special education and related services are designed to meet the unique needs and prepare an individual for
further education, employment and independent living.
Communication and social skills goals might be necessary even
if your child is high functioning and verbal. Do not overlook the
fact that appropriate communication and social skills can be crucial for success in continuing education, obtaining/sustaining employment and living independently.
If you need an advocate, please call our Advocacy Intake Coordinator at: 1-978-762-8352
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Save the Date!!!
The Spectrum
The Spectrum is a monthly electronic publication of the Autism Support
Center. This newsletter is published to inform parents and professionals
of resource information, upcoming events, and other autism-related
topics. ASC is funded primarily by the Mass. Dept. of Developmental
INFORMED. EMPOWERED. CONNECTED.
Services. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the funding source. ASC
does not endorse any product, service or theory referred to in this newsletter. Articles, resources and announcements are included for information only.
April 30, 2016
Spinelli’s
Lynnfield
Anyone wishing to contribute information for this newsletter should send
it to [email protected] or to our mailing address Parent contributions are
encouraged. Announcements are included as space is available.
PLEASE CONTACT
ASC AT 978-777-9135
OR VISIT HTTP://NE-ARC.ORG/SERVICES/AUTISM-SERVICES/
FOR MORE INFORMATION.
6 SOUTHSIDE ROAD, DANVERS MA 01923
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