W e need your support- Join Autism Society of Oakland County now! Our annual membership drive is underway and if you haven’t formally joined, now is a great time. With your support, we can contin- ue to provide resource and referral services, grants, social and recreational opportunities, par- ent networking, employment skills, and many other services that improve the lives of all those affected by autism. Our efforts to improve the lives of all individu- als impacted by autism, we offer many of our resources to anyone in need of the information. Our website, email list and Facebook page are welcoming to all who seek to receive updates. Given this open exchange of information, it may be difficult to understand why you should become a member. As an ASOC member you: • Receive our newsletter the Advocate • Are a part of all that the ASOC accomplishes • Have a vote on the leadership and direction of the ASOC Another reason to become a member: • When the ASOC advocates on behalf of indi- viduals with ASD and their families, members are counted by the legislature, agencies and other governing organizations. Increased membership makes us stronger. Sign up now, we want to add you to our email list to receive valuable information, get your input on topics of interest, and continue to pro- vide services that are important to you. The reg- istration form is on our website — don’t delay — register now so we can better serve you. We can do so much more to help families and provide additional programs and services but only with your support — join now! Article submitted by Patty Dufault, ASOC Director. Advocate Oakland County AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY • P.O. BOX 70207, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307 SPRING 2013 A PUBLICATION OF THE ASOC TO RECOGNIZE OUR DONORS, VOLUNTEERS AND ADVOCATES ASD ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 1 ASOC WANTS YOU!! Membership Drive ASOC MISSION STATEMENT To advocate and support meaningful participation in all aspects of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. IN THIS ISSUE A Resource for You! Message from the President ..............2 OUCares Promotes Understanding and Awareness ..........3 Golf Outing Success ......................4-5 Getting My Own Address ................6-7 Employment Grants Making A Difference ..........................7 Dutton Farms Offers Unique Vocation Programs ................8 Donations ..........................................8 Lose the Training Wheels: Friendship Circles Summer Bike Camp 2012 ..................9 Friendship Club Offers Unique Vocation Programs ..............10 Walk Your Dog for a Cause ..............10 Membership ....................................11 Contribution Form ..............Back Cover AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY (248) 393-3131 Send us your email address at our new email address: [email protected]We can do so much more to help families and provide additional programs and services but only with your support — join now!
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We need your support- Join Autism
Society of Oakland County now!
Our annual membership drive is
underway and if you haven’t formally joined, now
is a great time. With your support, we can contin-
ue to provide resource and referral services,
grants, social and recreational opportunities, par-
ent networking, employment skills, and many
other services that improve the lives of all those
affected by autism.
Our efforts to improve the lives of all individu-
als impacted by autism, we offer many of our
resources to anyone in need of the information.
Our website, email list and Facebook page are
welcoming to all who seek to receive updates.
Given this open exchange of information, it may
be difficult to understand why you should
become a member.
As an ASOC member you:
• Receive our newsletter the Advocate
• Are a part of all that the ASOC accomplishes
• Have a vote on the leadership and direction
of the ASOC
Another reason to become a member:
• When the ASOC advocates on behalf of indi-
viduals with ASD and their families, members
are counted by the legislature, agencies and
other governing organizations. Increased
membership makes us stronger.
Sign up now, we want to add you to our email
list to receive valuable information, get your
input on topics of interest, and continue to pro-
vide services that are important to you. The reg-
istration form is on our website — don’t delay—
register now so we can better serve you.
We can do so much more to help families and
provide additional programs and services but
only with your support — join now!
Article submitted by Patty Dufault, ASOC Director.
Advocate Oakland County
AUTISM SOCIETY OAKLAND COUNTY • P.O. BOX 70207, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307 SPRING 2013A PUBL ICAT ION OF THE ASOC TO RECOGNIZE OUR DONORS , VOLUNTEERS AND ADVOCATES
ASD
ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 1
ASOC WANTS YOU!!
Membership Drive ASOC
MISSIONSTATEMENTTo advocate and support meaningful participation in allaspects of life for individualswith Autism Spectrum Disordersand their families.
IN THIS ISSUEA Resource for You!Message from the President ..............2
OUCares Promotes Understanding and Awareness ..........3
Golf Outing Success ......................4-5
Getting My Own Address ................6-7
Employment Grants Making A Difference ..........................7
SPECIAL THANKS TO . . .Co-Chairpersons: Steve Bubnes, Michael Hayes, Lisa Kowalski
Honorary Chairpersons: Robert Abernethy, Ron Ketelhut, Kelvin Squires
Committee Members: Craig Brown, Joe DiIorio, Patty Dufault, Wade Herzig, Sue Hodess, Jackie Jackson, Ron Koshewitz, Claire Lockhart, Larry Lottinville, Sally McInnes, Diane Risko, Mark Strait, Kari Theisen
Day-of-the Event Volunteers: Carol Balagur, Barb Brennan, Linda Brown, Colleen Caldwell, Ray Debold, Jaclyn Dufault, Brittany Hall,Marie Anne Horne, Pete Howard, Aaron Kowalski, Joe Kowalski, Bill McInnes, Carrie Mitchell, Tamra Pickthorn, Sherry Velasco
Get Your Own Copy! Download the “Getting My Own Address” resource guide free from Community Housing Network: www.communityhousingnetwork.org/GMOA
Continued on next page
Community Housing
Network's Roommate Database
provides information regarding
home-sharing opportunities for
people with disabilities living in
Macomb and Oakland
Counties. The goal is to encour-
age arrangements that will help
to create affordable housing
opportunities. No identifying
information is shared through
this website, but it does provide
a brief explanation of an indi-
vidual’s situation so that others
can determine if they may have
common interests.
Planning for long-term hous-
ing is a complicated process
and there are many options to
consider when setting housing
goals. The Getting My Own
Address program is an impor-
tant resource to help individu-
als, their families, and the pro-
fessionals that support them
create a successful long-term
housing plan.
Article submitted
by Linda Brown,
ASOC Vice President.
ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 7
Community
In December, the ASOC’s Improving Employability Outcomes Subcommittee awarded almost $16,000 in Employment Skill Buildinggrants to teachers and ancillary staff working with high school and post-secondary students who have an ASD eligibility. The grants
ranged from $500 to $1,000 each. As reported in the grant applications, a total of 143 students with ASD and 158 other students
with a disability will benefit from these grants. This is a summary of the grants that were awarded:
School Building/Program Grant Explanation
Lake Orion High School Replenish disposable supplies for the PAES Employment skills lab.
Buy compensation items for students, checks and cash box
Stoney Creek High School, Rochester Schools As a step toward vocational opportunities outside the classroom,
purchase assembly task materials from Attainment Company
Clarkston High School Wood working equipment to make wood pens for U.S. soldiers
Southfield Lathrup and Southfield High School Fieldtrip to Michigan Career Technical Institute with staff, parents and students
Clawson Public Schools ASD Program (3) iPod Touches for vocational support and social thinking materials
Clawson High School Autism Program (3) iPod Touches, cases, social navigator, various apps
Rochester WINGS Post-Secondary Program Shed, various landscaping supplies, portable green house for working the
school building courtyard
Birmingham Post-Secondary ASD Program The workstation equipment needed to fold pizza boxes for Uncle Andy's Pizza.
The stainless steel tables, gel mats, and multi-purpose bag stand are universal
pieces of equipment that can be used for other projects in the future.
Rochester Post-Secondary/Adams High School Start-up equipment and materials for a coffee shop micro-business
inside Adams High School
Clarkston Life Skills Center- Post-High Program Two James Stanfield video training programs called Job Smart-2:-Job Safety
and Productive Attitudes and First Impressions
West Bloomfield Transition Center Materials to start-up a ribbon wreath micro-business
Southfield Lathrup and Southfield High School Start-up equipment and supplies for the Charger Laundry Depot
micro-business, Rozier Construction agreed to be their corporate customer
Farmington Visions Unlimited Start-up supplies and materials for a dog biscuit micro-business
Birmingham Post-Secondary ASD Program Workstation equipment for a recycle material sorting center along with recycle
bins for their commons area. The program will go on community trips to the
recycling center to deliver the sorted items on a regular basis.
Employment GrantsMAK I NG A D I F F E R ENC E
Continued from previous page
Article Submitted by Lisa Kowalski, ASOC Immediate Past President.
8 ASD Advocate • ASA/OCC
On picturesque
Dutton Farm on
the northern end of
Rochester, a unique Vocational
Program assists individuals of
all age groups with develop-
mental disabilities in developing
employability skills.
The curriculum allows their
participants to experience job
training firsthand, rather than
being taught from a lecture or a
book. These skills also maxi-
mize their opportunities for
greater friendships; independ-
ence, overall satisfaction; and a
more active, productive
lifestyle.
Expanding the opportunities
available to the farmers,
Dutton’s staff introduced the
option of starting their own
micro-business. This newest
option gives them another
avenue to enjoy the
sense of pride and
accomplishment which
comes from employ-
ment. With funding from
ASOC, the farmers
began to master their
micro-business of choice
in November 2012.
Having created bird
feeders, caramel sauce, center-
pieces, chocolate covered pret-
zels, flower arrangements, hot
chocolate and soaps, the farm-
ers are ready to sell their prod-
ucts. With every purchase, the
farmer who created it will
receive a percentage of the sell-
ing price and put the rest back
into purchasing their supplies.
The February 1 Kick-off event
featuring their micro-businesses
was a success, selling out of all
the items the farmers created!
Dutton Farms micro-businesses
will begin selling their products
in Buschs stores every other
Friday starting on April 12th.
Other activities include
Summer Camp and a Spring
Yard Sale, with proceeds going
to Dutton Farm. Registration
for Summer Camp will begin
March 1. The yard sale will be
at the farm, 2270 Dutton Rd.,
Rochester, on May 4th and 5th
between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Donations will be accepted until
April 18. Dutton Farm strives to
develop a sense of accomplish-
ment in their students; bring
support to their families; and
inspire our community. Please
join us in supporting these
young entrepreneurs. For more
information regarding this won-
derful program, visit their web-
site www.duttonfarm.org.
Dutton FarmOFF E R S UN I QU E VOCAT I ON P ROGRAMS
Community
The ASOC Thanks You forYour Donations
In Memory of Charla Andresen• Donald Soderholm
In Memory of Peg Burger• Bill & Sally McInnes
In Memory of Virginia Lazarus• Barbara Ambrose• Robert H. Ambrose
• Liz Preibe• Elizabeth Sharick• Patricia Solomon• Elisabeth Stayer• Audrey Thomas
In Memory of Nina Ritcher• Bill & Sally McInnes
In Memory of John L. Sherby• Katherine Bourdeau
• Celia Rasico
Donations to Chapter• American Express Employee
Giving Program• American Society of SafetyEngineers, Oakland University
• Mothers and More Chapter 135• Annette Sebestin• TMP Architecture
• Truist• Wines for Humanity
Danny Forsterse.
Above: Marty Riddell.
Right: Louis Bussier.
ASD Advocate • Sprint 2013 9
Think back to the
hottest stretch of
days last summer.
While many of us avoided
the excessive heat of those
scorchers, more than
30 children with special needs
buckled down and learned
something many considered to
be out of their reach: they
learned how to ride a bike.
Last July, Friendship Circle,
with the support of the ASOC,
hosted Lose the Training
Wheels, a national organization
that provides camps designed
to teach children with special
needs to ride a bicycle in a
single week.
Energetic teenage volunteers
recruited from the Friendship
Circle were paired one-on-one
with the children with special
needs. Their main responsibili-
ties were assisting and spotting
the child while they were on
the bikes.
Sixteen-year-old Andy
Hodess had not been on a bike
since age 4. As a child with pro-
found sensory issues, his moth-
er did not think that he would
even tolerate putting on a bike
helmet for an extended period
of time. Not only did Andy
wear his helmet, but he rode a
bike, unassisted, on the last day!
Friendship Circle is pleased
to report a major victory
with an 88% success rate with
Lose the Training Wheels. A
whopping 30 out of 34 children
were riding bikes at the end
of the week.
The ASOC is pleased to have
assisted the Friendship Circle in
bringing this great program to
Oakland County and to be able
to witness how proud the chil-
dren were of themselves and
the independence that they
achieved.
Article contributed by Sue
Hodess, ASOC Vice-President
and Bassie Shemtov, Executive
Director of the Friendship Circle.
Community
Lose the Training WheelsFR I E ND SH I P C I R C L E S
S UMMER B I K E CAMP 2 0 1 2
Top Left: Hannah Tighe.
Top Right: Noah Tighe.
Left: Lose the Training Wheels
graduates! Christopher Dewar,
Noah Tighe, Michael Suriano,
Luke Tyrell, Daniel Tyrell and
Billy Kattiner
Candle-lit tables, din-
ner, a magician and
music provided by DJ
David Taylor filled the room in
the first formal dinner dance of
the Friendship Club in June
2012.
Socials for the Friendship
Club are held eight times a year.
Activities include a talent show,
demonstrations of musical,
artistic, humor and other tal-
ents; physical activities includ-
ing floor hockey and basketball;
and video game systems. The
talent show usually ends in a
mass sing-along on the stage.
The first Friendship Club
social for teens and adults with
ASD was held on November 17,
2001, to the entertainment of
43 attendees. Exactly 11 years
after the first social, the 85th
Friendship Club social was held.
There were 90 attendees, more
than half of them had ASD or
other disabilities.
There are participants who
attended that first social in
2001 who still come regularly.
Participants travel from all
over Metro Detroit and
surrounding areas.
Over the years, many people
have helped with the socials.
Ryan Madden has generously
provided most of the video
game systems, video games and
televisions, as well as providing
set up at each event and main-
tenance of the games and sys-
tems. Other dedicated volun-
teers include Will Brunetti, who
assists with setting up and tear-
ing down the sports equipment
as well as organizing the sports
in the gym with Scott Decker.
St. Anastasia Catholic Church
in Troy and the ASOC have
been major supporters of
the event. This support has
enabled the Friendship Club
to continue to blossom.
Dates scheduled for the
Friendship Club social in 2013
so far include January 19,
February 23, April 27 and
June 1. For more information,
please visit the Friendship
Club’s website at http://autism-
social.weebly.com/ or call the
ASOC at (248) 393-3131.
10 ASD Advocate • ASOC
Community
An excited group of friends at the first formal dinner dance of the
ASOC Friendship Circle.
WALK YOUR DOG FOR A CAUSE
Exciting new fundraising idea for the Autism Society of Oakland County! We are exploring a fun new way to promote autism awareness while raising
money for ASOC. This event would be an opportunity to bring your dog, friends, family, and co-workers for some great exercise and help families and
individuals with Autism. The funds we raise allow us provide support to a range of programs and services throughout our area.
Date and Time: TBD Distance: 1- 3K walk
There are many ways to get involved:
• Find a dog, and start forming your walking team now
• Don’t have a dog? You can still participate and walk anyway!
• Don’t want to walk? You can participate and help out the day of the event
• Maybe your company would like to be a sponsor?
Email [email protected] to get on the distribution list for more information and to
gather your input on this fundraiser More info coming soon!!!
Article submitted by Patty Dufault, ASOC Director.
Friendship ClubA CHANC E TO S H I N E !
ASD Advocate • Spring 2013 11
DEAR READERS
Please help us keep your address and membership status current. Use the form above to join ASOC, renewyour dues or to notify us that you have moved, or visit uson the web at www.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org.
Call (248) 393-3131 if you have any questions concerning membership and dues. Thank You!
PRESIDENT: Barbara Brennan
Sue Hodess
TREASURER:Ken Barnowski
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:Linda Ronan Brown
RECORDING SECRETARY:
Tamra Pickthorn
DIRECTORS: Patricia DufaultCathy Schmidt
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT:
Lisa Kowalski
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 OAKLAND COUNTY P.O. Box 70207 • Rochester Hills, MI 48307
EXECUTIVE BOARD
VICE PRESIDENT:
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 atwww.autismsocietyoaklandcounty.org
GET INVOLVED LOCALLY!Name(s): ___________________________________________________________________________________________
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: Donna Yates, ASOC, P.O. Box 70207, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Donna Yates 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].
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 individual’s 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.
NEWSLETTERCOMMITTEE
Barbara Brennan - EditorContributors: Linda BrownPatty DufaultKelly HillsteadSue HodessLisa Kowalski