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A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

Expanding recreation activities available at The Els Center of Excellence® campus.

Recreation Complex

Donor Spotlight: The Langenfeld Family

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“One thing COVID-19 taught us is that everyone needs a purpose–a place to go.” Randy Langenfeld said. “Being stuck in a house is not a good option for anyone, especially for people with autism.”

Now that pandemic restrictions have lifted, the Langenfeld family is grateful to resume their normal routine. Each morning, as their car pulls through the gate, Jennifer Langenfeld reads the large words displayed across the top of the building, “The Els Center of Excellence,” she proclaims aloud.

Jennifer is a 19-year-old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She is a student at The Learning Academy, a public charter school on campus, and is an active participant in Els for Autism’s programs and recreational activities.

To Cindy and Randy Langenfeld, The Els Center of Excellence campus is much more than beautiful buildings with a school and programs & services for their daughter. It is her future.

“When we first visited and learned about the vision for the campus, we felt that Jennifer would have a ‘home’ and be part of a community. We had never seen that anywhere else,” Cindy said.

The Els for Autism Foundation is undergoing a capital campaign to build a Sports Complex, Medical & Research Facility, and Adult Services Building. These additions to the campus are part of the Els Family’s vision—a model for the world of what services can be available to individuals on the autism spectrum throughout their lifespan.

In three years, when Jennifer graduates from The Learning Academy at The Els Center of Excellence, she will transition into the Foundation’s Adult Services programs.

“There are different options for schools and therapies, but as people get older, there is a void in services and support,” Randy said. “And once they graduate school, you’re not talking about 12 years–you’re talking about the rest of the years–many more years. It’s a lifetime commitment to care for someone on the spectrum. Most people don’t really understand what that means.”

Once built, The Adult Services Center will allow the Foundation to expand its adult programs, serving more adults in three critical segments: Employment, Independent Living, and Social/Recreation. The Langenfeld Family has generously contributed a major gift toward its construction.

“The ability to help other people with ASD and their families is a wonderful feeling,” Cindy said.

She is hopeful for the future and looks forward to seeing Jennifer and others continue to grow and lead productive, rewarding lives in the adult programs.

“Just because Jennifer is an adult doesn’t mean she can’t continue to make progress and take advantage of research and new interventions that are developed,” Cindy said. “I want her to have the best life she can.”

Upcoming Virtual Conference Offers Education Around Neurodiversity in the Workplace

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The Els for Autism Foundation will host the Autism Innovations and Global Impact Conference “Building a Neurodiverse Workforce” on March 12-13, 2021. The conference will provide tools and best practices for businesses or individuals interested in hiring employees with autism spectrum disorder, initiating a neurodiverse workforce program, or expanding an existing program.

The day-and-a-half virtual conference will feature presentations by renowned industry leaders, engaging breakout sessions, and insightful panel discussions.

Keynote speakers include Temple Grandin, autism activist and Professor of Animal Science, Colorado State University; Craig Leen, Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) at the U.S. Department of Labor; Tom D.Eri, Co-Founder and the COO of Rising Tide Car Wash, and Paul Wehman, Ph.D.  Professor of Special Education and Counseling, Director, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition, those from the HR industry who attend are eligible to receive Personal Development Credits (PDCs), for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

“For the past decade, Els for Autism Foundation has been changing the landscape by creating and disseminating programs and services for individuals on the autism spectrum. I am honored to be co-chairing the Building a Neurodiverse Workforce conference which brings together thought leaders from the business world, government, and academia who are enhancing employment opportunities and practices for individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., Executive Director of the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) and Els for Autism Foundation Board Member.

Registration will open in the coming weeks. Early bird pricing will be available for $150 per person.

Els for Autism’s ‘Building a Neurodiverse Workforce’ Virtual Conference To Be Held in 2021

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In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Els for Autism Foundation is pleased to announce they will be hosting the Autism Innovations and Global Impact Conference: Building a Neurodiverse Workforce conference on March 12 & 13, 2021. The objective of the conference is to provide tools and best practices for businesses or individuals interested in hiring employees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), initiating a neurodiverse workforce program, or expanding an existing program.

The day and a half virtual conference will feature renowned leaders from industry, government, and academia who share a vision to transform the labor market for individuals on the autism spectrum. Keynote speakers include Temple Grandin, autism activist and Professor of Animal Science, Colorado State University; Craig Leen, Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) at the U.S. Department of Labor; Tom D.Eri, Co-Founder and the COO of Rising Tide Car Wash, and Paul Wehman, Ph.D.  Professor of Special Education and Counseling, Director, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Human Resources professionals who attend the conference may elect to receive SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

“For the past decade, Els for Autism Foundation has been changing the landscape by creating and disseminating programs and services for individuals on the autism spectrum. I am honored to be co-chairing the Building a Neurodiverse Workforce conference which brings together thought leaders from the business world, government, and academia who are enhancing employment opportunities and practices for individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., Executive Director of the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) and Els for Autism Foundation Board Member.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month was created to educate the community about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Increasing Access and Opportunity.”

Many adults on the spectrum seek paid employment and become successfully employed in the workplace. Through the Adult Services programs at Els for Autism Foundation, adults receive assistance in acquiring pre-employment skills, finding a job, improving interviewing skills, and on-the-job coaching.

Throughout October, Els for Autism is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month on social media by sharing ways that employers can increase access and opportunity and featuring the amazing adults on the spectrum who bring tremendous value to their workplace.

This month, the Work Experience program will be serving the local Jupiter, FL community using the Foodies 4 Autism food truck. The food truck is run by adults on the autism spectrum in the Work Experience program who are supervised by Els for Autism staff. It offers participants a unique opportunity for job skills training and community engagement.

 

Media Contact:

Nicole Ehrlich, Marketing Manager
Nicole.Ehrlich@elsforautism.org
561-320-9515

My Review of the HBO Movie “Temple Grandin”

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By Merrick Egber

Dr. Temple Grandin is one of the most notable of names among autistic self-advocates and one of the earliest examples of somebody explaining their own autism to others in such an eloquent manner. She has written books on the subject, teaches at Colorado University and has done the lecture circuit, from TED Talks, to a Google Conference. Next year, in March she will be speaking at the “Building a Neurodiverse Workforce” employment conference hosted by The Els for Autism Foundation.

Temple is such a treasure that in 2010, HBO released a docudrama titled “Temple Grandin” starring Claire Danes (“My So-Called Life”, “Homeland”) as the eponymous character. Directed by Mick Jackson, who worked on “Volcano” and “The Bodyguard”, “Temple Grandin” tells the story of a wide-eyed but very particular young woman whose short Summer stay at the ranch run by her Aunt Anne (Catherine O’Hara, “Home Alone”, “Schitt’s Creek”) becomes the keystone for the rest of her life. She invents her own “Hug Box”, inspired by the boxes used to hug cattle before they trek into the water, and even with her differences, she is an abstract visual learner, finds transitioning very difficult, and excessive stimuli exhausting, and finding her social skills to be different from others, she ends up revolutionizing the cattle business, by humane architectural methods in which over half of all slaughterhouses, the film goes to say, have been designed by her. 

In a way, it compares to movies like “A Beautiful Mind” and more contemporary portrayals of autistic individuals, that I’ve noticed in media. Because Temple Grandin has such an interesting and unique mind, the film pushes you to acknowledge how she feels about each second, how fascinating the world must feel like to her, but also how scary and cruel it could be too. Claire Danes excels as her, rapidfire speech when interested in a subject, sensitive to a number of things, trying to understand the society around her, but outraged when society doesn’t understand her, what first could be a story about autism empowerment, also becomes a story on female empowerment in a male-dominated field. Some of the people whom she meets when she wants to write about cattle and wants to tour a slaughterhouse are very much focused on being a man’s club. As the movie goes on, you learn why she became the advocate she became, almost like she had to, not only were people not taking her seriously as a woman, but as a woman with autism at that, and she had to do what she could to earn her voice in this world.

I would highly recommend the movie, it’s accurate to the real life story, which isn’t always true when it comes to the film and TV business, treats the main character with dignity, sympathy and awareness. Anyone who is autistic, or knows someone who is, must watch the movie, that is really what I think.

Merrick’s Rating: 9/10

 

If you are interested in finding the movie, digitally:

Amazon Prime

HBO Max

Hulu

YouTube

iTunes

Employee Spotlight: Howard Thomas

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Howard Thomas has been defying odds since birth. As a newborn, he contracted a rare and life-threatening form of spinal meningitis, which put him in a coma and led doctors to a devastating prognosis, telling his mother that he would be “a vegetable.”

Miraculously, Howard not only survived the ordeal but thrived. After graduating with his master’s degree, he began a professional journey helping people with disabilities—a career path set in motion at a young age, when he befriended a girl with Down Syndrome.

“Working with this population just lights up my life every day,” Howard said. “I am so excited every morning that I get up and get to do my job.

Following a successful stint as a paraprofessional and Day Program instructor, Howard now works as the Employment Coordinator at the Els for Autism Foundation.

As Employment Coordinator, Howard develops partnerships with companies to run Work Experience or On the Job (OJT) training programs. He also helps adults enrolled in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) in all aspects of the job-hunting process.

“My focus is finding the job that is the best fit, which means a job that they will not only be successful in but that they will also be happy doing,” he says.

After speaking with a participant about their career aspirations, Howard starts reaching out to potential employers in his signature “take-action” style.

“Oh, I don’t just sit back and make a call to a business,” he says with a laugh. “I’ll call them, send them an email, and if I don’t hear from them that day, I drive over to their business and knock on their door.”

Even during a global pandemic, Howard’s positive, take-action mentality doesn’t falter. COVID has sharply affected the unemployment rate, with millions of people losing their jobs either temporarily or permanently. As of September 2020, the unemployment rate sits at 12.5% for people with disabilities, compared to 7.5% for those without disabilities. (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep)

Howard hasn’t had time to dwell on those numbers.

“COVID has undoubtedly been a roadblock for us, but from the very beginning, the Foundation shifted right away. We didn’t waste a minute twiddling our thumbs. We took action creating virtual job training classes, and finding new positions for people out of work.”

Howard says the team at Els for Autism has found a good deal of success in working with companies to locate remote positions, which often appeal to adults on the spectrum.

No matter what industry a person on the spectrum wants to work in, Howard believes there is a way to make it happen. Unfortunately, not everyone shares his optimistic approach. This mental roadblock is often the most challenging obstacle to overcome.

“Sometimes, people assume persons with disabilities can’t do things,” he says. “My biggest pet peeve is hearing someone say, ‘They can’t do that.’ You’d be surprised the amazing things they are capable of if you give them the opportunity.”

Sometimes it’s just a matter of working with the employer to modify the job responsibilities to be more in line with the employee’s strengths. Other times he will brainstorm with an employer to provide accommodations for the employee.

For example, when Howard found an OJT position for a woman as a baker’s assistant, she struggled with standing on her feet for multiple hours. Howard spoke with the bakery owner about getting a pressure-relieving floor mat, which allowed her to endure being on her feet longer.

When it comes to providing greater access and opportunity for people with disabilities, Howard says it’s often the little things that make a huge difference.

“The best thing an employer can do for an employee with a disability is to make them feel valued and part of the work family,” he said. “Maybe adding one extra task that will make them feel more independent. The employer doesn’t feel this is huge, but when it makes the employee feel valued and empowered, engaged—it’s really important.”

Despite the unusual year we’ve had, Howard feels grateful for the opportunity to help the Foundation expand its employment program and is excited for what’s to come.

“We have an amazing team, and just the fact that I am here and can make a difference for the Foundation, and for our clients and families is an absolute honor and a privilege.”

Derrick Freeman

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Derrick Freeman is a self-taught artist diagnosed with Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired verbal and non-verbal communication.

By age two, he was completely non-verbal and was unable to learn and use language like most children his age. By age three, art became his only form of communication. He learned to express his perceptions of life and everyday living through his drawings and artwork. Each piece of art tells the story of his journey with Autism.

Derrick continues to break down the barriers of Autism through sharing his unique artistic talents with the community. He has exhibited his artwork throughout Tennessee including the Tennessee Governor’s Mansion, Vanderbilt University, Lipscomb University, the Tennessee Disability Mega Conference and the Knoxville Museum of Art. In addition, he has been the recipient of several awards for his community advocacy work for the Autism community, including the Arc of the Mid-South’s Outstanding Artist and Performer Award and the Future Horizons Inc’s Dr. Temple Grandin Award for Outstanding Success.

As of January 2019, Derrick is the youngest artist and only artist with Autism with studio space at the Knoxville Emporium Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Derrick resides in Knoxville, Tennessee with his mother Angela Freeman-Hunter. His hobbies include: reading, traveling, painting and advocating for more social inclusion for individuals with Autism through his non-profit Our Place Art Organization Incorporated, which he co-founded with his mother Angela Freeman-Hunter. Our Place Art was established to enrich the lives of individuals with Autism and other disabilities through the arts.

For additional information about Eyes of Faith by Derrick Freeman, visit his art website: www.derrickfreemansart.com.

For additional information about Our Place Art Organization Incorporated, visit the non-profit website: www.ourplaceart.com

A Brief Summary of Housing Options

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Many of us wonder what the future holds for our friends and relatives with autism spectrum disorder. Will they stay at home with family? Live independently? Or will they need supports while living elsewhere?

While these questions can be stressful to contemplate, there are a growing number of housing options that provide the right environment, and cater to the special needs of people with ASD.

Here are a few residential options one may consider for individuals with autism, ordered by level of independence expected, from lowest to highest.

Supported Living 

Why: Supported or Assisted Living Programs may have staff members or supports built into a program, or they may need to be provided through family or outside help. The most common of this type of option is the Group Home, where an individual lives with others in a house, surrounded by other people with disabilities, where the support can be built-in.

Price of Average Living Space:

Many supported living programs allow either privatized funding for everything or involve subsidization through governmental programs.

Price of Supports: Depends more on where you can get the assistance or if the assistance is available.

 

Intentional Communities  

Why: Intentional Communities, like Promise in Florida, or Malbridge in Austin, Texas, are meant to provide a variety of experiences (depending on the level of independence) catering to the special needs communities.
These communities usually have working options to build up valuable experiences and gain greater financial independence, even in income-sharing communities.

The picture featured in this article is of Sweetwater Spectrum Housing, which is an “Intentional Community” in Sonoma, CA.

 Price of average living space: Varies. There are all sorts of communities out there, and pricing is based on ability/skill level and location and amenities.

Price of supports: Depends on what level of independence one prefers. Supports are included in the overall community costs.

 

Independent Living Programs

Why: In an independent living program, the individual lives in an apartment complex, learns valuable life skills, and can get help from tutors within the program. The individual can learn how to do the laundry, run the dishwasher, cook food, etc.

Price of average living space: $2,500 – $5,000 dollars depending on the level of independence expected and region of the country.

Price of Supports: Supports are included within the programs. As this caters to a more independent clientele, supports are provided in a counseling matter.

 

Conventional Housing

Why: As many know, there are people with autism who live on their own, successfully—I am one of them. I love the independence of being in my own apartment, with every space free to traverse, but it is not for everyone, especially if one can get lonely.

Price of average living space: Depends on fiscal realities. My apartment is $1,430 a month, excluding payments to the power company and any additional expenses.

Also important to note is that there is Section 811 Housing, which subsidizes housing, through the government for an individual with a disability whose income is low enough to qualify. Read more here: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/5892

Price of Supports: Not covered through this option.

Parent Testimonial: Job Coaching

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Ever since I first started working with the Foundation, one of the rewarding experiences has been working with Mrs. Shelly Hedge, who may have been the first person I talked to who shared about having an adult son on the spectrum. While her son, Collin, is not a talkative individual, through all of the time that I’ve known him, watering the plants on campus and shredding papers, and participating in our programs and services, he stands out as someone whose communication is more so through his actions than just through his words.

Through this interview, I decided to ask Shelly about her role at the Foundation, the meaning of job coaching and how Collin has been impacted by his experiences having a job coach helping him.

Can you tell us the role at the Foundation and what led you to pursue working here for us?

I am currently the Accounts Receivable Manager.  I started volunteering with the Foundation in the beginning when the first event Liezl’s Tea Party was introduced about 12 years ago.  I have been very involved in volunteering and started working at the Foundation 5 years ago.  My role initially was to assist Belquis with accounting and it has grown since.

What exactly is job coaching?

Job Coaching is for our adults on the spectrum who need assistance in the work setting.  Collin has been working since he graduated from The Learning Academy.  He has had a job coach with him throughout to help train him the responsibilities he needs to complete.  The job coach also keeps him on track with his schedule and can redirect if behaviors occur.  They are the voice for our Adults on the spectrum.  Without a job coach, Collin would not be able to work in the community.

Can you describe who your son is, and how his life was impacted by job coaching?

Collin is 25 years old and he is a very active and hard working young man.  He thrives on structure and needs to know what is expected of him.  Collin worked in a Country Club helping to set up their card room.  This involved cleaning the entire room and setting up their drink and snacks.  The job coach determined what supports Collin needed and created a task list/schedule that he could follow.  Another huge support was his communication device, which he used when he was getting stuck and not able to communicate his wants/needs.   Collin also has a part-time job at a therapy office, where he has a list of duties including shredding, restocking, cleaning desks, and some administrative work.  There his coach would make sure he stayed on task, and also keep his vocalizations and behaviors at a minimum.  Collin thrives when he is kept busy.

What makes job coaching play such a big role for those on the spectrum?

The role of a job coach is essential because without them Collin would not be able to work.  He relies on the support and redirection that is guided by his coach.  As I said above, they are the voice of our adults and they assist in organizing the tasks so they can be completed to the best of their ability.

What would you recommend to people interested in finding a job coach for someone who is autistic?

I would say it is essential, even if your adult on the spectrum is higher functioning.  The Job Coach sets up the environment that is conducive for the adults on the spectrum.  Each one of us is unique and that is the same for those on the spectrum.  Their needs are essentially different for every individual.  Having a voice where you may not be able to express yourself is what makes the job and employee successful!

 

——–

I would like to thank Shelly Hedge for participating in the interview, and would also like to thank Collin Hedge for serving as a prime example for those who wonder how job coaching can impact the lives of those they love with autism, or even if they are considering one for themselves. And, lastly, but certainly not least, the different job coaches, including our very own Rita Woolley on a Podcast being recorded for the month of August, for being so supportive to people like us.

Grand Finale To Be Rescheduled to 2021

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jupiter, Florida (July 30, 2020)—

Out of an abundance of caution for our donors and with recent travel restrictions to and from The Bahamas, Els for Autism has decided to postpone its 10th Annual Golf Challenge Grand Finale. The Grand Finale was scheduled to take place at the Baha Mar Resort in October 2020 but has been rescheduled to October 24-26, 2021.

Golf Challenge regional events will go on as scheduled, on a case by case basis. The health and safety of our supporters remain a top priority, and all recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be followed at every event. Precautions include social distancing, facial coverings, hand washing, and additional disinfecting and sanitation procedures.

“We continue to be amazed at the support and generosity of our Golf Challenge family,” Ernie Els said. “Our presenting sponsors, SAP and Wine Spectator, as well as our other sponsors and grassroots fundraising teams, have stepped up even in these most challenging times. I look forward to toasting all of you at our 2020/2021 Finale in the beautiful Bahamas.”

All Golf Challenge teams and sponsors that raise at least $15,000 in 2020 will be invited to the 2020/2021 Golf Challenge Grand Finale. Additionally, any team or sponsor that fundraises an additional $15K in 2021 will be invited to the Golden Circle Club at the 2020/2021 Finale. Access to the Gold Circle Club includes an extra night of accommodation and a bonus round of golf.

If you have any questions, contact: Paige Scollard, Events Manager at 561-320-9532 or paige.scollard@elsforautism.org.

Learn more about the Grand Finale and view a list of FAQs.

Summer Camp Goes Virtual Thanks to Support from Admirals Cove Foundation

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Our team at the Foundation has been working diligently, shifting many programs and services from in-person to virtual.  Our goal is to help families keep some routines as they navigate this difficult time.

One of the largest virtual endeavors has been a six-week virtual summer camp, providing opportunities for individuals to actively engage with staff and peers while participating in a variety of activities. Campers have been busy with at-home scavenger hunts, story building, guest instructors, and even virtual golf! A special theme each week keeps campers engaged and excited for new activities. Highly skilled staff in the areas of recreation, speech and language, behavior analysis, fitness, special education, and music therapy facilitate the activities and provide support to enable individuals to participate in activities with their peers.

This summer’s virtual camp was made possible through a donation from the Admirals Cove Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of The Club at Admirals Cove, a private community in Jupiter, Florida. Admirals Cove Foundation is improving lives outside of their gates by making a meaningful impact in the areas of local health, education and social services in Palm Beach County.

“Since 2015, Admirals Coves Foundation has been a generous supporter of Els for Autism,” Nicole Poundstone, Development Manager at Els for Autism said. “Their commitment to our cause means more now than ever.”