fearghal, Author at Els for Autism

Els for Autism To Host Virtual ‘Building a Neurodiverse Workforce’ Conference on March 12-13, 2021

Posted on January 12, 2021 by fearghal

Els for Autism has launched registration for The Autism Innovations and Global Impact Conference: Building a Neurodiverse Workforce, a virtual event focused on providing the 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.

Taking place March 12-13, 2021, this 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 with ASD.

Keynote speakers include Temple Grandin, Ph.D. 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 COO of Rising Tide Car Wash; Honorable Mike Lake, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry; Haley Moss, Attorney, Author, Artist and Autism Advocate; Jose H. Velasco, Chief Program Manager, Product Engineering & Autism at Work Ambassador, SAP; and Paul Wehman, Ph.D. Professor of Special Education and Counseling, Director, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University.

The event is co-chaired by Marlene Sotelo, Ed.D, Chief Operating Officer at Els for Autism Foundation and Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., Clinical Professor & 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.

“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,” Alessandri said.

Els for Autism is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. This program is valid for 10 PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

Attendees will receive access to an Els for Autism toolkit full of valuable resources so they can take action right away.

Registration is $199, and increasing to $299 on February 11, 2021. Registration is available online at www.elsforautismglobalconf.org.

Special thank you to our Grand Sponsor, Shanken Family Foundation.

About Els for Autism

Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Liezl and Ernie Els. The Els’ son, Ben, is impacted by autism spectrum disorder, which affects 1 in 54 children in the United States. The Els for Autism Foundation serves families worldwide and offers in-person programs and services at The Els Center of Excellence, a 26-acre campus in Jupiter, Florida.

Media Contact:

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

2020 – The Year of Living Virtually

Posted on January 7, 2021September 17, 2024 by fearghal

By Merrick Egber

2020 has been quite a year for us all at the Els for Autism Foundation, especially with the COVID-19 crisis, but we’ve been able to show that our model of success is through positive messaging and adaptations. Here is our 2020 at a glance.

Our experience with digital conferencing platforms pre-pandemic allowed us to meet the challenges of the virtual environment head-on. Els for Autism offered several Telehealth services so that families of children with autism don’t get left behind, such as speech and language therapy, mental health counseling, RUBI parent training, behavior therapy, and even tele-diagnostic services.

Our team shifted live programs to virtual offerings and created different types of recreation services, including new ones like our Spectrum Book Club and the Connections Club for Teens and Adults. These programs were created to make sure that individuals with autism didn’t feel lonely by having others to connect with regularly. A number of new virtual Adult Services such as Daily Living Skills, were tailored to keep our clients socially active and seeking the help they need, whether it be employment or mental health.

You can find our current Virtual Programs here.

We’ve also worked on greater outreach to the community. Our Fore Autism! Podcast – (also on Spotify), which is now nine episodes long, generates news and information about the Foundation and the overall community.

On social media, we hosted interviews and conferencing on Facebook and Instagram Live, which allowed us to engage with our clients and supporters in a new way.

One of our greatest new initiatives this year is our partnership with the Autism Science Foundation for the Sam’s Sibs Stick Together initiative. Samantha Els is leading the way in support for siblings of individuals with autism with webinars, weekly support groups, and a website with resources.

We welcomed five new Advisory Board Members, who are delighted to join us when we host our Autism Innovations and Global Impact Conference: Building a Neurodiverse Workforce – https://www.elsforautismglobalconf.org/, which will run from March 12-13th in 2021. With final planning underway, the schedule and speakers confirmed include Dr. Temple Grandin as keynote and Ernie and Liezl Els giving their opening welcome.

Still, we hope to make a greater impact on the education of others about autism, in general. We’ve produced a series of new webinars, including new Continuing Education Webinars for behavior analysts. We also translated a variety of our core webinars into Spanish, Portuguese and Italian with some being translated into Arabic for 2021 https://www.elsforautism.org/autism-resources/free-webinars/ .

As of now, we are slowly converting our webinars to be for viewing on our YouTube channel so that everyone can watch!

On the research side, we are tracking the status of our two research papers pending publication and one in progress:

Virtual Program Impact study-Collaboration between Els for Autism and University of Miami CARD- manuscript completed and submitted for publication
RUBI Parent Training Virtual program study-manuscript reviewed by Dr. Karen Bearss and submitted for publication
The Seaver Els Institute Spring into Action study- data collected and analyzed; manuscript in progress with completion timeline for publication April 2020

Lastly, not everything we can do can be completely virtual. To that extent, we re-opened our campus on June 1, 2020, following the best evidence-based practices, systematic policies and procedures, and protocols for staff, clients, visitors who all have been vetted for entrance to our Foundation. Our two charter schools, The Learning Center (TLC) and The Learning Academy (TLA), also reopened on September 21st for greater educational experiences while still offering online classes as an option.

Since we re-opened our campus, we’ve unleashed a new job training alteration of our “Work Experience Program” with #WERFOODIES Food Services which allows our Work Experience team to learn about fulfilling occupational requirements while selling food to customers and staff each week. Past partnerships have included Loggerhead Marina, PGA National Resort and Spa and Jupiter Medical. You can follow them on Facebook here.

All in all, we’ve shown our remarkable resilience and adaptive skills in the face of a national health crisis, to keep on providing care and support to those who definitely do need it. While we’ve had to do things differently, it has not stopped us from fulfilling our dreams and desires for the future, in fact, it hasn’t dimmed them one bit! And, if anything, even if COVID-19 may have kept many of us apart, we’ve devised ways to, perhaps, bring us together even more, of course within the appropriate guidelines.

Here is to 2021 being a better year for us, than this one!

Thanks to everyone who has made this Foundation an existent ray of hope in such an uncertain time!

Theater Program Provides Game-changing Benefits for Individuals on the Spectrum

Posted on December 9, 2020July 8, 2024 by fearghal

By Merrick Egber

When I was younger, I used to be a proactive participant in the realm of theater. Usually, my roles were father figures (“Our Town” and “Anything Goes”) but wherever the staff wanted me to be, I could do it, and I did it well. Theater gave me the feeling of being a part of something, even if I had autism, I felt like an equal to all of the actors and actresses on stage. I felt like I was in another world.

There is a known benefit of theater programs for those with autism. According to an article from Northcutt, in Australia. “Drama seems to appeal to some people on the spectrum as this is a controlled environment – the script stays the same, the cues rarely change, they can be prepared, they know exactly what a fellow actor is going to say and they know exactly how to respond.”

However, individuals with autism may feel intimidated in the few venues that are available for actors and actresses. It may be tougher for people who feel like their socio-communicative understanding is different from everybody else that they are working with. Sometimes there is a hierarchy that may make individuals with autism feel left out, isolated, especially if they are perceived to not be “team players.” Which is altogether wrong.

Which brings me to the successful theater program, a collaboration between the Els for Autism Foundation and Right on Q Theater Group–a group of actors and actresses with special needs, led by Ali Evans. Everyone works together to create, learn and rehearse for a series of big musicals, which they perform every quarter. Such examples include “Footloose in Big Easy Town,” and “Believe,” and ever since the Covid-19 crisis has taken center stage (no pun intended), we’ve been working on “Movies” (scenes of actors and actresses on our Els Center of Excellence campus playing their parts) and had a virtual premiere of “The Adventures of Peter Pan.” Unlike other programs, the theater program is truly “intergenerational” meaning that the older and younger enthusiasts work together in getting these productions to exist, of course with the addition of Ali’s excellent writing and directing.

Ali’s mixture of fun, imagination, and caring creates a magical and supportive environment that allows the participants to find their inner star and shine. I have observed the young adults in the program taking on the role of mentor for the younger participants. Individuals who seem shy or do not feel confident have discovered their inner strength and courage. For some participants, the theater program is a way to express their negative thoughts in a constructive and creative way. They are able to tell their story and feel what it is like to be a star.

During the second season of the theater group on the night of the performance, our Recreation Coordinator, Kelley Coutts, noticed one of the mothers in the audience tearing up during her son’s solo. Kelley went over to see if everything was okay. This mother said that her son had only ever allowed her to hear him sing. He would not allow her to watch him when he sang. This was the first time that she had ever been able to watch her son perform. This fall this young man played the keyboard and sang the song “Let It Be” by the Beatles while her mother videotaped his performance.

Ali Evans of Right on Q Theater Group was kind enough to answer some questions about Right on Q Theater Group and her work with Els for Autism.

Q: What were your prior experiences like in theater?

I started out as a singer/songwriter. I performed in and around the Philadelphia area as well as Atlantic City and along the New Jersey shore. Providing lead and group vocals for national and local jingles at all the major Philadelphia studios, including Sigma Sound and Gamble and Huff Music, I was able to get jobs singing with various artists like Patti Labelle, George Thorogood, Bunny Sigler, Frankie Avalon, Crystal Gayle, Eugene “Lambchops” Curry, The Soul Survivors, and The Eddie Bruce Orchestra just to name few. I was able to put myself through college where I earned a BA in English Literature and a minor in music.

Music is theater. Every time you step onto the stage, you become a vessel for stories and emotions to be felt and shared. Each song tells a story inviting the audience to go on a journey with you into that story and feel all the highs, lows, excitement, sadness, extreme happiness, etc. Also, it didn’t hurt that my father was a drama professor at Wilmington College.

Q: What was the inspiration behind pursuing a career in theater?

I did not start teaching musical theater until I realized, with my own two children who have ASD, just how much can be gained from this art form by our exceptional community. I was asked to create a Performance Arts program with a non-profit organization and that’s how I got hooked. When my family moved to Florida, I decided, with the help of a wonderful friend, to create my own classes in Palm Beach County where they, at that time, had none.

Q: Can you explain the Right on Q Theater Group?

The name Right on Q Theater Group was created with all the actors in mind. We use the letter Q instead the word cue as a special nod to the creative uniqueness of all of our actors. They are all always Right on Q.

Q: How did you get to know about Els for Autism?

I learned about Els for Autism when trying to find the right environment for my own children with ASD. My daughter desperately needed a safe academic and supportive atmosphere in order to thrive. The exciting services and resources we discovered through Els for Autism has been completely life changing for my daughter.

Q: What has been the planning, and scripting, process behind each musical and movie you all have created?

With regard to the planning of each of Right on Q Theater Group’s productions, and with all of our classes, the very most important objective is to establish trust between the actors and instructor (me). Everyone needs to feel safe to be who they are without judgement, constant evaluation, and therapeutics. We sneak a lot of therapy into our classes, but our actors have no idea because they are having way too much fun to notice.

I learn and get to know each actor as an individual in order to discover their biggest strengths and then push them to push themselves to explore those strengths even further. That gives them confidence to believe in themselves and work harder. As a group, the actors learn to trust one another and work as a team. Our scripts are based on familiar or sometimes not so familiar themes. I usually come in with a basic outline of a show, and allow the actors/students to help fill in the dialog, stage directions, action, songs and music, etc. Every actor is involved in the making of our productions from beginning to end.

Q: What are the benefits of the theater program? How has it inspired your students?

The benefits of the theater program are limitless. Actors/students learn to feel comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Letting go is a huge part of acting, so just allowing the actors to act silly or play out goofy acting warm-ups is huge! The actors learn to grow as a team and become a real cohesive group of friends that root for one another. They learn self-expression without judgement, conflict resolution, patience, communication and flexibility through improvisation. The confidence grows and grows and the actor who started out not wanting to sing, sings the loudest, and the actor who stutters, stutters less when reciting his/her lines. Eye contact is made through pretending to be someone else at first, and then it becomes somewhat natural. I could keep going on and on about the benefits of the theater program.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of the program?

The biggest reward, for me, is to watch each actor truly grasp what it means to feel proud. It is genuinely an indescribable spark of a moment to be a part of.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about Zach Gottsagen, the former student of yours who had a starring role in last year’s Peanut Butter Falcon?

Zachary Gottsagen was a student of mine for several years. We started at the Boynton Beach JCC and then moved to the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization in Boynton Beach. Zach is a very dedicated actor and took drama class very seriously, but still knew how to have a great time in class. Although he was confident, I watched Zach become more comfortable with himself and mature as an individual and with his peers. He developed life-long friendships with his classmates. He learned how to be a team player during our classes and, in fact, became our team leader. What stood out the most about Zach was his fearlessness. He wasn’t afraid of looking silly or sounding goofy or weird if it made the scene work better. In addition, he is one of the nicest, most humble and big-hearted young men I have ever had the privilege of working with.

Q: How did it feel to see him on the stage at the last Academy Awards?

Obviously, seeing Zach on the Academy Awards as a presenter, was amazing. I believe that he is the first of many, like him, that grace the stage at the Academy Awards.

Q: If anyone wants to join your theater program, what should they do?

If anyone is interested in joining Right on Q Theater Group’s program please contact me for more information about all our available classes, Ali Evans at 609-230-6956 / aevans1235@gmail.com or contact Kelly Coutts at the Els for Autism Foundation at Kelly.Coutts@elsforautism.org.

Donate to the Theater Program

Els for Autism envisions a positive future for every person in our programs. Your donation helps lower the costs of life-changing programs such as the Theater program. Make a donation to the theater program using our wish list.

Let’s Plan to Make a Difference Together

Posted on October 28, 2020September 17, 2024 by fearghal

When families first learn that their loved one may have a developmental disability, the team at Els for Autism is there to provide encouragement, support, and services. While there is much uncertainty at the moment, Els for Autism remains steadfast in the mission to help people with autism and their families.

While you may be unsure about a way to support Els for Autism during this crisis, a planned gift is a powerful way to make a lasting impact and legacy with us that won’t cost you anything today.

As you think about your legacy, consider helping improve the future of people with autism at the same time by including us as a part of your estate planning.

Estate planning is a strategy intended to conserve, protect, and distribute assets before and after death for the benefits of loved ones and/or charities.

You can begin building your legacy at any giving level today. Strategies include bequests, beneficiary designations, gifts or appreciated stock of real estate, and more. The Foundation’s development staff is here to help you consider ways to meet your financial needs while making a lasting impact.

View the Planned Giving flyer to learn more or get started on protecting what matters most by using this free will-writing tool.

Questions? Contact Pam Minelli, Member, Board of Directors at pam.minelli@elsforautism.org or 561-320-9528.

Challenge Accepted.

Posted on October 28, 2020September 17, 2024 by fearghal

We all are too aware of the challenges of 2020. At Els for Autism, our team is intimately familiar with the struggles families of those with autism have faced. From virtual schooling to lapses in therapies, to job loss–all have added to the stress and uncertainty of 2020.

At one point our team did consider canceling the Els for Autism Golf Challenge series altogether, but recognized that now more than ever, your donations and team fundraising dollars are critical to running the programs and services that help individuals with autism.

So, with new social distancing guidelines put into place, the 2020 Golf Challenge forged ahead. The pandemic, out-of-control wildfires, travel restrictions, course closures and a hurricane certainly kept us on our toes. Three events were canceled, seven events were postponed, and there were four venue changes.

“While this wasn’t exactly how we envisioned celebrating the 10th year of the Golf Challenge, this year showed us that we can adapt and overcome,” Paige Scollard, Events Manager said. “It’s been inspiring to see everyone come together.”

It turns out many of our supporters were still up for the challenge. To date, the 2020 Golf Challenge has raised just over 1.7 million and 1,017 people have participated.

The final event in the 2020 Golf Challenge series will take place on Nov. 16 at The Dye Preserve. The 2020 fundraising deadline is Dec. 31, 2020. Teams or sponsors who raise $15,000+ during the 2020 Golf Challenge Regional Event season will enjoy a two-day extravaganza of golf and entertainment hosted by Liezl and Ernie Els in the Bahamas in October 2021.

Learn more about the Golf Challenge series at www.E4AGolf.com

Donor Spotlight: The Langenfeld Family

Posted on October 28, 2020September 17, 2024 by fearghal

“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

Posted on October 28, 2020September 17, 2024 by fearghal

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^®.

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

Posted on October 16, 2020 by fearghal

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®.

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”

Posted on October 15, 2020April 30, 2025 by fearghal

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:

Hulu

Employee Spotlight: Howard Thomas

Posted on October 12, 2020September 17, 2024 by fearghal

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.”

A Capital Campaign for the RECREATION COMPLEX

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