Thursday, October 7, 2010
Autism: Open for Business
Strategies for Inclusion in Communities and Business
Approximately 80,000 NJ citizens have an autism spectrum disorder. They include neighbors, family members and consumers. Although autism awareness has grown tremendously in recent years, many challenges for inclusive opportunities still exist. Every day these individuals and their families seek more active participation in the places where they live, work, worship, eat, play and shop. Designed for business owners, employers, service providers, educators, family members and community leaders, this symposium will offer practical strategies to include and serve individuals with autism and their families for years to come.
Welcome 8:30 am – 8:45 am
Linda Meyer, Ed.D., M.P.A., BCBA-D, CPT, Executive Director, Autism New Jersey
T1 The Win-Win of Community Inclusion 8:45 am – 9:45 am
Presented by William (Bill) C. Gaventa, M.Div., The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities.
More so than ever before, individuals with disabilities are living full lives in their own communities. Yet, simply living in a community does not mean that these individuals take part in all that the community offers. Being a part, rather than “apart,” means recognizing and using the gifts everyone has, and finding ways to become contributors, consumers, members and citizens as well as clients. This workshop will discuss the many benefits and strategies to enhance meaningful participation in all aspects of community life. It takes vision, values, new habits and practices, but when we do so, everyone wins...and the entire community becomes stronger.
T2 Community Participation for Preschoolers with Autism 9:45 am –10:45 am
Presented by Allyson Sudol, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCBA, Mark Mautone, B.A., Casi M. Healey, M.A., BCBA and Sharon A. Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA-D., Caldwell College.
This presentation will provide effective strategies to teach community skills to preschoolers with autism and establish beneficial relationships with community organizations. Behavioral programming to teach walking in the community, attending church, swimming at the local YMCA and going to local stores will be discussed. Community organizations and businesses will take away valuable information about how to include young children with autism, their families and the professionals who support them in their day-to-day operations.
T3 Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected 11:00 am –12:00 pm
Presented by Dan Weiss, Fanwood Memorial Library and Meg Kolaya, Scotch Plains Public Library.
An overview of the award-winning customer-service training video, website and support materials developed by New Jersey’s own Scotch Plains Public Library and Fanwood Memorial Library and the impact it has had on service to the autism community in the two years since its inception will be discussed. The video focuses on
information about autism and empowers viewers with specific techniques to offer more inclusive services to this growing and virtually untapped consumer base.
Lunch 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
T4 Health, Fitness and Autism 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Presented by Linda Meyer, Ed.D., M.P.A., BCBA-D, CPT, Executive Director, Autism New Jersey and Jeffrey Jacobs, MA, BCBA.
Become a community resource to change the lives of individuals with autism. Fitness facilities that are sensitive to the unique support needs of individuals with autism can generate income opportunities for personal fitness trainers and their facilities. This workshop will present effective ideas to incorporate individuals with autism
through strategic collaboration with families and other professionals (who may also want to join!) Yours can be the inclusive health/fitness facility that makes a difference.
T5 Autism: Working for You 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presented by Christopher Manente, M.Ed., Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center.
Individuals with autism have skills of great value to today’s business. This workshop will explore how meaningful employment for thousands of adults with autism could be a reality with creative planning, trained staff and supportive co-workers. Common obstacles and suggestions to develop new opportunities will be discussed.
T6 Community Opportunities for Adults 3:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Presented by Linda Walder Fiddle, Esq., The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.
The collaboration of public and private resources can create and fund much-needed services, programs and supports. This presentation will focus on examples of innovative programs that create residential, vocational and community life opportunities throughout the United States.
T7 It’s Not Business As Usual 3:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Presented by Jonah Zimilies, Words Bookstore and Sandi Bongart, Adorn Beauty Center and Spa.
This workshop will provide information from a business owner’s perspective on how to successfully meet the needs of individuals with autism. With planning and creativity, these business owners have expanded their clientele, provided an accepting atmosphere, and increased revenue. Learn how your business can do the same.
T8 Marketing with Autism in Mind: A Panel Discussion 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm
If you own a business, run a community program or support an individual with an ASD, this panel discussion is a must-attend. Learn how individuals with ASDs can be valued and supported as consumers. Panel participants will share how they have tapped into the autism community which is an often-ignored and underrecognized business opportunity.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010