Tweet on Twitter, last one of 2012!

Our last edition of Tweet on Twitter -- get to know who we are following and why!  We'll be back with this weekly tradition on January 3.  Hope you are enjoying the holidays as much as we are!

CDC Flu, @cdcflu -- Flu season isn't around the corner, its here!  Get the latest #flu news from the experts at the CDC. 

NYSID, @NYSIDSpeaks --  For more than 35 years, NYSID has partnered community rehabilitation agencies -- like Ontario ARC -- and businesses to employ people with disabilities. 

Hilltop Industries, @HilltopTheArc -- Hilltop Industries is a division of our friends at The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and offers a talented workforce that specializes in packaging, assembly, printing, janitorial services and on-site labor.

Already a busy and fast-moving January

At the end of each year we realize how quickly time has passed.  For me, it feels like just last week we were getting ready to pour wine for Open Our Bottle Night; and that yesterday, the agency was celebrating another successful Cruisin' for a Cause.  But this year, I'm realizing how busy January 2013 is shaping up to be...it too may pass by very fast!

We have three workshops coming to Ontario ARC -- and there is still time to reserve your seat!

• Support Group for Fathers & Male Caregivers with Autism or Related Diagnosis on January 10 at 6:30 p.m.  -- This support group features informal discussion and will cover topics affecting families touched by autism.  Join us the first Thursday of every month!  Childcare is available; please request by December 27.
• Understanding Autism: Communication Considerations for Individuals With Autism on January 17 at 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. -- Brought to you in partnership with The Advocacy Center, attendees will learn how autism can affect language and communication, as well as various intervention models.  Register online with The Advocacy Center today.
• Teens & Sexuality: The What, The Why, The When, The Where and The How on January 29 at 6:30 p.m. -- Learn how to discuss sexuality with your teenager and address topics such as personal safety and health.  Led by Angela Allen, MSW, with the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, this presentation will also feature trustworthy and appropriate resources.  Childcare is available; please request by January 22.  You can register to attend this presentation online.

Of course, we are also adding to our Speakers Series.  Be sure to visit us online at ontarioarc.org/speakersseries.  Don't have time?  Then sign up to receive e-news from Ontario ARC and get the latest and greatest from the agency right in your inbox.

Advocacy Center teams up with The Autism Center

Today the Advocacy Center of Rochester sponsored a two-part presentation on "Sensory Integration and Behavior Issues for Individuals with Autism" here at the main facility.  This was a first-time partnership between our two agencies, and I must say it was a great success. 

Everyone I talked with afterward, both OARC staff and other attendees, was very impressed with the breadth of knowledge and the enthusiasm of the presenters.  We hope to be able to collaborate with the Advocacy Center in the future, perhaps even incorporating our own experts.

Thank you to Colleen Brown, Felicia Thierer and Laura Arrington for taking part.  Thank you to Angie Brand and the Pathways crew for preparing the refreshments and taking such good care of us.  And thank you to Ralph and John and Judy for making sure the room was set up, the signs were in place and the parking was reserved.

We had almost 60 people attend this event, and it was truly a successful team effort!

           --Maggi

Speaking to Strengths

Speaking to Strengths...


Please use the link below to access a very interesting article from the December 2nd New York Times about a father and son who recognized and nurtured the son's strengths, resulting in a broader look at what individuals with an ASD can accomplish.  This article also contains an excellent starting point for discussion on how Autism is viewed today.


     --Maggi

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/magazine/the-autism-advantage.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Two Favorite Things Collide

Hello, my name is Brenda Burton and I am the new occupational therapist (OT) working with Pet Connections!  I am very excited to have become a part of the Ontario ARC family.  I have been an OT for 12 years working with children and adults with various abilities and disabilities.  In most recent years I have specialized in developmental and intellectual disabilities with a focus on adaptive equipment and accessible home renovations.

My whole life I have been an animal lover and even debated about becoming a veterinarian.  However, my queasy stomach and passion to help people outweighed my love of animals.  Although my home has never been complete without having several animals in it.  Currently we have a cat, a dog, 3 adult fish with 20 baby fish, and a yellow Russian tortoise!

I am very grateful to Ontario ARC for providing me with the opportunity to combine my love for animals with my passion for working with and helping people!  As a member of Pet Connections I am focusing on developing individualized and specific goals that drive animal assisted interventions to increase participants'  skills as well as their future success.

Tweet on Twitter!

Enjoy our last November "Tweet on Twitter" post.  As always, join the conversation on Twitter with us @OntarioARC.

Push Girls, @pushgirls -- A reality show that follows the lives of four women as they take the Hollywood scene in wheelchairs.  The challenges the perceptions about life in a wheelchair and offers a candid view into the lives of each woman.  The show runs on Mondays, 10 p.m. on the Sundance Channel.

Hobart & William Smith Colleges, @hwscolleges -- We follow our friends @HWSColleges as they are home to one of the agency's College Experience programs.  But, they have so much interesting stuff going on -- like The Arts Experience festival coming up this spring.  Always something to do on campus!

RochesterHealth.com, @rochesterhealth -- Offering a wide array of health services, @rochesterhealth shares this information with Twitter followers.  A recent tweet let people know where to drop off supplies for Hurricane Sandy relief while another shared information about Whooping Cough. 

Tweet on Twitter -- a day early edition!

Here is your heads up to #FF a day earlier than usual -- Happy Early Bird!

 See who we are following and why!  And, if you haven't already...tweet with us @OntarioARC.

Autism Speaks, @autismspeaks -- One of the world's largest organizations leading autism research and advocacy, Autism Speaks has a great Twitter feed going.  Their tweets focus on sharing the stories of people and their families with an autism diagnosis and registration for their online webinars.

Greater Rochester Red Cross, @rocredcross -- One of our local Red Cross chapter, @RocRedCross share historical information and tips on how to prepare for disasters, which was undoubtedly helpful for people affected by Superstorm Sandy. 

The Arc of Monroe, @arcofmonroe -- Our brother (or sister) chapter serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Monroe County.  See what's going on them on Twitter today!

A Special Santa

Please see the notice below from the Wilmorite folks who manage Eastview Mall.  This is the second year they have provided a special opportunity for kids on the spectrum or with ASD characteristics to visit with Santa Claus.

Thank you to Eastview Mall....

Once again this year, we will be offering our Special Santa program for families with children with special needs. Every Tuesday in December our Santa will have early hours beginning at 9:00am. Parents may bring children who require additional assistance, extra time or who need a quieter, less stressful environment in which to visit with Santa. For more information on this program please call the Mall Office at (585) 223-3693.

 

Tweet on Twitter, annual Thursday round up

Get a jump on #FF, aka Follow Friday!  Here are some of the people we are following on Twitter, today!

Debra Pierce Bellare, @snapshotsbysam -- Sam Maloney is an amazing photographer.  His pictures are beautiful and captivating.  His mom, Debra, share his pictures and videos with the public via Twitter and Facebook.  She also talks about Sam, advocating on his behalf and his experiences with photography and music therapy

R-word Campaign, @EndTheWord -- A partnership between the Special Olympics and Best Buddies, this Twitter account focuses on ending the use of the R-Word.  They retweet lots of discussions surrounding #Rword and have lots of great tweets that get you thinking.

ABILITY Magazine, @abilitymag -- Award winning magazine and one of the first newsstand publications focusing on health and disability.  They've featured lots of celebrities with disabilities or with a connection to a disability-related cause. 

And...of course...if you haven't already...tweet with us, @OntarioARC.

The DSM-V and an Autism Diagnosis...

The link below will take you to an update on field trials of the new criteria for an Autism diagnosis in the upcoming DSM-V.  There are still many questions unanswered, as the author of the article makes clear.  The Autism Speaks website has many other great links and is chock full of information. 
    

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/dsm-5-field-trials-update

Special Needs Trusts on December 4

To help parents and family members plan for the future, Ontario ARC will host Special Needs Trusts: Your Options for the Future on December 4 at 6:30 p.m.  This presentation will cover how to secure the financial future for your loved with an intellectual and/or developmental disability without jeopardizing government benefits or inherited assets.  Led by Heidi J. Flatt, CPA -- Chief Operating Officer of NYSARC, Inc. -- this workshop is free.



You can register for Special Needs Trusts online by clicking the button above or by contacting our Training Department at (585) 394-7500, ext 2300 or training@ontarioarc.org.

Hope to see you there!

Tweet On Twitter, annual Thursday round up

Get a heads up on #FF -- the Twitter hashtag for Follow Friday, a customary Friday activity for people in the "Twitterverse". Stop by our blog on Thursdays to learn about some of the people and organizations we are following on Twitter. 

Special Olympics, @SpecialOlympics -- A fantastic organization that undoubtedly you've heard of.  They are great at addressing questions posed to them on Twitter and have lots of good information on their feed. 

Holly Robinson Peete, @hollyrpeete -- You remember her from "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper" and watched her on "Celebrity Apprentice."  She is a strong advocate for autism after her son was diagnosed at age 3.  Fun and informative, I think she's a great person to follow.  Also -- we have her book, My Brother Charlie in our Resource Library.

TIME Healthland, @TIMEHealthland -- Ontario ARC is a strong supporter of healthy lifestyle for our staff and participants.  TIME Magazine has taken the time to dedicate one whole Twitter account to all things health.  Great articles covering a variety of topics.

And, if you are on Twitter, don't forget to follow us at @OntarioARC.  Tweeting the latest agency news and sharing information!

Are you ready to wrap?

This could be you!  A happy, smiling gift wrapper!

The cold weather has arrived and that can only mean one thing...well, maybe more than one thing.  But for us at Ontario ARC, it means our annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Booth is almost here!  While I truly enjoy all of the events we host throughout the year, the gift wrap booth holds a special place in my heart.  Last year, we had more than 400 volunteers donate their time and wrap presents at Eastview Mall in two locations -- in center court near J.Crew and by Macy's. The proceeds go towards our Pet Connections program, which has done incredible things for the people we support.

In addition to spreading the usual holiday cheer, our volunteers wrap gifts, help organize packages and my personal favorite -- decorate gifts with ribbons and bows.  People of all ages give their time -- from high school and college students, businesses and organizations (great team building activity!), service organizations and families and friends of Ontario ARC.  Their energy is amazing and their commitment is astounding.  We are very lucky to have them!

You can become a part of this group by contacting Margaret Post at 585-919-2241.  We still have some shifts left and times are flexible.  Give her a buzz today!

SHOUT OUT to our friends at Eastview Mall and Macy's!  Their support of the Holiday Gift Wrapping Booth and Ontario ARC is appreciated by everyone here.

See you at the booth!

Did you know...

..that there are two interns working with clinical services and the Autism Center?

Ashley Hanvey, who is also one of our receptionists three days a week, has been logging hours working with Cheryl Cramer and the other clinicians on counseling, assessments and treatment plans.  In fact, when Cheryl was out on medical leave, Ashley took on the responsibility of working with several individuals on Cheryl's caseload...and she did a fine job.  Ashley attends Medaille College.

Caitlin Kelly works in the after school program and will be here for even more hours in January.  Caitlin is in the mental health counseling program at St. John Fisher.  She is gaining experience through Jenn Danker-Stiles' social skills group, as well as the other program elements.  Next semester, she will be working with individuals and groups outside the after school program.

The clinical service department and the autism center are working hand-in-hand to provide the best intern experience for students; this is a win-win situation that benefits the programs and the people we serve.

Thank you Ashley and Caitlin!

Today's Best Bet

Of the many books, DVD's, magazines and other resources available in our library here at the Autism Center, one I keep coming back to is the "Autism and Asperger's Digest." 

This magazine provides informed and interesting articles on many varied topics, including raising multiple children with ASD, how to support siblings consistently, professional research summaries and dealing with anxiety as a parent.

Stop by and browse the items on our shelves any weekday from 8am to 4pm. The library is a quiet, restful place to catch up on what's happening.

Maggi Sullivan
Autism Services Manager

Saturday Morning Improv.....

Saturday, October 27th, Carol Roberts, with her assistants Sam and David, came to the main facility to work with seven individuals on "Accidental Social Skills."  Carol's program is designed to bring together people who are not comfortable in social situations and help them gain confidence through skits, theater exercises and improvisation. 

The room was full of energy, laughter and acceptance.  Comments from the participants were very positive, and their parents also enjoyed themselves when they were invited to join in!

Keep watching for updates on more events like this.

Maggi Sullivan
Autism Services Manager

Great website....

Autism Now is a national autism resource and information center sponsored by The Arc.  The link below will take you to their archived, free webinars ranging in topics from sibling support to inclusion to financial planning. 

Please visit the Autism Now website for lots of good information.

http://autismnow.org/what-we-do/webinars/webinar-schedule/

Two libraries are better than one!

The Pioneer Library System, with a membership of 42, has been working with the Autism Center to get the word out to families, educators and others about what an Autism Spectrum can mean.

The PLS has "kits" that they loan out on themes and topics, and just last week Nancy Herzig and I met to talk about what would go into the "autism kit."  She also connected us to the Foster Granparents group of Livingston/Wyoming counties, and they will be using our resources to help their volunteers learn more about autism in the classroom.

In the world of today's restricted budgets, collaboration makes sense.  It's a great pleasure to work with the professionals at PLS to improve understanding and supports for individuals with an ASD diagnosis.

Webinar News

On Thursday, November 1, the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed will be sponsoring a free webinar on Autism and Anxiety.  Please feel free to join us in training room C at 3:00.  The presentation is about  45 minutes long, with a question and answer period following.

These webinars are always full of good, helpful information and well worth the time.  Check out the training calendar for more topics being offered!

New Library Items!

The Autism Center at Ontario ARC has recently purchased two new CD's from the University of Rochester Center for Autism Research.  These are self-training CD's on Daily Visual Schedules and Social Skills Training.

The library is a great place to find books, DVD's, Newsletters and other items for all family members, and professionals as well.  Membership is free; the library is open during agency hours, Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm, and by appointment.  The room offers comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a quiet place to spend a little time browsing. We hope to see you soon.

Who are you following on Twitter?

There are so many great resources nowadays available online.  Since we've started using social media to keep families and our friends in the community informed, we've linked up with quite a few organizations with similar missions.   You can always see what we are tweeting, but just wanted to bring some of these "tweeters" to your attention!

Disability Scoop, @disabilityscoop

NYSARC, Inc, @nysarcinc

Genesee Valley Parent Magazine, @gvparentmag

Fathers Support Group

On October 22, 2013, the Autism Center at Ontario ARC will be hosting an informal meeting for fathers and male caregivers of children with autism or a related diagnosis.

Come help coordinate the future of the group with special guest Kevin Schoenl from Managing Autism Together Today (MATT), an all volunteer organization in Monroe County.  Kevin is a member of our Autism Advisory Board and the father of a child on the spectrum.

Contact Ontario ARC's Training Department at 394-7500, ext. 2300 or training@ontarioarc.org

Please feel free to call me directly at (585) 919-2169 if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Dr. Naseef returns!

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Robert Naseef, psychologist and parent of an adult son who has an autism spectrum disorder, will return in April of 2013 for another presentation.  Dr. Naseef was here for the opening of the Autism Center in April of 2011, and again in 2012.

Dr. Naseef recently took part in a retreat for fathers and male caregivers of individuals on the spectrum and will discuss his experience.  In addition, he will provide tips, tools, support and suggestions for families affected by an ASD...including parents, siblings, relatives and friends.

Keep watching for further details!

Thank You RIT!

Thank you, RIT!

On Saturday, September 29^th, Sue Ackerman, Disability Services Director, and Laurie Ackles, LMSW presented to seventeen people, both parents and students, on Autism Spectrum Disorders and College…Is it Right for you?  RIT has a highly regarded “Spectrum Support Program” which partners incoming freshman with Asperger’s Syndrome, for example, with an veteran student from a related academic department. 

They gave an overview of what to look at, what questions to ask, and what to look for when considering college for someone on the Autism Spectrum.  The information was right on target and very helpful.  The audience asked some excellent questions, and everyone left feeling they had a place to start.

Thank you to RIT, to Sue and Laurie, and to Jen Danker-Stiles, who helped initiate this presentation.  (Jen is a graduate of RIT who was part of their Spectrum Support Program.)

Watch for more updates on events and presentations!

Didn't sign up for e-mails yet?

I know the deal.  Sometimes, clicking on one more link is just too much.  That's okay.  I feel the same way sometimes too.  Which is why we've made it even easier for you to get the "latest and greatest" from Ontario ARC.

Text ONTARIOARC to 22828 and follow the instructions to get your e-mail address added to our list.  You'll get information about our new programs, news and information, along with upcoming workshops and presentation featuring regionally and nationally renowned speakers. 

ASD & College: Is It Right For You?

Moms and dads dedicate thousands of hours to preparing their child for college.  For parents of children with autism, the college prep process is very different and can be even more time consuming. 

The Autism Center at Ontario ARC will host ASD & College: Is It Right For You? this Saturday at our Main Facility in Canandaigua at 10 a.m.  The event will feature Laurie Ackles, LMSW and Sue Ackerman, Disability Service Director, both from the Rochester Institute of Technology.  They'll discuss the college admissions process and how young adults with autism or Asperger's Syndrome can be successful in finding the right program after high school.

Register today by emailing our Training Department or giving them a call at 585-394-7500, ext. 2300.

Want information about seminars like ASD & College?  Sign up today and get the latest and greatest from Ontario ARC!

A new website and now a new blog!

If you couldn't tell already, we got a new look!  It looks very similar to something I've seen before...

We hope you enjoy our new visuals!

Get the "tools & tips" for an autism diagnosis

After receiving an autism spectrum diagnosis, families have many questions about what to do and where to start.  To help answer these questions -- and many more -- The Autism Center at Ontario ARC offers many free presentations about autism-related topics.

On June 16, the center is hosting Now What? Understanding Autism:  Tools & Tips for Families led by Cindy Matttoon, special education services coordinator for Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES.  The presentation -- which runs from 10 a.m. until noon -- will cover what parents can do when receiving the diagnosis and how to plan for a successful future.  There will also be a panel of parents and caregivers who will answer questions and share their experiences.

Save your seat today by calling the agency's Training Department at (585) 394-7500, ext. 2300 or e-mail theautismcenter@ontarioarc.org  We'll see you there!

More information about this presentation is also on our Facebook page. 

Sign up and stay in touch!

Stay in touch with Ontario ARC!  Our agency is getting ready to launch e-mail communications with our friends in the community who want to hear about the agency's latest news, milestones and events.  But, before we can send them to you, we need your e-mail address!  Sign up below and check your inbox for e-mail updates!

Sign up & Stay Connected!

Cruising into 20 years!

Believe it or not...its that time of year.  Summer is upon us and enjoy it now, because it certainly goes by very fast.  But that is not the only thing coming our way.  We are so excited to announce that Cruisin' for a Cause is back at Steamboat Landing on August 23 and celebrating its 20th anniversary!  Mark your calendars and save that date! 

Some highlights of this year's event include our energetic live and silent auctions, live entertainment by Nik & The Nice Guys, complimentary wine tastings, a dinner of summer favorites, rides aboard the Canandaigua Lady and fireworks!

Send summer off with a blast this year!  Proceeds benefit The Autism Center at Ontario ARC and the fabulous things they do to help families with autism.  Read all about, here on our blog...or more specifically....

• The Autism Center celebrates its one year anniversary
• Upcoming autism-related presentations
• Dr. Naseef returns to Ontario ARC
• Autism resource library open to the general public 

Tickets are $60 each.  Looking to be a bigger part of the evening?  Join our event committee and help Ontario ARC find new sponsorship opportunities and get great items for our auctions.

For more information, contact Donna Auria today at (585) 919-2123 or email her at dauria@ontarioarc.org.

Pinning on Pinterest!

Follow us on Pinterest today!

Pinterest has definitely taken the world by storm.  It's a great site to go to for craft ideas, fashion, beauty and hair tutorials among many other things.  But, Pinterest also has a strong following of people who are just looking for information.  Enter Ontario ARC.

I'm happy to announce the agency has launched its very own Pinterest page!  As of this moment, we have boards for books and other materials currently in our autism center's Resource Library, online resources for parents and family members and one that features online articles and news about Ontario ARC.  If you are on Pinterest, please follow us and our boards!

Pet Connections: The Media Round Up

Our newest program Pet Connections has generated quite a bit of interest from local media outlets.  We try to post any coverage we receive as soon as possible.  But, here it is all compiled for you read.  Enjoy!

• Finger Lakes Times, March 22 -- Making connections: Outgoing boxer is star of new Ontario ARC pet therapy program
• Daily Messenger, March 22 -- Fundraiser benefits ARC's Pet Connections
• Channel 10's Victor / Canandaigua online community, April 26 -- Ontario ARC partners with Happy Tails to help pets find new homes 
• Rochester Woman Magazine, May issue -- Behind every successful dog is a woman

We also featured Pet Connection in our latest agency newsletter, ARC Life.  Meet Pet Connections' Program Manager Gail Furst and Albert -- the Boxer who is making an impact on the people we support.


Want to know right away about where Ontario ARC is featured?  Make sure you follow us on Facebook!  We post as soon as we know about it.

Lives Worth Living documentary

click for more details

As we wrap up week one of The Arts Experience, I wanted to give you a heads up about week two.  The next event revolves around a viewing of Lives Worth Living  -- a documentary focusing on the Disability Rights Movement from the early 1970s into the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990. 

People with disabilities are one of the largest minorities in the United States. But for most of American history, they occupied a sub-class of millions without access to everyday things most citizens take for granted: schools, apartment buildings, public transportation, and more. Some were forcibly sterilized under state laws. Others were committed to horrifying institutions where they were left and forgotten.
After World War II, however, things began to change, thanks to a small group of determined people with an unwavering determination to live their lives like anyone else, and to liberate all disabled Americans of the limitations their government refused to accommodate.

Lives Worth Living traces the development of consciousness of these pioneers who realized that in order to change the world they needed to work together. Through demonstrations and inside legislative battles, the disability rights community secured equal civil rights for all people with disabilities. Thanks to their efforts, tens of millions of people's lives have been changed.

This film is an oral history, told by the movement's mythical heroes themselves, and illustrated through the use of rare archival footage. The story features Fred Fay, who suffered a spinal cord injury at age 17 in 1961, and simply refused to be relegated to life’s sidelines just because he couldn’t walk. He fought tirelessly for decades for equal rights, access, and opportunity for the disabled, including advocating for programs allowing the disabled to live independently. (Fred died August 20, 2011; the film is dedicated to him.) Also featured is Ed Roberts, who founded the independent living movement in Berkeley and is also considered a father of the disability rights movement.

Echoing footage of Martin Luther King marching in Selma, we see protestors climb from wheelchairs and drag themselves courageously up courthouse steps; we watch as quadriplegic activists maneuver their chairs in front of public buses that are not equipped to accommodate them.

The film ends with the dramatic battle for the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation in America's history. The thousands of individuals who came together to change attitudes and laws demonstrated the power of humanity, cooperation, and self-determination, and what can be accomplished against seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

We just posted a clip of the documentary to our Facebook page (like us today!) and will continue to post about until Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. when the viewing started in the Sanford Room.  Join us and learn about disability rights.

Rescue Healing Dogs

As I've said before, Ontario ARC has always been extremely fortunate in the sense that we have a community that is strong in its support and encouragement.  And as we launch our newest program, Pet Connections, we find that it still remains true.  Kathy Porter from the blog Rescue Healing Dogs has written a lovely post about our newest canine friend Brutus.  I hope you'll read it -- Pet Connections Introduces Brutus, Through Gail's Eyes.  Anyone who is met this friendly dog knows how awesome he is and the strong impact he is making on the people we serve at Ontario ARC.  Check it out and stay tuned for the latest on Pet Connections!

"Wretchers & Jabberers" documentary viewing during arts festival

click for more info

As some of you may know, The Arts Experience festival returns to Hobart & William Smith's campus this coming Monday, April 16.  This event gives attendees -- ranging from the college community, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the general public -- the opportunity to explore various means of expression through the arts.  It is a wonderful partnership between the HWS and the Collaborative of the Finger Lakes -- a regional association of 11 chapters of NYSARC, Inc. located in the Finger Lakes (including Ontario ARC).  Obviously, we are very excited for Monday and the festival's kick off! 

We are also excited to announce that on Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m.,  the festival will have a viewing of "Wretchers & Jabberers" -- an awesome documentary featuring two men with autism who embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability.  The film's stars -- Tracey Thresher and Larry Bissonette -- will be on hand afterwards to answer questions and discuss their work.  The discussion will be facilitated by our very own Senior Associate Executive Director Noreen Quinn and The Colleges' associate professor of education Helen McCabe.  We hope you'll join us in the Vandervort Room!!

Find more on Facebook!

Welcome Happy Tails!

Welcome Happy Tails! Ontario ARC is excited to announce a new partnership between
Pet Connections and our friends at Happy Tails. Starting Tuesday, April 17, dogs from the shelter will begin visiting our Main Facility on Tuesdays and Fridays for socialization and obedience training. These dogs are carefully screened and undergo a test for temperament to ensure everyone’s safety.

This new partnership has many wonderful benefits for both Ontario ARC and Happy Tails:

• Individuals who are interested in finding employment as a dog walker, pet sitter or kennel assistant can boost their resumes
• Potential adopters will know that the dog has been around people and receive training as a result of Pet Connections
• The people in our programs will continue to feel the powerful impact pets can have on their physical and social skills 
• Kennels at the shelter will have a picture of the participants who worked with that dog, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment

We are very excitied about this new opportunity and the potential it offers to the people we support at Ontario ARC. If you have any question about this partnership or Pet Connections, please contact Gail Furst at gfurst@ontarioarc.org or (585) 919-2146.

Ontario ARC's county-wide food drive nets 500 lbs. of groceries for Foodlink

The Community Experience stands proudly around their donation
to the Foodlink food drive.  The group pooled their resources to
collect $30of soda cans and used the proceeds to purchase groceries
and delivered them to the agency.

More than 500 lbs. of non-perishable food items were donated to Foodlink, a regional food bank that distributes to local organizations that assist people in need with groceries. The food was collected during a month-long food drive hosted by Ontario ARC’s programs located throughout Ontario County.

“Thank you to our staff and everyone in the community who stopped by and made this possible,” said Donna Auria, director of community relations for Ontario ARC. “We are excited to make this contribution to a great organization like Foodlink that supports food cupboards in our area.”

Community members weren’t the only ones who stepped up to the plate. Ontario ARC’s Community Experience program collected and redeemed soda cans and used the proceeds to purchase approximately $30 of food to donate.

Open Our Bottle Night raises $20,000 for Pet Connections!

Doug Emblidge with honorary co-chairs Ginny Clark and Lauren Dixon.

Ontario ARC’s inaugural fundraiser – Open Our Bottle Night – raised $20,000 for the agency’s newest offering, Pet Connections – an innovative program connecting pets and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“This was a great event for us that raised funds for Pet Connections, as well as introduced new people to our agency,” says Bill Castiglione, executive director at Ontario ARC. “Everyone seemed to have a good time and we are already looking forward to next year.”

More than 200 attendees participated in Open Our Bottle Night, which included a live auction emceed by Channel 13’s Ginny Ryan, entertainment by the U of R YellowJackets and tastings of rare and fine wines. The event was led by honorary chairs Ginny Clark, Lauren Dixon, Linda Farchione, Mayor Ellen Polimeni and Dr. Barbara Risser.

The Autism Center celebrates its one year anniversary!

Last year to commemorate Autism Awareness Month, Ontario ARC held a ribbon cutting ceremony for The Autism Center right here in Canandaigua.  Housed within the Main Facility, The Autism Center is now celebrating its one year anniversary and its many accomplishments.  This includes...

• Providing14 community training opportunities to law enforcement personnel, college faculty, families, education professionals and people with autism spectrum disorders using our own clinical services staff and presenters that are nationally and regionally renowned for their expertise
• Giving 24 children with autism and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to attend 4-H Camp Bristol Hills
• Partnering with Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb for a sensory friendly movie viewing of How To Train Your Dragon at Smith Opera House 
• Starting an Autism Advisory Board consisting of parents, relatives, and other professionals to help shape and guide The Autism Center as it progresses
• Supporting an Autism Awareness Fair at Walmart of Geneva 
• Hosting 64 sessions of NextStep Prep -- an innovative social skills group for young adults with autism spectrum disorders
• Holding 16 SibShops -- a support group for children who have a sibling with autism or other developmental disabilities
• Loaning out countless books, DVDs and magazines through our Resource Library, which currently houses about 246 items focusing on autism.
• Offering 16 session of group play therapy sessions and hundreds of one-on-one play therapy sessions

 It is amazing to see how much has been done in just 365 days.  A big thank you goes out to our wonderful and highly trained professional staff who make this possible -- Noreen Quinn, Maggi Sullivan, Judy DeMyda, Dan DeClerck, Tonya Finn, Cheryl Cramer, Mike Kephart, Trudy Wyman, and Cyndee Jepsen.  Their hard work and effort have made The Autism Center a place where families can get the support they need.

What is Pet Connections?

Pet Connections Program Manager Gail Furst and
her certified therapy dog, Albert.

In our upcoming issue of ARC Life, we'll introduce to you a new, groundbreaking program that Ontario ARC has partnered with Lochland School and Yates ARC to create.  Pet Connections connects pets and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our area.  This innovative program offers several new opportunities to the people we support at the agency, as well as our friends and neighbors in the community.

In Our Programs: Animal Assisted Activities & Therapy
Working with a certified therapy pet, the people in Ontario ARC’s programs will see and feel the immediate benefits of this new offering. Pet Connections provides an outlet for exercise, social skill development and self-esteem building.

Out & About: Education & Community Partnerships
We’ve partnered with local organizations such as Happy Tails, the Ontario County Health Facility and local schools to bring the power of pets to our friends in the community. In addition, we also offer dog obedience training and educational workshops for local pet owners.

On The Job: Employment
Our new program provides training and assistance to individuals with disabilities who are considering careers in pet and animal care. We offer a glimpse into these careers by offering instruction in dog grooming and making animal-related products, such as dog treats, animal beds, leashes and ID tags.

For more information about how Pet Connections can make a positive impact on your family, contact your Service Coordinator or JoEllen Meath, central intake coordinator, at jmeath@ontarioarc.org or (585) 919-2118.

The University of Rochester YellowJackets to perform at Open Our Bottle Night

Well, we've got some exciting news today...The University of Rochester YellowJackets will perform live at Ontario ARC's inaugural fundraiser Open Our Bottle Night on March 23 at the New York Wine & Culinary Center!  The YellowJackets are a nationally acclaimed a cappella group who have traveled all over the world.  You might recognize them from TV as they recently competed on NBC's The Sing Off.

Needless to say, we are thrilled they bringing their vocal talents to Open Our Bottle Night to help us raised funds for our new pet therapy program, Pet Connection.  We hope you'll join us as well!  In the meantime, enjoy the YellowJacket's version of the Beatles classic, All My Lovin'.

Raise your glass for our inaugural fundraiser, Open Our Bottle Night!

Raise your glass, while helping Ontario ARC raise funds for its newest program.

On March 23, Open Our Bottle Night will feature fine wines from across the world and New York State, gourmet cuisine grazing stations, along with exciting live and silent auctions at the New York Wine & Culinary Center in Canandaigua. Festivities for the event begin at 6 p.m., which is based on the widely popular Open That Bottle Night celebrated internationally in February.

Tickets to Open Our Bottle Night are $125 each and proceeds benefit Ontario ARC’s Pet Connections – a new and innovative pet therapy program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario County. It offers a variety of supports for the people that the agency supports as well as the community at large.

For more information or tickets for Open Our Bottle Night, contact Susan Clevenger at (58) 899-3276 or susan@dixonschwabl.com and uncork your support for Ontario ARC.

Ontario ARC hosts Tellington TTouch workshop as a part of Pet Connections

Ontario ARC will host Getting in TTouch With Your Dog at 1 p.m. on March 17 in its Main Facility, 3071 County Complex Drive in Canandaigua, featuring certified TTouch practitioner Carol Giotto. The workshop costs $15 to attend.

This seminar will address the TTouch method, a specialized approach to the care and training of companion animals. This innovative practice uses body language and touch to effectively influence the behavior and character of dogs, as well as their willingness and ability to learn.

The workshop is just one in a series from our newest service, Pet Connections. Innovative and multi-faceted, this new offering has three pillars for serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as the community – animal activities and therapy as well as education for pet owners.

Limited seating is available. To reserve your spot, contact Gail Furst – Pet Connections program manager – at (585) 919-2146 or gfurst@ontarioarc.org.

Agency announces new pet therapy program, appoints Branchport resident

Branchport resident
Gail Furst

Ontario ARC has launched its newest offering, Pet Connections – an innovative, multi-faceted program connecting animals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario County. And, Branchport resident Gail Furst has been appointed as Pet Connections Program Manager to oversee the agency’s new program.

“Pet Connections offers a wide range of options for the people we serve at Ontario ARC,” says Lora Winghart, associate executive director of program services for the agency. “Gail’s extensive background in the human services and animal field makes her a great fit for this new program.”

Certified through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), Furst has nearly two decades of experience providing animal assisted therapy – better known as pet therapy – to people of all ages. She is an evaluator for Therapy Dog International, American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen and Puppy S.T.A.R. programs as well as a trainer and evaluator for Association of Pet Dog Trainers’ Canine Life and Social Skills (C.LA.S.S.). She will offer obedience classes and other dog-related services through Pet Connections on a regular basis.

“Pet Connections is far reaching and will benefit those we support by connecting them to animal assisted activities and therapy while expanding volunteer and employment opportunities,” adds Winghart.

Some highlights of Pet Connections include:

• Adding animal assisted activities and therapy to Ontario ARC’s roster of services
• Offering training to individuals Ontario ARC serves so they can bring this service to day care center, hospitals, senior citizen centers and other places in the community
• Holding obedience classes for dog owners and evaluation for their pets to become certified therapy animals
• Expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities in animal-related fields
• Partnerships with other local organizations, such as Happy Tails, Yates ARC and Lochland School.

“Thjs program will continue to grow as we identify more needs in Ontario County,” says Winghart.

For more information about Pet Connections or to register for dog obedience classes, please contact Furst directly at (585) 919-2146 or gfurst@ontarioarc.org.

NY Bird Dog Series donates $10,000 to The Autism Center

From left:  Deborah Wilbur, Ontario ARC Board Member; 
Julie Glynn, Autism Advisory Board Member;and 
Noreen Quinn, Ontario ARC's senior
associate executive director

Thinking about summer camp can bring back some of fond memories.  There's nothing quite like it.  The joy of being out of school and in an outdoor environment with an endless possibility of fun -- well it could bring a smile to anyone's face.  That's why The Autism Center at Ontario ARC partnered with 4-H Camp Bristol Hills.  So that children with autism and other developmental disabilities could have that same experience. 

To make this a reality, the New York Bird Dog Series recently donated $10,000 to The Autism Center to help families send their child to camp.  The Center partnered with the camp last year at the request of parents and families.  Held during weekdays in July, the camp gives children with autism and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to connect with their peers while building upon their communication and social skills.

The New York Bird Dog Series is an organization that promotes timed, tournament-style hunting with dogs.  The organization’s president and founder is Canandaigua resident Tom Glynn.

Upcoming autism-related presentations

To help parents, families, teachers and our friends in the community better understand autism spectrum disorders and related diagnoses, The Autism Center is offering two upcoming presentations:

College Success & Autism Spectrum Disorders
Thomas Hamed, college graduate diagnosed with Asperger syndrome
Maggi Sullivan, Ontario ARC’s autism coordinator
Saturday, February 25
9 – 11 am
Geared towards families and education professionals, this special presentation will cover what young adults with autism-related diagnoses can expect in a collegiate environment. This round table discussion will include tips and guidance about available resources.


Tools & Tips For Your Child’s New Autism Diagnosis
Cindy Mattoon, Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES’ coordinator of special education support services
Saturday, March 3
9:30 – 11:30 am
This workshop will help families dealing with their child’s recent autism diagnosis. Parents will get a broad overview of available supports and tips on how to advocate for their child. In addition, the program will feature a panel of parents, relatives, individuals with autism and educators.

For more information about these presentations or to register, please contact The Autism Center at (585) 919-2188 or theautismcenter@ontarioarc.org.  Respite is available upon request.

Annual gift wrap booth raises $30,000

Ontario ARC raised more than $30,000 at its annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Booths located at center court and Macy’s in Eastview Mall – a record breaking amount in the booth’s history.

                                                                 

“The booth’s success is strongly rooted in the energy of our volunteers, the commitment of our sponsors and the tremendous support we receive from the community,” says Donna Auria, Ontario ARC’s director of community relations.  “Thanks to their encouragement as well as the support we received from Eastview Mall and Macy’s, this year was record breaking.”

All of the proceeds go towards the agency’s newest program, Pet Connections, an innovative, multi-faceted program connecting animals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario County.  Some of the program’s highlights include people receiving animal assisted therapy – also known as “pet therapy” – and learning how to administer this creative form of therapy.