Thursday, December 20, 2012

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.


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

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

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

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




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.