Download The Big Picture The Big Four The Greater Goal

The Big Picture
The Big Four
An estimated 50,000 Americans with autism will turn 18 each
These four targeted areas of support frequently prove difficult for
year as part of a surge of children diagnosed in the 1990’s. Of
many individuals with autism. Through pre- and post-assessment
these 50,000 Americans, a significant number have graduated
tools, Greater Expectations staff will determine the areas of greatest
from high school with average to above average GPA’s, have a
need, and develop an individualized program targeting these areas:
desire to get a job, dream of attending college, and anticipate
a future much like their peers. Due to some very subtle deficits
1. LIFE SKILLS
that often times go unnoticed, their opportunities for success are
Independent living
often limited, and the pathway to adulthood can be riddled with
Self-Care
difficulties and disappointment.
Home management (bills, appointments, cooking, etc.)
As they graduate from high school, many individuals and families are
2.SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
faced with the daunting reality that the supports and services they
Relationships/Friendships
relied on during their formative years have now come to an end.
Emotional Regulation
Empathy
Compounding this fact is the unfortunate reality of a community
Self-Regulation
that is not always prepared to understand the unique needs of
Understanding the “hidden curriculum” of others
these individuals, as well as the talents, passions and potential
3. ADVOCACY/COMMUNICATION
contributions they have to offer.
Self-Esteem
The Greater Goal
Understanding Autism
As part of the Independent Living Resource Center, Greater
Advocating for self and others
Expectation’s mission is to become a catalyst for growth and
Effective Communication
opportunities for individuals ages 18-35 with high function-
Problem solving
ing autism. Using evidence based interventions and strategies,
our goal is to understand how autism impacts each individual,
4. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
develop personalized “visions” and “goals”, and pair that with our
Planning for the future
structured program targeting the key areas of deficit. Within an
Time management
environment of structure and support, our highly qualified staff
Effective task execution/completion
facilitate skill acquisition, social connections, personal freedom
Understanding daily routines
and independence, meaningful employment, and a much more
fulfilling and meaningful quality of life.
Our platform for delivering this package of services is a
small business uniquely designed and organized to allow
individuals to thrive within a work setting, and “practice” the
skills needed to increase their opportunities and potential to
succeed in all aspects of life. Visit autismavenue.org to learn
more about our exciting little shop around the corner.
Want to support our mission? Contact Diane Belden, Development/Marketing Director ILRC at 316-942-6300 Ext. 232.
IMPACT AND OUTCOMES
Many families face a harsh reality when their children reach 21.
A PARENT’S PLEA…
All the educational supports and services they’ve been receiving under the Federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) simply vanish!
“My son graduated with honors from Friends University, but
because of his challenges related to autism, he is unable to
This forced transition, called “aging out,” pushes them into the
get a job or move out of our house. We just want him to be
woefully lacking “system” for disabled adults. Many parents
viewed like any other college graduate needing a job.”
refer to this as “falling off a cliff”. And it’s not only those parents
with children are severely disabled who are worried. Parents of
“ I just want him to be happy. He wants what any other young
children termed “high-functioning,” (including those with an
adult wants, but isn’t often given the chance.”
Asperger’s diagnosis), have reason to be concerned. Their kids are
not going to magically stop needing support after they reach 21!
“She lives on her own, but I worry about her every day. People
don’t understand that she isn’t lazy, she just doesn’t under-
Compounding the issue is the fact that many of these young
stand how to fit in. She lives independently, but isn’t really
adults have a history of average to well above average academic
successful….she’s just alone.”
success. Nonetheless, these same individuals are challenged
daily with anxiety, attention difficulties, sensory issues, and social
“He will graduate from high school soon, and we fear for
and communication difficulties. Many refer to these deficits as
his future. He has great grades, but we doubt he can be
“soft skills” as they can appear very subtly. Yet the impact on
successful in college.”
these individuals can be very debilitating as they struggle with
self awareness and lack the ability to adequately advocate for
themselves in a very chaotic world.
their college of choice, and enter the workforce with the same
chance as others. All would like to aspire towards job acquisition,
In Wichita these statistics translate into a sobering estimate of
and having access to all the benefits afforded any young adult
hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities, such
graduating from high school and seeking to become a meaning-
as autism. All of them are eager for the opportunity to attend
ful and contributing member of society.
WHAT ABOUT WICHITA?
The U.S. cost of autism over the lifespan is about $2.4
$
million
1.4 million for
With a population of 386,522, Wichita is home to nearly
for a person with an intellectual disability, or
6000 individuals with autism. Prevalence in the United
a person without intellectual disability. (Buescher et al., 2014)
States is estimated at 1
in 68 births. (CDC, 2014)
A majority of costs in the U.S. are in adult services:
$
175-196 billion,
compared to $61-66 billion for children. (Buescher et al., 2014)
In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400
billion.
(Autism Society estimate)
35% of young
adults (ages 19-23)
with autism have not had a
job or received postgraduate
In June 2014, only 19.3% of people with disabilities in the U.S. were either
working or seeking work. Of those, 12.9% were unemployed, meaning
only 16.8 percent of the population with
disabilities was employed. (By contrast, 69.3% of people
education after leaving high
without disabilities were in the labor force, and 65% of the population
school. (Shattuck et al., 2012)
without disabilities was employed.) (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014)
There isn’t a person among us who hasn’t experienced failure.
will provide the individualized tools and training needed for
Fortunately there are various resources and supports available to
each individual seeking to go to college, live independently, and
help us recover. At the same time, there are individuals who work
become employed at their job of choice. As individuals move on
hard to succeed in their personal goals of sustained employment,
or “graduate” from our program, other seeking the same kind of
education, and independent living, but they don’t have the basic
foundation and support will be brought into the program.
foundation, support, or tools to do so. They experience failures
just like everyone does, however, they aren’t always offered an
Autism Avenue Flower and Gift Shoppe seeks to become a part of
equal opportunity to experience success.
the business community in order to become a resource for those
businesses seeking to better understand the value of employ-
Autism Avenue Flower and Gift Shoppe will be a safe environment to
ing individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism.
practice and fail and practice and fail again and again… and ultimately
With simple modifications within our own business, we will show
gain the skills needed to achieve goals that lead to personal success.
other businesses the value of creating an environment where all
employees have the opportunity to succeed. Given the appropri-
We will provide a comprehensive level of proven support to 25
ate foundation, employees with developmental disabilities such as
individuals in the first year. Through our Greater Expectations
autism become some of the most loyal, consistent, and motivated
Program, these young adults will work towards their individual
employees a business owner could hope to employee.
goals and aspirations. Our highly qualified and passionate staff
Don’t underestimate me. I
know more than I say, think
more than I speak, and notice
more than you realize.
2514 W. Douglas Ave. • 316.866.2464 • autismavenue.org
WHO ARE WE?
Autism Avenue Flower and Gift Shoppe is a one-of-a-kind floral and
retail shop on a mission. Our structured work environment will provide on-the-job training and real world experience for young adults
with high functioning autism and other developmental disabilities.
It is often difficult for these isolated individuals to find sustained and
satisfying employment in their communities. Despite a high school
diploma (and some with college degrees!) many young adults with
autism are impacted by skill deficits that are frequently misinterpreted
or misunderstood by others. Some of the very skills that are second
nature to us can be very challenging to an individual with autism.
play an integral role in providing a very unique buying experience.
The goal of Autism Avenue Flower & Gift Shoppe is two-fold as it
At it’s very core, Autism Avenue Flower and Gift Shoppe is a train-
will provide an uncommon shopping experience while serving as
ing ground for individuals seeking real work experience to help
a stepping stone towards each individual’s career and life goals
them practice and develop the skills needed for meaningful
beyond the program.
employment. With a strong foundation of support through our
Greater Expectations program, all employees are expected to
OUR GOAL
master the various levels of the program before being considered
for employment at Autism Avenue Flower and Gift Shoppe.
Autism Avenue is their opportunity to practice skills acquired
while improving social connections, and building self-esteem,
PROVIDING THE RIGHT
KIND OF SUPPORT
thus providing the motivation needed for individual success.
“We aren’t in the business of creating florists, and certainly not
Autism Avenue Flower and Gift Shoppe will provide a menu of
a sheltered work environment! Our goal is for our employees
floral designs created by a professional floral designer with a
to leave Autism Avenue and enter the community workforce,
team of creative employees, including those with developmental
equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed!”
disabilities such as high functioning autism. All jobs will include
visual instructions designed specifically for employees to have
We provide a training platform typical of any small business. We will
the capacity to understand.
target specific areas of skills needed for each individual to practice
and eventually master. Here they can pursue their goals and dreams
There are four basic questions or concepts to successfully com-
of sustained employment, independent living, valuable personal
plete each job. Those questions/concepts are :
relationships, and a much more fulfilling future. Our efforts will
1.
What work needs to be done?
reach far beyond our store as we strive to educate other potential
2.
How much work do I need to do to complete this task?
employers. The benefits of providing such a work environment
3.
Understanding the concept of “finished”.
increases productivity and sustainability as well as job satisfaction
4.
What do I need to do next once I have completed this task?
among those with developmental disabilities, and their co-workers.
Floral designs, retail items, weekly specials, and upcoming events
Finally, when visiting Autism Avenue, be sure to visit our “Awareness
will be featured on our Autism Avenue Facebook page and web-
Room”. Here you will find current resources and ideas on how best
site. Everything in our store will have a very personal touch as they
to support your child with autism and other developmental dis-
are created by our employees with diverse abilities and talents.
abilities. For others in our community, the “Awareness Room” is the
Whether refurbishing an old door into a beautiful table, or turning
perfect resource for advocacy as it provides information to best
an old farm window into a family picture frame, our employees will
educate yourself as a potential employer, teacher, or friend.
To learn how you can help, contact Connie Ebert, Director of Greater Expectations or
Audrey Hummel & Andi Tatom, Co-Managers at [email protected].