1 in 31: Autism Today

This weekend's 1 in 36 guest is Abby Edwards. Abby is a sophomore at Marist College studying Elementary/Special Education. This year she will be hosting her 8th annual Autism Awareness Pajama Day Fundraiser! All funds raised will be donated to Anderson to help us in our mission to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism. Donate $3 or more to make a difference, and wear your pajamas on Friday April 12th! In her own words "I have been coordinating an annual Pajama Day fundraiser with the incredible participation of school districts across the state, and support from friends, family, and community members. Over the past 7 years, together we have raised over $51,000 in honor of my brother Riley, supporting Anderson Center for Autism and promoting Autism Acceptance." 

Click here to donate
Checks can be made out to: Anderson Foundation for Autism, Memo – Pajama Day
Mailed to: Abby Edwards, 19 East Moriches Boulevard, East Moriches NY 11940

RSVP on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/events/7818308254852648/

Learn more: https://www.andersoncenterforautism.org/calendar/8th-annual-autism-acceptance-pajama-day-fundraiser/

This weekend's 1 in 36 guest is Jamie Bishop. Jamie is a brewmaster and co-owner of Mill House Brewing Company (MHBC) in Poughkeepsie, NY. He is also a long time friend of Anderson Center for Autism, as this is the 10th year MHBC is brewing Mr. Anderson Ale for us. "A Century of Impact, a Decade of Beer" is the theme for this year's Mr. Anderson Ale launch!  Following the launch event on April 4th, $1 of every pint sold by Mill House Brewing Company during April (Autism Acceptance Month) will be donated back to us! Mill House will also be offering a select amount of sixtel kegs to help spread awareness and raise additional funds. We'd like to also thank these participating businesses: Decicco’s, Brewster | Farmers & Chefs, Poughkeepsie | Jason Patrick's, Poughkeepsie | Green Growler, Croton on Hudson | Half Time, Poughkeepsie & Mamaroneck | Mahoney's Irish Pub, Poughkeepsie | Ole Savannah, Kingston | Climbing Wolf, Dobbs Ferry | Spettro, Poughkeepsie | Cosimo's, Poughkeepsie.

We thank MHBC for their dedication in helping raise autism awareness and acceptance. Tune in! 

 

This weekend's 1 in 36 guest is Linda Bertolozzi. Linda is the Director of Office of Accommodative Services at Dutchess Community College (DCC). Anderson and DCC are long time partners and friends, collaborating on many projects over the years. Linda joins us to discuss the many different ways the Office of Accommodative Services (OAS) departments helps students, including the Think Ahead program. OAS is committed to providing equal access and an inclusive campus community by providing accessibility services and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Tune in to learn more about Linda and the OAS department, or visit: https://www.sunydutchess.edu/around-campus/student-services/accommodative-services/

 

Don't forget!
DCC is hosting a FREE Transition to College workshop on March 19th
Time:  8:45 am - 1:00 pm
The James and Betty Hall Theatre, 53 Pendell Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA
Dutchess Community College
This workshop is for high school students with an IEP or 504 Plan; their parents/guardians; school personnel and any others involved in the college planning process.

This weekend's 1 in 36 guest is Beth Poague. Beth is a family and community educator for early childhood special education at Westchester Institute for Human Development. She is also a parent advocate for families with children with disabilities. Beth holds a master’s degree in Social Justice Educational Studies at SUNY New Paltz, focusing on disability advocacy, inclusion and anti-racism work, and is a graduate of the Certified NYS Partners in Policymaking. Tune in to learn more about Beth, or visit the links below:

 

The NYSED OSE Partnership (New York State Education Office of Special Education Partnership), which includes the Early Childhood and School Age Family and Community Engagement (FACE) centers in each region in New York: https://osepartnership.org/about

 

WIHD's link to Family and Community Engagement: https://www.wihd.org/what-we-do/community-support-network/early-childhood-special-education-face-center/

 

Parents and caregivers can sign up to receive emails from WIHD, and be notified of trainings: Home - Westchester Institute for Human Development (wihd.org) 

This weekend's 1 in 36 guests are Jomilson and Theresa Alvarez. This husband and wife duo are the co-owners of St. Christopher Fitness (SCF)! They founded SCF in 2021, inspired by a family member who is diagnosed with ASD. Their mission is to provide adaptive and inclusive fitness for everyone. They believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and active lifestyle, regardless of ability or disability. They provide private training for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges including but not limited to Down syndrome, ASD, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and rare genetic conditions. SCF is located in Clifton Park, NY - tune in to learn more or visit https://www.stchristopherfitness.com/ 

 

This weekend's 1 in 36 guest is Sarah McKeon. Sarah is the General Manager of New Jersey Airports for The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Most recently, Anderson Center Consulting and Training collaborated with Newark Liberty International Airport on a new sensory room located in Terminal A. The 1,000 square foot sensory lounge for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities provides a calming oasis from the noise and visual stimulation of the airport. Tune in to learn more! 

This weekend's 1 in 36 guest is Maggie Reilly. Maggie is the program coordinator for the East Fishkill TOPSoccer program. TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training program for all athletes with intellectual, emotional, and or physical disabilities. The program strives to provide opportunities for players to develop at their own pace in a safe, fun, and supportive/inclusive environment. Registration is FREE and always open! Tune in to learn more about Maggie and this inclusive program, or visit: https://efsc.net/intramural/special-needs-tops

This weekend's 1 in 36 guests are Ellen Pikula and Will Smith.

Ellen is the Mid State Regional Director for Special Olympics NY. Will is a program and development specialist, as well as an athlete and member of the Athlete Leadership Council. Special Olympics New York provides inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to discover and unleash the champion within. Anderson Center for Autism and Special Olympics have worked together for many years to coach, train, and maximize athletes' potential, all while having fun competing! Interested in getting involved? Sign up to become a volunteer or coach today: https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/get-involved/become-a-coach/ 

This weekend's 1 in 36 guest is Debbie Goddard. Debbie is the Family and Community Educator at the Lower Hudson Valley FACE Center at the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD). She has been with WIHD for five years. Debbie has a personal connection to autism, as she is the parent of an individual with ASD. Debbie is also the founder and former president of the Ossining School District SEPTO where she coordinated with professionals to lead workshops, presentations and Q & A sessions on a variety of relevant topics to the disability community. Tune in to learn more about the FACE Center and WIHD!

 

This weekend's 1 in 36 guest is Kelley Coleman. Author and advocate Kelley Coleman is the parent of two boys, one of whom has multiple disabilities. She is a film development executive turned author and passionate advocate for parent caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Kelley joins us to discuss her new book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child. This publication draws upon over a decade of Kelley's advocacy, along with experience learned in her prior career of writing and developing talking animal movies. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.kelleycoleman.com/