Post by Tim Collins on Aug 19, 2012 9:17:30 GMT -7
August 19, 2012
The Autism Society of El Paso has been operating since 1994 with the mission of raising Autism Awareness in the Community and supporting those families with a family member on the Autism Spectrum. Eighteen years of dedication by many, many volunteers and the generous support of our community at large. Now we would like to raise the stakes and move beyond awareness to making a real, tangible, and lasting contribution to improving the lives of those affected by Autism.
What we hope to achieve:
Autism Community Demographic Survey
El Paso has experienced a major milestone with the opening of the University Medical Center of The Americas and The Children's Hospital of El Paso. The Autism Society of El Paso would like to partner with these organizations (and all other Medical Professionals) to undertake a comprehensive survey of the population of people on The Autism Spectrum within the greater El Paso area. We know that no such data currently exists, and that having such verifiable data would greatly increase our ability to partner w1th these organizations to attract medical professionals to the area to serve this greatly under-served population. We also believe having such data, particularly given our heavily Hispanic population, would greatly enhance our attractiveness as a location for medical research.
To my knowledge there is only 2 or 3 Pediatric Neurologist currently practicing in El Paso, and as far as I can determine the same or even smaller number of physicians that specialize in the treatment of Autism. This is a critical issue. Caring for a person on The Autism Spectrum is a complicated proposition to begin with, such a scarcity of professional medical support makes providing the necessary care almost impossible.
Autism Research and Technology Lending Library
The Autism Society would like to provide a comprehensive library covering a broad spectrum of issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our community is in great need of professional knowledge and advice on Autism in general and techniques and strategies for helping their Autistic family members maximize their potential. No such resource is available or easily accessible at this time.
The greatest teacher and support available to a person with Autism is the family that loves them. The greatest tool a family can have at their disposal is knowledge. We want to be able to provide that knowledge on demand.
Given the low median income in El Paso, combined with the added expense involved (medical, therapeutic, etc) in raising a person with Autism, many of our members simply cannot afford the available technology that would improve the lives of their children on the Autism Spectrum. We would like to have available a supply of I-Pads, Kindles, and other assistive technology devices that members could "borrow" or purchase at a subsidized price.
Social Integration Activities
As previously mentioned, many families with Autistic family members find it easier to avoid social events than to "risk" an embarrassing situation. We would like to develop a series of social activities where these families and their children can learn how to comfortably participate in such important events such as Quinceañeras, Wedding, Dances, or even simply going to an amusement park. Often siblings of these children pay the price of a family avoiding these important events. We would like to provide "training/practice" sessions simulating these gatherings so these children will be become comfortable and familiar enough to attend the real thing. Given the nature of Autism, social integration skills is a key learning goal, and right now no one offers a structured learning experience to build these critical quality of life skills.
How we plan to achieve these goals:
Earlier this year, The Autism Society of El Paso's Board of Directors was approached by Mr. Alejandro Toulet with a proposition. He explained that he had persuaded La Red, an organization in which he is a member, to take on The Autism Society as the benefactor of their community out reach. We agreed to join with them in this effort. Mr. Toulet, and his wife Deborah, along with Ms. Marie Moore have since put untold hours into developing a plan to help us raise the funds necessary to make our goals a reality.
They have developed a program of events entitled "All for Autism" that will take place this November. The outline of these events is as follows:
ALL FOR AUTISM SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 12TH - "BLUE MONDAY" - EL PASO SCHOOLS & CITY EMPLOYEES WILL PARTICIPATE IN FUND RAISING PROJECTS AND LEARN THE FACTS ABOUT AUTISM
NOVEMBER 13TH - A.M. - "TAKE IT TO THE PRESS" - LOCAL PRESS WILL ATTEND OUR CITY PROCLAMATION, THEN ENJOY A PRESS RECEPTION AT OUR HOST HOTEL
P.M. - INFORMATIVE SEMINAR WILL DISCUSS FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF AN AUTISTIC PERSON
NOVEMBER 14TH - "FAMILY FUN DAY" - AUTISM SPECTRUM FAMILIES WILL BE INVITED TO RELAX AND ENJOY FRIENDLY LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
NOVEMBER 15TH - "SILENT AUCTION/FORMAL DINNER" - GOOD FOOD, GOOD FUN, FUNDRAISING IN A CLASSIC BANQUET AMBIENCE
NOVEMBER 16TH - "GOLF TOURNAMENT"- BUTTERFIELD TRAILS WILL HOST A 'BUILD YOUR OWN BURGER LUNCHEON' AFTER 18 BEAUTIFUL HOLES OF GOLF
Mr. and Mrs. Toulet along with Ms. Marie Moore have been fully engaged in organizing these events and soliciting corporate sponsors. They have been an inspiration, but without additional volunteer support, we risk failing in our efforts.
What you can do to help:
As both a full time employee and the parent of a child with Autism, I know first hand how difficult it can be to make time available for volunteer work. I understand how awkward it can be to engage in fund raising. I appreciate the demands life throws in our way. I also know that unless we each make the time to volunteer, nothing will ever change. We have set some fairly ambitious goals, but they are also important.
Are you ready to spare some time for a worth while endeavor? Are you free during the day to help out? Can you spare a few hours in the evening? Can you write a letter to your child or family member's Special Education Teacher to enlist their school in conducting a fund raising event? Do you have business contacts willing and able to become sponsors or donors? There are countless ways that you can contribute.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
If you are interested in being a part of something great, please contact the Autism Society at swasa@sbcglobal.net or calling us at 915-772-9100. Want to learn more and get more details face to face? Join us this Tuesday August 21, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at The First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison, El Paso,TX 79902. Ms. Marie Moore and Mr. and Mrs. Toulet will be detailing how you can help.
Thank you for your kind consideration of this appeal for help.
Sincerely,
Tim Collins
Vice President
The Autism Society of El Paso
Personal E-Mail: snilloc4844@yahoo.com
cell: 915-588-2559
*********************
To learn more about this effort you may download a Power Point presentation here:
www.datafilehost.com/download-732e32b2.html
The Autism Society of El Paso has been operating since 1994 with the mission of raising Autism Awareness in the Community and supporting those families with a family member on the Autism Spectrum. Eighteen years of dedication by many, many volunteers and the generous support of our community at large. Now we would like to raise the stakes and move beyond awareness to making a real, tangible, and lasting contribution to improving the lives of those affected by Autism.
What we hope to achieve:
Autism Community Demographic Survey
El Paso has experienced a major milestone with the opening of the University Medical Center of The Americas and The Children's Hospital of El Paso. The Autism Society of El Paso would like to partner with these organizations (and all other Medical Professionals) to undertake a comprehensive survey of the population of people on The Autism Spectrum within the greater El Paso area. We know that no such data currently exists, and that having such verifiable data would greatly increase our ability to partner w1th these organizations to attract medical professionals to the area to serve this greatly under-served population. We also believe having such data, particularly given our heavily Hispanic population, would greatly enhance our attractiveness as a location for medical research.
To my knowledge there is only 2 or 3 Pediatric Neurologist currently practicing in El Paso, and as far as I can determine the same or even smaller number of physicians that specialize in the treatment of Autism. This is a critical issue. Caring for a person on The Autism Spectrum is a complicated proposition to begin with, such a scarcity of professional medical support makes providing the necessary care almost impossible.
Autism Research and Technology Lending Library
The Autism Society would like to provide a comprehensive library covering a broad spectrum of issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our community is in great need of professional knowledge and advice on Autism in general and techniques and strategies for helping their Autistic family members maximize their potential. No such resource is available or easily accessible at this time.
The greatest teacher and support available to a person with Autism is the family that loves them. The greatest tool a family can have at their disposal is knowledge. We want to be able to provide that knowledge on demand.
Given the low median income in El Paso, combined with the added expense involved (medical, therapeutic, etc) in raising a person with Autism, many of our members simply cannot afford the available technology that would improve the lives of their children on the Autism Spectrum. We would like to have available a supply of I-Pads, Kindles, and other assistive technology devices that members could "borrow" or purchase at a subsidized price.
Social Integration Activities
As previously mentioned, many families with Autistic family members find it easier to avoid social events than to "risk" an embarrassing situation. We would like to develop a series of social activities where these families and their children can learn how to comfortably participate in such important events such as Quinceañeras, Wedding, Dances, or even simply going to an amusement park. Often siblings of these children pay the price of a family avoiding these important events. We would like to provide "training/practice" sessions simulating these gatherings so these children will be become comfortable and familiar enough to attend the real thing. Given the nature of Autism, social integration skills is a key learning goal, and right now no one offers a structured learning experience to build these critical quality of life skills.
How we plan to achieve these goals:
Earlier this year, The Autism Society of El Paso's Board of Directors was approached by Mr. Alejandro Toulet with a proposition. He explained that he had persuaded La Red, an organization in which he is a member, to take on The Autism Society as the benefactor of their community out reach. We agreed to join with them in this effort. Mr. Toulet, and his wife Deborah, along with Ms. Marie Moore have since put untold hours into developing a plan to help us raise the funds necessary to make our goals a reality.
They have developed a program of events entitled "All for Autism" that will take place this November. The outline of these events is as follows:
ALL FOR AUTISM SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 12TH - "BLUE MONDAY" - EL PASO SCHOOLS & CITY EMPLOYEES WILL PARTICIPATE IN FUND RAISING PROJECTS AND LEARN THE FACTS ABOUT AUTISM
NOVEMBER 13TH - A.M. - "TAKE IT TO THE PRESS" - LOCAL PRESS WILL ATTEND OUR CITY PROCLAMATION, THEN ENJOY A PRESS RECEPTION AT OUR HOST HOTEL
P.M. - INFORMATIVE SEMINAR WILL DISCUSS FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF AN AUTISTIC PERSON
NOVEMBER 14TH - "FAMILY FUN DAY" - AUTISM SPECTRUM FAMILIES WILL BE INVITED TO RELAX AND ENJOY FRIENDLY LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
NOVEMBER 15TH - "SILENT AUCTION/FORMAL DINNER" - GOOD FOOD, GOOD FUN, FUNDRAISING IN A CLASSIC BANQUET AMBIENCE
NOVEMBER 16TH - "GOLF TOURNAMENT"- BUTTERFIELD TRAILS WILL HOST A 'BUILD YOUR OWN BURGER LUNCHEON' AFTER 18 BEAUTIFUL HOLES OF GOLF
Mr. and Mrs. Toulet along with Ms. Marie Moore have been fully engaged in organizing these events and soliciting corporate sponsors. They have been an inspiration, but without additional volunteer support, we risk failing in our efforts.
What you can do to help:
As both a full time employee and the parent of a child with Autism, I know first hand how difficult it can be to make time available for volunteer work. I understand how awkward it can be to engage in fund raising. I appreciate the demands life throws in our way. I also know that unless we each make the time to volunteer, nothing will ever change. We have set some fairly ambitious goals, but they are also important.
Are you ready to spare some time for a worth while endeavor? Are you free during the day to help out? Can you spare a few hours in the evening? Can you write a letter to your child or family member's Special Education Teacher to enlist their school in conducting a fund raising event? Do you have business contacts willing and able to become sponsors or donors? There are countless ways that you can contribute.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
If you are interested in being a part of something great, please contact the Autism Society at swasa@sbcglobal.net or calling us at 915-772-9100. Want to learn more and get more details face to face? Join us this Tuesday August 21, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at The First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison, El Paso,TX 79902. Ms. Marie Moore and Mr. and Mrs. Toulet will be detailing how you can help.
Thank you for your kind consideration of this appeal for help.
Sincerely,
Tim Collins
Vice President
The Autism Society of El Paso
Personal E-Mail: snilloc4844@yahoo.com
cell: 915-588-2559
*********************
To learn more about this effort you may download a Power Point presentation here:
www.datafilehost.com/download-732e32b2.html