autism - conceptual planning for a charter campus prototype

The Autism Spectrum: Conceptual Planning for A Charter Campus Prototype in MA

(Housing, Education & Treatment)

DRAFT V1.0 –Autism Awareness Month – 04/09/2013 1

http://www.capitalcare.co/




INDEX OF MATERIALS:

Defining Autism & The Spectrum

Government Response

Current Federal Initiatives

State Initiatives (ARICA)

The Campus Concept – Four Key Attributes

Prospective Collaborators

Suggested Next Actions





Defining Autism…

Social Deficits

Communication Problems

Repetitive Behavior

Autism is defined by the presence of difficulties in three

areas: social deficits; communication problems; and

repetitive or restricted behaviors with an onset in at least

one area by age three.

It is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed

with autism (and one in every 70 boys), making it more

common than childhood cancer; juvenile diabetes; and

pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million

individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide

are affected by autism.

Source: http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2541


http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2541




The Spectrum

Each individual with autism is unique. About 40

percent have average to above average intellectual

abilities. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take

deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical”

ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have

significant disability and are unable to live independently.

About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal

but can learn to communicate using other means. For

some, this means the development and delivery of more

effective treatments that can address significant

challenges in communication and physical health. For

others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and

support.

Source: http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism


http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism




• Less than $300 million a yearSPENDS

• $33 billion for services & careCOSTS

Government Response





Current Federal Initiatives

Federal Health Care Reform

The implementation of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act could have profound

implications on autism insurance reform and laws passed by a majority of states. Autism Speaks is

closely monitoring the regulatory framework being created by the U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2011

Autism Speaks is supporting the ABLE Act which would allow the creation of tax-free 529

accounts for individuals with disabilities, including autism, to save for their future needs without

losing access to other resources.

Source: http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.3909865/k.F405/Federal_Initiatives.htm


http://www.autismvotes.org/site/lookup.asp?c=frKNI3PCImE&b=6518557

http://www.autismspeaks.org/


http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.3909865/k.F405/Federal_Initiatives.htm




2012 Presidential Campaign

Autism Speaks is asking each of the 2012 candidates for President to sign on to its Blueprint for an

Appropriate Federal Response to Autism.

The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA) of 2011

President Obama signed the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 into law on September

30, 2011, securing the Federal response to the national and public health emergency posed by

autism spectrum disorders for another three years. Sponsored by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and

Mike Doyle (D-PA) in the House of Representatives, and Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and

Mike Enzi (R-WY) in the Senate, the law authorizes $693 million in federal resources for

continued autism research, treatment and services.

Federal Initiatives









The IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (S. 613/H.R. 1208)

Sponsored in the Senate by Senator Tom Harkin (IA) and in the House by Representative Chris Van

Hollen (MD-8) these bills would allow parents to recover expert witness fees in an action under the

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Military Families and Autism Advocacy

Are you a member of a Military family affected by autism? Want to get more involved with issues

of policy and legislation that affect children with autism in military families?

Federal Initiatives



http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4429975/k.3D59/IDEA_Fairness_Restoration_Act.htm






Massachusetts Becomes the 23rd State to Enact Autism Insurance

Reform Act

What treatments are covered under ARICA? The law covers the following care prescribed,

provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders by a

licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary:

State Initiatives : - H4935 An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism

(ARICA)

Rehabilitative Pharmacy Psychological Therapeutic





Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – this includes professional, counseling and guidance services

and treatment programs, including but not limited to, applied behavior analysis supervised by a

board certified behavior analyst, that are necessary to develop, maintain and restore, to the

maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual.

Pharmacy care - medications prescribed by a licensed physician and health-related services deemed

medically necessary to determine the need or effectiveness of the medications, to the same extent

that pharmacy care is provided by the insurance policy for other medical conditions.

H4935 An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA)





Psychiatric care - direct or consultative services provided by a psychiatrist licensed in the state in

which the psychiatrist practices.

Psychological care -direct or consultative services provided by a psychologist licensed in the state

in which the psychologist practices.

Therapeutic care - services provided by licensed or certified speech therapists, occupational

therapists, physical therapists or social workers.

H4935 An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA)





An Act establishing a commission to study the feasibility of a charter school for

students on the autism spectrum

By Ms. Coakley-Rivera of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2710) of Swan

and Coakley-Rivera for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the

General) relative to establishing a charter school for students diagnosed with Autism Joint

Committee on Education.

Sponsors: Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera

Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Education

Bill H.2710


http://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/CAR1

http://malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint/J14




ONE

Clustered

Neighborhood

Model

TWO

Community Building/Activities

Center

THREE

Rooftop & Community

Gardens

FOUR

Equine-Assisted Therapies Center

THE CAMPUS CONCEPT –ATTRIBUTES FOR CONSIDERATION





PROSPECTIVE COLLABORATORS

The following slides present a summary view of organizations / programs that we have

identified as both prospective collaborators and inspirations for key attributes of the

campus prototype that we endeavor to develop …





Developed by Dr. William Thomas and rooted in the tradition of the Eden Alternative, a model for

cultural change within nursing facilities, The Green House model is intended to de-institutionalize

long-term care by eliminating large nursing facilities and creating habilitative, social settings.

A radical departure from traditional skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities, The Green

House model alters facility size, interior design, staffing patterns, and methods of delivering skilled

professional services.

THE GREEN HOUSE MODEL


http://www.edenalt.com/




Neighborhood Model

The Concept contemplates a neighborhood of

Residential Prototypes that have been designed in

order to adapt to multiple occupancies types.





THE GREEN HOUSE (Illustrative Photos & Rendering)





THE GREEN HOUSE (Illustrative Photographs)





Normalization and the Silverado Story

The principle of normalization aims to refute the idea that people who have disabilities should be kept

separate from society. Putting people with “their own kind” detracts from individuality and dignity.

Based on these principles, Silverado Senior Living has created many programs and standards which

aim to provide every resident with dignity and respect.

Allowing pets and children, welcoming family, and frequent interactions with the community through

our service clubs are a few ways we create a warm home-like environment for our residents.





Impact OASIS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to

promote inclusion and acceptance of autistic individuals into

their local communities by establishing farm centers that provide

meaningful work, peaceful and healthy residences and

community interaction.

We have been granted a ground lease, from the township of

Middletown, on a portion of a 15 acre farm tract at Stevenson’s

Park, Middletown.

OASIS has agreed that this area is to be used for farming,

gardening and horticultural purposes as part of our education,

training and assistance programs for autistic individuals.

Impact Oasis (TRAIL)

SOURCE: http://www.impactoasis.com


http://www.impactoasis.com/




Impact OASIS is proposing to create a Transitional Residential/Adult Independent Learning

(TRAIL) Center that will provide young adults with autism a unique experience parallel to their

non-disabled peers once they graduate from high school.

After High School most young adults have a first opportunity to live on their own. Some go on to

college; others may get a job and an apartment. Both begin to learn how to manage their own lives

more independently; from ensuring there’s food in their homes to learning how to manage their

time and take on adult role responsibilities such as work, continuing education or other type of

community role.The OASIS TRAIL Center will provide the following services to assist in

facilitating the transition from the role of student to that of an adult for those served:

Residential/Habilitation services/Vocational services/Recreational/Respite services/

Continuing education (focus will be on language comprehension and usage and social skills

training)

Impact Oasis (TRAIL)

SOURCE: http://www.impactoasis.com


http://www.impactoasis.com/




The Greenhouse Project, is an initiative dedicated to

improving environmental science education

in NYC public schools through the construction of on-

site greenhouse laboratories, based on the Science Barge

design, and the provision of a hands-on educational

curriculum.

The Center functions as a hands-on classroom for

students from Kindergarten through 8th grade with an

integrated environmental science curriculum. The

facility also serves as a teacher training center and

model for replication at other urban schools.





The Charles River Center (formerly Charles River Arc) is a private, nonprofit human service agency in

Needham, Massachusetts, providing employment and job training, residential homes, therapeutic day

programs, and recreational programs for children and adults with mental retardation and other

developmental disabilities. Founded by a group of parents of children with special needs in 1956, the

mission of Charles River has always been to improve the quality of life by helping each individual with a

developmental disability achieve his or her highest possible level of independence so that he or she

can fully participate, benefit, and become a contributing member of the community.

The Charles River Center serves over 500 families from many communities including Needham,

Wellesley, Weston, Newton, Dedham, Cambridge, Brighton, Brookline, Framingham, Natick,

Westwood, Dover, Waltham, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Roxbury, Watertown, Quincy, Norwood, West

Roxbury and many more.

Source: : http://www.charlesrivercenter.org/index.cfm

The Charles River Center


http://www.charlesrivercenter.org/index.cfm




The LABBB Collaborative

The LABBB Collaborative helps students with special needs

reach their full potential through high quality programs that

integrate academic, social, recreational and vocational services

and enable participation in the least restrictive environment.

By sharing its resources with multiple school districts and social

service agencies, its programs maintain superior quality and

reasonable costs to those it serves, by meeting or exceeding state

standards, and achieving economies of scale. We are serving 60

cities and delivered the following specialized services.

SOURCE: http://www.labbb.com/


http://www.labbb.com/




Vocational development…

Vocational development and real life job exploration are the

primary goals of the LABBB Vocational Program. All students

participate in vocational programming that is individualized.

The LABBB Vocational Program has been recognized

statewide, nationally and internationally for excellence in

vocational programming. It has received numerous awards for

Best Practices and quality vocational programming. The

LABBB Program continues to comply with required industrial

standards. Students do receive monthly paychecks.







Specialized Services…

Adapted Physical Education

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy

Behavioral Therapy

Counseling

Work preparedness

Transition services

Reading Consultation

Vocational Training

Assistive Technology

Consultation







Residence Halls, Classrooms, Gymnasium, Pavilion, Fitness Center, Library,

Ballfield, Riding Ring and Stables, Fishing Ponds and Grounds combine to

create a setting for a special needs education as lovely and complete as any

college campus. Students at our school for special needs enjoy the commons

areas as much as their own private rooms. The center of it all is the historic

Main Building, where Administration Offices, the Business Office, Residential

Services and Health Care can be found. The Main Building is also home to a

women’s residence hall.

Stewart Home School - Kentucky

SOURCE: http://www.stewarthome.com/


http://www.stewarthome.com/




Horses have always been a part of Stewart Home School

since its inception in 1893. The Equestrian Program itself

has evolved from just a few students riding to almost half of

the school’s population being involved with the horses.

Our program is open to all interested

students and, depending on their

request, they may be riding the horses

or driving our Shetland pony. If

necessary, the students’ medical and

physical abilities are evaluated to place

them in the safest and most enjoyable

portion of the program.





Day Habilitation

An interdisciplinary clinical team and a strong

behavioral approach are incorporated into each

day habilitation site to develop functional

skills and enjoyment of the communities

surrounding them. Each one has its own

unique personality based on its participants.

Our day support professional instructors work

closely with our clinical staff in developing

dynamic schedules of activities to ensure that

the person is actively involved in their daily

routines.

Speech & Language Communication Therapists

Occupational Therapists

Physical Therapists

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants

Certified Physical Therapist Assistants

Behavioral Psychologist

http://www.tillinc.org/index.html


http://www.tillinc.org/index.html




EGA

EGA is an architectural design and planning firm that

was founded 43 years ago with the commitment to offer

only the highest levels of design service to its clients.

While EGA has provided architectural services for a

diverse listing of project types, the firm’s primary

practice is the study and design of senior living

environments.

This has been the foundation and focus of the practice

from the firm’s inception. EGA is a nationally recognized

leader in the senior living field with a continuing

commitment to excellence in design and service to its

clients.





Noble Homes

Noble Home, LLC was formed in 2007 based on the notion

that a modern kit house may just be the best way to help

new homeowners build an environmentally responsible and

responsive dwelling.

Noble Home is made up of a multi-disciplinary team of

designers, builders and philosophers. We all have a deep

commitment to sustainable development and in keeping our

environment safe for future generations. We are ready to

explore and tackle any high or low tech solution to living

lightly on the Earth.





PATH International

PATH Intl. was founded in 1969 as the North American Riding

for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) to promote safe

and effective therapeutic horseback riding throughout the

United States and Canada. Today, PATH Intl. has nearly 800

member centers and over 6,300 individual members in

countries all over the world, who help and support more than

42,000 men, women and children with special needs each year

through a variety of equine-assisted activity and therapy

programs.





What others are doing… Select Path Certified Centers in Massachusetts

Organization Address 2 URL

Blue Pony Hatchville, MA 02536 www.bluepony.org

Breezy Hill Therapeutic Riding Holliston, MA 01746-1403

Dr. Franklin Perkins School Lancaster, MA 01523-2569 www.perkinschool.org

Equine Partners, Inc. Hopkinton, MA 01748 www.equinepartnersonline.com

Flying High Farm Lunenburg, MA 01462-2013 www.flyinghighfarm.com

Forge Works Farm, LLC Rutland, MA 01543-1616 www.forgeworks.net

Friends for Tomorrow, Inc. Lincoln, MA 01773 www.friendsfortomorrow.org

Greener Pastures Chelmsford, MA 01824-4415 www.flyingchangestables.com

Greenlock Therapeutic Riding Center Rehoboth, MA 02769 www.greenlock.org

Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program Lincoln, MA 01773-3105 www.lovelane.org

Nantucket Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. Nantucket, MA 02554-0023 www.seaponyfarm.com





What others are doing… Select Path Certified Centers in Massachusetts

Organization Address 2 URL

Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association Inc. Belchertown, MA 01007-0944 www.pioneervalleytra.org

Prayers Answered Therapeutic Horsemanship Shirley, MA 01464-0175

Rehabilitative Resources Inc Brookfield, MA 01506 www.rehabrescourcesinc.org

Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. West Tisbury, MA 02575-0044 www.risingtidetec.org

Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian Farm Tewksbury, MA 01876-0755 www.t-h-e-farm.org

The Bina Farm Natick, MA 01760 www.binafarm.org

The Bridge Center Bridgewater, MA 02324-2112 www.thebridgectr.org

Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc www.equestriantherapy.org

Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program West Bridgewater, MA 02379 www.wildheartstherapeutic.org

Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc. Boxford, MA 01921-2216 www.windrushfarm.org





The Flag Foundation stewards an international network of

sanctuary ranches that foster horse/human partnership.

Activities on our ranches range from holistic horse care to

equine-guided personal and professional development –

universal experience accessible and beneficial to everyone.

Because they possess sophisticated skills in emotional, social

and body intelligence, horses are leading us to our next level of

human development.

Each interaction informs and transforms, one horse, one

person, one life at a time. Each ranch preserved devotes land to

this purpose in perpetuity.

The Flag Foundation





Potential Collaborators…





Other Potential Collaborators…





Suggested Next Actions

1) Survey & Consolidate our thinking Re “The Concept”

2) Refine Planning Document so that it accurately depicts our intentions

3) Identify Key People that we wish to prospect for collaboration

4) Update & Distribute Deliverable to Identified Prospects for directional feedback

5) Plan Meet and Greets / Conference Calls with interested parties

6) Establish an advisory Board of Directors represented by collaborators established to further develop, guide

and govern business plans.

The key resources required to further develop and advance this business plan will represent a wide array of

disciplines.

These may include: Architectural & Design Specialists; Medical Professionals & Healthcare Specialists;

Educational Institutions & Academia Professionals; Governmental Agencies;

Corporate / Individual Sponsors





For more information:

Please contact David McCarron at [email protected]

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative(and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendidplans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. Allsorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A wholestream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner ofunforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could havedreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

― JohannWolfgang von Goethe


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/285217.Johann_Wolfgang_von_Goethe