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PROGRAMS & SERVICES
TEA TIME
FOR TEACHERS
SELF-ADVOCACY GROUP
ASPERGER’S GROUP
LENDING LIBRARY
AUTISM STORE
ASI ArtsWork Program
Take a look behind the scenes of how our artists create their work and the philosophy behind out ArtsWork program. This 7 minute documentary short was made possible by a grant from AFAA.
Inside the Sensory Room
With calming gradient lights, soft motions and etheric music we create an environment of controlled stimulations. Our Sensory Room has the perfect atmosphere for sensory decompression and is utilized before our individuals engage in other environments.
Sensory Equipment
To meet the fluctuating sensory needs of an individual with autism, a proper sensory diet is often prescribed. This involves the use of sensory equipment that provides a balance of sensory input at levels controlled by the person who is on the autism spectrum.
No Words Spoken
No Words Spoken began with the premise that the motion sensory qualities that are native to autism are actually hidden talents when applied to the performing arts. Repetition, movement and tactile stimulation are all involved while our performers engage the community. Click the video above to see No Words Spoken perform for a live audience at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
A Case Study
Marchon Brooks is one of the Occupational Therapists at ASI. She works with several of our individuals, helping them with sensory integration. In this case study she demonstrates some of the techniques that she uses.
CASE: Center for Autism Support and Education
CASE provides information, training and support for families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the professionals who work with them. CASE will enable family support staff and community recreation providers to better serve families. CASE will also support parents in effectively advocating for their children.
CASE provides a variety of specialized workshops to help families and professionals better understand ASD and the behaviors and characteristics that come with it. CASE will always seek to offer workshop topics that are meaningful and relevant to both families and providers.
CASE has been designed to enable families to become more equal partners with professionals. When families and professionals are equal partners, the individual with ASD will have an increased opportunity to be more successful in all areas of their life.
CASE is comprised of the following agencies: Autistic Services, Inc., Daemen College, Early Childhood Direction Center, Parent Network or WNY and Summit Educational Resources. Through this collaboration, CASE will provide guidance and information for families, service providers and individuals with ASD from birth to adulthood.
To Learn More about CASE visit their website at www.parentnetworkwny.org
About Community Canvases
Community Canvases was founded in February of 2013 by Jim Montour and Alex Cornwell. Beginning as a research project for a solution to the graffiti problem in areas of Buffalo, they found that public art is a perminant solution to blight and vandalism. More that that, the ability to bring members of the community together by engaging them in the very act of creating public art would make neighborhoods better connected, safer and give a stronger sense of place for each neighborhood.
With each initiative, Community Canvases strives to pair local artists with their community, working together to transform neglected and overlooked sites into artworks that reflect the history, culture, and artistic expression of Western New York’s many diverse communities.
Community Canvases aims to serve as a public art and community development initiative for Western New York. It connect public figures, activists, local artists, volunteers and neighbors in an effort to beautify their community with public art that celebrates their diversity and history. By beautifying tired and neglected infrastructure, neighborhoods become more prosperous, safer and better connected to each other.
ASI’s Education Program was recently awarded a grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Western New York, for 22 iPads for our classrooms. Our students are enjoying the new iPads, they are great teaching tools!
The grant monies used to support this award were raised through the efforts of the local McDonald’s Restaurants in the Western New York community, and in part by national McDonald’s promotional programs.
Ronald McDonald House Charities® provides lodging, comfort and emotional support to families of children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals and reaches out to families in the community by supporting programs that benefit children.
The book A LIFE WITH A PURPOSE features Francis’ artwork along with unique photographs by Steven Desmonds. You may order direct from Heintz & Weber Company.
