Discovering the Skills and Talents of Adults with Autism
June 11, 2010

Lara Vicini (left), age 28 of Fogelsville and Denise Romansky, Via’s Autism Services coordinator, delivering supplies at Sacred Heart Hospital as part the hospital’s volunteer program.

BETHLEHEM,PA – People want to be connected to friends and family, and learn, work, and be respected for their choices.  Adults with autism want the same things. 

Through a three-year, $275,000 grant from Lehigh County HealthChoices, Via of the Lehigh Valley offers a program to provide support and services to adults age 21 and older with autism.  Via provides services annually to 20 adults with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD).  Services are provided free of charge as part of the grant and Via is accepting adults in this program.  Via is hosting an open house on June 30 for perspective participants to learn more about the program.

“Developing social skills and peer networks helps people with autism gain independence  and find success in life and career development,” said Denise Romansky, Via Autism Services coordinator.

“With the increasing number of ASD diagnoses, resources for support are limited.  Via’s Autism Services provide educational, vocational and recreational activities in the community which helps our participants learn valuable skills and gain independence.”

Amanda Augustine, age 21 of Bethlehem, folding and assembling a mailing project at Sacred Heart Hospital.

Via’s Autism Services is a resource for adults to connect with each other, their peers, and community resources so they can explore their talents and potential.  Take Amanda Augustine, age 21, from Bethlehem for example.

A graduate of Via’s Teen Summer program, Augustine started with Via’s Autism Services in January.  “Together, we set up goals for the year, like focusing on attention to detail and expanding Amanda’s job skill sets.  We established a plan of how Amanda would achieve these goals,” said Romansky.

Augustine volunteers at Sacred Heart Hospital doing a variety of activities, from assembling packets for special events to delivering medical supplies throughout the hospital.  “I get to deliver supplies to people who need it at the hospital.  It’s important and it helps other people,” said Augustine.

In addition to developing job-related skills, Augustine also has the opportunity to participate in workshops that focus on life skills like finances and safety.  “We’re learned about budgeting and saving from TD Bank,” she said.

“I take the bus everywhere.  Doctor’s appointments, to the YMCA for swimming, to the bookstore.  I learned that I need $45 a month, not including transfers.”

Via’s Autism Services serves a group of individuals whose skills and talents have gone unrecognized in the community, said Romansky.  “Due to a lack of state and local funding for adults with autism, this group has gone without support for too long.  The population we serve has a wide range of untapped skills and potential.  Without programs like this, their abilities may go unnoticed and unexplored.”

One program goal is to educate the community about the talent and skills of adults with autism.  By connecting participants to the community through volunteer, recreational and vocational opportunities, the public can learn more about the potential of this unrealized community resource.

“People want to be connected to friends and family, and learn, work, and be respected for their choices,” said Romansky.

“Via’s Autism Services are a way to introduce options for people after they graduate from high school – like exploring employment and housing options.  It also serves as a way to educate the community about the potential for employment and volunteer opportunities for adults with autism that they may not have otherwise thought possible. “

Via partners with employers, local agencies and institutions of higher education so participants participate in job shadowing, job site visits, career exploration, resume preparation, inclusive service learning and volunteer activities.  “It’s fun to learn new things.  I can be more independent and go to places like the library on my own,” said Augustine.

“Once I figured out how to read the bus schedule, it’s easy to get where I want to go.  I’ve been able to explore the community.”

Via has been serving our community since 1954.  Via’s mission is to provide support and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities so they can live full, independent and productive lives.

Via gives hope to families across our communities by working hand in hand with parents to give their kids a chance for early success through speech, occupational and physical therapy.  Via works every day to help people find jobs in our community so that they can have a satisfying job of their choice.  And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering and participating in recreational activities.  Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.
Via’s Autism Services Open House  |   Wednesday, June 30, 2010
6pm  | Via of the Lehigh Valley, 336 W. Spruce Street, Bethlehem, PA

To RSVP (by June 29) or for more information, contact:
Denise Romansky, Via Autism Services coordinator  |  610-317-8000 x467 D.Romanksy@ViaNet.org

Photo captions:

• Lara Vicini (left), age  28 of Fogelsville and Denise Romansky, Via’s Autism Services coordinator, delivering supplies at Sacred Heart Hospital as part the hospital’s volunteer program.
• Amanda Augustine, age 21 of Bethlehem, folding and assembling a mailing project at Sacred Heart Hospital.

 

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390