A new book shines a light on the world
of autism, and introduces us to some
of the remarkable individuals who live there--including a Kingsway student.
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STUDENT PROFILE
Finding a Voice
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Meet Samantha—an artist, a poet, an individual with many gifts—hidden, until recently. At 17, she is an accomplished painter with her work featured in the book, The Autistic Mind Finally Speaks, by Gregory Tino. Like any 17-year old, Samantha is exploring her interests and experimenting with creative endeavors. Unlike many teens, she communicates differently. She, like many other individuals who attend Kingsway, is a person with non-speaking autism.
Samantha is in her third year at Kingsway, her first in the Community Based Instruction (CBI) program—a hands-on approach to preparing students for community and employment opportunities. “Her team at Kingsway has worked hard to do what is best for Samantha—especially Tara Buck and Teacher Lauren Martin,” says Samantha’s mom, Kristine. “I am thankful that Kingsway allowed her Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist (Donna Stone and Donna Giannini) to transition with her to CBI. They have been incredible—creating lessons, whether in-person or remote, that are age appropriate and creative.” Kristine says Samantha's Teacher, Mike Dabek, and Behavior Analyst, Joelle Schaefer, "have provided a safe environment to support Samantha."
Samantha’s emergence as an artist coincided with her use of a communication method using a simple, laminated letter board. “Up until the last few years, we had no idea what she was capable of doing,” says Samantha’s mom, Kristine. “Art lessons from a friend also helped further open a world of expression." At Kingsway, Samantha receives the therapies and academics she needs, but those who work with her never lose sight of the need to nurture her creative side. “Samantha is truly insightful and talented,” says Donna Stone, Occupational Therapist. “She has taught us to never underestimate her abilities, and continues to inspire us everyday.”
“We are so incredibly grateful to finally hear our daughter’s own thoughts and learn who she is,” says Kristine. “She is open-minded, kind, has a sense of humor, cares very deeply for others that cannot speak for themselves, and loves her family and friends very deeply.”
Kingsway is proud of the ways Samantha continues to learn and grow, and humbled to be a part of her journey.
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Above: more of Samantha's artwork. |
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Samantha works on the cover art for the book. Her letter board can be seen, bottom right. |
Samantha, at Kingsway, successfully completing tasks independently. |
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IN THE CLASSROOM
Science projects, puppy toys, and school spirit!
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Emily Dempsey's Community Based Instruction class, working with Occupational Therapist Karen Acerbo, conducted an "ice fishing" science experiment using some string, a can, ice, and salt. Can you pick up ice with a string? Yes! It's all in the salt, as Ayanna (left) |
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and Ben (right) illustrate. Salt lowers the freezing point of water to below 0 degrees Celsius. Add salt to the ice, and it melts a thin layer. The water re-freezes around the string, allowing you to pick it up! |
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Community Based Instruction (CBI) students have paused outings to community job sites due to COVID-19, but the work continues. Kianna (left) and Sean (below) are creating snuffle mats to donate to the Animal Welfare Association. Dogs will use the mats to sniff and search for hidden treats. |
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Natalie Dalesandro's Pre-School class celebrates Kingsway spirit remotely! Top row, left to right: Ms. Dalesandro; Rachel Dolbow, Aide; Shannon Rendfrey, Teacher Assistant; Kelly Driscoll Aide; Danielle Lilly, Teacher Assistant. Second row: Francesca; Erika Levin, Aide; Molly, Finn, Nathan; Third row: Frankie and Olley. |
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Teaching remotely is a challenge for everyone, and Kingsway's staff members and parents do all they can to keep students engaged and moving forward with their education and therapies. Expressing support and appreciation for everyone's effort is the key to success. Elementary Teacher Danielle Gehin Scott's classroom staff recently sent her a virtual hug for all her hard work during remote learning. From left messages from: Adrianne Bendu, Corina Riad, Tanyetta Sanders, Dan Abrams, and Emily Jean Johnson.
Many thanks to all our teachers, therapists, support staff, and especially parents,
for their exceptional efforts during these exceptional times.
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Beating the winter blues with art
at the Adult Program
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Art Teacher Karen Spieker, top right, works with Adult Program clients remotely. "This project was about things that make us feel good in the cold," says Ms. Spieker. "We worked on color and patterns and also a bit of shading and perspective. Our three-dimensional hot cocoa mugs sat on a plate, on a table with a bright tablecloth. We created our own background of wall paper. We then added some extra fun with real items like a spoon, napkin, snack wrapper, some cotton steam and mini marshmallows. Hopefully, this will help us chase the cold as winter is now upon us." Above, from left: Evan, Ms. Spieker, Katie with her mom, Emily, and Melanie; right: the beautiful finished pieces! |
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No matter what, Kingsway will be here to support students, adult clients, and their families through the second wave of this pandemic. Even as Covid-19 continues to flare locally and nationally, we know that our programming remains an essential part of our students' and clients' lives--and in many cases, that our programming is more important than ever. Please consider partnering with Kingsway financially by making a gift today. |
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Kingsway Community Connection, Winter 2021 - Editor: Stefanie Mis
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