The Ambassador: Spring/Summer 2012

Spring/Summer 2012 www.annecenter.org

For supporters of the mission and vision of the Anne Carlsen Center

Therapists nurture abilities and accomplishments in individuals of all ages Page 8

Family of courageous toddler shows heartfelt appreciation.

Page 4

Anne Carlsen Center brings community-based care to Bismarck area. Page 7

Levi learns how to put on his shoe, with the help of a developmental therapist.

Adam enjoys aquatic therapy with the assistance of physical therapy assistant Kelcie Schaff.

Max, who receives KIDS program services, studies his first piece of the puzzle.

Tyler pours his juice for an afternoon snack. He also enjoys helping prepare meals.

Chris, an ACC student, carefully stirs the freshly prepared salsa.

Alexandria learns how to ride a pony with support from ACC staff Pat Albrecht.

Sander receives support from physical therapist Natalie Lonnberg, as he balances on a rocker board.

T h e G r o u ndwo r k f o r G r e atn e ss !

The Anne Carlsen Center specializes in building foundations. Not the concrete sort that keeps buildings from crumbling. We construct the kind that supports the needs and the dreams of individuals with disabilities.

Some of the key ingredients in a strong foundation are skills, experience, relationships and confidence. Our highly-trained staff equips and empowers each individual we serve, fostering growth in all aspects and all phases of life.

Our very youngest clients are just starting out in life. They are working on milestones like rolling over, speaking their first words, and putting on their

shoes. Our students and school-aged clients are making huge gains, too. We love to see them succeed in the classroom and gain a variety of skills and abilities—maybe even learning how to ride a pony! The teens and adults we serve are becoming more independent each day as they learn skills ranging from meal preparation to preparing for a lifelong vocation.

Built with love and nurtured with expert care, these foundations are the underpinnings to futures filled with hope. Thank you for helping lay the groundwork for these beautiful success stories!

Michael lines up his next roll with ACC staff Carrie Beaman.

M E S S A G E

F R O M

Building a Solid Foundation for Future Success Success stories are written every day at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC). There are events that elicit applause and amazement … such as when a child or adult, after hard work and determination, reaches a key milestone by developing a vital skill or ability.

There are also the “everyday” victories—the accomplishments that take our breath away, no matter how often they are repeated.

Adam, an 18-year-old student on our Jamestown campus, celebrates his daily victories with a smile that’s unforgettable. I’ve seen the look of pure satisfaction and joy that sweeps across his face when he accomplishes a goal.

Adam has cerebral palsy, a motor disorder, but it hasn’t stopped him from reaching his dreams. Passionate about photography, he is enjoying his role this year as the ACC yearbook photographer. A communication device, attached to his power wheelchair, has a 15-inch screen and a built-in camera. Once Adam has framed up his shot, he snaps a photo by applying light pressure with his head to a switch connected to his communication device.

Adam’s speech-language pathologist at ACC is helping him learn how to make the most out of the many beneficial features of this device. A voice synthesizer becomes a voice for Adam, who has a speech disorder associated with cerebral palsy.

Scanning through symbols (representing people, places, items and events) on his screen, he selects the desired one using his head switch. That symbol is instantly converted into speech. When talking about his preferred activities, one of Adam’s favorite words to use is awesome!

The Anne Carlsen Center is helping Adam and many others build a strong foundation for future success. On page 8 you’ll see how our therapists, 2 The Ambassador

T H E

C E O

using the latest techniques and technology, are nurturing a variety of critical skills and abilities in those we serve.

As we lay the groundwork for lives of greater independence, we are meeting needs in the areas of therapy, education, assistive technology, medical support, home life, daily living skills, vocational training, behavioral intervention and spiritual enrichment. It’s a holistic approach, enriching the mind, body and soul.

The Anne Carlsen Center is committed to sharing this knowledge and experience.

You’ll read on page 11 about our newly-established Resource Center, designed to share the expertise of Center staff with other professionals and families. We provide assessments, evaluations and consultations—as well as a variety of trainings and educational opportunities.

Improving accessibility to care is a priority and a passion for us. Since 2008, through our Community Based Services, the Center has provided our individualized services and supports in homes and communities across the state. Our offices in Grand Forks, Fargo and Jamestown offer a base of operations for staff and a convenient place for clients and families to connect with resources.

As you’ll see on page 7, we are expanding our Community Based Services into the Bismarck area this year.

The Anne Carlsen Center continues to grow our services and our service area to meet the growing needs in our region. We exist, as our mission statement attests, to make the world a more inclusive place where independence is a gift to all.

Building strong foundations is our specialty. We pave the way to success by nurturing abilities and instilling confidence.

Adam has tasted that success. This outgoing high school student who loves the Minnesota Vikings and cooking shows on television also loves sharing

his story. In March, he was selected as a presenter at the 5th Annual North Dakota Occupational Therapy Student Conference in Jamestown.

Around 30 participants listened attentively to Adam as he utilized his communication device to share information and insight.

Your dedicated support is helping Adam and so many others build productive and fulfilling lives! At the Anne Carlsen Center, we put no limits on their success. The individuals we serve never cease to amaze us with their abilities.

They inspire hope, not pity, and are making valuable and lasting contributions to society.

I think Adam says it best— that’s awesome!

With gratitude,

Eric Monson Chief Executive Officer Anne Carlsen Center

Hearty Response to Giving Hearts Day The 24-hour online fundraising event known as Giving Hearts Day was a tremendous success for the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC).

The Center was one of 140 charities selected by Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and Impact Foundation to participate in the 5th annual Giving Hearts Day. From 12 a.m. to 12 midnight on February 14, gifts of $10.00 or more to select nonprofit organizations were matched by DMF. Donations made online to the Center via the ImpactGiveBack website, plus the matching funds from DMF, totaled in excess of $30,000.

“We are so grateful for this generous response,” says Center CEO Eric Monson. “The Anne Carlsen Center is blessed by such faithful and compassionate donors. Giving Hearts Day is a special opportunity, and we are extremely thankful that so many chose to take part in this innovative fundraising event.” Monson says the funds raised will be used for medical equipment on the Jamestown campus.

More than 300 contributions were made to the Center on February 14. While North Dakota donors represented the majority of the contributors, supporters from near and far took part in Giving Hearts Day. In addition to North Dakota, contributions came in from 15 other states including Minnesota, Missouri, Arizona, California and Alaska.

The Ambassador 3

Thankful

Family G I V E S B A C K ACC to

T

wo-year-old Lucas Olivieri has a big heart. With his infectious giggle and wide smile, his cheerful disposition defies the many challenges he’s already faced.

Lucas was born with a rare genetic disorder called X-linked periventricular nodular heteropia.

His blood vessels and lungs are fragile, weakened by low elasticity. This disorder has strained his heart—creating many symptoms similar to severe asthma.

Mario and Elaine Olivieri, of Fargo, have cared for Lucas since January 2011. Lucas’ mother—Mario’s daughter—was overwhelmed by her son’s medical needs and came to her father and stepmother for help. “Lucas came to live with us when I was 7 months pregnant with our youngest son, Marco,” says Elaine Olivieri.

“The two boys are one year and two days apart.”

Two-year-old Lucas Olivieri flashes his amazing smile, while riding the carousel at Fargo’s Red River Zoo on February 26.

4 The Ambassador

Lucas now has a younger brother in Marco, as well as an older brother in 5-year-old Cole. The Olivieris are in the process of adopting Lucas, and can’t imagine life without this blue-eyed boy with curly blonde hair. “We want him to live a full life,” says Elaine. “We don’t want him to ever feel limited.”

Lucas’ first winter, however, was a difficult one with frequent visits to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), time on a medical ventilator and heart surgery. Meanwhile, the Olivieris were also trying to manage their businesses in North Dakota and Western Minnesota. The demands of Lucas’ medical needs were making it difficult for the family to balance its priorities and obligations.

A Partner in Life Lucas has been in and out of the hospital frequently since birth. When Lucas was home, the Olivieris received specialized support from ACC’s KIDS Infant Development Program. Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) began providing Community Based Services, Family Support Services to Lucas and his family in May 2011. “These services made a huge difference, allowing our family to function normally,” says Elaine.

The KIDS program provides early-intervention, home-based services that focus on the family. “The strength of the program lies in family involvement,” says KIDS Developmental Therapist Beth Schaible, who has worked with Mario and Elaine to help identify learning opportunities around the home. “We find activities that work into families’ everyday routines,” she explains. “Initially, one of the Olivieris’ primary concerns was that Lucas couldn’t move himself from the seated position, so I showed them activities that would strengthen the muscles of his trunk, making it easier for him to move in and out of a sitting position.” Schaible showed the family fun activities to employ during routine diaper and clothing changes that would strengthen those muscles. Lucas—eager and motivated to learn, and wanting to keep up with his brothers—had fun during these activities.

Under Schaible’s guidance, Lucas has also learned how to stand and walk, and is working now on eating more age-appropriate foods. He is keeping up with his peers in the areas of cognitive, fine motor and social skills. “He has made terrific gains in his speech and language skills,” adds Schaible. “When we first met him, Lucas only knew a few words; now he is speaking in two- and three-word sentences!”

Lucas’ love of books and puzzles has helped fuel his learning. ACC Community Based Services team members, Abby Stauffer and JoAnn Schulzetenberge, have used tools such as these to encourage Lucas’ learning and development during playtime. The staff also tends to his personal and medical needs, so that the family can continue their normal activities—such as attending big brother Cole’s hockey practices and Lucas Olivieri gives KIDS Developmental Therapist Beth Schaible a high five.

Schaible has worked with the Olivieri family to help identify learning opportunities around the home and integrate them into daily life.

Elaine, Lucas and Mario Olivieri smile while riding the carousel at the Red River Zoo. The family held a celebration there that was both a birthday party for Lucas and a fundraiser for the Center.

games—even after the full-time nurse leaves their house at 5 p.m.

“They have both been terrific,” says Elaine.

“Abby has spent more time with our family than anyone, and has provided a lot of consistency in his life. She’s always down on the floor with him, working on a puzzle or another activity.”

The Fight to Breathe Lucas’ caregivers quickly formed close bonds with the toddler. When his health started to decline at the end of 2011, they were a constant source of support and prayer.

He battled pneumonia in December, and faced respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in January.

RSV, a respiratory illness affecting the lungs and breathing passages, can be deadly for a young child with chronic lung disease. His lungs and heart became dangerously weak, but doctors at University of Minnesota were able to help the toddler gain enough strength to function without the oscillator/ventilator that had aided and protected his lungs when he was ill.

Lucas persevered through it all, showing his resilience and enthusiasm for life. “Lucas is very determined,” explains Elaine. “Once he has the mindset to do something, there’s no stopping him.”

The family left Minneapolis with high hopes, but before Lucas could return home, he needed to spend time recuperating at a Fargo hospital. The caregivers from the Center visited him as often as they could.

They held him, talked to him and—much to his delight—read him some of his favorite books.

The Ambassador 5

A Party with Purpose Lucas left the hospital in time to celebrate his 2nd birthday. The Olivieris made his birthday party a welcome-home celebration, and—thankful for the Anne Carlsen Center’s support—decided to also make the special event a fundraiser for the Center.

“I was nearly speechless when Elaine told me what they wanted to do,” says Danielle Remmick, Operations Manager for Community Based Services in Fargo. “Their thankfulness and thoughtfulness brought tears to my eyes.”

On February 26 at Fargo’s Red River Zoo, family and friends shared birthday cake and endless rides on the carousel. Donations were quietly placed in a toy dump truck filled with Mega Bloks (ACC’s birthday gift to Lucas).

“When we returned to Fargo [from the hospital] many people had asked if they could hold a fundraiser for us,” remembers Elaine. “But since we had already received assistance with our medical bills, we didn’t feel that was necessary.

Then, an employee of ours suggested having a fundraiser for the Center, and we thought that was a wonderful idea!”

In total, around $650.00 was raised. The family also took time to recognize each staff, caregiver and therapist who worked with the family, presenting each individual with a picture of Lucas in a special frame that read, “Thank you for saving my life.”

The event created a lot of memories for those in attendance, including the star of the day.

Lucas rode the carousel 10 times that day.

“He kept saying, ‘More,’ and then, ‘Wheeeeee!’” remembers Remmick.

“Lucas made an impact on everyone there that day.

Everyone was wearing a 6 The Ambassador

smile. God has given him so many special gifts.

He is an amazing boy.”

No Limits for Lucas Since that happy day at Red River Zoo, Lucas has continued to shine. He is getting stronger, and now knows colors, shapes, numbers, words and animal sounds.

Not long after Lucas came to live with the Olivieris, a geneticist told them Lucas would never “walk, talk, or be able to interact with others” and “might not live to the age of 5.” Today, that same geneticist has a much different assessment. “Now we’ve been told,” says Elaine, “there’s no limit to the quality of life he can have, that a full life is possible. We attribute that in large part to the Anne Carlsen Center’s involvement with our family.”

Lucas continues to delight those around him with his energy and determination. “I brought a plastic slide to the house to help him strengthen his legs for walking,” says Schaible. “It has worked out great! Playtime doubles as therapy!”

What’s next for Lucas? As he develops more strength, balance and coordination, he is even more able to keep up with his brothers. They spend hours playing hockey with a plastic puck and sticks. Mario has dreams of Lucas someday joining his older brother on the ice—possibly as a goalie. Every goal is now attainable, as the Olivieri family faces the future with infinite hope.

“So many of us strive to make a positive difference in others’ lives,” says Remmick.

“Lucas doesn’t even have to try.

Anyone who has the opportunity to meet this spirited little boy will walk away forever changed.”

ACC’s Abby Stauffer spends 62 hours each month providing services to 2-year-old Lucas and his family. Here, she poses with a framed photo given to her by Lucas’ family.

ACC Expands Services to Bismarck

A

bout one in 88 children is believed to have autism or a related disorder, according to new research.

The figures were released in late March by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Anne Carlsen Center recognizes the critical and diverse needs of these individuals. Launching its Community Based Services in 2008, the Center has sought to bring the organization’s resources and professionals closer to individuals and families affected by autism—and other disabilities—across North Dakota.

developing vocational skills, and improving capabilities in areas such as basic cooking, personal care, choice making and personal safety.

As part of the Center’s westward expansion, there will be a social skills camp in Dickinson this summer for children with autism. Students will attend half-day sessions for a period of one to four weeks, and Center staff will help individuals build skills essential for meaningful relationships with peers and others.

Anne Carlsen Center’s Community Based Services was started in response to research done by the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD) revealing a shortage of services, personnel and training in North Dakota for those dealing with medical and behavioral challenges. ACC, as it expands its reach, has collaborated with other providers and schools to provide the best services possible to families.

The Center, in addition to providing programs on its Jamestown campus, provides community-based and in-home services in and around Grand Forks, Jamestown, Fargo and Devils Lake. In June, the Center will begin providing services in the Bismarck area.

“People in the Bismarck area are anxious for us to get there,” says COO Marcia Gums. “We are hearing from parents and professionals. We’ve had parents call and say they want to enroll their child in the program right away.”

Natasha, who lives in Valley City, receives support through ACC’s Community Based Services. Here, she works on an arts and crafts activity at an after-school group with Maria Kellam, an ACC team leader.

The Anne Carlsen Center located office space this spring and hired staff to provide services. The office will offer resources and serve as a meeting place, but the majority of services are provided in homes and out in the community.

While distance can sometimes be a barrier for families in need of disability-related services, Gums says the Center is equipped and willing to travel to small communities.

“We intend to also serve people in the rural areas. We will go out as far as needed.”

Bismarck-area residents impacted by disabilities will benefit from the Center’s expert advice and training.

Families will have a large role in tailoring the services to meet their needs. Staff provides support in people’s homes, helping children, young adults and their families develop skills in areas such as self-care, daily living, social interaction and behavior management. The Center also supports individuals over the age of 21, helping each person create an individualized plan for independence and community involvement. Together, they work on

“Actually, we can hardly keep up with the demand,” says Gums. “We knew the need was out there, but we thought that by year three of our Community Based Services, the growth would stabilize. It’s our fourth year, and we’re still growing.

In fact, we’re bursting at the seams.”

The Center’s professionals have special training to work with individuals with autism, behavioral and sensory challenges, and medical fragility. Clients of Community Based Services may also receive support from ACC’s Centers for Autism, which provides comprehensive support—from diagnostic services to program plan development. “We provide very structured interventions, which is what families have been telling us they want.

Our preliminary findings show very positive outcomes,” says Gums.

With each day that passes, families experience more dignity and well-being, and individuals gain the skills needed to make meaningful contributions to the communities in which they live. Along the way, the Anne Carlsen Center is a partner and friend, providing solutions and hope. As Gums says, “The Center has become very good at listening.”

The Ambassador 7

Building a S T F O U

R O N G

focusing on building his vocabulary. ACC speech-language therapists Gina Horgan and James Bergman are currently working with Alexander, helping him reach a variety of milestones. “The therapists at ACC have similar approaches and work on the same objectives, so we know that everyone is on the same page,” says Toby.

N D A T I O N

S

OME people often find themselves in the spotlight: The runner who wins races. The leader who speaks with passion. The surgeon who saves lives.

Each successful person, however, relies on a set of key skills. These fundamental skills—although easy to overlook—are the building blocks of life.

The therapists at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) empower children to achieve great feats by nurturing strength and skills, helping build solid foundations for future independence and success. In the paragraphs that follow, we shine the spotlight on Alexander, Anna and Ryan. Their inspirational stories demonstrate the vitally important mission of the Center: to make the world a more inclusive place where independence is a gift to all.

A Special Touch Spend just one minute with four-year-old Alexander Cherney, and you’ll discover no shortage of personality. He lights up every room with his sparkling smile and matter-of-fact observations of the world around him.

Learning how to interact with that world has not been easy for Alexander.

Early on, his parents, Philip and Toby, observed struggles with repetitive behaviors and strong sensitivities toward food and touch.

When Alexander was two years old, he was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Anne Carlsen Center’s KIDS Infant Development Program provided home-based support, instructions, information and resources. A KIDS early interventionist developed activities that worked into the Cherney family’s everyday routines—providing a fun twist to traditional therapy. As a result, Alexander improved his development in the areas individuals with autism often struggle with—cognitive development, communication and social/emotional development.

The Cherneys were extremely grateful for the support, and were also put in touch with speech-language and occupational therapists at the Anne Carlsen Center. Occupational therapist Jeannine Colburn provided a detailed evaluation of Alexander’s needs and abilities in early September 2010 and began working with him, in formal sessions, five days later. Occupational therapy assists people of all ages in performing the normal tasks that fill their lives. Alexander’s therapy sessions focused primarily on eating and oral hygiene.

Four-year-old Alex-

ander focuses on the With strategies in mind to help iPad with speechAlexander reduce his negative language therapist James Bergman. reactions to sensory input, Colburn first focused on laying the groundwork. “Working on trust is always the first and most important part,” she explains. “With every approach we try, we have to start very slow and be sensitive to the wishes of the client and family.” Colburn found that an effective way to build trust, in Alexander’s case, was to utilize the boy’s considerable energy. At the beginning of each therapy session, she would provide opportunities to either jump on a trampoline or bounce on a therapy ball. The rhythmic stimulus was calming for Alexander, and helped improve his focus.

Next, Colburn used a rubber Nuk brush—a toothbrush-like tool that comes with or without bristles— to apply pressure to the inside of Alexander’s mouth.

The exercise helped reduce his sensitivity and prepare him for new experiences. “Then we worked on eating foods that were close in texture and taste to what Alexander liked,” explains Colburn. “As he became more trusting and comfortable with that, we would expand the food gradually but steadily.”

The strategies were successful. Alexander is now eating a large variety of foods. “Jeannine was really great with him and continued to keep him on task,” says Alexander’s mother, Toby. “Occupational therapy has also helped us, as parents, better understand his sensory needs.” Today, Alexander will independently seek the trampoline when he senses the need to relax. “He is also able to touch [a variety of textures] more … he still won’t walk on grass barefoot, but we are making progress!”

Because of the progress he made, Alexander graduated from occupational therapy services and is now

8 The Ambassador

Finding a Voice Imagine a world where you are unable to communicate with the people you know and love. You have wants, needs, hopes and dreams, but no one hears them. That is the world Anna Mickelson lived in, due to a cerebral palsy diagnosis, before receiving speech-language therapy services at the Anne Carlsen Center.

Her mother, Bonnie, remembers those days well: “Her brothers and I just couldn’t understand what Anna wanted. The frustration often made her cry.”

In addition to speech delays, Anna was falling behind developmentally. “She weighed less than 10 pounds at 9 months of age,” says Bonnie. “She didn’t sit up until 18 months, and it was two years before she could walk.” Once Anna did become mobile, improving communication skills became the primary focus.

While Anna was receiving therapy services from the public school district, her family knew she needed additional support. Bonnie made the difficult decision to take Anna more than 150 miles away from home to the ACC Jamestown campus, where a team of therapists could provide services to Anna Mickelson practices speaking her daughter year with a voice output device. round. For the last seven years, Anna has received a full range of therapy, nursing, educational and residential services at the Center.

Gina Horgan is Anna’s speech-language therapist at the Anne Carlsen Center. “Anna came to the Center with no formal communication system—just facial expression, body language, and vocalizations … no true words.”

The Ambassador 9

Adapted sign language was the first successful strategy therapists used with Anna, giving her a vocabulary of 30 signs. The next strategy, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), utilized Anna’s greatest strength, visual learning. “It gives her a larger vocabulary than the sign language,” says Horgan. “She sees a picture of the item she wants.

She then inserts it into a sentence strip, completing the phrase ‘I want ____’ or ‘I see ____.’ She finishes the communication by handing the full strip to her communication partner.” The next step for Anna is to build entire sentences on her own through PECS or possibly—a voice output device like an iPad. Bonnie says she would love for Anna to have a socially-accepted form of communication. “I want her to be able to communicate in public without being judged,” she says. “Being able to speak is a big part of her independence and future quality of life.”

Bonnie meets regularly with Gina, along with Anna’s other therapists and team members, to monitor her daughter’s progress. “It is so exciting to sit at the table and listen to everyone collaborate on Anna’s behalf. I miss not having Anna at home, but I know that she is in the best place she can be.”

Consistency and Creativity Mike and Emily Woodley adopted their son Ryan after his birth on March 3, 2010. They dreamed of him someday crawling, walking, running and jumping with other kids his age. Imagine their concern when developmental milestones started to pass him by.

too motivated to explore other options.” Ryan was diagnosed with hypotonia, or low muscle tone, and referred to the Anne Carlsen Center for services.

Early interventionist Mindy Blackmore and developmental therapist Tina Dosch of the KIDS Infant Development Program began therapy with Ryan in March of 2011. They also put him in touch with ACC physical therapist Tara Roaldson, who began formal sessions that May. “Ryan showed significant delay in his ability to move around his environment,” says Roaldson. “He was rolling and sitting but not crawling, pulling to stand, or bearing much weight.”

Initial sessions were designed to give Ryan confidence in his physical abilities. The focus later shifted to strengthening his back, legs, and trunk while improving his balance.

Ryan has progressed quickly with some physical assistance and a partial weight-bearing device to help him walk on a treadmill. “Ryan has made tremendous gains,” says Roaldson. “He is now able to stand, walk, catch and throw. He is also standing on uneven surfaces and, with assistance, even trying stairs.”

Mike and Emily view creativity as a key to Ryan’s success. Roaldson uses items like shaving cream, toys, bubbles and a bike to keep sessions fun. “Ryan is reluctant to participate in activities he doesn’t like, but his therapists stay positive with their approach and they consistently think of new ways to motivate him,” says Emily. “They are very good at getting Ryan out of his comfort zone, and have given us more confidence to do the same.”

Ryan recently began occupational therapy at the Center, and his parents have recognized the consistency between departments. “Everyone meets Ryan at his level and then helps him grow by stretching that ability,” they say.

Ryan is a vibrant young boy who now loves to explore his surroundings. Uncertain movements have been replaced by determined steps toward a broader, brighter horizon.

Ryan concentrates on popping bubbles with his father and Mindy Blackmore, an early interventionist with the KIDS program. “Everyone meets Ryan at his level and then helps him grow by stretching that ability,” say his parents about ACC staff.

10 The Ambassador

“He started to roll over at 4 months of age, but then he stopped, and we didn’t see any more progression,” remembers Emily. Mike noticed that “Ryan was always content with what was around him; he was never

Individuals of all ages benefit from a wide array of therapy services at the Anne Carlsen Center. Like Ryan, Anna and Alexander, they are developing more than skills and strength. They are building solid foundations for future growth, learning and success— so that dreams for full, meaningful lives can … and do … come true.

N

urturing abilities.

Changing lives.

It’s an Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) tradition, dating back to 1941. There were 18 students that first year.

Today, we serve more than 1,200 children and adults with disabilities.

As the Center has grown in size and expertise, so has our ability to be a resource for individuals, families and professionals across the region. With the recent establishment of the ACC Resource Center, we are enhancing our methods of connecting people with the appropriate services and educational opportunities.

“We recognize that a person doesn’t have to become a resident on our campus to receive our services; there are other ways to get our help,” says Rebecca Undem, Director of Organizational Development at the Anne Carlsen Center. “We offer choices.”

Undem adds that when the Center is not able to meet a certain need, the ACC Resource Center will connect that individual, family or professional with another provider.

Those partnerships with other organizations are integral to the educational component of the Resource Center, called The Learning Academy. The Acad-

emy offers customized trainings, discipline track learning and conferences. The 2012 Assistive Technology and Parent Involvement Conference, held in April, was jointly hosted by the Center and North Dakota’s Pathfinder Parent Center. The conference provided hands-on information for those interested in the latest advancements on the use of assistive technology in schools.

Answering

Call the

Although the Center is equipped to provide services to individuals with a wide array of disabilities, the most rapidly growing area of need in the region is for autism-related services. “We are responding to the call for autism support and services,” says Undem. “The Center is anticipating the needs, and then acting quickly and efficiently in meeting those needs.”

Families and professionals seeking options for assessments, evaluations and consultations can turn to the Anne Carlsen Center. The Consultation Services component of the Resource Center includes diagnostic services—to determine if an individual has an autism spectrum

disorder (ASD). Also offered are comprehensive evaluations, vocational assessments known as Grass Roots Assessment Services Project (GRASP), and follow-up support services.

Although the Anne Carlsen Center has long provided many of these educational and consultative services, the newly-formed Resource Center equips this organization to respond to needs with more speed and efficiency.

“There are people who can dedicate their time and energy to this role,” explains Undem.

“We now have Resource Center specialists ... a team of specialists from different disciplines.

Before we had to pull people from other roles within the Center to do this, now we have a dedicated team.”

When a representative from a foster parent association called recently with the desire for sensory integration training for its members, the team’s response was “no problem … we can do that.”

It’s all part of the Center’s caring, comprehensive plan to increase inclusion and independence for individuals affected by a disability. “We want to reach as many people and families as we can … do as much good as we can,” says Undem. To inquire about services offered, please contact the Resource Center Coordinator at 1-800-568-5175 or resourcecenter@annecenter.org.

The Ambassador 11

Students Celebrate 100th Day

by Sharing with Others

Board of Trustees

Each year the students and staff at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) take time during the celebratory 100th Day of School to contribute to a meaningful cause.

Harvey Huber Treasurer Jamestown, N.D.

Last year money was raised to provide new desks to students in Malawi, a country in southeast Africa. Creative fundraisers included selling handmade greeting cards.

This year the ACC Education Department chose to assist Community Action Region 6 and their Weekend Backpack Program. Children eat lunch and breakfast at school, but some Jamestown families don’t know where their weekend meals will come from. The Backpack Program ensures those children will have food to eat when they are away from school. There are currently 68 elemen-

tary-school students who receive backpacks on a weekly basis, from October until May. A call for donations went out to the Anne Carlsen ACC students and volunteers Center family on present nearly 1,000 food items to January 20, with RaeAnn Kracht, the coordinator of the Community Action Food Pantry. an original goal of 100 items. RaeAnn Kracht, Community Action Food Pantry Coordinator, accepted a donation of 121 backpacks and nearly 1,000 food items during a short ceremony in the ACC auditorium on the morning of February 1. Products included fruit cups, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, crackers and soup.

Hockey Players Bring Joy to ACC Campus The Jamestown boy’s hockey team and the Jamestown Hockey Boosters have expertise beyond skates, pucks and nets.

They also know how to put smiles on a lot of faces.

Two hockey players warmed up a cold winter day by delivering donated teddy bears to students on Anne Carlsen Center’s main campus. Two players from the team, Riley Schaffer and Tyge Yatskis, arrived on campus with large bags full of blue and white teddy bears.

The bears, collected during a December game, were purchased by fans in attendance who wanted to make a donation to Cops for Kids, Inc.— which provides encouragement and help to children, seniors and families in communities across the country. The program was created in 1995 by two Sheriff ’s department deputies.

12 The Ambassador

At the end of the second period of the game all of the bears—426 total—were thrown onto the ice and gathered by team personnel. Schaffer and Yatskis delivered the bears to ACC’s early childhood classroom and ACC’s residential areas, stopping to take pictures of the smiles along the way.

Jamestown hockey players, Riley Schaffer and Tyge Yatskis, bring donated teddy bears to students and volunteers at the Anne Carlsen Center.

Tim Flakoll Fargo, N.D.

Sue Offutt, Ph.D. Wheeling, Ill.

Joel Fremstad Fargo, N.D.

Thomas Rohleder Immediate Past Chair Fargo, N.D. Janet Seaworth Bismarck, N.D.

Bruce Iserman Vice Chair Fargo, N.D.

Pat Traynor Chair Fargo, N.D.

Pat McCullough Secretary Edina, Minn.

Reesa Webb Denver, Colo.

Robert Montgomery, M.D. Fargo, N.D.

Myra Quanrud, M.D. Ex Officio Jamestown, N.D.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT Eric Monson Chief Executive Officer

Judy Kulla Chief Financial Officer

Marcia Gums Chief Operating Officer

Margie Johnson Human Resource Director

the ambassador Published by: Anne Carlsen Center 701 3rd St. N.W., P.O. Box 8000 Jamestown, ND 58402 1-800-568-5175 www.annecenter.org Brenda Tappert, Editor brenda.tappert@annecenter.org Scott Hobert, Assistant Editor scott.hobert@annecenter.org Paul Johnson, Designer paul@pauljohnsondesign.com The Ambassador is mailed, free of charge, for supporters of the mission and vision of the Anne Carlsen Center.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy: Anne Carlsen Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability in employment or services.

If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call 1-800-568-5175, ext. 167.

Eco-friendly Ambassador At the Anne Carlsen Center, we are taking steps every day to be kind to the environment.

The Forest Stewardship Council logo you see here means we are printing The Ambassador on an environmentally-certified paper. Each page has a 10% post-consumer waste content, and the Cert no. BV-COC-070703 inks utilized are Soy Inks.

On the Cover: Ryan and his dad, Mike Woodley, are all smiles during a recent therapy session.

Our

C omm u nit y

P artners

The Anne Carlsen Center partners each year with area businesses who share the Center’s passion for empowering children, adults and families to lead lives of greater independence and hope.

This year, seven businesses are helping to continue the rich tradition the Center began 70 years ago. We are grateful for the commitment and compassion demonstrated by these Community Partners.

The Anne Carlsen Center is dedicated to helping individuals of all abilities gain the skills needed to be included … and to thrive … in the world around them.

As we work steadfastly to nurture abilities and change lives, we thank the following businesses for joining us on this amazing journey.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID FARGO, ND Permit #684

701 3rd St. N.W. P.O. Box 8000 Jamestown, ND 58402

Miss North Dakota 2011 Ariana Walker meets Gabriella during a visit to the ACC Jamestown campus. Walker, who wants to become a pediatric physical therapist, signed autographs and gave a presentation to students.

Connect with the Anne Carlsen Center on Facebook Become a fan, learn about upcoming events, and share your memories with fellow friends of the Center.