The Ambassador: Winter 2018

WINTER 2018 www.annecarlsen.org

FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSION AND VISION OF THE ANNE CARLSEN CENTER

NEAR AND FAR: Legacy, Family and the Pursuit for Possibility Page 2

Aryn, who is from Washington, was in Jamestown visiting her grandmother Beulah.

While Aryn and her mother were visiting, Beulah arranged for an educational tour of Anne Carlsen. Aryn is homeschooled and was (as you can see by the letter) very moved by the whole experience. Thank you for visiting, Aryn!

M E S S A G E

F R O M

Dear friends, I am excited and honored to be serving as the new CEO of the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC). I can’t imagine a better fit, and I am thrilled to be able to dedicate my time, energy and abilities to this life-changing organization.

When I look back over the past eight years, I am amazed at all that has been accomplished. It shows progressive leadership, a courageous board of directors, and an unbelievably supportive donor family.

While implementing our mission “to make the world a more inclusive place where independence is a gift to all,” the Anne Carlsen Center continues to reinvent itself to meet important needs. That’s why ACC invested in an innovative start-up called Mind Shift to empower individuals on the autism spectrum to become competitively employed, partnered with Bottineau Winter Park to help make Annie’s House a reality and provide accessible year-round activities, and invested in new models of housing—like Taylor Made Living—giving parents of adults with disabilities great hope for the future. And there are so many other amazing projects underway!

The Anne Carlsen Center distinguishes itself in the field in large part because of the extraordinarily talented team members who provide services across North Dakota. In continuing a tradition set by my predecessor, Eric Monson, I welcome every new employee during our monthly new employee orientation sessions. I use the opportunity to share with them about the honor and privilege of working at the Anne Carlsen Center, the mission and values that provide the foundation for the organization, and the incredible heritage that inspires us every day.

One of my favorite topics is Dr. Anne Carlsen. I share with employees the incredible drive and resiliency inherent in our namesake’s life. Born without forearms or lower legs, Dr. Anne never let physical limitations prevent her from living a full and active (and amazing!) life.

I also share with staff the powerful influence Dr. Anne’s family had on her story. If you were born in 1915 with a serious disability, your family was ad-

T H E

C E O

vised to turn to institutional care. And if the child was permitted to stay in the home, he or she was often cared for secretly and had limited opportunities to engage in the community. Rather than seeing complications, deficits or inconveniences, Dr. Anne’s parents—Alfred and Maren—and her five older siblings saw potential. Instead of feeling embarrassment and shame, they felt pride with each new accomplishment. They provided a new way for their family to be defined, and they helped their home community to take the same approach.

Without her family’s support, guidance and encouragement, Dr. Anne’s story could have ended much differently. I encourage ACC staff to view their work and the world much in the same way— with an open heart. We have a responsibility to see potential first—and to take great pride in the accomplishments and skills individuals gain. We, like Dr. Anne’s family and the community of Grantsburg, Wis., need to rally around what is possible, and in the process, we too can make milestones and miracles possible.

An open heart is a giving heart. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of donors to the Anne Carlsen Center. I extend a special invitation to supporters to participate in the upcoming Giving Hearts Day on February 8. Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation have invited the Anne Carlsen Center to participate once again in this online fundraising effort that has become the largest single fundraising event in the state.

Thank you for opening your heart to hear the dreams and aspirations of individuals with disabilities. We are grateful for the way you actively seek to make a difference in their lives and refuse to accept the status quo on a person’s ability to impact the world. It is such a pleasure to be a part of the Anne Carlsen Center family, and I look forward to meeting and speaking with many of you.

Gratefully,

Tim Eissinger Anne Carlsen Center CEO

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R

outine demands we never leave the house unequipped. We need the car keys. We need the cell phone. We need the essential tools required to function in our modern way of life. And most important of them all— tucked inside a purse or lodged within a pocket—are the carriers that secure our wealth. But a handbag or wallet holds more than just a few

credit cards and some loose cash. Odds are—enclosed in clear plastic sleeves—there

are photos stored inside, signifying what you value most in this world.

The founder of Harley’s Automotive Center in Minot, North Dakota has a different treasure he keeps, though. It’s kept protected in a safe, surrounded by other valuables.

It’s a thin, weathered, leather billfold, containing a five-dollar bill. These

Harley’s Heritage: The $5 bill that established values of integrity, hard work, and customer service.

days, five bucks can barely get you a cup of coffee, but to Harley Schmidt, this old tattered bill is worth more than money can buy.

It’s an homage to his past. It’s a reminder of where he came from, and the legacy he’s passed on to a new generation.

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A PRICELESS INHERITANCE Harley Schmidt grew up in Minot in the early 40’s. Now 78, he recalls how his father, Jack, struggled to support a family of five, living side-by-side in the confines of a small trailer.

When Jack died from a heart attack in 1973, Harley received his late father’s wallet. Inside it was everything his father had left to his name: a five-dollar bill.

Harley was five dollars richer that day. But he was years wiser, and more motivated too— never would he leave his children in the same financial peril as he experienced as a child.

And so, staring at that crinkled piece of paper, Harley resolved to work without rest so that his family was always provided for.

BUILDING UP, GIVING BACK After years of driving truck and pinching pennies, in 1964, Harley and his wife Gloria put down $25,000 to purchase an old gasoline station in downtown Minot. They began with two employees, a repair bay, and a model built on customer service. Today, Harley’s Automotive Center boasts 26 employees, seven bays, six pumps, a convenience store and an automotive shop. It’s been a family-owned mainstay for over 50 years, and a neighborhood business that’s never lost its old-fashioned charm.

So when an Anne Carlsen Center vehicle broke down, staff familiar with the area knew exactly where to go. After a few repairs—a broken tie-rod, some bad bushings—it was ready to get back on the road, returning clients to their busy commitments. An ACC staff member waited at the counter to pay the bill. She glanced at the invoice, and reviewed the costs for labor, parts, fluid top-offs and a safety inspection. Finally, she arrived at the grand total: $0.00 Mark Schmidt, Harley’s son and managing partner of Harley’s Automotive Center, remembers that job. “Of course, I couldn’t

charge the Anne Carlsen Center” he said, matter-of-factly. It wasn’t the first time Mark had seen one of those white vans with a purple butterfly decal. He watches them maneuver around the ACC Jamestown campus each month, when he and his wife Nichole go to visit their son, Austin.

AN EXHAUSTIVE SEARCH Evan and Austin Schmidt were born September 23rd, 1997. It was a painful, life-threatening pregnancy for Nichole that resulted in an emergency Caesarian section at 28 weeks.

During development, the identical twins experienced a rare and random event known as Twin-To-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. The condition (which cannot be prevented), occurs when twins share the same placenta.

Consequently, abnormal blood vessels within the placenta fail to distribute blood flow evenly. The twin that doesn’t receive an adequate amount of blood is at risk for dehydra-

We’re proud to support ACC and its mission to change lives.

“Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.”

LES BROWN

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tion and developmental delays, while the other twin is overwhelmed by a surplus of blood, and has problems with high blood pressure and heart failure.

In most cases, it’s deadly for both.

Fortunately, both Evan and Austin survived. But there were complications; as the boys recovered for over two months in the ICU, Mark and Nicole were told that Evan had cerebral palsy. Eight months later, Austin got the same diagnosis.

The Schmidts quickly adjusted to their new, The Schmidts walk hand-in-hand on Austin's journey to independence. bittersweet reality. Overjoyed their boys had made it, Mark and Nicole reveled in the same dream all parents share—promises of happiness and opportunity for their children. Yet this situation The Schmidts now embarked on a new mission: locate the best facility available to help Evan and was different. The boys had low muscle tone, and Austin realize their potential. developmental delays. Evan had significantly greater health risks, especially during that first Distance wasn’t a factor. When it came to their tenuous year. Employing the same tenacity and sons’ future, the Schmidts would scour the work ethic his father had instilled, nation to find somewhere that Mark and his wife were determined would provide the highest standard to find treatment that would "I can say the of care they deserved. “We toured promote the most manageable many, many facilities, thinking we’d Anne Carlsen life possible for their two sons. have to go out of state” Mark said.

THE “CROWN JEWEL OF NORTH DAKOTA”

Center is the best in the world. I've never been more impressed.”

“Then we toured the Anne Carlsen Center. After seeing so many organizations, I can say the Anne Carlsen Center is the best in the world. I’ve never been more impressed. It’s the crown jewel of North Dakota.”

So the search began. For months on end, Mark and Nichole explored countless alternative options, including a trip to Canada for Mark Schmidt hyperbaric oxygen therapy. “You Evan and Austin arrived at the pin yourself on a lot of hope at the Anne Carlsen Center in the fall time, and everything that might be the miracle of 2000. Tragically, Evan passed away in 2009, cure” Mark recalls. Eventually, the search for succumbing to a host of complex medical issues. a “miracle cure” came to a frustrating end.

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The only comfort for his loss is the tremendous level of success Austin is experiencing, aided mostly by the loving, vibrant environment that embraces him. “It’s the people that make the difference” Mark reflects. “Austin is non-communicative, but you can just see him glow with his therapists and teachers.

It’s really cool to watch.”

At the Anne Carlsen Center, a collaborative team of highly-trained experts facilitate programming specifically designed for Austin’s needs, goals, and personal preferences. It’s a concept not lost on Mark, whose operation depends on a diversity of top-level technicians. “Just like we have guys that only fix certain components on cars, they have specialists who are so knowledgeable in one particular area” he said.

Like the hundreds of gears, pulleys, belts and bearings that work in tandem to make a vehicle accelerate, our staff is a critical instrument for driving independence and

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”

ANNE FRANK

growth. But that’s just under the hood—it’s the experience…the ride that people really notice. So much of Austin’s experience comes from interacting with his peers as other teenagers would, like attending prom last spring.

“The Anne Carlsen Center gives Austin a place that’s so socially active” Mark beams. “Go in there on a school day, and it looks like Minot High in there. Nothing but hustle and bustle.”

Akin to the thriving enterprise Harley Schmidt founded in 1964, there is rarely a slow day at the Anne Carlsen Center. We also share a distinguished tradition that springs from hard work, loyal supporters, and humble beginnings. Harley has a five-dollar bill to remember his; the Anne Carlsen Center has Austin’s story—and countless others like his­— to evoke ours.

And if another reminder was needed, Mark was there to offer one. When asked if Austin had a regular school day, Mark quickly corrected him: “He has a regular life.”

We’re proud to give to ACC and its mission to better lives.

“No person was ever honored for what he received. He was honored for what he gave.”

CALVIN COOLIDGE

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a deep Depression, so each one of those pennies was very precious. One penny was designated for the church, one for Sunday School and one for the missions. With milk costing 5¢ a quart and 9¢ going out of the family budget, that meant one less quart of milk for their family every week.

LEGACY OF STEWARDSHIP A

s parents, we are responsible for teaching our children the things that carry them through a lifetime and mold them as adults. We teach them to crawl, walk, talk, and as they grow, to make the right choices that will take them from child to adulthood. It’s a huge responsibility! One Anne Carlsen family has taken the responsibility of teaching their children to a whole new level and have instilled the value of stewardship throughout four generations.

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Reverend John F. Graepp, a third-generation minister, was the pastor of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Casselton from 1921–1949. He and his wife, Emma, had three daughters: Erna, Naomi and Leona.

They were a very humble family and didn’t have the means to give large financial amounts.

However, that didn’t stop Reverend Graepp and Emma from teaching their daughters, at a very early age, to give of their time, talents and treasures to serve others. This while the family barely scraped by financially.

Erna recalls one of the early lessons on giving. Each Sunday before going to church, each of the daughters were given three pennies. This was during the 1930’s when our country was in

one final gift to the Anne Carlsen Center. The family has been faithful donors to the Anne Carlsen Center for many years, but Erna wanted this gift in memory of her parents. Still a very humble woman, she sold her jewelry and, with the participation of two generations of family members, raised enough money to add a memorial leaf to the donor tree that is displayed at the Center in Jamestown.

Her parents were always Erna lives in a nursing home willing to share with those Exception to the Rule: Counter to their in Wisconsin and instead who had less. Individuals in parent’s usual call for frugality, daughters of using that money for her need who came to their door Leona (left), Erna (right), and Naomi (bottom right) were taught to give own use, she chose to honor were seldom turned away generously to those in need. the legacy of her parents at without a sandwich. Her the Anne Carlsen Center. parents also took in people The gift of generosity, taught by Reverand passing through their small town before there John F. and Emma Graepp to their daughters, were hotels in their community. Many times, grand children and great grandchildren lives on Erna and her sister, Leona, were awakened in to this day. What am amazing gift to pass to the the night and gave up their beds to sleep on future generations; living what we’ve learned! the floor in the study to accommodate those who needed a place to sleep. These lessons in charity, taught by her parents, have been the basis for Erna’s annual giving ever since.

Reverend Graepp and his family have a longstanding relationship with the Anne Carlsen Center. As someone who was passionate about service and philanthropy, the Crippled Children’s School was a mission that was cherished by Graepp. He served as Secretary of the founding Board of Directors for the Good Samaritan Society, which founded the Crippled Children’s School, which later became known as the Anne Carlsen Center. He continued to selflessly serve on the Board of Directors of the Good Samaritan Society from 1922–1940 and later on the founding Board of Directors of Lutheran Hospitals and Homes Society.

This pioneering Board of Directors brought the Anne Carlsen Center from dream to fruition.

Erna, now 93, wanted to honor her parents for instilling the gift of giving. With the deep connection to the Anne Carlsen Center, she decided she wanted to honor her parents with

We’re proud to support ACC and its mission to create love.

“Kindness in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.

Kindness in giving creates love.”

LAO TZU

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E

arly in life, Tim Eissinger learned the value of hard work and commitment.

Growing up on a dairy farm near Medina, N.D., his days began well before sunrise. Tim’s parents, Gerald and Sandra Eissinger, taught him to work hard, persevere and always give his best effort. “There was never a shortage of work on the farm—especially a dairy farm,” he says. “I didn’t even know what a real vacation was until college.”

The second oldest of seven children, his list of daily chores was especially long. “I was put in charge of a lot around the farm—both projects and siblings. At a fairly young age, I developed a good sense of responsibility and accountability.

I also learned how to deal with adversity. That is the nature of growing up on a farm. You have to be prepared at all times. You map out contingencies, build extra supports and try to anticipate challenges.”

Eissinger says other values took root during those formative years on the farm, such as “being genu-

ine and always empowering those around you.”

He credits his upbringing for providing a solid foundation on which to build a career in the nonprofit sector—improving people’s lives.

TRUST BUILDER Eissinger came to the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) in 2014 with more than 30 years of experience in residentially-based services, serving many of those years in executive roles. He served as ACC Chief Operating Officer (COO) from July 2014 until July 2017. Appointed by the board to succeed retiring CEO Eric Monson, Eissinger began taking over Monson’s responsibilities incrementally, beginning last November.

“I truly feel blessed that while managing the operations of the Anne Carlsen Center as COO, I also had the opportunity to observe program development and business strategy under the tutelage of Eric Monson.” He also credits members of the ACC Board for offering wise counsel, teaching him that at the Anne Carlsen Center, “you are always empowered and expected to do the right

CEO Tim Eissinger uses his talents to help maximize the abilities of both clients and employees

thing, and to be bold and courageous in your thoughts and actions.”

Monson says Eissinger, in addition to having a wide range of leadership skills and strategic planning abilities, has tremendous interpersonal skills: “He’s the kind of guy I would have liked to have worked with for an entire career.”

Casey Stoudt, the ACC Board chair, says Eissinger is a great fit for the role of CEO in many ways, including his passion for the people and goals of the Anne Carlsen Center: “There are two ways to measure what is genuine. You listen to what he says, which is deeply supportive of the Center, of the kids, of the mission. And certainly, that is where it starts.

But when you are as old as I am, you also watch what he does. He is deeply committed—it is easy to see. He talks the talk and walks the walk.”

Eissinger salutes every team member at the Anne Carlsen Center for unparalleled dedi"Our employees cation and compassion. “Our have a employees have a commitcommitment ment to those they serve that truly comes from the heart,” he to those they says. “I’ve come to enjoy and serve that truly appreciate watching staff as they work with individuals. I escomes from pecially enjoy observing when the heart.” they don’t know anyone else is around. In those instances, Tim Eissinger their work is only focused on the individual’s needs, not what their supervisor might be monitoring. That is when you see the commitment is The Anne Carlsen Center has 670 employees real—based on a belief in the value of what they across North Dakota. Eissinger has developed a do and their desire to see our young people feel reputation for creating a positive environment valued and succeed.” that allows each team member to thrive.

“Tim is a committed team player,” says Harvey Huber, the board chair during Eissinger’s COO tenure. “There’s not one smidge of arrogance about him. He’s very sincere, and I think that is a natural part of him. He quickly builds trust, simply because he is such a compassionate and committed person, which is immediately evident.”

TRAINING THE BEST Eissinger, who has his master’s degree in clinical counseling, is also a licensed social worker in North Dakota. His first job in the field was in 1983 as a live-in house parent of a cottage serving as many as 12 boys. “It was quite the adventure,” he recalls. “The typical tenure of a house parent was only about two years because of the intensity. At the end of my two years, I was given the ‘House Parent of the Year’ award and wished the best of luck in my next adventures.”

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He says much has changed over the years, and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)—those who work directly with individuals to enhance inclusion and independence—are now held in much higher regard. During orientation for new employees, he shares with the DSPs that “they are the lifeblood and true change agents of the organization.”

Proficient in modern technology, Eissinger does extensive work with computer graphics as a hobby and has built his own computers and work stations. He uses this background to help the Anne Carlsen Center work toward innovation and adapt in a rapidly changing environment. Using technology, ACC is taking its knowledge base and putting it into new methods, tools, trainings and curriculum.

“The Anne Carlsen Center’s future is very bright,” says Eissinger. “I do not know of any other nonprofit in the state that has its own Ideation Center. One of the primary roles of Ideation Center staff is to research the best evidence-based practices in the field, leverage existing and new technologies to promote new levels of independence, and prepare the best trained and workready staff in the state.”

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NAVIGATING COMPLEXITIES The Anne Carlsen Center and other service providers have to navigate a host of challenges, such as securing adequate funding, finding enough staffing resources to meet programming needs, and meeting escalating developmental and behavioral health needs.

do our homework to bring forward the information we need to make decisions. He has a great way of sorting through very complex issues and is very deliberate in how he approaches decision making.”

STORIES OF STRENGTH A lifelong North Dakotan, Tim Eissinger cares “Organizations like the Anne Carlsen Center are deeply about strengthening individuals and famicritical, not only for the key services they provide, lies across the state. His family shares his passion. but also for their approach to the Eissinger’s wife, Becky, is a Lifield,” says Eissinger. “The special censed Independent Clinical relationship the Center has with Social Worker (LICSW). Their "All the its donor base allows our protwo daughters also are dediindividuals we gramming additional flexibility to cated to serving others: their go beyond what a traditional payoldest is a nurse in a neurosurserve, as well as ment source might dictate, and gical unit, while their youngest their families, follow a path based more specifiis studying to become a physically on the needs of the individucal therapist. show me the true als served and their families.” meaning of “One thing that certainly atFinding the best way to provide tracted me to the Anne Carlsen resiliency and those services takes a careful, Center,” he says, “was all the strength every day.” thoughtful approach. A critical programs recognizing and thinker, Eissinger has a talent for working to capitalize on indiTim Eissinger approaching problems from mulvidual strengths and abilities. tiple points of view.

It is such an intrinsic value to the people of the Anne Carlsen “He always makes time to talk to people, to enCenter. We really push the envelope on the ability gage with them to find out what’s on their mind,” to individualize and bring—especially in the area says Dana Schaar Jahner, executive director of the of technology— advances that help foster and North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizamaximize each individual’s independence level tions (NDANO). “People feel comfortable talking and learning.” with him, and he’s great at encouraging others to share their perspectives.” Eissinger is currently Driven to continue that person-centered appresident of the NDANO Board, and is excited to proach, Eissinger always focuses discussions with help advance the North Dakota nonprofit sector his leadership team on the individuals served. “I and NDANO’s 193 members across the state. don’t know how many times,” says Nelson, “I have heard him ask, ‘Okay, how does this affect the cliStephanie Nelson, who recently succeeded Eissents we serve? How does this affect the families?’” inger as Anne Carlsen Center COO, says Eissinger works hard to maximize the strengths of each The Anne Carlsen Center currently serves more team member. “Tim is a really good listener,” she than 4,000 individuals across the state. They aren’t says, “and not just for the sake of listening—but just numbers to Eissinger, but 4,000 amazing stowith a genuine interest in the viewpoints of othries of dignity and determination. “You just need ers. He is open to receiving input, which I think to find out what services and supports best foster fosters a collaborative leadership style.” their talents and abilities,” he says. “All the individuals we serve, as well as their families, show Nelson, who previously served as ACC Ideation me the true meaning of resiliency and strength Center director, says Eissinger “has high expectaevery day.” tions for everybody on the team. He expects us to

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I

t is a well-known fact that animals can help children and adults get in touch with and help sort through their feelings. Sharing those feelings can initiate conversations or emotional sharing with a teacher, therapist or caregiver. That was Champ’s job at the Anne Carlsen Center.

Farewell

FRIEND

Champ was a Chocolate Lab assistance dog that worked with the students at the Anne Carlsen Center for 5½ years.

In September, Champ passed away and the halls of the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown will never be the same.

For many students, Champ was viewed as a friend and provided a safe and secure environment where unconditional acceptance and interactions occurred. Champ became an ideal reading companion as he sat and listened attentively with no judgment or corrections.

He was less intimidating than peers or staff and the students could move at their own pace with Champ by their side.

Before Champ could work at Anne Carlsen, he received training for 2½ years and was a top graduate of obedience school. His training team was a combination of volunteer puppy raisers and staff at Can-Do-Canines in New Hope, Minnesota. He was also placed with an inmate at a Minnesota prison who, along with a staff member from Can-Do-Canines, worked continually to polish his skills.

Champ’s duties included transitioning students within the Campus in Jamestown, assisting students with recycling and working with

students in speech, occupational and physical therapy. The motivation of the students was quite evident when Champ was in their company.

Work tasks became fun and Champ enjoyed the attention from the students when the tasks were completed.

When his work day was finished, Champ was a regular dog; very similar to your own pet.

He enjoyed playing in the swimming pool with his ball, playing fetch, going for walks, and taking several naps. Even though he was off duty, Champ still had to practice commands used for his daily activities at the Center to keep his skill levels sharp.

It was clear that Champ made a huge difference in the lives of many people at the Anne Carlsen Center. He helped them learn skills that resulted in better connections with others and self-regulation and control. He increased their confidence to communicate and engage in meaningful conversations and reduced anxieties. Seeing their excitement and the smiles on the students faces when Champ walked down the halls of the Center was positive proof that he made an impact on their lives.

Champ unconditionally loved the students with which he worked and their love for him was easily returned. We say goodbye to Champ, but seeing the difference he’s made in the students at the Anne Carlsen Center, we know he won’t be forgotten.

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for several years. The chair is designed with swing arms, adjustable footrests and an electric tilt mechanism that allows users to stay level in the chair while navigating hills and uneven terrain. There are currently two Trackchairs at Annie’s House and they are used on a regular basis.

Purple Heart. In addition, he was awarded a Gold Medal and received the inaugural Pat Tillman ESPY Award for his service and selflessness.

A Hero’s

A

Hike

nnie’s House has three miles of hiking and nature trails that 475 visitors had the pleasure of experiencing this year. Each turn of the trail will show you something different to delight your senses. The sound of geese flying over as they return in the spring, the smell of flowers blooming in the summer, beautiful foliage as the leaves

turn color in the fall and deer and gray squirrels darting across the path in the winter leaving their tracks in the snow. This fall, Annie’s House had the honor of hosting a Purple Heart recipient who experienced the joy of hiking and the many gifts offered by the outdoors for the first time in years.

Josh Sweeney was raised outside of Phoenix, Arizona and as graduation approached was uncertain of how the next chapter in his life would read. He was an avid hockey player but didn’t know that this sport would have an impact on what was ahead for him. He ultimately decided

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to join the US Marines and was trained as a scout sniper.

In October 2009, while serving in Nowzad, Afghanistan, Josh stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and became a bilateral amputee. For his sacrifice in combat, Sweeney received a

During his rehabilitation, Josh started to play sled hockey. He didn’t let his injury prevent him from participating in the sport that he loved. Part of the therapy he used Josh’s story began in to complete his daily Phoenix enjoying hockey, Sergeant Josh Sweeney shows off his not certain of what was activities earned him a Paralympic Gold medal for Sled Hockey alongside Rachael Buss, Annie's House spot from 2010-2013 on ahead of him. Serving our Program Coordinator the San Antonio Ramcountry in Afghanistan, page, a club sled hockey team comprised receiving a Purple Heart and winning a entirely of injured military athletes. Josh also Gold Medal for Team USA were chapters played on the Dallas Stars club team in 2012, he proudly wrote. Now, he can add a trip to helping the team earn the 2012 USA Hockey Annie’s House and the chance to enjoy the Sled Classic title. He made his first U.S. great outdoors once more to his book of life.

National Sled Hockey Team in 2011 and has been a leader for Team USA ever since, serving as tri-captain of the national team for the 2012-13 season. In 2014, Josh was the assistant captain for Team USA at the Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Team USA won gold, with Josh scoring the winning goal.

The next chapter in Josh’s story brought him to Bottineau, ND. Corey Gorder and David Hoff, hockey coaches at Bottineau High School and Dakota College, crossed paths with Josh at a development camp in New York and invited him to visit Bottineau. Josh spent four days in Bottineau speaking with students at the schools and skating with the college hockey team.

Josh took time out of his busy schedule to visit Annie’s House to experience one of the amenities available to disabled veterans. He used the Trackchair to take a hike on the nature trail, which he hasn’t been able to do

“Happiness... consists in giving, and in serving others.”

HENRY DRUMMOND

We’re proud to support ACC and its mission to serve others.

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By Mark Coppin

that

Transforms Assistive Technology Director

T

echnology is rapidly changing and it seems almost impossible to keep up with everything. However, this rapid advance shows how quickly technology is impacting our lives. We hope to use this Technology Corner to showcase some of the exciting advances in the area of educational and assistive technologies and how they are impacting the world of our children and young adults. We will also use this as a forum to showcase some of the newer technologies that we are exploring at Anne Carlsen. We want to share stories on how these technologies are directly impacting the lives of our children and young adults. We will also introduce some of the new and promising technologies that are on the horizon. Lastly, we will share with you some tricks and tips that are available on your mobile devices that you may be able to use.

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Advances in today’s technologies are opening up a world of opportunities for persons of all abilities. At Anne Carlsen, we believe that these technologies can level the playing field for those we serve and provide them with tools to be more independent and to realize their dreams.

with visual impairments and closed captioning are some of the features that provide access for those who may not have had access in the past. Because these devices are small and mobile, our children and young adults have access anywhere and anytime. They now can carry their supports with them.

Technology is smaller, more powerful and less expensive than in the past. This allows us to put more tools and more supports into the hands of our students and young adults.

Most of our students and young adults grew up with technology and are used to using it.

They are comfortable using computers, iPads, cell phones and other mobile devices. Most of these devices have accessibility features built into them. These features can be modified and customized to meet the needs of each individual. Features such as text-to-speech, voice recognition, screen readers for those

The other huge benefit is that these solutions are on commercially available devices such as phones and tablets. This drives the prices down and removes the stigma of having to carry a specialized device with them. Everyone has a mobile device they carry around with them, so supports and specialized solutions are no longer as apparent.

This is very apparent when you spend any time around our students or young adults at Anne Carlsen. You will see students working on their educational tasks using a computer

and iPad, but if you look closer you will see a much broader and more powerful use if the technology. You will see students using these very same devices to communicate with their world. It is their voice. You will see students using these devices to organize their lives, monitor their behaviors, complete daily living activities and more.

technologies such as 3-D printing, virtual reality, augmented reality, robotics and the internet promise to bring great opportunities to those we serve.

At Anne Carlsen, we are exploring these newer technologies and looking to the future. Not only are we exploring these technologies, we are working with An excellent example is developers and engineers to “People think that Chase. Chase uses two butassure that these technolohaving a disability tons or switches that are gies will meet the needs of our is a barrier. But that’s mounted off to each side students and young adults. We not the way I see of his head. He taps those are not exploring these new it. When technology switches with his head and technologies just because we is designed for uses a built-in feature on want to, but we feel compelled everyone, it lets his iPad called Switch Conto. We feel compelled to provide our children and young trol to control his iPad. He anyone do what adults the tools to make them has full control of his iPad. they love.” more independent and allow He uses his iPad to comthem to realize their dreams. municate with others, do his school work, correspond with family and In closing, I want to leave you with a quote friends, listen to music and more. Eventually that really sums up my approach to technolhe will be able to control many other devicogy. The quote (above) is from one our es such as lights and a thermostat from his clients, Sady Paulson. Sady is one of our iPad. The possibilities are endless. many success stories. She is a testament on how power of technology can truly Another example is Onyx. Onyx is going to change lives. first grade in the public schools. Using a regular keyboard and mouse is very difficult and fatiguing for him. But that doesn’t stop him from being a full participant in his class. Onyx uses a specialized camera (Head Mouse) that recognizes a small reflective dot on his glasses. He uses the dot to control his computer using a built-in accessibility feature called Dwell Control. Everything you and I can do with the keyboard and mouse, he can do with his Head Mouse. Not only has this technology given him an opportunity to participate in Equipped with class, it has given him the head-tracking opportunity to thrive.

The future promises to be exciting because of the rapid advances in technologies. It is truly an exciting time to be in special education and working with assistive technologies. Newer

technology to control mouse movement, Onyx seamlessly interacts with his learning assignments.

–15

F

or the past 10 years, Anne Carlsen has hosted an amazing event called Zot Artz.

This year, it took on an international flavor. It was held at the International Peace Garden in Dunseith, North Dakota and brought together 200 individuals from the US and Canada, including adult providers, schools, centers for independent living and Peace Garden visitors to create a unique work of art.

Zot Artz uses adaptive tools transform wheelchairs into huge paintbrushes or chalk drawers, creating large or small works of art, indoors and out. This is an inclusive activity where individuals of all abilities and ages can stamp and print to make their own masterpiece. It’s all play, but they learn, explore and develop skills while having fun together.

The attendees start the day with a quick summary of the many ways they can create their own art and contribute to the group mural. They can paint, stamp, draw or roll their wheelchairs onto the mural leaving a trail of every color in the rainbow. All types of creativity are accepted and fun is required. The attendees are then let loose with the medium of their choice to let their imagination soar.

When the day was over, the colorful 40-footlong mural with a contribution from everyone who had participated was complete. They were in awe of what they had accomplished that day. The mural stayed on display for approximately 3 weeks and was enjoyed by the many visitors passing through the beautiful International Peace Garden.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Casey Stoudt Chair Jamestown, N.D.

Harvey Huber Past Chair Jamestown, N.D.

Sen. Nicole Poolman Treasurer Bismarck, N.D.

Tamara Mathison, O.D. Matthew Hanson Jamestown, N.D. Secretary New York City, N.Y. Kristi Mishler-Wilfahrt Grand Forks, N.D. Thomas Rolfstad Williston, N.D.

Bruce Furness Vice Chair Fargo, N.D.

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

SENIOR MANAGEMENT Tim Eissinger Chief Executive Officer

Daniel Johnson Chief Financial Officer

Stephanie Nelson Chief Operating Officer

Sam Brownell Info. Technology Director

Patty Olson Human Resources Director Jody Vigness Community-Based Services Senior Director

Kresha Wiest Director of Management Systems

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT —701-952-5167 Eric Wilkie Chief Development Officer eric.wilkie@annecenter.org

Trenton Gerads Associate Development Director trenton.gerads@annecenter.org

Regina Roach Development Support Specialist regina.roach@annecenter.org

Lori Kalgard Marketing/Special Events Coord. lori.kalgard@annecenter.org

Felicia Sargeant Associate Development Director felicia.sargeant@annecenter.org

Logan Little Marketing Director logan.little@annecenter.org

Rachel Schafer Development Operations Coord. rachel.schafer@annecenter.org

“The highest use of capital is not

to make more money, but to make

money do more for the betterment

of life.”

HENRY FORD

THE AMBASSADOR Published by: Anne Carlsen Center 701 3rd St. N.W., P.O. Box 8000 Jamestown, ND 58402 1-800-568-5175 www.annecarlsen.org Logan Little, Marketing Director logan.little@annecenter.org Brenda Tappert, Writer brenda.tappert@annecenter.org Paul Johnson, Designer paul@pauljohnsondesign.com

The Ambassador is a mailed, free of charge, quarterly publication for supporters of the Anne Carlsen Center.

If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call 1-800-568-5175, ext. 1015.

Eco-friendly Ambassador The Ambassador is printed on an environmentally-certified paper. Each page has a 10% post-consumer waste content, and the inks utilized are Soy Inks.

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

For information on how you, your family or your business can help support the Anne Carlsen Center, contact: ERIC WILKIE Chief Development Officer eric.wilkie@annecenter.org

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