IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Spring 2016 • Volume 3, Issue 2
Finding Acceptance: Members’ Perspectives More than anything, IGNITE is a community where young adults on the autism spectrum find the acceptance and friendship they want and deserve. For the first time, they are going out with friends, driving, and dating. They are embarking on new educational journeys and landing jobs. The acceptance that our members find at IGNITE – and the growth that follows – gives them the confidence to become more involved in the other communities around them. So for Autism Awareness Month, we thought we would ask these wise young adults to share their perspectives on the higher goal: acceptance and inclusion into the greater community.
What would ASD acceptance look like to you? “ASD acceptance to me would be where everyone, or mostly everyone, would look at people with Asperger’s or autism as not being different, but being just the same as every other human being. We just have different needs and think differently than others.” “It wouldn’t be considered a ‘disability.’” “Everyone would be accepting me the way I am without judgement.”
Why is acceptance just as important, if not more, than awareness? “Once people ‘accept’ something that is different from the ‘status quo,’ they will most likely discover that it cannot be a hindrance to our already striving society, but will make the big picture of their lives even better. In other words, autism acceptance is important because those on the spectrum have unique skills that others might not have that can be useful out in the workplace or anywhere in general.” “If people accept you, it means they know about ASD and don’t judge you for it. Awareness is just knowing about it.”
What opportunities would be opened up to you if the world was accepting of ASD? “If there were ‘real’ job opportunities, it would open up so many pathways, such as purchasing a car to get to and from work, and living independently like everyone else our age.” “I think I would be more open to doing things if the world was accepting to Asperger’s and autism, which would lead to more opportunities for me.”
What is one thing you think is misunderstood about autism or you wish people understood? “I just wish that people would walk at least a mile – or better still, a week – in continued on page 2
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community. For more information: Alyssa Puccia, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 apuccia@autismsociety-nc.org www.ignite-davidson.org www.autismsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036
“Finding Acceptance”, continued from page 1
“I think I would be more open to doing things if the world was accepting to Asperger’s and autism, which would lead to more opportunities for me.”
our shoes so they can have more understanding about how challenging it is when you know you can contribute so much to society and work alongside your peers and yet nobody gives you a chance to support yourself financially.” “Some of us can do everything anyone else can do. I wish everyone knew that.” “Just because we don’t understand, doesn’t mean you can’t explain it to us.”
What would ASD acceptance mean to you? “Emotionally, it would mean happiness, acceptance, joy, more friends, having people accept my baggage and really more understanding.”
“To me, ASD acceptance means – and should be – a huge milestone in our history when the veil of ignorance and prejudice can finally be cast down and all neurotypicals can see that, like them, we share a common goal: living life as best we can and making a better future for ourselves and for our families.” “It would mean me and many others like me could live life that doesn’t make fun of or look down on us for being us. I would like that very much.”
Member Spotlight
Grace Keating
For many individuals, getting a job after college is the hardest transition. It was no different for IGNITE member Grace Keating; here is her account of her journey: I remember September of 2014 as if it was yesterday. It took me five months to find a job. It was the hardest transition for me after college. After a long and arduous interviewing process, Harris Teeter offered me a position as a cashier. I had filled out an application online at SnagAJob.com for a stocker position. After about a week, I got an email saying that the hiring manager was going to call me to schedule an interview. I felt scared. I started doing research about the company, trying to incorporate their values into my answers. I wanted to feel like I knew what I was talking about. I felt I had to adapt to improve my interviewing skills. On the big day of the interview, I was nervous. I remember listening to every word intently and responding exactly how I had practiced. Halfway through, I noticed that the people interviewing me were just people. That calmed my mind and I was able to have a very successful interview. The group of hiring managers offered me a job as a cashier. After the interview, I felt relieved that I had found a job. I was thrilled, but my mom was worried for me. She thought that as a cashier, I would have too many people interacting with me and I would be tired. PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2016
After I finished my training, I worked long hours trying to be the best cashier that I could possibly be. It paid off. My customers loved my genuine nature and wrote great reviews for me. In September 2015, all of those customer reviews and praise from my manager earned me a transfer to another store. I transferred to the new store with the condition that I could become a customer service clerk at some point. Once I had proved myself again with outstanding compliments from my customers, the management team promoted me. I was thrilled. The new job was a lot more responsibility than I had realized, but I desperately wanted more of a challenge. I wanted to feel as if I could stretch my boundaries with my problem-solving ability. It was a struggle because I moved to full time and customer service at the same time. I was tired all the time, but I knew if I had determination and hard work on my side that I would make it. It might have taken me more time than some of the other people at Harris Teeter. I wanted to get it right. I cope with the auditory information by writing down helpful advice in my phone. I learned from my mistakes and grew stronger because of it. Today, I am a better customer service clerk than I was and continue to grow. I want to thank the staff of Harris Teeter for believing in me. This is my story and I hope it helps a little in bringing inspiration. Grace has graduated with a degree in accounting from College of Charleston and would love to pursue that career path in the future. Way to be persistent in your goals, Grace! IGNITE will always be here to support you through your journey!
What’s Happening at IGNITE?
New Member Orientation On February 25, IGNITE welcomed 10 new members. It continues to be our goal to effectively serve as many individuals as we can support. New member orientation consisted of a pizza social as well as some basic information about IGNITE. Our older members were extremely welcoming and supportive to our new members, which has allowed our new members to feel at ease much sooner. The existing members were so excited to meet new friends that they had to be reminded to allow the new members to walk through the door before each of them rushed over to greet them with smiles and handshakes!
Giving Back to the Community IGNITE is tremendously fortunate to be able to offer our services without charge thanks to the support of the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation, which inspired us to give back to others. In March, IGNITE’s healthy cooking group baked fresh strawberry mini pies and brought them to the police department to thank them for their service. Many felt it was an uplifting experience to give back to the community that has been so giving and accepting of us. Additionally, the art group made Valentine’s Day cards for the Ronald McDonald House. After those successes, we plan to continue performing service through our groups and activities.
Member of the Month To recognize the successes of members, IGNITE has begun naming a “Member of the Month.” We hope it will help inspire all of the members to continue striving toward their goals. Our first recipient said it was an incredible honor and was deeply touched.
Staff-Member Dinner IGNITE members and staff are now getting together on the last Thursday of each month to dine at the Brickhouse. This is a chance for everyone to socialize outside of our typical environment and enjoy a meal together. We will be presenting the member of the month during this dinner as well!
Thank-you to Stacy Hultgren While Stacy Hultgren is no longer the Director of IGNITE, we are happy to say we do not have to say good-bye to her. Stacy, whose vision for and implementation of the IGNITE plan from inception has been such a gift, will continue to consult with staff members and facilitate the Parent Groups. Alyssa Puccia, who had been the IGNITE Assistant Director, has accepted the role of IGNITE Director. Alyssa also has been with IGNITE since the very beginning and has worked tirelessly for the betterment of the IGNITE program and the advancement of its members. She can be reached at apuccia@autismsocietync.org. IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2016 – PG 3
Volunteer Spotlight
Larry Grossflam When Larry Grossflam moved to North Carolina from New York in the fall of 2014, he began looking for volunteer opportunities. Through his employer, United Health Group, he learned about the AmeriCarna LIVE car show held by NASCAR champion crew chief Ray Evernham to benefit IGNITE. “Having been a longtime follower and admirer of Ray Evernham’s career, a big fan of AmeriCarna on Velocity and being somewhat car-crazy myself, I thought this opportunity would be a perfect fit for me,” Larry said. “I instantly felt like part of the team and knew my assistance and experience was appreciated and respected.” Larry has given AmeriCarna LIVE a huge boost each year. He attends other car shows in the area and hands out cards about AmeriCarna LIVE. He also posts about the event on community calendars and the Facebook pages of car clubs. Once car owners have registered, he works with them, and he helps set up at the Moonshiners Ball and the car show. “Larry Grossflam defines what it means to serve the community and give back,” said Det Cullum, AmeriCarna LIVE event coordinator. “His passion for cars and helping others has played an integral role in making AmeriCarna LIVE such a successful event, and we know he will continue to do everything in his power to help us make it better each year.” Larry also has taken the time to learn about IGNITE so he can educate the public about the community center. “People should know that individuals with autism have skills, reach goals, and function in their communities like everyone else,
but they need the right support to help them,” Larry said. “When I was given a tour of IGNITE’s facility and saw how the program was organized, what it did, and how they helped, I knew this was a great environment for young adults to receive that needed support. “People should know that a program like this exists.” Larry said he looks forward to continuing to volunteer for IGNITE and the Autism Society of North Carolina, and he encourages others to do the same. “If you can use your experience and life’s work to help others or to just get involved in something you have passion for, it will pay you back with pride and an amazing feeling of empowerment and ‘doing good,’” he said. “You will also meet some great people, make new friends and set an example for others to follow. ASNC and the IGNITE program are a great place to start. You won’t meet better people. “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.”
2nd annual
Stand Up for Autism Friday & Saturday, May 13-14 Port City Club in Cornelius
Kickoff party from 6-9 p.m. Friday at Port City Club with food, beverages, music, and a live auction. Luau after the races on Saturday featuring the Island Hula Girls. To purchase tickets for these events: http://bit.ly/SUPkickoff Paddleboard Races (Elite and Recreational WPA) open to the general public, paddleboard rentals, and paddleboard fitness demos on Saturday To register for the recreational race: http://bit.ly/SUPforAutism PG 4– IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2016