IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Fall 2018 • Volume 5, Issue 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:
Mindy Govan, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 mgovan@autismsociety-nc.org www.autismsociety-nc.org/ignite 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
Preparing for Successful Interviews This summer, Microsoft reached out to IGNITE Davidson to offer a fun-filled day to our members as part of the company’s community involvement day. We thought we could go one step further and provide a meaningful learning opportunity! Many individuals with ASD, especially our IGNITE members, have talents, skills, and impressive resumes. They often receive a first interview but don’t get called back for a second interview or a job offer. With no feedback on how they did in the interview, it is hard for them to improve their interviewing skills. Microsoft agreed to set up mock interviews to allow our members to receive immediate and written feedback on things they did well and what they could work on to be more successful. To get ready for the event, IGNITE staff worked with members to create or update their resumes. The members learned about appropriate interview attire and social skills and reviewed their responses to typical interview questions. As Microsoft staff began receiving the IGNITE members’ resumes ahead of time, they said they were surprised and impressed by the members’ level of skills, and it caused them to increase their preparations for these professional-level interviews. Finally, the big day arrived. The members were “dressed to impress” as they headed into the Microsoft Technology Center in Charlotte, where they were treated with the utmost respect. (Continued on page 4)
What’s Happening at IGNITE? Neuro-Typical Safety Solutions
Neurotypical – or NT, both abbreviations of neurologically typical – is a neologism widely used in the autism community as a label for people who are not on the autism spectrum. Neuro-Typical Safety Solutions is a 16-week program run by Thomas Unland, Senior Federal Air Marshall (Retired)/Department of Homeland Security and father of an IGNITE member, and Joshua Oksnevad, NC State Parks Law Enforcement Ranger, former EMT, and firefighter. The program was developed in response to Director Mindy Govan’s concern for the members of IGNITE as there have been a growing number of tragic incidents in situations where individuals with disabilities interacted with law enforcement. The safety program provided much-needed instruction on a variety of topics including community awareness, how to be safe, effective communication with safety officers, how to react and respond to danger, how to respond during a traffic stop, and how to handle personal emergencies. The instruction included open dialogue, role playing, and even mock traffic stops. IGNITE members were able to recognize where mistakes and misinterpretation could occur in their interactions with law enforcement. Most importantly, they learned that neurotypical law enforcement officers do not use or always understand the literal language used by individuals on the autism spectrum and that their literal understanding of language could be misunderstood as noncompliance or “wise guy” remarks. Members were taught to use all available senses, to recognize neurotypical behavior, and to develop and use the tools needed to act in the safest manner for a positive outcome. Together Tom, Josh, and Mindy developed the 5 Alive system for the members as critical takeaway information. The five tips include following directions, identifying themselves as having a disability, and asking to call someone, such as a parent. The members reviewed them each week to increase memorization. The IGNITE members graduating from this safety course successfully participated in interacting with federal and state law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and land resource officers, rangers, and agents, thus permanently changing their everyday awareness of their surroundings and increasing their safety.
Ray J’s Reviews Check out IGNITE member Ray J Evernham’s movie reviews online: www.facebook.com/pg/rayjsreview
Believe the hype While a tad bit slow at times, and a little long, ‘A Star Is Born’ is an enjoyable, yet heart wrenching film, with stellar performances from Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga Gaga really surprised me with her acting and, she really shines in this movie, while Bradley Cooper’s performance sends you on a heartbreaking spiral. The cinematography is incredible, and the sound is electrifying and really makes you feel like you’re right there on stage when Gaga and Bradley Cooper are singing their hearts out....I have to say it’s somewhat of an experience As for the music, I personally enjoyed Lady Gaga’s songs the most, and one of Bradley Cooper’s solo songs, ‘Maybe It’s Time’ was really good too.
PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2018
While there are a couple upbeat pop songs sung by Gaga’s character Ally, such as ‘Why Did You Do That’ & ‘Heal Me’, her emotional vocals shine the most on the ballads. In particular on the Whitney Houstonesque , ‘I’ll Never Love Again’, performed in the heart wrenching final scene, bring multiple boxes of tissues A couple other standout songs would be ‘Shallow’ performed by both Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, and ‘Always Remember Us This Way’, ‘Look What I Found’ and ‘Is That Alright’ (played in the end credits) performed by Lady Gaga. I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars
Yoga with Doris Kapner
Yoga has always been a popular group among IGNITE members, and we are so lucky to have Doris Kapner instruct our yoga class once a week. In addition to being a certified yoga instructor, Doris is an IGNITE parent. She creates a safe and welcoming learning environment for the members, “allowing for lots of questions and talking to take the mystery out of it,” she said. Having the group at IGNITE reinforces the members’ comfort. Yoga helps increase balance, flexibility, and body awareness so people know why they need to move and counteract sitting, Doris said. She presents different styles to the IGNITE members so they can find a practice that works for them, whether that means practicing alone or with others. “The beauty of the practice is anyone can do it. It can be adjusted to meet any level,” she said. “I think this is what makes it perfect for a person with ASD. It can start very small and build, with just learning how to feel present in your body and how to breathe to relieve your anxiety.” “The results I’ve personally seen in my students, young and old, is learning how to be OK with themselves, deal with stress and even pain, and developing compassion and empathy,” Doris said. “This is just as important as the physical benefits. I stress being kind with yourself and less judgmental.” Members walk away from yoga feeling refreshed and stress-free!
Member Spotlight: Delane Boyette Delane Boyette was so interested in becoming a member of IGNITE that he moved to be closer to the program. Delane, who is now 26, had grown up in a small town and said he felt isolated since the age of 6. After graduating from high school, he lived with his mother in Kenly. He worked part time as a stocker at a local general store, which he did not enjoy because the schedule was so irregular. Delane also knew he was capable of much more. Throughout Delane’s youth, he and his mother had worked with the Chapel Hill TEACCH Center and IGNITE’s very own director, Mindy Govan. After hearing about IGNITE, he and his mother moved to Statesville so he could join. “My mother realized how much I needed to be at IGNITE,” Delane said. Delane has accomplished many things since becoming a member at IGNITE in early 2017! He recently moved to Cornelius and lives independently. IGNITE has “helped me be confident. I’ve been able to do things I never thought I’d be
able to do.” In fact, Delane gained enough skills that he no longer needs a legally appointed guardian, and the IGNITE staff helped him and his mother through the process to restore his rights to be his own guardian. Although he admits it is difficult at times, living independently is his biggest success. He is learning to take the city bus and loves to walk around town. He cooks his own meals, goes grocery shopping, and pays his rent and bills. At IGNITE, Delane enjoys exercising at Champions, the safety workshop, cooking group, and interacting with all of the other members. He hopes to join the writing club, because he enjoys writing stories and reading. Delane said IGNITE has helped him learn to be independent and achieve his goals. We are so proud of Delane and we are so glad we get to help him on his journey to independence!
IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2018 – PG 3
Donor Spotlight:
Tony Parella, CEO of SVRA
Tony Parella, CEO of Southern Vintage Racing Association, gave some of our IGNITE members a weekend to remember in late September. Six members and some of their families traveled to Virginia International Raceway for the Heacock Classic Gold Cup Historic Races Weekend, Sept. 21-23. They were attending to see IGNITE founder and parent Ray Evernham compete in the American Racing Legends Charity Pro-Am Race, which was set to benefit IGNITE. Tony really connected with the members, including them in every part of the weekend to be sure that they enjoyed themselves. They had a chance to listen in to the morning drivers’ meeting, watch practice and warmups, and get autographs from the drivers. The members presented Tony with an IGNITE T-shirt, making him an honorary member. Rachel, a member who is a big racing fan, loved the weekend and said, “Today, you made my dreams come true.”
(Preparing for Successful Interviews cont.) Each member participated in two interview sessions. After each, they received constructive feedback on their interview skills, social skills, and resumes from each interviewer. “I never know how I did in an interview, so it was great to hear from my interviewer what I did well and what I need to work on,” one member said. “It was a very positive experience.” “I am so glad I did it – now I won’t be as nervous next time,” said another. Microsoft provided the members with a wonderful lunch and everyone still had time for some fun with a celebratory karaoke party. The IGNITE members weren’t the only ones who learned something that day. The members educated the Microsoft professionals and HR department about the talent and skills possessed by individuals on the autism spectrum. “I really learned a lot just having exposure I hadn’t had before,” said one Microsoft employee. “I think I got as much out of it as our new friends did!”
Ray J Evernham announced the start of the pro-am race as well as riding in the pace car. After the race – which Ray and Boris Said won – members joined him on stage for the trophy presentation. It was a glorious moment! In addition to proceeds of the race, IGNITE will receive proceeds from an auction that weekend. At the event, Tony spoke about how important it is to the racing family to give back to their communities and committed to supporting IGNITE with future events. Altogether, Tony has raised over $38,000 to benefit IGNITE. We appreciate his big heart and look forward to continuing our partnership!
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PG 4– IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2018
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