IGNITE-Fall News 2019

IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation.

Fall 2019 • Volume 6, Issue 2

Greensboro Trip 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: ignite_davidson@autismsociety-nc.org ignite_raleigh@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: Attn: IGNITE 5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27607

Preparing for Success in Secondary Education Phew! Graduated high school and off to college! What every young adult yearns for: INDEPENDENCE! What should be an exciting time for young adults often brings stress, anxiety, frustration, and failure to those with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

100% of IGNITE members graduated from high school. For some, it was a breeze.

Others got by with the support of family, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and special education services. So, if 100% of the adults we serve at IGNITE succeeded in high school, why did only 21% go on to earn degrees? More specifically, 7% earned an associate degree, 11% a bachelor’s, and 3% a master’s.

To succeed in secondary education, young adults must know their own strengths and needs, and be able to ask for support to help with those challenges. They must advocate for themselves; they won’t receive any support if they don’t ask for it.

That’s where IGNITE comes in. During self-advocacy group at IGNITE, members are learning about their diagnosis and specific ASD characteristics, as well as their personal strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, members are learning to voice their needs. Members are learning about filling out applications and legal forms with personal or diagnostic information. They also are discovering their learning styles and accommodations that are helpful to them, and how to share these with professors. Families can reinforce what members are learning at IGNITE to help prepare them for success in secondary education. (Continued on page 2)

Greensboro Trip

Collaboration, teamwork, and unity are all qualities that describe IGNITE perfectly this year.

With the opening of the new Raleigh center, the two programs have used this year to come together in several ways. Members and staff have had many opportunities to collaborate through the computer conferencing app Highfive, but we wanted to do something much bigger! This is how the idea for the major meet-up in Greensboro developed. Staff from both centers planned an outing that members of both centers would never forget.

The day of the trip, members rode the Amtrak train to Greensboro, anticipating meeting their counterparts for the first time. When we arrived, everyone was all smiles during introductions. As a group of 27, we played a few get-to-know-you, icebreaker games to encourage bonding. Our day continued at the Greensboro History Museum, where we learned about the city with a guided tour. Several of our members are history enthusiasts, so they joined in the discussion, keeping everyone engaged and connected. Lastly, we headed to the Center of Visual Arts where members broke off into smaller groups and explored fine arts.

The Greensboro trip was a huge success. “It showed me that I’m not the only one who struggles in this world,” said Steven Sokal, a Davidson member. “This trip also meant a lot to me because we are all one team and not two teams divided. We conquer this area together.”

Billy Mayer, another Davidson member, said, “The Greensboro trip was meaningful because I met new people and enjoyed the museum.” By the end of the day, we were sad to say goodbye, but knowing we gained new friendships made it a little easier. We are excited for future IGNITE outings together!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker proceeds to benefit IGNITE

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Our Town Cinemas in Davidson $25/ticket (includes any size popcorn and drink)

https://riseofskywalker.eventbrite.com (Preparing for Success in Secondary Education cont.)

Make sure your child is learning skills for independent living, such as how to do laundry, how to use a banking account, and how to budget their time. To help reinforce self-advocacy skills, don’t step in and solve problems for your young adult. Support them by role-playing, talking through situations, or helping to create lists that can be referenced, but make sure they have opportunities to practice interacting with authority figures.

Even something as simple as ordering a pizza can serve as practice if they do it over the phone, rather than online.

(At IGNITE, some members have learned to place a pizza to-go order independently.)

Once they know what they need and are prepared to selfadvocate, students should investigate which schools fit their needs. Colleges and universities do offer some support and services, but each one is different. IGNITE Parent and Autism Resource Specialist Nancy Popkin recommends meeting PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2019

with the Disability Services Directors at every college under consideration before choosing where to go. Ask them how they support students with ASD. Some schools provide extra services that are not listed on their website, she said. Some might offer basic accommodations such as extended time and testing in a separate setting, note-taking services, and access to a single room. Others might have staff available to counsel the student through situations to allay anxiety or help them learn to manage their time. Finding the right fit might take some time and research, but it will pay off.

Young adults can be successful in secondary education, and it is well worth the extra effort. Member Grace Keating, who is a graduate of the College of Charleston and has a degree in accounting, said, “I am glad I got a degree, because I do not know where I would be without it.”

What’s Happening in Davidson?

Member-Led Activities

This year at IGNITE, members have taken it upon themselves to plan and facilitate activities much more often. To kick off the year, one member planned a New Year’s Eve party for all of her friends. They counted down until the ball dropped while enjoying pizza and entertainment. Another member had a Mario Kart-themed birthday party full of videos games and karaoke.

Another had a board game night, full of fun competition. In addition to hosting parties, members have socialized at community events. Members traveled to Raleigh for Galaxycon, attended AspieCon, got a spooky thrill at the movie “IT,” and had a blast during game night at All Around the Board. To help facilitate these member-led gatherings, IGNITE staff encourage and support members as they plan. Our goal is for members to build such strong bonds that they want to enjoy each other’s company outside of IGNITE.

Special Olympics

“I am a champion” was the motto heard all weekend at the Special Olympics in Raleigh. This year, IGNITE was honored to have two members compete on the Lake Norman Special Olympics bowling team. Steven Sokal and Paul Nestor committed to practicing each week and working as a team to succeed.

Because of their hard work, they came home with gold medals for doubles bowling. At the beginning of each match, every athlete comes together to recite the Special Olympic pledge: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” After the pledge, an overwhelming sense of love, acceptance, and warmth swept the room. With the pledge in mind, all of the athletes cheered everyone else on and showed the best attitude possible.

MSC Mock Interviews

Our members were dressed to impress as they prepared for mock interviews with MSC Industrial Supply, a supply company in downtown Davidson that distributes industrial equipment. We are very fortunate to have had MSC as one of our main supporters for several years. IGNITE had the opportunity to partner with MSC in July to create a day for our members to practice necessary employment skills.

With employment being a large piece that we focus on to help grow our members’ independence, we jumped at this opportunity. We were thankful that MSC encourage their staff to assist with the event. Several MSC employees acted as mock interviewers and expert resume writers. While at the event, our members worked on improving their resumes, increasing their networking skills, and interviewing.

It was an invaluable opportunity to gain real-life interview experience without the pressure. We are so grateful to MSC for giving us the opportunity to help our members with interviewing, which can be such a stressful and difficult task.

Self-Confidence Class

Many people struggle with being comfortable in their own skin, feeling value in who they are, and believing in their abilities. Self-confidence is needed in all aspects of life. Understanding how significant this trait is, IGNITE created a group to help members increase their self-confidence. Throughout the semester, members participated in activities including vision boards, self-love portraits, affirmation creations, power posing, and much more. These activities allowed them to become more self-aware while having fun. Since beginning this group, we have seen transformations all around. Members who were afraid to speak or disliked their body image have built more positive feelings about themselves.

They have learned to talk to themselves kindly and appreciate their own unique qualities while approaching life with an open mindset. Our end goal is for members to see themselves as we see them: amazing individuals who all can achieve great things.

IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2019 – PG 3

Raleigh Member Spotlight:

Alex Deal

Alex Deal was born in Dallas, Texas, and is a triplet with two sisters. His family moved to Raleigh when he and his sisters were 3 years old. After graduating from high school, Alex attended Wake Tech Community College for three years with a focus in Electrical Systems Technology. He enjoyed the content and material immensely but struggled with the educational structure, so he decided to take a break from school.

While Alex was in college, he discovered his passion for making jewelry using scrap wire from his classes! Jewelrymaking has since become Alex’s primary hobby, and he has advanced his skills by taking a class at the Cary Community Arts Center. Alex plans to continue taking jewelry classes as more become available. Some of his favorite types of jewelry to make are pendants and chainmail.

After taking a break from college, Alex decided to begin working. He has built up his work experience over several years and enjoys the skills he has learned at each job. Alex has been working with Vocational Rehabilitation and recently secured a job at Tuesday Morning, where his primary responsibilities include assembling furniture, stocking, and unloading delivery trucks. Alex said that his career goal is

to work in the jewelry industry, but he would also be happy continuing in his current job if there is opportunity for growth and advancement.

Alex has been an IGNITE member since April 2019. He discovered IGNITE while looking for a social group for young adults with high-functioning ASD through the Autism Society of North Carolina’s website. He wanted to join because he was feeling socially isolated, which led him to feel emotionally down. When asked how IGNITE has helped him grow, he said, “Well, my self-esteem has greatly improved, and my general outlook on life is much more positive now. It has also helped me develop very good cooking skills and taught me strategies to succeed socially and in the workplace.” Alex also shared that he has made many friends since joining IGNITE. Alex has always fully participated in groups with great enthusiasm and always shares thoughtful contributions with his peers. Alex is kind, encouraging, and welcoming to all members. He always offers to give rides to his peers when we go on outings, and he has also started regularly giving rides to IGNITE to two other members. We have really enjoyed seeing Alex become such an active and positive member of the IGNITE Raleigh community, and we are thrilled to continue supporting him as he pursues his goals both inside and outside of IGNITE.

Davidson Member Spotlight:

Chris Jameson Chris Jameson, a California man at heart, has grown so much in the past year. Chris came to IGNITE over three years ago with the goal of finding a society of individuals on the spectrum that he could relate to.

Since coming to IGNITE, Chris has achieved several of his goals.

He got his driver’s license, bought a car, obtained an associate degree, formed meaningful relationships with his peers, and is working toward his employment goals!

His biggest challenge was having self-confidence in social situations. At first, he would never initiate conversation because he was too shy. With the help of our skill-building classes, Chris now understands how to communicate with other people more easily and regularly schedules time to hang out with friends. “I have found my place where I fit in and have created a family who accepts me for who I am and who I want to be,” Chris said. He is very involved with IGNITE, regularly

attending cooking group, budgeting, and weekend activities.

He even plans game nights at his house.

One of Chris’s goals is to become a veterinary technician.

With an associate degree now under his belt, he has been actively pursuing that goal. With the help of IGNITE, Chris is now working as a kennel assistant at Pet Paradise and The Animal Hospital of Cornelius. His confidence has increased significantly since he has been working. We applaud his passion and determination to achieve his dream of becoming a veterinary technician.

“IGNITE has been very instrumental to developing my life skills, and I always enjoy coming to IGNITE. Whenever I feel sad or lonely and have had a rough day, I always come to IGNITE to make me feel better.” With his eyes set on the prize, Chris’s future goals are to live independently, grow in his faith while building a community at church, and work toward becoming a better version of himself.

What’s Happening in Raleigh?

Self-Advocacy

All of our members are encouraged to be their own best advocates. They have been working on identifying and communicating their diagnosis, their unique characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their greatest strengths and weaknesses. Members have been working hard to learn about their learning styles and what types of accommodations and supports they may need to succeed in the workplace, higher education, and the general community. Members have built confidence through the practice of sharing this information both in writing and verbally among their peers at IGNITE. One member recently shared that he used the information he learned in Self-Advocacy Group to communicate with his job coach the types of supports he needed to help him succeed in his new job. He was extremely proud of having been able to use those skills immediately after working on them.

Health & Wellness

From line-dancing, to walking around at local festivals and fairs, to bouncing around at a trampoline park this fall, IGNITE Raleigh has been exploring new ways of getting out and getting active. Throughout August and September, an ASNC employee volunteered his time to teach a five-week line dancing class to all IGNITE members. This class was so popular that we are creating a partner dancing series. In addition, several members have been initiating and leading dance groups during free time and dinner with the Wii Just Dance game.

Members have also chosen to use some of our Friday Fun Nights and Weekend Events to get out and get active.

DefyGravity is an IGNITE Raleigh favorite for a Friday Fun Night that keeps members active in a fun environment with a Ninja Warrior course, dodgeball, and trapeze swings. We also visit local festivals, enabling members to explore the community and check out local arts and crafts while getting their steps in.

And we have continued exploring through our weekly walks, which are a highlight for all members.

Career Exploration

Members have been working on identifying workplace interests and preferred workplace environments through various selfassessments. In addition, members are identifying coping mechanisms to deal with workplace stressors, strengthening effective communication strategies in the workplace, and learning how to address and manage workplace conflict.

Several of our members were referred to ASNC Employment Supports and are currently in Job Development. Three of our members have secured work in the past month, and all of them are extremely excited to be working and using skills learned in group. Another member successfully completed a full-time, programming internship with a Fortune 500 company. She is now completing her computer programming degree at Wake Tech Community College and will then pursue full-time work in computer programming and robotics.

IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2019 – PG 5

Donor Spotlight:

Pam Rogers Pam and her late husband, Craig, had retired to South Carolina after a lifetime of moving around the country for Craig’s career as a banker.

They loved their life. But their happy retirement was cut short when Craig was diagnosed with cancer, which was made more complicated by his type 1 diabetes. Pam is a nurse, and she says Craig was her “last patient.”

Toward the end of Craig’s life, the couple and their two adult daughters enjoyed a visit with Pam’s brothers and their families in Davidson. “We had a great time,” Pam said. “He told the girls, ‘this is where I think your mom should be.’”

Pam told her two brothers to be on the lookout for any homes that came available in the townhouse community where they both lived. When something came up, she jumped on it, and has now been living in Davidson for just over a year.

Being surrounded by family – they all live on the same street – has been wonderful for Pam. “I have my brothers and their wives (I call them my sisters) and that’s huge,” Pam said.

Pam has especially enjoyed spending time with two of her nephews, who are both members of IGNITE Davidson. “Now that I live so close, I see them almost every day. I didn’t get to watch them growing up, even though I am godmother to one of the boys.” The family enjoys spending time together, playing board games or going out to play trivia.

“It’s such a comfort for me, loving these boys, for them to have IGNITE,” Pam said. “Before IGNITE, I don’t know that they ever participated in anything that was social. I especially love the education, such as when they did safety training with a police officer. It’s comforting to know that if they are out driving and get stopped by the police, they will know what they should do.

They are out in the world more now because of IGNITE.” As a donor, Pam is selective about where she invests her charitable dollars. “I don’t donate to a lot of places. Mostly I give to organizations that have touched me or those I love, or that I know will do good things for a lot of people.”

For Pam, the support from IGNITE makes them part of the family. “Family isn’t just the people you are related to,” Pam said. “Family is the people who understand you and love you for who you are. Just as I have created a family for myself here in Davidson, IGNITE is part of our family because of how they help and support my nephews.”

Ray J’s Reviews Check out IGNITE member Ray J Evernham’s movie reviews online: www.facebook.com/pg/rayjsreview

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