Autism Empowerment Radio

Is it possible to Unite the Autism Community? Can Autistic and Aspie adults, teens and children respectfully come together with parents, educators, service professionals and nonprofit autism organizations to discuss challenges and work toward the common good?

If so, what would that look like? Who would be seated at the table? Who would facilitate the conversation? 

How do we calm the chaos, reduce the infighting and begin to work together for a stronger, more united, autism community that focuses on acceptance, empowerment, optimal outcomes and positive life trajectories? How do we provide individuals and families with support, opportunity and connection?

Join Autism Empowerment Radio as Karen Krejcha discusses these challenges. Diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in her 40s, Karen is mom to two sons (8 and 15) also diagnosed on the autism spectrum. As Executive Director and co-founder of the nonprofit, Autism Empowerment, Karen regularly engages in conversation with autistic teens and adults as well as parents and other family members. She sees and hears the frustration from those on the spectrum who want to be respected and accepted and not seen as a burden upon society. She sees and hears from parents who want to do the best for their children but struggle navigating convoluted and conflicting systems of service that sometimes hurt more than they help. 

Is it possible to strengthen the Autism Community?  We think so!

Let's talk about it.

Arguably the biggest celebrity in the llama world isRojo the Llama, a charming therapy animal from Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas that has completed over 800 therapy visits throughout the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA area since being certified 7 years ago. Attendees of Autism Empowerment's Easter Egg Hunt for Acceptance of All Abilities in April 2014 lined up for the chance to share kisses, carrots and hugs.

According to Rojo's Facebook page, "I've always been a little weird because I LOVE being around people! That's why my owners decided to get me certified in 2007 through the DoveLewis Animal-Assisted Therapy Program in Portland, OR. My roommate, Smokey also passed his certification with flying colors, and now we also have a rescued llama named Beni, and three very sweet alpacas named Napoleon, Andre, and Jean-Pierre at our place that also do therapy visitation. We leave the farm at least 3 - 5 times every week to visit kids with special needs and old folks in retirement homes. We also get to do lots of fun parties and PR events throughout the year down in the "big city" of Portland - I love it when everybody freaks out when they see us walking around downtown!"

Although Rojo has figured out how to express himself in llama talk and through Facebook, he hasn't quite mastered the art of the radio interview. Today we are delighted to welcome Lori Gregory, President of Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas to share the history behind their nonprofit organization, anecdotes about their activities and insight regarding what makes therapy animals like Rojo, Smokey, Napoleon and friends so appealing to children and senior citizens. 

RojoTheLlama.com and facebook.com/rojothellama

Join us today as we chat with Elissa Bosley, SpecialCare Program Manager from MassMutual Oregon. We'll be talking with Elissa about the fantastic work MassMutual has been doing regionally providing free support, workshops, sensory events and support services to the autism and cross-disability community in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

We'll also be talking about MassMutual's SpecialCare Program, a program that is also offered at various MassMutual offices throughout the country. SpecialCare is a program from MassMutual that provides access to information – from what you need to know in order to provide the best care to your loved one, to how to manage the needs of yourself and other family members.  

If you are caring for a person with a disability or other special needs – a spouse, a child, sibling, dependent parent, other relative or friend, the SpecialCare program is an innovative outreach initiative that provides access to information, specialists, and financial products and services that can help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and other special needs and their families and caregivers. 

For example, you’ll learn why accepting a generous financial gift from a loving grandparent may not be in their best interest – and why disinheriting your special needs child might be the right thing to do.

For more information on the SpecialCare Program and Special Needs Financial Information, please visit: http://oregon.massmutual.com/individuals-and-families/specialcaresm

EarthLink is committed to offering our time, talent and resources to build strong, connected, thriving communities. We believe that the biggest impact is made when all of us come together in a variety of ways to make a difference, providing a HALO effect for our communities and our customers.

Today Autism Empowerment Radio welcomes two Earthlinkers: Pam O'Connor, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and Brian Tashima, Pricing Analyst and Autism Empowerment Board Member.  We will learn more about EarthLink's Corporate Giving HALO (Helps, Acts, Links and Outreach) and listen to examples of how EarthLink has recently been serving in communities throughout the United States.

EarthLink was a Featured Event sponsor for Autism Empowerment's 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Acceptance of All Abilities on April 19th, 2014. This Acceptance Event which included an egg hunt, family entertainment and cross-disability resource fair served over 1,300 in the Southwest Washington and Portland metro area, including 40 cross-disability agencies and service providers, 180+ volunteers, 5 politicians, 5 service animals. 

EarthLink volunteers played a special part in the day's event. Brian Tashima will share with us what it was like to participate in the Ceremonial First Egg Roll. 

Earthlink's motto is Anytime, anywhere: EarthLink keeps customers connected and businesses empowered. Our leading-edge managed IT, network and communications services deliver the superior and secure experience our customers value and trust.

To learn more, visit: www.earthlink.net/about/community/ and www.earthlink.net

As April comes to a close and we end Autism Acceptance month for 2014, how as individuals, family members and community members do we continue to facilitate positive change beyond Autism Awareness?

What steps should we take to promote a meaningful call to action for Acceptance both within the Autism and Asperger community and our world at large?

How can we tame some of the infighting among organizations and individuals within the autism community and work together toward a common goal of providing meaningful services, support and resources to help youth and adults on the autism spectrum and their families?

We welcome you to join Autism Empowerment Radio as Autism Empowerment co-founders Karen and John Krejcha share about the activities that Autism Empowerment has been involved with in April and how those activities are sparking meaningful change locally and throughout the nation.

You will learn about our Autism Serves Volunteerism program.

You will learn about Ambassadors for Acceptance of All Abilities.

You will be called to positive action. We all have gifts to give. We all have positive ways we can serve in changing the world for the better and in the process, improving our own life trajectory as well.

http://www.AutismEmpowerment.org

Autism Empowerment at Facebook

@AutismEmpowermt at Twitter