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November 2023

Nov 30
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Tulsa Community College Completes Neurodiversity in the Workplace Training

By News, Press Release

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Carley Dummitt, Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator

cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org

 

Tulsa Community College Completes Neurodiversity in the Workplace Training

(Tulsa, Oklahoma, November 20th) The Tulsa Community College Human Resources Department recently completed LEAD, a neurodiversity in workplace training series provided by the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO). The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma awarded AFO a grant to support its mission to increase employment opportunities for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. LEAD, a neurodiversity in the workplace training series, is designed to raise awareness of neurodiversity, educate employers on the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce, and assist employers in building inclusive work environments for individuals with neurological differences.

On November 17, Workforce Development Coordinator Kyle Britt presented TCC Chief Human Resources Officer Evan Jewsbury with a certificate recognizing the TCC HR Department for completing LEAD training and their efforts to create an inclusive and accommodating working environment for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

“The TCC Human Resources department appreciated the training provided by the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma’s LEAD program. The content invited us to reflect on our processes, procedures, and environment and how to change things to be more inclusive for neurodiverse people. These inclusive practices make the workplace better for everyone.” says Ceci Martin-Smith, Director of Employee and Organizational Development for TCC.

“Young adults on the autism spectrum face the highest unemployment rates of any disability category, although many of these individuals are eager to enter the workforce. There is a large pool of qualified and talented autistic employees available to employers who are committed to the inclusion of neurodiverse talent. Through this training series on neurodiversity in the workplace provided directly to employers, AFO expects to see increased employment opportunities for individuals with autism and intellectual or other developmental disabilities, “says Kyle Britt, AFO Workforce Development Coordinator.

About Autism Foundation of Oklahoma

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Oklahomans with autism and their families. AFO’s programs provide education, advocacy, professional development, and individual and family support for Oklahoma’s autism community. To learn more, visit www.autismfoundationok.org

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Nov 13
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AFO Receives Funding to Identify and Improve School Services for Families, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

By News, Press Release

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Carley M. Dummitt

cdummitt@autismfoundatonok.org

 

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Receives Funding to Identify and Improve Services for Families, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

 

(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) – (November 13, 2023) The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is participating in a statewide project designed to identify the needs of families with children born from 2019 through May 2023 to develop new or improve existing community resources and services. The project is known as Know and Grow Oklahoma: Building Resilient Children, Families & Communities.

“This is exciting because we know the pandemic presented challenges for all of us, no matter who we are or where we live. One such challenge for families with children born, adopted, or fostered during the pandemic is that these children did not experience the first few years of their lives like most children. Just as we work diligently to bring our world back to a new normal, here at AFO, we are focused on discovering what those new needs are for these families and their children,” says Emily Scott, Executive Director of AFO.

The short-term, $10,000 contract with the Potts Family Foundation (PFF) based in Oklahoma City allows AFO to bring together a coalition of known providers serving our community’s families and children. The groups will work with community members to initiate engagements, build relationships, and collect feedback. The coalition may host a booth at a community event, conduct one-on-one interviews with parents, grandparents, other caregivers, and community leaders, circulate surveys, or host focus groups. This project is supported by ARPA funds appropriated by the Oklahoma legislature and in collaboration with the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Being pregnant and caring for an infant or toddler in an unfamiliar world presented unprecedented challenges for parents, caregivers, and families. It was also unfamiliar and challenging for those who typically provide parenting support. However, with all difficulties, there are also new experiences that bring positive changes and growth. “This is what we want to learn from our fellow community members who had these experiences. We want to know how the children and their families are doing and if there are unmet needs that groups like ours in the community can respond to in support of our children and their families,” commented Emily Scott.

“What is most exciting about this project with PFF is the inclusion of rural communities often overlooked when such projects are implemented. Many in our coalition have expressed appreciation to PFF for developing a statewide project to create a better quality of life for all Oklahoma children and families. We are 1 of 15 coalitions statewide serving about 34 counties, of which the majority are rural communities. This is very exciting,” said Emily Hayes, Early Childhood and Social Inclusion Program Director at AFO.

The Potts Family Foundation received funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as part of its mission, focusing on early childhood initiatives. This project aims to improve the well-being of and build resilience in children born right before or during the pandemic. Joining AFO in this project is Parent Promise. The work will occur between now and the end of the year and includes Oklahoma County. To get involved and be part of this community-led project, contact Carley Dummitt at cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org. Join the conversation at www.knowandgrowok.org or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn using @knowandgrowok.

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma strives to improve the lives of Oklahomans with autism across the lifespan. To learn more, visit www.autismfoundationok.org.

Potts Family Foundation is a private foundation focusing on providing support for sustainable early childhood initiatives with an emphasis on root causes, empowering people and organizations, impacting future as well as present human needs, leveraging resources for the greatest impact, and securing sustainability and the potential replication of early childhood programs and services. The foundation was established in 1980 and is based in Oklahoma City.

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Nov 06
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AFO Enhances Support for Autistic Community with Sensory Kits Donation

By News, Press Release

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Carley M. Dummitt

cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org

 

AFO Enhances Support for Autistic Community with Sensory Kits Donation

 

(Edmond, Oklahoma) – The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant from the Edmond Women’s Club (EWC) to provide essential Sensory Kits to the Edmond Police Department and Fire Department.

These portable kits, designed to assist autistic individuals in regulating and communicating during overwhelming situations, contain various items to enhance sensory experiences and promote comfort. Sensory Kits can be crucial in aiding autistic individuals, providing them with tools to manage sensory challenges and improve communication. AFO is dedicated to making these kits accessible to those who need them. Individuals interested in purchasing Sensory Kits can visit the AFO website at www.autismfoundationok.org.

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma has long been committed to supporting individuals with autism and their families. One of AFO’s key initiatives is providing law enforcement and first responders with specialized training and resources to serve the autistic community in Oklahoma better. This recent donation of Sensory Kits to the Edmond Police Department and Fire Department is a significant step towards achieving this mission. By equipping law enforcement and first responders with the necessary tools and knowledge, the organization aims to create a more compassionate and informed community.

“We are deeply grateful to the Edmond Women’s Club for their generous support, which enables us to expand our outreach efforts and provide valuable resources to law enforcement and first responders,” said Emily Scott, Executive Director of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. “At AFO, we are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism, and this donation will help us create a safer and more supportive environment for the autistic community in Edmond and beyond.”

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma strives to improve the lives of Oklahomans with autism across the lifespan. To learn more, visit www.autismfoundationok.org

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Nov 06
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AFO Receives Grant from Oklahoma Clearinghouse for Early Childhood Success to Train Childcare Providers in Oklahoma

By News, Press Release

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Carley M. Dummitt

cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org

 

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Receives Grant from the Oklahoma Clearinghouse for Early Childhood Success to Train Child Care Providers in Oklahoma

(Oklahoma) The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Oklahoma Clearinghouse for Early Childhood Success to develop an extensive statewide training program for childcare providers. This innovative initiative, a collaborative effort between AFO and the Clearinghouse, aims to enhance the quality of care provided to children with autism in childcare settings. With a commitment to inclusivity and quality childcare services, AFO is leading the way in Oklahoma by addressing the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum.

Autism, a complex developmental condition, affects thousands of children and their families across the state. AFO’s initiatives center around three primary objectives. The first is providing valuable resources, training, and information to help childcare providers better understand autism. By doing so, AFO aims to create a more informed and empathetic community of caregivers equipped to offer specialized childcare support to children with autism.

To ensure that childcare providers are well-prepared to meet the unique needs of children with autism, AFO will develop a comprehensive train-the-trainer program in the initiative’s second phase. This program will be tailored to childcare coaches across Oklahoma, focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities inherent in caring for children with autism. The training program will empower childcare coaches to offer high-quality care and support to children on the autism spectrum.

AFO’s third objective is to provide personalized coaching services directly to childcare providers, catering to each child’s specific needs or classroom. This one-on-one support will enable childcare providers to implement evidence-based strategies that enhance the development and well-being of children with autism, ultimately fostering inclusivity and creating a safe and supportive environment for these children throughout the state.

“These initiatives represent a significant step forward in the field of autism support in Oklahoma,” said Emily Scott, Executive Director of AFO. “AFO is dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting impact with this project, and we are deeply grateful for the support provided by the Clearinghouse. By increasing awareness, providing comprehensive training, and offering personalized coaching, our goal is to enhance the availability and quality of childcare services, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with autism throughout the state.

“The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (OPSR) is excited to help the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma with this grant from The Clearinghouse,” stated Carrie Williams, the Executive Director of OPSR. “This program of Autism Foundation of Oklahoma exemplifies why The Clearinghouse was created – to find innovative and important programs that enhance the quality of child care across our state.”

For more information about the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma and its programs, please visit www.autismfoundationok.org

A program of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness (https://www.okschoolreadiness.org/), the Clearinghouse for Early Childhood Success promotes well-being for Oklahoma children and their families by building an evolving definition of quality, fast-tracking innovation, implementing research-informed practice and practice-informed research to support and improve early childhood systems and maximizing public/private partnerships. To learn more about The Clearinghouse, please visit https://www.okclearinghouse.org/.

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