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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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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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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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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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On the Road with AFO

By Autism, News

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma is excited to announce a new statewide outreach and support strategy for 2023.

On the Road with AFO is an opportunity for the AFO team to share resources and support counties throughout the state. We look forward to meeting and highlighting entities in different counties for how they serve Oklahomans with autism and other disabilities. By creating meaningful relationships with local agencies, we aim to help accelerate resource connections and positively impact Oklahoma’s autism population.

Most importantly, AFO looks forward to meeting and learning from families and individuals across the lifespan to better provide needed resources and support in their area of the state.

How can you help?

Currently, AFO is looking for local or state organizations, businesses, schools, daycares, institutions, individuals, support groups, etc., that would be interested in meeting with us in your area of the state. As county Liaisons/Ambassadors, you would help our team learn of and highlight the supports and resources currently available within your community. We also aim to understand how our organization could best support the people and places we visit. We believe gathering information throughout the state can help give each county the voice it deserves.

Are you interested in having AFO visit your county and/or organization/business? We’d love to hear from you!

For more information, please contact Carley Marissa Dummitt at cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Partners with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to Make 988 Mobile Crisis Units Sensory-Friendly

By News, Press Release

 For Immediate Release 

Media Contact: Carley Dummitt, Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator 

Email: cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org 

Phone: 727-366-0947 

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Partners with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to Make 988 Mobile Crisis Units Sensory-Friendly 

[Oklahoma, City, OK] – The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is proud to announce its partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) to make their 988 mobile crisis units sensory-friendly. With help from a national grant, ODMHSAS has ordered 60 sensory kits for each mobile crisis unit in the state. Additionally, AFO will provide training and technical assistance to ensure that crisis responders are equipped to provide appropriate support for individuals on the autism spectrum. 

Research indicates that autistic individuals without an intellectual disability are seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, and those with an intellectual disability have double the risk. Most alarming, one in five females with autism and ADHD have attempted suicide at least once. These statistics, in conjunction with the CDC’s newest prevalence of 1 in 36 children in the U.S. being on the autism spectrum, demonstrate the need for tailored outreach and services for this population. 

“By making their mobile crisis units sensory-friendly, ODMHSAS is taking an important step towards providing appropriate care for individuals on the autism spectrum during a mental health crisis. AFO is honored to support this effort and applauds Commission Carrie Slatton- Hodges for her forward thinking to improve mental health outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum,” said Emily Scott, Executive Director of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. 

Dr. Crystal Hernandez, ODMHSAS facility Executive Director and national autism expert, states, “Today is yet another moment marking the shift in how we address mental health for our autistic community with co-occurring conditions. I am incredibly proud of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ efforts, serving as a leader in integrating care for all needing mental health support and services. With alarming rates of suicide and mental health crisis, we must continue to step forward and serve.” 

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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By News

Understanding Disabilities in American Indian & Alaska Native Communities.

AFO board member Crystal Hernandez, Psy.D., MBA, worked with the National Council on Aging Inc. (NICOA) to update their toolkit “Understanding Disabilities: In American Indian & Alaska Native Communities”.

The toolkit — “Understanding Disabilities: In American Indian & Alaska Native Communities” — contains information about disabilities, tribes and resources. You will find suggestions for improving services, providing protections, and utilizing resources in local tribal communities for people with disabilities.

https://www.nicoa.org/programs/technical-assistance-and-resource-center/disabilities/

The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Provides Autism Training for CASA in Ada

By News, Press Release

Media Contact:

Carley Dummitt

Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator

Autism Foundation of Oklahoma

Email: cdummitt@autismfoundationok.org

Phone: 727-366-0947

[Oklahoma City, OK] – The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is providing autism training for the 22nd Judicial District CASA in Ada, OK, on March 9th.

During the training, CASA volunteers will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including the latest research, common characteristics, interaction advice, and how to utilize AFO’s sensory kits.

“At CASA, the children we advocate for have experienced trauma and may have other conditions such as autism. Learning as much as possible about the issues these children may deal with can help educate us on how to advocate for them more effectively. It’s often difficult for a doctor to diagnose a child’s behavioral issues because trauma, such as PTSD, and autism symptoms often mimic each other or are interconnected. It takes a deeper awareness of autism, types of trauma, and what triggers behaviors for a CASA Volunteer to make sound recommendations to the Court and DHS.”

AFO’s mission is to improve the lives of Oklahomans with autism and their families. The nonprofit provides autism training to professionals of all types in Oklahoma, including healthcare providers, childcare workers, employers, and justice system professionals.

“We are thrilled to partner with CASA in Ada to provide this training,” said Chandee Kott, Public Health and Safety Program Director for AFO. “Our goal is to provide education, resources, and support for individuals and families affected by autism. This training is just one way we can positively impact our community.”

For more information about the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, please visit www.autismoklahomaok.org.

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The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma Is Now Autism Certified To Enhance Services for the Community

By News, Press Release

For Immediate Release
Media Contact Emily Scott, Executive Director, Autism Foundation of Oklahoma
Phone: 405.237.8390 | Email: escott@autismfoundationok.org

Oklahoma City, Okla. (January 24, 2023) The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, which is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The CAC credential requires staff to complete an autism-specific training and certification program through IBCCES to ensure the team’s ability to meet the everchanging needs of autistic individuals.

“Becoming an IBCCES Certified Autism Center™ means a great deal to our organization. It’s given us a firm foundation of useful knowledge in the field of ASD and increases our credibility in the community with the professional development courses we provide,” said Emily Scott, Executive Director, Autism Foundation of Oklahoma. “We’d like to thank our partners at the Oklahoma State Department of Health for their support in helping AFO obtain this certification.”

AFO currently offers public safety resources to autistic individuals, including Project: Safe Stop event that allows drivers and passengers to practice safe interactions with police. They also provide free self-identification driver and passenger visors and wallet cards and a Resource Coordinator on staff who answers phone calls and emails Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“It is an honor to partner with the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma to enhance their commitment to the autistic community with new tools, resources, and training,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Our certification program will help the team enhance their knowledge and specialized services to better support the clients they serve daily.”

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been a leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES programs include evidence-based content as well as the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other resources, ongoing support, and renewal requirements to ensure there is continued learning and a lasting
impact.

IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, as a free online resource for families that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.

About Autism Foundation of Oklahoma
The role of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma (AFO) is to improve the lives of Oklahomans with autism and their families across the lifespan. AFO’s programs focus on Advocacy, Early Childhood, Justice System Reform, Public Health & Safety, and Workforce Development.

About IBCCES
Committed to providing The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.

See more at https://ibcces.org/blog/2022/12/13/afo.

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