The Autism Education Site » Autism Centers

Charles R. Cono Center for Research & Life Planning Ground Breaking in California

Melissa — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:17:28 +0000

Marking a new chapter in the realization of life quality for those with autism and other developmental disabilities, the Training, Education & Research Institute (TERI, Inc.) today officially broke ground on construction for the Charles R. Cono Center for Research & Life Planning. Set on 20 acres in North San Diego County, the $50 million campus will directly address the crisis of a growing and aging population with autism and other developmental disabilities by providing a comprehensive array of services and support programs covering their entire lifespan in a dynamic location.

“We believe this university-like campus will be an internationally recognized resource for research, education, training and life quality – something that simply doesn’t exist today,” said Cheryl Kilmer CEO & Founder of TERI. “This is a new model for delivering the services we’ve developed over the past 30 years, and incorporating the ever-evolving programs we develop to meet the needs of our clients and their families as they age.”

The campus includes an exciting variety of state-of-the-art facilities; fitness, arts and education, life quality planning, applied research, childhood development, equestrian therapy, horticulture, culinary arts, extensive vocational training opportunities and aquatics. Through onsite and online training and vocational programs, it will serve children and adults internationally along with their families.

The first phase of construction, launched with a traditional ‘Barn Raising’ celebration featuring clients, staff, community leaders and partners, includes development of The Harriet E. Pfleger Therapeutic Equestrian Center. The Center will include six stalls, a pony parlor washroom, veterinary center, riding arena and walking trails, and picnic patio.

All aspects of the center emphasize sustainability – from its design and construction to horticultural programs and vocational training in green careers for clients. Design incorporates sensory gardens displaying original artwork, sculpture, and unique water features, and hiking trails through lush orchards. Nearly 80 percent of the grounds will be reserved for natural open spaces, providing a relaxed, therapeutic setting.

Services and programs include:

Education: Specialized schools and vocational training.
Caregiver and Family Education and Services: Through the International Association for Life Quality, the campus will provide life quality coach certification programs and life quality planning for families.
Health & Fitness: A two-story, 23,000 square foot Fitness Center with stadium seating, a full gym and conditioning weight room, a dance studio, indoor sport court and indoor two-lane track. Also a 6,000 sq. ft aquatic center offering therapeutic activities in three pools, a yoga studio, sensory therapy room, spa facilities, chiropractic treatment center and juice bar.
Culinary Education: Culinary school including a commercial kitchen, organic herb and vegetable garden and cafe which will supply healthy and nutritious meals for students, staff, and visitors.
Arts & Adult Education: Combining music, art, fitness and recreation and vocational opportunities to reinforce basic life skills and enhance independent living skills for individuals aged 22 through retirement.
Vocational Training: All elements of the campus will provide job training opportunities in a wide array of occupations including food service, horticulture, and administration.

The campus is named in honor of the late Charles R. Cono, a San Diego entrepreneur and philanthropist who contributed $5 million toward the center’s construction. An additional $42 million is currently being fundraised for the next five phases.

Since its inception in 1980, TERI has been implementing its programs in a variety of locations based throughout North County San Diego, serving individuals throughout San Diego County.

Source: TERI, Inc.

Judson Center Celebrates Grand Opening of its New Autism Center

Melissa — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:41:06 +0000

Judson Center (www.judsoncenter.org), a comprehensive nonprofit community resource that creates solutions to improve the lives of individuals and families, today opens the newly-constructed Autism Center at its 4410 W. 13 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, Mich. headquarters. Judson Center employees, autism advocates and families as well as local leaders and media were in attendance for the Grand Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Judson Center’s new Autism Center is equipped to engage children, teens and young adults with autism with tools geared specifically to foster personal growth and independence. The Center’s features include:

— Varied-material textures to heighten sensory perception;
— Individual rooms offering specialized therapies;
— A children’s play area;
— A fully accessible kitchen and dining area; and
— A dedicated life skills area

“We are thankful to the many donors that helped us construct our new and much needed Autism Center to provide a resource to children, adults and families in southeast Michigan affected by Autism,” said Marn G. Myers, LMSW, president and CEO of Judson Center. “We need the community’s ongoing support to furnish and equip the Autism Center and to launch the educational, therapeutic and support programs that will run within it.”

A $1.2 million capital campaign to support the new brick and mortar facility and the purchase of its furnishings and equipment is currently underway. With additional funding from the community, Judson Center will offer continued enhanced services to those with autism and their families in the new Autism Center.

The new Autism Center enables participants in Judson Center’s Autism Connections program to get more out of their therapies with focused and expert care, and furthers the organization’s mission to let consumers live the best lives possible.

ARCH of Lehigh Valley Grand Opening – Pennsylvania

Melissa — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:18:34 +0000

A new center designed to provide a variety of services to children on the autism spectrum will be holding a Grand Opening celebration on April 26, 2009. The Autism Resource Community Hub (ARCH) of Lehigh Valley is located at 1347 Hausman Road in Allentown, PA. The celebration begins on April 26 at 1:00 pm and a presentation is scheduled to start at 2:00 pm. The festivities should be over by 4:00 pm.

The Autism Resource Community Hub of the Lehigh Valley (ARCH of Lehigh Valley) will serve Lehigh County MA eligible individuals diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Initially services will be provided to an estimated 200 children and their families. Adult services will be developed in subsequent years. While Lehigh County residents will be the first priority, the ARCH of Lehigh Valley will serve eligible individuals throughout the Lehigh Valley.

A variety of services will be offered in phases. Phase 1 Services include a satellite outpatient clinic offering therapy, evaluations and assessments. Case management, an after school program, a summer program, and traditional behavioral health rehabilitation services (BHRS) programs will also be offered.

For more information, call ARCH of Lehigh Valley at (610) 573-2500