It's been a historic week here in Massachusetts with the final placement of the last residents of The Fernald Developmental Center, the nation's longest running institution for the disabled has closed. 

   I was surprised that I wept when I heard the news, I was simply overcome with emotion.  So many lives were wasted there. A concept that started with the best of intentions, to educate those with intellectual disabilities, became twisted and  ended up warehousing humans in subhuman conditions. One of the lives almost consumed by this institution was my cousin Bill.

 Bill was several years older than I and had parents who were devoted to him, paying out of their own pockets to educate him at St Coletta's School before Chapter 766 made education for those with disabilities a right. But as Bill entered his teen years the hormonal changes of puberty made him unmanageable at home, and with no other options he was sent to "The Fernald School". I'm sure it broke my Aunt & Uncle's hearts. At family gatherings he was always being shushed, he could get quite excited and I gravitated to him because I wanted to try and help. He liked to sing and i would sit and listen to him so my Aunt & Uncle could be with the other grown ups. He told me he was making treasure chests at shop and asked if i would like one. In my 10 year old mind I envisioned a golden chest encrusted with jewels. Imagine my disappointment when at the next family gathering he presented me with a rough wooden box hammered together out of old window sills and molding . At one end, in  his childish scrawl he'd written "Susie's Treasure Box". 

   I began to understand that my beloved cousin was different, but still I had no idea what he had endured in his lifetime. He and I became pen pals and exchanged letters for several years. I kept his letters in the treasure chest he had made me. As a young teen I visited Fernald in the early 1960's as a member of a Bag Pipe & Drum band to entertain the residents. It was horrifying. I ached for Bill, knowing he had lived there.  

    Happily, Bill was one of the lucky ones who made it out in the 1960's.  In a series of progressive moves he made it eventually to the community as a group home resident and then into his own apartment. He married a girl he worked with and like many other couples they also divorced. At the time of his death, he had another girlfriend and told me he wouldn't marry her but maybe he might live with her, having found that marriage was sort of complicated. He lived a full life after leaving the Fernald.

  Because of his son's disability, my Uncle began taking courses at Harvard University when Bill was still a child, and graduated at the age of 68 ! Like so many of us, his son's life shaped and influenced his life, with surprising results.  

    I can only imagine that Bill, in heaven, celebrated with friends from his Fernald days the closure and the end of institutions for people. In 1888 when Fernald opened it's doors it was the first of many institutions we would see in the next century. The mindset that people with disabilities were better off herded together and that their families were better off to forget them is a shameful chapter in our history. I am glad to see it end. Never Again. We move forward but we should never forget lest we repeat the mistakes of the past. 

    I am grateful for all the progress that has been made in how we treat people with disabilities.  However, just as those who were convinced that segregation and "care" away from society was the best possible thing for those with disabilities, we must not sit back and think we have arrived at what is "best".There is so much more to be done to insure that our sons and daughters have a real life. 

   I am guided in much of what I do, by remembering that our kids only get one childhood and it should have some happy memories.  We have for over 15 years had a robust selection of activities for families that are fun and designed to create happy memories. One such event is our traditional Children's Holiday Party, scheduled this year for December 7th. The deadline to register is next Tuesday so please remember to call Cid at 508-298-1610 and register your family! 

Have a great week  everyone 

Sue 

Every family with a child on the spectrum struggles. Some years can be more of a challenge. 2014 has seen many of our families challenged by the financial costs of therapies, some have experienced job loss, others home foreclosure, health challenges or other family crises.

Each year The Autism Resource Center hears from parents during the holidays seeking some small assistance to keep the magic of the season alive for their children. We are asking for your help so that we may respond with gift cards for families who live with Autism Spectrum Disorder and make the season just a little bit brighter for those who are in significant need of help. We will accept gift cards to grocery stores, Target, Walmart, K-Mart, Drug Stores or Visa gift cards at our Children's Holiday Party on December 7, 2014. Donations made on Giving Tuesday  December 2, 2014 will also be used to benefit families in our extended family who have fallen on hard times.

There are many other ways that you can give back and help, watch the video below to see how you can be part of Giving Tuesday. Your participation on this one day can make a difference for many days to come.
 

Giving Tuesday 2014

Not a Member? Call 508-298-1609 to register with Kathy O'Neill 

Events are listed with start times and end times so that families can plan accordingly. Please be punctual and arrive on time for activities, Thank you.

NOVEMBER

 
November 24, 2014
Family Fun & Fitness Walk
St Vincent Hospital Atrium 6 PM

NOVEMBER 25, 2014

Reopens on December 1, 2014

   December 1, 2014

 Family Fun & Fitness Walk
St Vincent Hospital Atrium 6 PM

December 3, 2014
Support Group for Parents of
More Able Children on the Spectrum
7-9 PM
Meet with DDS Assistant
Commissioner Janet George

December 7, 2014
Annual Children's Holiday Party
Prior Registration Required
Manor Restaurant

December 8, 2014
CENTER CLOSED
Family Fun & Fitness Walk
St Vincent Hospital Atrium 6 PM

December 10, 2014
Classic Autism Support Group
7-9 PM

December 15, 2014
Parents & Tots
4:30- 5:30 PM
Family Fun & Fitness Walk
St Vincent Hospital Atrium 6 PM

December 17, 2014
Teen & Young Adult
Socialization Group
7-9 PM
Fee: $5.00/pp
Parents of Teens Support Group
7-9 PM

December 18, 2014
Grupo de Apoyo
11 Sycamore Street, Worcester
10:30 AM

December 22, 2014
Family Fun & Fitness Walk
St Vincent Hospital Atrium 6 PM

December 24, 2014
Friends & Family Movie
West Boylston Cinema
10 AM $ 2.00/pp
CENTER CLOSES 3 PM

December 26, 2014
Holiday Lights Trip -Location: TBA
Meet at the Center at 6 PM

December 29, 2014
Bounce Around for
Children up to age 12
$2.00/pp

Jump & Play
486 Chestnut St, Gardner
10 AM

Zoinks
7 Pioneer Dr, North Oxford, MA
10 :15 AM

PUMP IT UP
810 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury,
10 AM

Family Fun & Fitness Walk
St Vincent Hospital Atrium 6 PM

December 30, 2014
New Years Eve Eve Dinner Dance
for Families of Teens & Young Adults
Manor Restaurant 6:30PM -9:30 PM
Registration Required
call 508-298-1610
 

                                              January 1, 2015                                                 CENTER CLOSED

   This is the season of gratitude and giving. Many of us, despite the difficulties that autism brings to our family life, are very lucky and can simply begin planning on how to get our holiday shopping done, and Lord knows that is stressful enough.  

   However for some families coping with ASD, underlying issues of poverty, unemployment and even homelessness can make the holidays even more stressful.  The simple things we take for granted are daily stressors, staying warm, putting food on the table and keeping a roof over your head makes worrying about what to get kids for the holidays seem trivial, but the worry about holiday gifts for little ones adds an extra heartbreak. 

   Now is the time that families who are experiencing financial difficulties need to apply for assistance for the holidays. The list below is by no means comprehensive, but may give those who need some direction.

It is important to note that the Globe Santa and The T & G  Santa do not give directly to families in Central Massachusetts . 

OTHER POSSIBLE RESOURCES 

Northbridge - Northbridge Association of Churches Pantry

Senior Center
20 Highland St
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Phone: (508) 234-4599
Email: [email protected] Holiday Food basket request

Worcester - Toys For Tots

Administered by the Oak Hill Community Development Corporation. Call and give Worcester zip code and they will direct you to location.
Address: 74 Providence St. Worcester MA   Phone: (508) 754-2858
Please do not leave phone messages. Due to call volume, phone messages will not be returned.
We are open Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m and are located at 74 Providence St. Worcester, MA 01604
Online applications are also being accepted this year at www.oakhillcdc.org  

 

 

 

  

                                   Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change

                                   A statewide, grassroots coalition dedicated to                                                         individual and family support

communities as naturally and typically as desired. Applications from families with children or adult family members of any age who are Department of Developmental Services (DDS) eligible are encouraged to apply.

and the history of family involvement in the disability arena. The second is to assist families in creating a vision for their family member. The third is to connect them with information on how families can become a critical voice that influences local and state policy and funding streams for all persons with disabilities.

, two-day workshops. 

Participants are required to
attend all three sessions. The following dates are scheduled for the upcoming series:
Friday/Saturday: January 23 & 24, 2015
Friday/Saturday: March 27 & 28, 2015
Friday/Saturday: April 17 & 18, 2015
Location: Wachusett Village Inn
9 Village Inn Road
Westminster, MA 01473

The series focuses on:
Initiative and Leadership - family members are given information on the background of the family support
movement, leadership, advocacy and the significance of self-advocacy, how to effectively advocate for change and ways to influence funding and delivery systems.

Creating A Vision - families are supported to "imagine better" and to create a vision, with and for their family
members, that guides their leadership and advocacy. What advocacy is necessary to ensure the visions that are
developed and what is effective advocacy?
 

Policy Making at the Local, State and Federal Level - family members receive information on how to develop
networks with professionals and families, how to access and control resources that affect family stress and
satisfaction and how to use legislative change to procure resources.

This extraordinary opportunity is free for participants. Food and overnight lodging for participants is
paid for by the Department of Developmental Services, area organizations and businesses. Families
who attend the Series are required to do the following:
1. To attend all three sessions, Fri/Sat (2) day sessions (staying overnight at the hotel).
2. To participate in activities/experiences during the sessions and to complete assignments/reading
between each session.
3. Commit to reach out to their legislators about their need for family support and tell their personal story to
their elected officials.

Families who have completed the Series over these past years have had a tremendous impact on systems change for families and individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. Family members have been active in policy and decision making locally, regionally and statewide and some have decided to do legislative advocacy work. Some families have been involved in community organizing and advocacy on a local level. Others have used their talents and skills to create change for their loved ones with disabilities and/or their families.
 

Applications must be returned by December 15, 2014 to Jennifer O'Leary, Central Family Leadership
Coordinator at 14 Boeske Avenue, Maynard, MA 01754.

 Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and you
will be notified within approximately three weeks. Applications are also available by email.

Please note that submitting an application does not ensure acceptance. Upon acceptance, you will receive a confirmation letter.
If you have any questions at all about participating in the series, please do not hesitate to contact me at the
phone number and email below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Most Sincerely,

Jennifer O'Leary

Family Leadership Program Coordinator for Central Massachusetts
Phone: 978-897-2705 Email: familyleadership @HMEA.org

Participants for all groups MUST be Autism Division eligible, and under the age of 18.

Those who would like to enroll their child in a Social Skills Groups with a clinician may apply for funding, up to $300,    towards a group session.  Funds will be sent directly to providers, and families would be responsible for any fees beyond $300.00. If a provider charges less than $300.00, the fee will be covered in total by the funding. Funding for social skills groups is limited to eligible candidates under the age of 18 who meet the criteria for participation as set by the clinician. Contact the Resource Center to secure possible funding by calling 508-298-1609. If approved, your provider may invoice the Center for payment of $300.00 for your child.

 Apply today for an 

Autism Speaks 

 Advocates for Autism Massachusetts       

Specialty License Plate!

A portion of every plate sold and renewed will go to Autism Speaks and Advocates for Autism Massachusetts!

Once we reach 3,000 paid applications the MA Registry of
Motor Vehicles will then start the process of distributing our Autism Speaks / AFAM Specialty License Plate. Sign up today!
To learn more or to get involved with the campaign, please email [email protected]
www.autismspeaks.org | www.afamaction.org

Click here to download an application 

STUDENT SURVEYS

 I am conducting research as a part of my doctoral program through Lesley University. The focus of my research is on the experiences and perspectives of parents who have children with special needs. As a part of this research, I have developed the survey located at the link below. I am looking for parents and guardians of children with disabilities to complete this survey. If you have a child with special needs, I am asking you to take the time to respond to the 23 questions about yourself, your child, and your experiences. If you know someone who has a child with special needs, please forward this message and the link below. Your participation is completely confidential.

Take Survey

Thank you sincerely for the time you are taking to assist me with this research project.

Diane Locatelli Stephens, M.Ed.
Doctoral Student, Lesley University Graduate School of Education
Special Education Specialist, ICCD