Expanding Our Community Reach

Port Charlotte Ambassador Attends Banquet

Meet Jason, a Port Port Charlotte participant who is serving as our first Charlotte County Loveland Center Ambassador. He recently attended the Knights of Columbus Ponce De Leon #8074 banquet, accompanied by Community Engagement Manager Caryn McCullough. The banquet was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda. Loveland Center was one of 14 local nonprofits that were recognized by the organization and presented with a generous donation by Grand Knight Phil Arciero.

Stay tuned to see where Jason is next as he spreads the mission of Loveland Center at local events. New Ambassadors will be added if anyone is interested !

In The News

Universal Parks Now Requiring Documentation For Disability Accommodations

by Michelle Diament, Contributor to Disability Scoops | July 28, 2023

Universal is changing up protocols for people with disabilities seeking accommodations during visits to its parks.

Individuals who are unable to wait in line for rides and other attractions can obtain an Attraction Assistance Pass at Universal locations in Florida and California. The pass allows visitors to schedule a return time for one ride at a time so that they can check out other areas of the park while they wait.

Starting this week, however, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will require that individuals apply for a special card known as the Individual Accessibility Card prior to their visit in order to qualify for an Attraction Assistance Pass.

The Individual Accessibility Card is issued by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, or IBCCES, an organization that provides training and certification for professionals working with individuals with autism and other cognitive disabilities.

To receive the card, people with disabilities must submit a photograph and documentation from a medical provider, government entity or education professional detailing the type of accommodations requested. The process must be completed at least 48 hours before arrival at a Universal park.

Once all requirements for the Individual Accessibility Card are met, Universal said that a team member will contact the cardholder to discuss specific accommodations.

“The IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) is a pre-arrival program specifically designed to streamline processes for both guests and staff at amusement parks and attractions,” said Natalia Gonzales, marketing manager at IBCCES. “The primary objective of the IAC is to empower staff at attractions to better and more efficiently serve guests requiring additional support while onsite.”

IBCCES said its Individual Accessibility Card is valid for one year and also helps secure accommodations at all Six Flags locations in the U.S., Sesame Place Philadelphia and other amusement parks.

Universal did not respond to multiple requests for comment about the changes, but indicated on its website that “we are updating our accommodations request policy to help streamline our process and provide the best possible service to our guests whose disability prevents them from waiting in a conventional attraction queue environment."

Center Spotlights

Eric, from our Port Charlotte center, has shown an increase in advocating for himself and effectively communicating his wants and needs. He has become more independent with completing a range of activities, and is willing to try new things. He is also learning to use American Sign Language to sign his name and the song "You Are My Sunshine" Great Job Eric!

Ben has shown progress in the areas of socialization with peers and staying engaged for longer periods of time during activities. Ben has also demonstrated an increase in positive behaviors. Way to go Ben!

Spotlight on Port Charlotte

Meet Amy Vantries

New Team Lead at Port Charlotte Center

Meet Amy Vantries, our newly appointed Team Lead at Loveland Port Charlotte. Amy was hired as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in May 2022, and has worked full-time in the Port Charlotte center. Recently, a Team Lead position became available, and Amy was the top contender to take on this leadership role. Thankfully, she accepted, and is thriving in her new position.

Amy oversees the day to day routine of the ADT program, with supervision from Lora Carter, Program Manager. Along with Lora, Amy is a point of contact for parents and caregivers. She assists with keeping the center compliant with regulations, along with creating engaging activities that support each participant with achieving their goals.

Amy is a mom to two grown daughters, and is a self-proclaimed "crazy cat lady". She enjoys working on crafts, loves Baby Yoda, and anything related to flamingos. Congratulations Amy on becoming Team Lead!

Spotlight on HERO

After-School Program to Expand to Port Charlotte

In December of 2019, our North Port center launched HERO, an after-school program which provides respite services for school aged children.

What does the acronym HERO stand for? Helping Everyone Realize Opportunities is the answer ! This program not only engages school-aged children with a staff ratio of 1:4, it also provides families and caregivers an opportunity for some much needed respite time to run errands, make appointments, or just rest from the demands of everyday life.

The HERO program participants are a mixture of disabled and non-disabled children. The benefits to this model are increasing inclusivity between disabled children and their non-disabled peers, along with allowing families to enroll a disabled child and their sibling for ease of scheduling.

For more information on our HERO after-school programs at either location, contact Krystal Heater kheater@lovelandcenter.org

Loveland Bradenton

Upcoming Events

I Want A Job: Helping Your Loved One with IDD in Finding, and Keeping, a Job

August 17th, 2023 6:00 p.m.

Loveland Bradenton and Virtual

Presented by Becca Eldredge, Vice President of Programs

Having a job not only helps an individual to pay their bills and have spending money, but provides a sense of pride and purpose. In this session, you’ll learn about ways to support your loved one in getting a job, help them find the right job for them, and support them in maintaining that job. You’ll also learn about rules around social security, disability insurance, and programs to help your loved one have a job while maintaining their benefits.

Give 'Em Something To Talk About: Communication Techniques for You and

Your Loved One

September 21st, 2023 6:00 p.m.

Loveland Venice and Virtual

Presented by Irvin Agosto, ADT Program Manager Venice

A lot of communication is non-verbal and, for individuals with communication support needs, sometimes requires specific techniques and supports to help our loved one communicate their needs. In this session you’ll learn some ways to connect and communicate with your loved one and about a program that supports your loved one’s needs through assistive communication devices.

To join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82919050637?pwd=eFhaM2xVODNvVG95d3pwL0xSSzF3UT09

Meeting ID: 829 1905 0637

Passcode: 304393

4th Annual Loveland Golf Tournament

Saturday, September 30

First tee time 7:45 a.m.

Heron Creek Golf and Country Club

Limited to first 30 foursomes

Reserve now! Sponsorships still available, including $100 hole sponsors

Local businesses and community partners

have an opportunity to support Loveland Center of North Port

while gaining recognition and

building stronger connections throughout the area.

Vi ew the available sponsorship opportunities and/or to register a foursome. Contact Caryn McCullough at cmccullough@lovelandcenter.org or call (941) 233-0547 for more info.

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available! Starting at $100

Thank You 2023 Golf Sponsors

We are grateful to the following businesses and families for sponsoring our September 30th golf tournament:

Title Sponsor: Burnt Store Title of SWFL Classic Sponsors: Ajax Paving, Superior Pools of SWFL, The Clairmont Family, Performance Springs Incorporated

Flag Sponsor: Impact Fire, Babe's Plumbing, Lawman Benefits Consulting

Hole Sponsors: Allstate Insurance with Steve Matthews,Pinkerton Payroll & Insurance Group,The Lewandowski Family

Beverage Sponsor: Jeff Reviews 4 U

Recaps

Meals on Wheels Awards Participants

Our Port Charlotte participants were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for "Volunteering Above and Beyond" from the Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County staff and clients. Each week, our Port Charlotte center participants deliver meals to homebound senior citizens throughout Charlotte County. Do you know of a local nonprofit that our participants can serve as volunteers? Contact Caryn McCullough, Community Engagement Manager, at cmccullough@lovelandcenter.org or call (941)233-0547. We are so proud of Port Charlotte participants!

Creativity Flows In North Port

Our North Port participants enjoyed a community integration trip to the North Port Art Center. They designed their own rainbow fish using water colors and colored gems. We think you all did a "fin"tastic job! We are thankful for community partners like the North Port Art Center, located at 5950 Sam Shapos Way, and look forward to visiting again. For more information on the North Port Art Center, visit their website at npac@npartcenter.org or call (941)423-6460.

More AdvoCan Series Events

Sponsorships for all events are still available.

to customize for your business today.

Let's Be Social

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