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Volunteer OpportunitiesA Success Story My autistic son is 12 years old and in middle school and was just moved from the academic track into the life skills tract. I requested CBI (Community Based Instruction) to help prepare him for the special education high school program where CBI is typically used. I had done my homework first and found out that our district does not submit grants for the WorkAbility I program until high school. In reading the WorkAbility criteria, it states middle school/high school students are eligible so I shared this with the assistant superintendent, who said that the program is not offered until high school in our district because of liability issues. I then approached her with an alternative. A family friend owns a small printing business in the area and said he would be willing to release liability from the school district and allow my son to "apprentice" with him 2 hours every week with an aide accompanying him. The assistant superintendent agreed that this would be a good alternative. As a result, my son has learned to operate a shrink wrap machine, a counting machine, and assists in boxing business cards and other orders at the printing business. It has been so successful that the school district has agreed to provide the aide for this new school year. This small businessman has provided a supportive work environment where my son is learning basic work duties such as clocking in with his own timecard. What a blessing this has been!! What did it take?
How Can I Help? People often tell us they want to volunteer but have limited time availability or can’t get to meetings that aren’t near them. Autism Speaks attends many conferences, health fairs and community events on weekends, weekdays or evenings. This is a really easy way to help our chapter! The general duties are: - Help with set up of the booth/table, and the literature being displayed - Explain Autism Speaks mission to fund research, raise awareness and advocate for families - Answer basic questions about our programs While this might sound overwhelming—it’s not! Our new volunteers usually pick up the routine in 30 minutes and find they really enjoy talking with other families and giving back to the community.
We are always looking for volunteers to help plan an event or join an existing committee. Please contact your local office if you would like to get involved. Community Leadership Committee Descriptions
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