My ode to Thanksgiving 2016!

 

 

I would to take a moment to give thanks to my Family, and followers. I hope to finally achieve my goal of helping people with autism soon.

Our interest stems from the fact that I have asperger’s as do my children. I have a vested interest in making a difference.

I would love to be in the audience for Ellen’s 12 days of Xmas, despite being Jewish we could share the gifts to help people!!

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/240108?a=1433442

I hope for the best for my family and yours as well.

If anyone knows Ellen please tell her about us!!

Autism and Communication Some Interesting things!



 

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Communicotool-A New Communication tool for non-verbal autistic folks!

Autistic daughter inspires communication app for non‐verbal people After seeing non‐verbal 8‐year‐old Reinnah take her tablet everywhere she went, her father created CommunicoTool to help her talk with him. Now updated to version 2, it launches in the US to help non‐verbal children acquire, develop and use language skills. San Francisco, CA – March 11 – ​One in 68 children has Autism Spectrum Disorder, and roughly 25% of them cannot speak. These and non‐verbal children with other developmental disorders must rely on visuals, often flash cards or drawings, to communicate. Tablet app CommunicoTool 2 makes it easy for a non‐verbal child to find their words. With specialized visual and audio tools wrapped into one, these children have a library of pictures for expressing themselves, instructions for daily tasks set in simple sequences of images, and can have the entire experience customized to their particular needs. “Like a wheelchair for someone who can’t walk, CommunicoTool 2 lets children overcome their speech challenges,” says Frédéric Guibet, CommunicoTool’s founder and CEO. “Except that the app goes further, over time helping them to learn the words through repetition, and develop their language skills.” Guibet himself has a daughter who can’t speak as a result of her autism. He got the idea for the company in 2012 after noticing she would rarely go anywhere without her tablet.“My Reinnah, like many other autistic kids, thinks in a more visual manner than verbal,” he continues. “The tablet’s big, colorful screen was clearly the key to talking with her. Creating this app was the best way to get a direct line of communication with my daughter. Now I want to help other families live the same experience.” The first version of the app launched in France with two main features: a library of images to help people pronounce words and construct sentences, and a “Doloris module” to help communicate pain with a picture of a body to point to, and a scale to help show how badly it hurts. Its second version, debuted today at SXSW, adds a “Sequence” features that lets a caretaker arrange sequences that explain how to do something, like brush your teeth. This includes a timer, for things like the brushing itself, that need to be done for a set amount of time—a difficult concept to communicate without words. The whole experience can be personalized. Julie Laurent for example, a CommunicoTool employee with two autistic daughters of her own, created a to‐do list to help her daughter know what to do during library time at school. Her tablet shows a picture Julie uploaded of her daughter lining up with her classmates, then a picture of the library, then one of her listening to a story, then one of her taking a book, and finally one of her checking out a book with the librarian. With this routine, she learns what is expected of her and becomes more independent. Coming soon are the ability to build more complex sentences, and synchronization between devices to keep customization consistent between parents, teachers, specialists and other caregivers. The app is available for tablets running iOS or Android. The app is free for the first month, then costs $2.99 per month or $59.99 for life. For more information, visit communicotool.com or contact Courtney Sims at courtney@oxygen‐pr.com or 1 (951) 565‐6016. ### About CommunicoTool Created in late 2012 by Frédéric Guibet, CommunicoTool is a French startup specialized in communication applications, originally under the CTEXDEV masthead. Frédéric, who has an autistic daughter, quickly realized that the tablet was to his child what a wheelchair is to someone affected by motor disabilities. He decided to create communication apps for tablets aimed at people, like his daughter, who faced challenges from being non-verbal!

Click for more info–>Communicotool!

If you have Autistic or Special Needs Kids take a look at a free program offered by the Torino Foundation!!

 

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JUNE 20-23, 2013
MISSION Our focus is on alleviating the strain that an Autism diagnosis takes not only on the affected child but the child’s family. Our primary goals are to help campers build self-esteem, develop better social skills and self-expression, make and maintain friendships, improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills and sensory integration.
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ABOUT Camp I AM is our second co-ed residential summer camp program designed specifically for children ages 6 – 17 with a primary diagnosis of Autism. Camp I AM’s emphasis is ‘personal growth’.  The program is designed for children who would benefit from structure, small group dynamics and individual attention all in a private setting where the campers enjoy typical outdoor camp activities.   All campers participate in a daily rotation of non-competitive camp activities with their cabin groups.  We encourage camper participation and inspire them to reach their full potential by realizing their best is ‘the best’.  Our curriculum focuses on improving physical health, problem solving, teambuilding, starting and finishing tasks as well as many other objectives including having fun!
Free quality services are provided at Camp I AM including accommodations and meals, onsite medical support, and recreational facilities. A tasty, healthy and hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served each day and snacks and beverages are provided throughout the entire program.  We also provide for the campers with special dietary needs.ELIGIBILITY Camp I AM welcomes children ages 6 – 17 with a primary diagnosis of Autism.  Camp I AM does not offer a clinical setting and therefore, cannot accept children who have a history of aggressive, abusive or violent behaviors.

PROGRAM FEATURES A unique feature of Camp I AM is the Camper Passport.  The majority of our parents are most interested in helping their child improve their social skills, learn new activities, develop a better sense of self, and to take greater responsibility for themselves.   The Camper Passport is a tool that Counselors use while at camp, to keep written record in a non-intrusive way, of each camper’s personal experience while staying with us at camp.  It’s nice to know that your quiet, softly spoken child was front and center on the stage during the camp talent show singing their heart out.  The Camper Passport is gifted to each camper’s parents after camp allowing the parents to benefit from and enjoy their child’s personal journey through Camp I AM.  Although the campers learn many new “camp” skills from participating in activities, it’s the skills that are less visible that are the most recognized when returning home.  The campers feel very empowered to share new things with their family.
Our one-to-one adult counselor to camper ratio, plus activity instructors and safety staff, allows us to work closely with each camper to provide individualized attention to their special needs. Our counselors are adults who are experienced in working with children with Autism or are pursuing a degree in special education or a related field. Each child is also assigned a non-disabled Peer Buddy. Camp I AM is run by a group of highly skilled, experienced and caring professionals who work in collaboration with our community affiliates to provide the highest quality of service to each camper.
Campers attend two – three activities in the morning and two – three activities in the afternoon. Evening activities serve as opportunities for the entire camp to come together for structured entertainment such as campfires, dances, movies, and music. Picture schedules are used throughout the day to support communication between campers and staff if needed.

OUR STAFF Torino Foundation’s camp program staff consists of dozens of individuals who are experienced with our programs and facility, many of which have been working with Torino Foundation for over ten years.
Our Volunteer counselors and Activity staff undergo intensive training to ensure they are fully equipped to meet our campers’ needs and provide them with the most enriching experiences possible.
Medical Staff stay at camp during the entire duration of the program to ensure each camper has consistency in a supportive environment.

A BIT ABOUT TORINO RANCH Nestled in the Spring Valley Mountains west of Las Vegas, Torino ranch offers a supportive environment for campers of all ages to meet other peers with critical illnesses, disabilities, or life altering situations.  The ranch is a pristine oasis with spring-fed streams, crystal clear lakes and waterfalls, and hundreds of organic fruit trees and organic gardens.  The ranch is a sparkling jewel of natural beauty complete with camper villages, lodge, amphitheater, and many other amenities.  The ranch is a playground and a sanctuary – a place of peace.  Campers have the opportunity to make friends, enjoy nature, gain self-confidence, create wonderful camp memories and develop skills for increased independence.  They can leave their worries behind while laughing, playing and enjoying life.

Here is a link to their Facebbook page–>
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Torino-Foundation/203601819672853?ref=hl

Our 3 kids are going to attend one of their autism camps and since I have not been rich lately they really wanted to go to camp at least once!!

Please help them in their efforts.

We also need help getting with our autism efforts as well, please donate instruments tablets, and services to help us to help autism!!

Technology, Music and the arts for Kids with Autism: Tech News Zone Wants to Help by Vickie Ewell!!

Ipads helping people with autism learn and communicate
Ipads helping people with autism learn and communicate
Ipads helping people with autism learn and communicate

iPads for Kids with Autism: Tech News Zone Wants to Help

Tech News Zone’s Project TEACH offers kids with autism and their families the gifts of technology, music, culture, the arts, and educational assistance.

When the Apple iPad surfaced in April 2010, many schools adopted it to help children with communication and language skills – but with a starting price of $500, it’s pricey. Out of reach for many families with autistic children who could benefit from the device, Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc. (a Nevada nonprofit corporation) wants to help iPads get into the hands of those children.

Established on January 11, 2011, the company has been actively seeking sponsorships and donations to purchase iPads and other technological equipment they can give to those in need; but the response has been lower than anticipated. Even so, David J. Berkowitz, Tech News Zone’s founder and president, remains hopeful that as word spreads and people become aware of their existence, his dream for getting iPads to kids with autism will become a reality.

How an iPad Can Help Autistic Children

Children on the autism spectrum struggle with communication, social, and engagement skills. They have difficulty integrating sensory information and dealing with change. An Apple iPad offers help in all those areas, as well as a unique ability to attract autistic children through their fascination with technology.

While many kids show an equal interest in an iPod, fine motor control difficulties can interfere with their ability to use the tiny icons. An iPad works better because it’s larger, but still portable. For an example of how this newest technological device helps children learn, you can watch a short video of a child with autism tracing letters and learning to spell and read whole words, rather than through phonics.

While many on the spectrum are lower functioning than the child in the video, other apps designed for those with special needs teach:

independence
counting
drawing
life skills
memory skills through remembering pictures
how to make digital puzzles

By keeping autistic children engaged in playing games, this newest trend can eliminate or lessen their desire to withdraw from the world around them. It also helps attention span, motivation, and their ability to interact with parents and educators.

What Makes Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc. Different?

Helping autistic children overcome the negative aspects of autism is a goal that parents, educators, and companies like Tech News all share in common. While not the only ones attempting to raise money for iPads, this company differs because Berkowitz has Asperger’s Syndrome himself. “I know what it’s like to live with autism,” he says. “So I want to help.” With a strong passion for technology, as well as education, music, and the arts, his mission and dream to serve his fellow autistics and their families fuels the upward climb to overcome the obstacles that most newly organized companies face.

But being able to relate to what autistic children go through isn’t his only reason. After losing four rental homes in the last four years due to each going into foreclosure, Berkowitz also understands what it’s like to live on a shoestring budget, to have his credit ruined due to circumstances in life, and not be able to give your kids everything they need.

The drive to advocate for those even less fortunate than himself propels him forward. “I live, die, and breathe technology,” he says. “I love it, as do my kids. I am a brainiac, high functioning as pie.” In addition to the gift of technology, Berkowitz also wants to “help arts programs and inspire them to include those on the spectrum. I am Asperger’s, and my three kids are too. So I have a vested interest in making a difference.”

What Does David Berkowitz Want to Do?

In addition to securing as many iPads as he can get his hands on – through monetary donations, fundraising events, and corporate sponsorships – Berkowitz has implemented Project TEACH. Using each letter in the word to guide him, Berkowitz wants to give the gift of:

T = technology: provide tablets, AAC communications devices, and other computer technology to autistic individuals who need them.
E = educational assistance: ballet lessons, swimming lessons, and skills classes.
A = the arts, culture, and entertainment: donate musical instruments to individuals and classrooms; and provide free tickets to shows, concerts, the theater, and sports events to those who can’t afford them – “So more autistic individuals and families can enjoy their lives.”
C = care and assistance: pay it forward by helping all those in need.
H = holiday help: whether that’s Chanukah or Xmas.

Securing iPads for Kids with Autism is Only the Beginning

It takes a big heart to take on such a large project like giving away Apple iPads, but Berkowitz’s grandiose dreams come with no limits. In fact, he’d like the company to grow into a national foundation for autism one day. But for now, his focus is on getting the necessary funds to gain 501c3 status, engaging with others on Twitter, and running his website: TechNewsZone. “We need all the support possible,” he says. “We accept articles and stories, as well as rants, with regards to the daily struggles of autism.”

He’s also looking for people who can donate their older technological devices gathering dust in the closet, something they just want to update, or their old musical instruments. In addition, he’s always looking for help in building autism awareness and furthering his company’s goals. “If they can get us known, or on a show like Ellen, that would be huge.”

Sources

AOL News, “Engage and Educate Kids with Autism” (accessed June 15, 2011).

Autism Research Institute, Temple Grandin, “Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism,” last revised December 2002 (accessed June 16, 2011).

Interview with the President of Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc., David Joseph Berkowitz

What makes a good educator by the Stellar Mari Nosal!!

Mari Nosal Best Teacher
Mari Nosal Best Teacher
Mari Nosal Best Teacher

I really like this article, its references to ancient literature. I believe a community does need to work together, and support one another. They do not seem to, can not get the funding to get our autism arts foundation rolling, but it in a perfect world it is the right thing to do.
I find Mari’s writing to be very interesting, and compelling.

“To live with Apathy is to live with evil men”. Plato described the essential ingredient of human survival when he coined this powerful statement. If mankind does not function as an interdependent group, humanity as we know it would die. Humanity does not reside in a bubble. Society consists of people from different walks of life. Situations may vary amongst the human race. One commonality is shared amongst our society. That commonality is the need for assistance from fellow human beings.

Human design leaves all humans with fleeting moments of failure and despair in their lives. In order for those moments to be fleeting, and not long-term, emotional support from others is nonnegotiable. This is self – evident in the field of education. Team work and a positive educational system result in a fluid symmetry that benefits the student, parent, child, and society alike. A positive educational experience is dependent on a network of people that work cohesively as a unit. As Uri Bronfenbrenner believed, social, emotional, familial, and environmental issues are all part of the educational process.

A teacher cannot be expected to perform all of the above functions alone. A supportive team for the teacher is imperative when difficulties arise. Cohesiveness is the strongest ingredient in terms of a positive classroom climate. Teachers, educators, administrators, and the community must work together for a mutual goal. That goal is the successful assimilation of children into our society; the end result is children who are empowered with the skill set needed to be future productive adult members of society. As educators, one gets one opportunity to assist children in developing to their fullest capacity. Children are not commodities. If mistakes are made, they are irreparable. The deleterious out come will be a child who carries negative self efficacy into adulthood.

Educators have the monumental responsibility of mapping the successful or negative outcome of a child’s life. It is an awesome responsibility. Fluid symmetry between all people responsible for a child’s positive outcome must be supportive of each other. A teacher that lacks support will inevitably harbor feelings of futility. Futility will breed an apathetic demeanor. The end result will be a teacher who loses their zest for teaching, and a child who loses their zest for learning. My personal goal is to equip myself with the knowledge to help people within the community. I dream of a utopian world. All human beings will be assisted in gaining the tools necessary for a self productive life. Everyone in society would be equipped with the skills needed for self empowerment and positive self efficacy. The aforementioned skills are the building blocks to travel the road to success. May no one in the educational community be unsupported. May No Child Be Left Behind.

Mari Nosal M.Ed

Memoirs From Halloween – A Pumpkin Became A Classroom Learning Tool by Mari Nosal, Guest Writer Extra-ordinaire

Memoirs From Halloween – A Pumpkin Became A Classroom Learning Tool
Memoirs From Halloween – A Pumpkin Became A Classroom Learning Tool
Memoirs From Halloween – A Pumpkin Became A Classroom Learning Tool

I would like to thank the amazing Mari Nosal for adding articles to our site. As seen in the article it is funny sometimes how a simple object or statement or situation can really change the dynamics of an environment. It shows how something basic can be a great tool for education and other people.

http://marimouth.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/memoirs-from-halloween-a-pumpkin-became-a-classroom-learning-tool/

The school age children had the day off from school. I worked a nine-hour day. My kindergarten charges joined me for the day as the kindergarten room follows the public school schedule. It was a test of my patience and energy as the curriculum was non academic for the day. I had forgotten Friday was a school holiday. I perused my curriculum and realized I would need to restructure it to keep the children engaged. I had thirty minutes before I was due to leave for work. I searched around my house for supplies I could bring in for added activities. I resigned myself to the fact that I would leave early and grab supplies from the local convenience store. As I prepared to leave, I spied a huge pumpkin on my deck.

My family used it for mere decoration I rationalized. My kids are young adults, they wouldn’t miss it. I grabbed the pumpkin and threw it in my car. Several activities could be had from this one pumpkin. I ran back in the house and found shaving cream. Another Aha moment, shaving cream puffy paint would be enjoyed by everyone. Sometimes I amaze myself at how quickly I can develop a project out of desperation and common household products. Flexibility is a major component in being a successful teacher. Successful adaptation to any situation ensures a lack of chaos in the classroom.

I dropped the pumpkin in my class and scurried down the hall to retrieve my charges that had been dropped off at an earlier time. We sat and broached the day’s activities as a team, killing time until the rest of the class came in. thirty minutes later we had a full house. We went to circle time and I pulled out a book that was on my curriculum. As soon as the children saw it they begged for me to read a book from a series we had used the past week. I took a vote. The Magic School Bus Scours the Ocean Floor Was retired in lieu of a book about children who couldn’t find their shoes and designed footwear out of the likes of meatloaf and bologna!

It was a vacation day for the kids so I decided to let them have a part in the curriculum and go light on them. After reading the book we observed and talked about the pumpkin. The children were enamored by the pumpkin carving kit I brought in. It was safe for children and I believe in a format that allows for independent exploration. In order to teach team work the children were broken into teams and I instructed them to draw four different faces that they would carve. I injected humor by stating that with four different faces we could turn the pumpkin around when we got bored with one face. After drawing their mark, we headed outside with the pumpkin and started carving. The children were extremely excited with the experience of using carving tools. After carving was done we proceeded to dig out the guts. Some children were apprehensive about sticking their hands in the guts so I offered gloves. They dug out and placed the flesh in one pan. The seeds were placed in another.

At this point the children were ready for free time and the pumpkin was temporarily laid to rest. Some children wanted to ask questions about the seeds and flesh. A mini science class ensued for the children who wished to continue our pumpkin adventure. I held the tiny seed next to the pumpkin for comparison. I explained how the pumpkin we cut open grew from a seed just like the one we held in our hand. This went on for thirty minutes or so. I was shocked at the interest. After lunch, I took the class on a field trip to the kitchen. We rinsed the seeds and flesh. The children remarked on the slimy feeling. I explained how the texture would change upon baking the treat. Cinnamon was sprinkled on our treat. We than baked these items.

At snack time I presented the items for exploration to the children. The pumpkin seeds were popular. I assume the children had eaten them in the past. The pumpkin flesh was viewed with a degree of trepidation. I inquired as to who liked pumpkin pie. The majority of the children did. When I explained that what they were looking at was the main ingredient in the pie they looked at me with confusion. I believe in exploration of the unknown, so I pushed the issue. I asked my little pessimistic friends to take one small taste. If it was not palatable they were welcome to spit it out. Most children were pleasantly surprised. A simple pumpkin had afforded the children a new experience.

Mari Nosal M.Ed., CECE

GIVING AUTISM A VOICE: Funding should be geared more for quality of life-Pahrump Valley times

GIVING AUTISM A VOICE: Funding should be geared more for quality of life
GIVING AUTISM A VOICE: Funding should be geared more for quality of life
GIVING AUTISM A VOICE: Funding should be geared more for quality of life

http://pvtimes.com/community/giving-autism-a-voice-funding-should-be-geared-more-for-quality-of-life/

We were in the Pahrumnp Valley Times news paper today, A mention on the front page as well as on the front of the community section as well.

Here is a copy of the article–>

By Kelsey Givens
One in every 88.
That’s the alarming rate in which children in the United States today are being diagnosed with autism, according to the National Autism Association.
People in every state, city and community are seeing the effects of this developmental disability.
Not everyone touched by it, however, has the financial ability to go out and purchase items to better the lives of individuals living with it.
Knowing the affects of the condition first-hand, one man is trying, with the help of investors, to get his nonprofit up and running in order to actively place technology and the arts in the hands of disadvantaged families with autistic children and young adults.
David Berkowitz, a Las Vegas native, has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, and three children who have also been diagnosed with some degree of autism as well.
A retired veteran currently working in sales, he started his foundation, Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, last year with the hope of raising money to buy and donate technology, music and the arts to families and schools working to educate and better the lives of people with autism.
“As an individual with high-functioning Asperger syndrome and the father of three kids who are also on the spectrum for this disorder, I have always felt a need to make a difference for people with autism,” Berkowitz said in a statement.
“As we get funded we intend to help those on the autism spectrum by giving the gift of the arts and technology to make the lives of people with autism better, and to support their families and the educational facilities that serve them. We are determined to make a difference in the lives of people with autism and their families,” he said.
According to the National Autism Association, autism is a “bio-neurological developmental disability.”
Generally appearing before the age of 3, this condition generally affects the development of areas in the brain which control social interactions, communication and cognitive development.
The NAA states autism is four times as likely to affect males as females, and 40 percent of children diagnosed with the disability typically don’t speak.
Sadly, the association also reports that while autism has become one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the nation, it is also one of the most severely underfunded.
While some organizations exist to raise funds for the study of how autism affects people, Berkowitz said he wants to focus more on helping enrich these individuals’ lives.
“Were trying to help create an autism foundation for quality of life and education because no one is really doing it,” he said.
Berkowitz explained items like iPads, other electronic tablets and musical instruments are very kinesthetic devices, which make learning much easier for those on the autism spectrum.
He hopes by being able to provide these types of learning tools to families and schools, he can help enrich the lives of those with autism, while also giving them another way to communicate and interact with the people and world around them.
“A lot of families with autistic kids aren’t rich, they can’t afford to just go out and buy these things,” Berkowitz said.
And by introducing more music and the arts to people with autism, Berkowitz said he believes it may be possible for these kids to find an easier way of expressing themselves or finding a talent they would have never known they had.
“Half the time you don’t even know if they could succeed in these areas and don’t have the money to even give them the chance,” he said.
By gaining funding through partnerships and donations, Berkowitz wants to not only purchase the tools but possibly sponsor activities such as artist meet and greets, free concert tickets or special events to help raise awareness for autism.
Lack of money is keeping the dream from becoming reality.
“The first help we need is funding for the 501(c)(3), as well as a lawyer or CPA to do the paperwork properly. We also need exposure such as TV, in the newspaper, magazines and web-based as well. We can not do it alone and need support to make a real difference,” Berkowitz writes on his website.
“What we really need is for some other organization or company to partner with us so we can get the accreditation. There’s not much we can do until we can get that and it’s expensive.”
Berkowitz said it can cost thousands to become an accredited organization.
“I’m not rich, I can’t just go out and pay for this myself,” he said. “We have to start somewhere, and maybe by reaching out to the community someone will be willing to help us.”
While the organization seems to be hitting a wall in the way of funding, it isn’t for lack of trying.
Berkowitz has gone on several news shows, Internet radio shows and use of social media in an attempt to get the word out about what he is trying to do.
“There are a lot of people spreading the word about us on Twitter, and we’ve been featured on SpecialNeeds.com,” he said.
While the name of the organization is continuously put out there, “it has been a struggle to reach people able to help,” Berkowitz said.
Currently Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone have a board of only two people; Berkowitz and his wife Michele. But Berkowitz said he knows several people that have said they would join once the group is accredited.
The group is based out of Las Vegas, where Berkowitz lives, but he said he doesn’t want to be limited to helping only those in the city. He wants to reach out to all surrounding area families as well, areas like Pahrump, to be able to help families dealing with autism.
“Autism affects you socially, and my family understands that, we’re living those lives ourselves,” Berkowitz said.
“I am smart, different and am going about it on my own; I need support so that I can help other people with autism,” he said.
The foundation currently had its own website technewszone.com.
Anyone interested in donating to the organization or trying to help them reach their goal of becoming a certified 501(c)(3) can go there for more information.
Berkowitz can also be reached by email for more information on how you can help at davidb@technewszone.com.

I appreciate it a great deal!!!

Help for an Arts Foundation for Autism as seen on www.specialneeds.com

Help for an Arts Foundation for Autism

We were recently written about on specialneeds.com–>http://www.specialneeds.com/products-and-services/autism/help-arts-foundation-autism Please check them out, they are a simply great website with tons of special needs resources and articles.

Help for an Arts Foundation for Autism
Help for an Arts Foundation for Autism

This guest piece is written by a man passionate about his vision. David Berkowitz lives in Las Vegas, is an honorably discharged veteran and spent the last 20 years in sales and marketing. David lives with Asperger Syndrome and is raising three kids also on the spectrum. Looking to improve the lives of individuals with autism through technology and the arts, David wants to share a bit about his vision with our readers. He is trying to make a difference for autism, please help him in his efforts.

AUTISM ADVOCACY AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS ZONE
By David Joseph Berkowitz

As an individual with high functioning Asperger syndrome, a kind of autism, and the father of three kids who are also on the spectrum for this disorder, I have always felt a need to make a difference for the people with autism. I dream of establishing a national organization like the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society to make living on the spectrum better for those with autism related disorders. Utilizing my knowledge and passion for technology with my personal experience and interest in autism, I launched https://technewszone.com, on January 11, 2011. We are a state nonprofit seeking our 501c3. Our intent is to become a national Arts and Technology Foundation within the autism community.

We are a tech-focused state nonprofit. As we get funded we intend to help those on the autism spectrum by giving the gift of the arts and technology to make the lives of people with autism better, and to support their families and the educational facilities that serve them.

We are determined to make a difference in the lives of people with autism and their families.

Our Plan:

Our intent is to give the gift of the arts and technology through donated musical instruments, arts supplies, and tablets and along with proper training to children and young adults with autism, their families, and the educational programs and schools that could make use of them. We also plan to fund applications to use with the technology. We plan to help the arts in schools as well as promote inclusion of people on the spectrum.

Tablets and musical instruments are a very kinesthetic devices and they make learning easier for many people with autism. Tablets like Apple iPads aid in education and improve the level of involvement in many aspects of their lives. However, a decent tablet runs $400-$800 which is very expensive for most families of people with autism. In addition, musical instruments, the arts such as dance classes are very costly to the individual.

We also give the gift of music and the arts, and to save the music especially for people with autism and special needs. Schools are very short on funding especially for the arts and music. Most parents of kids with autism cannot afford instruments, band trips, choir events and other arts materials. We want to help.

We will donate musical instruments to people with autism and education to improve quality of life. In addition, we will give the resources to provide help to theatre programs in both private and in public schools, as well as other arts that accept people with autism in their programs. We strive to promote inclusion and acceptance.

In order to further the quality of life for people with autism we want to expose them to cultural events. We will donate tickets, to musical events, theater, and other arts to enrich their lives.

I feel that many people with autism are talented in the arts and music. Even if not talented in the arts, I feel they can definitely benefit from the exposure to arts, music and technology.

The first help we need is funding for our 501c3, as well as a lawyer or cpa to do the paperwork properly. We also need exposure such as on TV, in the newspaper, magazines, and web based as well. We can not do it alone and need support to make a real difference.

Please help us help others for the next school year.

We need your help to donate of tech, music and the arts for the school year starting in September. We want to give tablets to people with autism, as well as gift cards and tickets to concerts to make their holidays happier. Please go to our website now and make a donation today to help us make a difference for people with autism and their families. Even a $ 5.00 gift card or a donation on our website will make a huge difference in the quality of life for people on the autism spectrum.

We are also seeking corporate sponsors who can help us in the future as well.

In addition we need media exposure so please put a link to this article on your website as well.

Our tech and autism blog is https://technewszone.com, and we will soon have our autism nonprofit site up as well at http://www.autismhelpusa.com as well soon.

To make a donation–> https://technewszone.com/tech-news-zone-and-paying-it-forward-for-autism-zone/donate-today-autism-technology-music-arts/

I am smart, different, and am going about it on my own; I am not rich and need support so that I can help other people with autism. If you are interested in helping our organization, Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Please do not hesitate to contact me.

About the Author:
Autism Advocacy andTechnology News Zone, Inc. A Nevada Nonprofit Corporation

www.technewszone.com
Twitter: itechnewszone

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autism-Advocacy-and-Technology-News-Zone-Inc

Email: davidb@technewszone.com