Disclaimer: It is important to do your own research and make your own informed decisions. Please note Autism Ontario does not endorse any specific therapy, product, treatment, strategy, opinions, service, or individual. We do, however, endorse your right to information.
RUN THE DREAM
Run the Dream was a coast-to-coast solo run across Canada by Jonathan Howard of Mississauga, Ontario to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and funds in support of charities that work to assist children with ASD and their families. Jonathan started his run in St. John�s , Newfoundland on March 25, 2008, and when he completed his journey on December 18 he had travelled 8,020.4 kilometres in 199 �Running Days� and visited more than 650 communities in ten provinces. As far as we know Jonathan is the youngest person to run the longest distance in Canada.
Formed in 1999, the Upper Canada Chapter's geographic area encompassed the same region served by the Upper Canada District School Board, namely Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, Russell, Leeds, Lanark and Grenville counties.
Despite their enthusiasm and drive, the small core of dedicated volunteers felt unable to provide the level of support they envisioned to all areas, hence the chapter's decision to divide the chapter into the eastern (Stormont & Glengarry) and western (Dundas, Leeds & Grenville) regions.
Two Chapter Co-Presidents from the elected Chapter Leadership Council were appointed to oversee chapter administration.
Currently, Debbie Keillar represents the eastern region of Stormont and Glengarry counties (meetings and events are usually held in and around the Cornwall area), and Christina Edge represents the western region of Dundas, Leeds and Grenville counties (meetings and events are usually held in and around the Brockville and Morrisburg areas). Of course, families from either region are welcome at all chapter activities and events.
Elected Chapter Leadership Council Members for the fiscal year April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2009 are:
Christina Edge - Co-President - Dundas, Leeds & Grenville, & SEAC Rep - English Catholic Board
Debbie Keillar - Co-President - Stormont & Glengarry
Karen Williamson - Vice-President
Tom Boros - Treasurer
Shannon Cameron - Autism Resources Coordinator
Melany DeWeerdt - SEAC Rep - English Public Board
Jason Edge - SEAC Rep (Alternate)- English Catholic Board, & Webmaster
Due to their closer proximity to Ottawa, families in Lanark, Prescott and Russell counties are encouraged to join the Ottawa chapter of Autism Ontario.
Our chapter would not exist without the support of volunteers.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
This page is currently under construction.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATON & CHAPTER POLICIES
Here you'll find an information kit which includes:
As new families embark on the journey of living with and learning about autism, we ask that you take a few moments to complete our revised survey. Even if you already participated in the 2005 survey, we ask that you also complete this survey to help us better organize activities and supports.
The survey is confidential and completely anonymous. No one will call you to volunteer. There is no commitment to join a committee or get involved in a fundraiser. This is simply to help us know who is out there in the local community that is feeling the impact of raising a child with ASD and what we can do to help you.
As you complete the survey please feel free to dream and think outside the box. Answer the question � what do I need someone to do for me �.
Access to the Snoezelen Room (Cornwall) is limited to Autism Ontario - Upper Canada Chapter members, and to clients of SD&G Developmental Services. To use the Snoezelen Room, the parent(s) or caregiver(s) of the individual with ASD must review the Snoezelen Room Philosphy & Overview. As well, there will be brief on-site training sessions on the use of the Room's equipment. Please contact us to make an appointment for this free training session conducted by a chapter volunteer. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see photos of the Cornwall Snoezelen Room.
For information about the Snoezelen Room in Morrisburg, please contact Christina Edge
PLAY TO LEARN SPACE AT CORNWALL ONTARIO EARLY YEARS CENTRE
The Play to Learn Space (formerly known as the Special Needs Family Resource Centre and Playroom) is now open at the Ontario Early Years Centre located at the corner of Ninth and McConnell in Cornwall. Toys, games and activities were purchased using funds raised at the Chili Dinner and Dance Benefit held March 29, 2008. Special thanks go to JTEC for helping us out with the purchase of a computer which will be loaded with educational software for children, as well as visual support systems and templates that parents can use to create visual supports for home, school and community use.
This pilot program started in the fall of 2007, and since then, four 6-week sessions have been completed.
The Social Connections program strives to provide the best in innovative and meaningful services designed for children with autism spectrum and/or communicative disorders, as well as provide support and education for families. Parents please note that, although this program is specifically designed for individuals with ASD to provide development of skills in critical areas of deficits, they are NOT run as therapy sessions.
For future sessions, please download and complete the Intake Application Package which includes the following documents, and email them to Social Connections. We will contact you with information about tentative dates in 2009.
On September 18, 2008, Florida based law enforcement trainer and autism expert Dennis Debbaudt came to Cornwall to present his Autism Risk and Safety Management Workshops. Research indicates that persons with developmental disabilities, including a rapidly rising autism population, are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement professionals than others. Police and first response professionals will meet children and adults with autism in field situations. Dennis Debbaudt's training helps make these interactions safer and less stressful. Please visit Dennis Debbaudt's other website Police and Autism Avoiding Unfortunate Situations
During the morning session, parents, caregivers and support workers learned how to manage risk at home, school and in the community and develop partnerships with law enforcement and first response teams. Topics included wandering, preparing for an emergency,safety in the home, safe travel, alerting neighbors,911 data base alerts, developing a handout, sharing de-escalation techniques and working proactively with schools and law enforcement agencies.
Morning Session Handouts (reprinted with kind permission of Dennis Debbaudt)
During the afternoon session, Law Enforcement and Fire & Rescue Officers received Autism Recognition, Response and Risk Management Training on how to recognize the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of a child or adult who has autism, basic response techniques, the high risks associated with autism, how to address those risks, increase officer and citizen safety, de-escalation techniques, and custody interrogation and interviews.
Afternoon Session Handouts (reprinted with kind permission of Dennis Debbaudt)
We'd also like to thank the OPP Regional Coordinator for the Crisis Negotiation Team in Smiths Falls for inviting us to speak about autism and to share with them Dennis Debbaudt's presentation.
LINKS
Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network Although the title refers to Adults, there are many items of interests to families with children of all ages, as well as upcoming workshops and seminars in Ontario and Canada
Dear Family and Friends - Tips for relatives and hosts of holiday gatherings who might need a crash course in what to expect from their guest with autism - good at any time of the year. Chers Parents et Amis is the french version.
Cornwall Public Library Search autism as the subject. Select "series" in the index parameters to view over 150 selections. To find DVDs, select "subject".
If you live in Stormont, Dundas or Glengarry County, you can request books via inter-library loan from your local library branch. Visit SD&G County Library
Special thanks go out to Wayne & Claudette Hutt and Donna Height for their tireless efforts obtaining prizes and donations from area businesses to help raise funds and awareness. Since, 2005, they have raised over $16,400. through various events at the T & I Campground in Summerstown as well as a golf tournament.
A donation of $5,000. was made on behalf of United Counties Warden Estella Rose and members of the business and private sectors of SD&G to our chapter in November 2008.
$6,195. was raised at the Second Annual South Dundas Coummunity Walk 4 Autism held May 17, 2008 in Morrisburg, Ontario.
$1,500., consisting of ticket sales and donations, was raised at the Chili Dinner and Dance Benefit held March 29th at 8pm at The Navy Club, 30 Sixth St. East, Cornwall. Partiers boogied to tunes from the 60's and 70's courtesy of local musicians Rollie Bissonnette, Randy Julien, Ron Thibeault and Gil Lecompte. Proceeds from the event will help purchase educational materials for the new Play to Learn Space at the Ontario Early Years Centre. Read more about the dance and Play to Learn Sapce, as it was published in the Seaway News article, or click here for the text of the article.
Since 2003, the MacEwen Foundation has been a constant supporter, having donated $4,000. through the years to the chapter.
An all day crop in October 2005 at Auntie Em's Scrapbooking, located at 109 Eleventh St. West in Cornwall, raised $1105.
On August 17, 2007, Border Par3 Golf, located at 22163 Hwy #2, Bainsville, donated $300.00 in proceeds from the day's green fees to the Upper Canada Chapter of Autism Ontario. In 2006, they donated $500.
Through sales of Party Lite Candles, Marg Meester has donated over $800.
The following companies and organizations have been wonderful supporters of our chapter through the years.
FIX Custom Computers
Onagh's Book Nook from Martintown
Moose Creek Optimists
Hellenic Community
Catholic Women's League
Ultramar
Mooneys Bay Landscaping
Villeneuve Tank Lines
Herbal One of Cornwall
Liemar
Roxborough Bus Lines
Glengarry Buslines
Alexandria Moulding
Jean Paul St. Pierre Insurance (the Cooperators)
The DeRepentigny Family (birthday donation)
Hunt Insurance Brokers
