I heard of this foundation (not sure if I spelled it right) from my Latin teacher while she was singing the praises of Clay Aiken (some singer she adores), does anyone know what they do? From what she mentioned about it it sounded fairly benign, no 'research' involved, does anyone know if they are OK?
Here is a link:
http://www.thebubelaikenfoundation.org/
The Bubel & Aiken Foundation is run by Clay Aiken (2nd Place in American Idol 2) and Diane Bubel (a mother of an autistic son).
Here is the mission statement:
The mission of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is to provide services and financial assistance to facilitate fully the integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without.
The Foundation will create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities inclusion can bring. Through collaborations with the disability, education, entertainment, and media communities, the Foundation will recognize those whose commitment to breaking the stereotypes attendant to the developmentally disabled has broken barriers and extended the boundaries of the human experience for all.
It has stated it's vision as:
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation envisions a world where young people with developmental disabilities are totally immersed in all life has to offer. The desegregation of programs, jobs, services, and educational opportunities will benefit children with and without special needs. We will build our legacy by breaking down the barriers that prevent families from obtaining the services and financial assistance they need and serving as a watch dog to make sure the public continues to keep those barriers down.
Didn't see mention of organizations like CAN, NAAR and such but they do have partners with some research centers, they aren't directed at autism specifically more towards general disabilities.
immediately after I posted that I looked them up... They do not seem to have any connection to CAN & company, JRC, or any other such group, nor do they appear to have any materials advocating the use of aversives or other such methods... But to be sure maybe we should send an email. Perhaps Clay Aiken might be convinced to speak in our favor, or against the abuse of Autistic children in the name of 'cures.' If no one objects, I will begin drafting a letter. If you think about it, hes perfect, he is not linked with any of the less savory groups, has demonstrated a willingness to help autistic kids without looking for cures or using aversives, and he seems to have considerable star power (If my AP Latin teacher is anything to judge by).
He was actually training to be a special education teacher or was one prior to getting famous with American Idol 2 for being 2nd place.
That sounds good, need to find out what his/the foundation's position on ABA etc. is. I will eventually get around to that letter... Seriously!
Clay Aiken is a godsend. His heart is definitely in the right place and I hope we don't deluge him with all kinds of nitpicking stuff on his postion on ABA etc. He is a nice celebrity with a big heart and a real interest in our people. We can't insist that everyone fit into a nice, neat PC mold. Oh we can, but we will drive a lot of good people away with that approach.
I know that my young friend, Josh Hartnett, got interested in autism because a good friend had an autistic relative. That is why he wanted to play "me" even I have aspergers. But I am not going to try to indoctrinate him about anything. Heck, I hardly ever talk to him about autism anyway. Too much more fun stuff to talk about.
Jerry Newport
Josh Hartnett... for some reason this naem rings a bell... He is how old? Does he or has he ever attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School on maryland?
Lol just did search, found out he some actor...
Anyhow I agree about this Aiken person, based on what I have read so far, and heard from others (chief among them my Latin teacher... she never stops talking about him!
) which is why I suggested seeing if he might be willing to speak out against the use of ABA.
[quote="Nemidaelius"]Josh Hartnett... for some reason this naem rings a bell... He is how old? Does he or has he ever attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School on maryland?
Josh is 26. His birthday is shared with Robin Williams and Ernest Hemingway; July 21. He grew up in Minnesota. Went to an art college in NYC and auditioned for a TV series during his first year. That job led to movies.
Jerry
Anyhow I agree about this Aiken person, based on what I have read so far, and heard from others (chief among them my Latin teacher... she never stops talking about him!
) which is why I suggested seeing if he might be willing to speak out against the use of ABA.
I think he might do that indirectly, by speaking in favor of other methods. If he is from North Carolina, he may have heard of TEACCH, which is not as bad as ABA but not very good either. It would help to send him positive information about stuff that we approve of.
I expect a flood of ABA bashing to come once Loovas is gone. 77 and counting.
Jerry
I havent heard anything bad about TEACCH before.
Can you give me any more details?
I havent heard anything bad about TEACCH before.
Can you give me any more details?
It is not very effective. The best I can say is that it is not as invasive as ABA but at least the ABA people think they will have some success. The TEACCH people I have met seem more dedicated to making sure their clients fail on schedule.
Expectations are low in TEACCH. The graduates can tell "knock,knock" jokes. That isn't nearly good enough. It is a very segregated program with little inclusion.
Jerry