Support students with asd
York University Autism Spectrum Disorder Transition Program
As a result of an Ontario province wide conference in December,2012, organized, with a team of exceptional ASD experts, superbly coordinated by Maureen Barns ( York U.) and education experts, Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, personally fast tracked the approvals for the funding of the ASD programs at YORK University (Toronto) and Algonquin College (Ottawa). The pilot programs commenced in the Summer of 2013
This conference was followed by the first Raise The Flag event in municipalities across Ontario on April 2,2013.
The combination of these two events provided the awareness and recognition, that it was time to make significant changes in post secondary education.
Prior to this, talented ASD students in HS often had difficulty getting accepted into Ontario Universities and Colleges. If they were successful, in this first step, then, being able to stay enrolled was a major challenge due to lack of preparedness and supports. The drop out rate was significant. The social/medical costs would then be on track to cost governments $1 million over the lifetime of EACH student.
All that has changed and the HS students who transition into the program are now on track to earn their diplomas. The programs have an incredible retention rate of 95%. This is a “Made in Canada” success story.
Each student who graduates and has a career, will provide a lifetime minimum benefit to government of $2 million. Most social supports will be eliminated and as taxpayers these graduates will contribute to Federal and Provincial taxes. In addition, as high income earners, they will add to the overall economy. Some individuals have already graduated and started rewarding careers.
We want Taxpayers, not people dependent on society.
HS students with ASD now start their transition preparation 2 years prior to leaving school. I present to groups of students, parents and teachers at YORK U on independent living and career preparation, as part of this process. Students are encouraged to try to live in residence and for parents to learn how to let go. My son is now fully independent, a Computer Science Graduate and has a very rewarding career. He is a world traveler and Japan is his favorite destination (he studied Japanese in HS).
Many of the support programs that now exist in the Ontario education system, were started for him. As part of my partnership with the TDSB and the Ministry, I was a guest lecturer in the Ontario Teacher’s Special Education Certification program (YORK U, Catherine Huycke, Supervisor Special Education, TDSB was the instructor).
None of these things would have come to pass without the initial support of three key individuals; Temple Grandin, Kathleen Wynne and John Tory. John, while running against Kathleen in Toronto, for Member of Parliament, agreed that he would help make Autism an election issue, knowing full well my work with Kathleen. John was Leader of the Conservative Party of Ontario. He provided a great leap forward in awareness and, no matter who won, this assured that Autism would get the political attention it deserved. John was Hon. Chairman of Unity for Autism (Now mayor of Toronto).
In February 2012 I had the honor of presenting with Temple Grandin and Kate Duffy at the Toronto Convention Center on “Developing Talents”, based on the book she had written on this subject, to which I had contributed. Kathleen Wynne and Glen Murry, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities both attended. This served as the foundation for the ASD Conference, mentioned above, and both immediately committed to supporting post secondary education and careers for ASD students.
At the same time as we were working on the path forward, I was inspired by a young ASD girl in St Thomas, Ontario, who had made flag with her mom (the Bishop family) and flew it at the town hall for the Autism Awareness Day. After talking with Kathleen about this I contacted Autism Ontario (they had an existing flag) who agreed that having an Ontario” Raise The Flag” initiative would be well received. “Raise the Flag” is an annual event and includes schools as well.
In recognition for these efforts, and on behalf of the many professionals who helped me along the way, I received the Community Volunteer Service Award 2012 from Kathleen Wynne and The Glen Crombie Memorial Award from the Colleges of Ontario in 2014.
All HS students in Ontario deserve to have the same opportunity for success and independence my son enjoys. The ASD Transition Program at YORK, under the amazing leadership of Maureen Barns, provides exceptional orientation and preparation, thus setting students up for success. Then, as students, they get the support they need, their programs are tailored to their abilities. There are work/ study programs. Faculty and service providers are very engaged with these students.
Today, rather than see students primarily in computer relate programs, they can be found in Music, Film, English, Engineering, Business and Science. One day, the very special talents they have, as a result of their ASD, will see them make valuable contributions as others with ASD have done. Thinking differently, they will approach things in a unique way with surprising outcomes. My hope is that we will find the next Gates, Jobs, Bell, Mozart, Brian Wilson, Gould, Dan Ackroyd, Temple Grandin, Einstein, etc. and, if that happens, imagine the possibilities for Ontario and Canada.
Now, my entire focus is on creating greater awareness for these exceptional students so they can move on to successful careers. It will be critical for them to have a smooth transition from Post Secondary Education to Careers.
Here is the link to the YORK University ASD site: asd-initiative.yorku.ca
I am using my paintings to do this and to help generate funds for these efforts. I receive no compensation nor do I receive reimbursement for my art supplies and my expenses. I now have a whole new and very rewarding focus to my life, that I never imagined. Few are so fortunate to have that in retirement.
My first exhibit was in Niagara on the Lake in September 2019.
I do not sell my paintings. When someone takes a painting or commissions one, they then make an agreed upon donation to this program and receive a tax receipt. Please see the donation process and link to YORK University.
Thank you for your support. All donations, with or without paintings, are greatly appreciated.
Here is the link: giving.yorku.ca/transitionsprogram