Easter Seals North Texas expands autism services with $1.25M grant <\/p>\n
Saturday, July 26, 2008 <\/p>\n
By RACHEL LAMONICA \/ Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News <\/p>\n
A $1.25 million grant from the Texas Department of Assistive and
\nRehabilitative Services has allowed Easter Seals North Texas to expand
\nand remodel treatment rooms for autistic children at the society’s
\npediatric centers in Carrollton and Oak Cliff. <\/p>\n
The money was given to DARS from the governor’s office and the
\nLegislative Budget Board with a specific emphasis on applied behavior
\nprograms for children ages 3 to 8, said Marc Mullins, the autism
\nspecialist and contract manager for DARS in Austin. <\/p>\n
The funding has brought members of the Easter Seals Autism Advisory
\nBoard and doctors from the University of North Texas together to study
\napplied behavior in autism and to assist children admitted to the
\nprogram. <\/p>\n
“We believe that every child is unique with his or her own strengths
\nand challenges,” said Jennifer Friesen, Easter Seals vice president of
\nclinical services. “We have made our treatment areas as much like
\ntypical preschool rooms as possible so can learn to talk, play
\nand socialize in realistic conditions.” <\/p>\n
In a first-time collaboration with Easter Seals, doctors from UNT’s
\nDepartment of Behavior Analysis, Department of Anthropology and
\nDepartment of Educational Psychology assisted with the remodeling of
\ntreatment rooms, including a physical therapy gym to address motor
\nskills, a sensory gym to work on responses to touch, sounds and visual
\ncues, in addition to an art room, snack room and other treatment
\nareas. <\/p>\n
“UNT has such a positive relationship with Easter Seals North Texas,
\nand we have so much passion behind this project,” said Indi Jones,
\nEaster Seals executive vice president of business development. <\/p>\n
Easter Seals North Texas, a nonprofit organization, offers services
\nto children and adults with autism and other disabilities. <\/p>\n
The services include occupational therapy, physical therapy and
\nspeech-language therapy. <\/p>\n
“Our primary goal for the Autism Treatment Program is to provide a
\ncomprehensive and culturally responsive program,” said Ms. Friesen. <\/p>\n
“We hope to have a diverse program and work with individuals from a
\nvariety of cultures, languages, ethnicities, school districts and
\nsocioeconomic backgrounds.” <\/p>\n
TOUR THE CENTERS <\/p>\n
When: Last Wednesday of each month, 4 to 5 p.m. <\/p>\n
What: See life through the eyes of an individual living with a
\ndisability. <\/p>\n
How: Register online at http:\/\/www.easterseals.com
\n . Registration required. <\/p>\n
Trinity Center: 4443 N. Josey Lane, Suite 100. Office hours <\/p>\n
8 a.m to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday <\/p>\n
Oak Cliff Center: 4201 Brook Spring Drive, Bldg. B, Dallas. Office
\nhours 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday <\/p>\n
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Easter Seals North Texas expands autism services with $1.25M grant Saturday, July 26, 2008 By RACHEL LAMONICA \/ Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News A $1.25 million grant from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services has allowed…<\/p>\n