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2033 All Residential Services Are Not Created Equal...What Makes a Quality Program?


Friday, July 14, 2006: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Narragansett Ballroom B (Westin Providence)
One of the greatest dilemmas facing the autism community today is, “How are we going to serve our adult population now and in the future?” The search for a quality residential program can be difficult. Parents need to be aware of what constitutes a quality program, including what to look for as you tour the facility and what questions to ask the program director. The panel discussion will focus on pertinent issues surrounding residential services for adults with autism. One of the greatest dilemmas facing the autism community today is, “How are we going to serve our adult population now and in the future?” Our experiences with the educational system have made one fact completely clear; just because there is a program in place doesn't mean we want our children enrolled there. Consider that we are adults 75% of our lives and then start to look for a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, 365 day per year program. Then, think about whether that program will be in business 60 years from now. The search for a quality residential program for adults with autism can be confusing, intimidating and elusive. Parents need to be aware of what constitutes a quality program, including what to look for as you tour the facility and what questions to ask when you sit down with the program director.

Agencies dedicated to providing quality residential services to individuals with autism will welcome inquiries and questions into areas such as: Staff training and oversight, community involvement and integration, day placement, sexuality policies, behavioral treatment philosophies, grievance procedures, financial stability, and levels of oversight and evaluation, just to name a few key areas.

The panel discussion will focus on pertinent issues surrounding residential services for adults with autism.

Learning Objectives:

1. Determine how and where to begin the search for a residential program.

2. Understand the different types of residential programs and the options available.

3. Determine what questions to ask during the initial site visit.

4. Determine key observations as you tour the facility.

5. Understand what important policies and procedures the agency should have in place, and be willing to share with you.

6. Understand treatment philosophies and what they mean.

7. Understand employment and day training programs and their association with a residential program.

Content Area: Transition Planning and Options for Adulthood

Presenters:

Vicki L. Isler, Ed.D., BCBA
Director
Eden Florida, A Division of The Eden Family of Services

Dr. Vicki Isler is Director of Eden Florida, located on the southern Gulf Coast. Eden provides ABA-based services for individuals with autism. Current programming includes an infant/toddler program (ages 0 – 3), a school program (ages 3 – 22), adult residential and employment services, clinic services, parent training/support, and professional training/consultation services. Dr. Isler completed a BA in Psychology at Rider University, an MA in School Psychology at Rowan University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University. She has an extensive background in Community-based Residential Services and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Thomas P. McCool, Ed.D.
President and CEO
The Eden Family of Services

Since April 2005 Dr. McCool has been the President/CEO of The Eden Family of Services. Previously he was the Vice President of Development and Public Policy for the Devereux Foundation. Dr. McCool is a Founding Member of the National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism as well as the National Commission on Accreditation of Special Education Services. He served as a gubernatorial appointee to the California Interagency Coordinating Council, and was a member of the California Developmental Disabilities Council. He also was a member of the MIND Institute Advisory Board at the U.C. Davis Medical Center. .

Phil Blevins, RN, LCS
Executive Director
Carolina Autism

Phil has worked with children and adults with autism for over 20 years. He served as Direct Care Provider, Consultant, Trainer and Administrator for the South Carolina state autism program. Phil later founded the non-profit agencies: Carolina Autism Supported Living Services and Carolina Autism Applied Behavioral Services. He is a founding member and advocate for the National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism (NARPAA). Most recently Phil has been working to establish an inclusive Autism Charter School in Charleston, SC. He has two nephews with autism.

Janice Cline, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director of Clinical Services
Bittersweet, Inc. (dba: Bittersweet Farms)

Janice Cline is the Director of Clinical Services at Bittersweet Farms, a residential and vocational facility for adults with autism located in Northwest Ohio. Mrs. Cline has served at Bittersweet Farms since 1991. She has served as the Speech and Language Pathologist assisting in direct therapeutic interventions and support, behavior management teams, staff training, assessment and consultation, and clinical services’ supervision of Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Psychology and Psychiatry students from regional universities. Mrs. Cline is a regular presenter and trainer about working with persons with autism spectrum disorder, focusing on the practical partnership of communication, sensory and philosophical approaches.

David L. Holmes, Ed., D., BCFE, BCAP
Chairman/ CEO
Lifespan Services, LLC

Dr. David L. Holmes, Chairman and CEO of Lifespan Services, LLC, is a Board Certified Forensic Examiner in Behavioral Science and Psychology; He is immediate past president and founder of The Eden Family of Services and Chairman of the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America. He serves on the psychology faculty of Princeton University. He has been a featured guest on National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation” and on CNN’s “House Call”. Dr. Holmes is a national award winning author of numerous books, book chapters and articles, most notably, Autism through the Lifespan-The Eden Model.

Kelly L. Schoen, M.A.T.
Assistant Director of Adult Services
Eden Florida, A Division of The Eden Family of Services

Kelly Schoen is Assistant Director of Adult Services for Eden Florida, located in Fort Myers and Naples. Eden provides ABA-based services for individuals with autism. Current programming includes an infant/toddler program (ages 0 – 3), a school program (ages 3 - 22), clinic services, parent training/support, professional training/consultation services, and adult residential and employment services. Ms. Schoen completed a BS at Ithaca College and a MAT in Special Education at The College of New Jersey. She has over thirteen years experience in Community-based Residential Services and is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA).

Joel Smith, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Autism Services Association, Inc.

Board member/Treasurer of Autism Society of America, 2000-2003; Executive Director, Autism Services Association, Wellesley Hills, MA., 1989-present; National Surveyor Consultant, CARF (Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission), 1986-present; Director of Human Services, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Ind., Boston, MA, 1972-1989; Vocational Expert Consultant, Social Security Administration, 1986-1989; Cantor/Teacher, Cong. Agudat Achim, Leominster, MA 1968-1990; Ph.D., Special Education and Rehabilitation, 1989, Boston College; Ed.M., Counseling Psychology, 1972, Columbia University; Cantors Institute, Jewish Theological Seminary, 1968-72; B.A. Philosophy/Religion/Psychology, 1968, Boston University, B.J. Ed., Hebrew College, Brookline, MA 1968