Autism - Conceptual Planning for a Charter Campus Prototype

The Autism Spectrum: Conceptual Planning for A Charter Campus Prototype in MA
(Housing, Education & Treatment)

DRAFT V1.0 – Autism Awareness Month – 04/09/2013 1


INDEX OF MATERIALS:

 Defining Autism & The Spectrum
 Government Response
 Current Federal Initiatives
 State Initiatives (ARICA)
 The Campus Concept – Four Key Attributes
 Prospective Collaborators
 Suggested Next Actions



Defining Autism…
Autism is defined by the presence of difficulties in three
areas: social deficits; communication problems; and Social Deficits
repetitive or restricted behaviors with an onset in at least
one area by age three.

It is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed
with autism (and one in every 70 boys), making it more
Repetitive Communication
common than childhood cancer; juvenile diabetes; and Behavior Problems
pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million
individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide
are affected by autism.

Source: http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2541



The Spectrum
Each individual with autism is unique. About 40
percent have average to above average intellectual
abilities. Indeed, many persons on the spectrum take
deserved pride in their distinctive abilities and “atypical”
ways of viewing the world. Others with autism have
significant disability and are unable to live independently.
About 25 percent of individuals with ASD are nonverbal
but can learn to communicate using other means. For
some, this means the development and delivery of more
effective treatments that can address significant
challenges in communication and physical health. For
others, it means increasing acceptance, respect and
support.

Source: http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism



Government Response

• Less than $300
SPENDS million a year

• $33 billion for
COSTS services & care



Current Federal Initiatives
Federal Health Care Reform
The implementation of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act could have profound
implications on autism insurance reform and laws passed by a majority of states. Autism Speaks is
closely monitoring the regulatory framework being created by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2011
Autism Speaks is supporting the ABLE Act which would allow the creation of tax-free 529
accounts for individuals with disabilities, including autism, to save for their future needs without
losing access to other resources.

Source: http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.3909865/k.F405/Federal_Initiatives.htm



Federal Initiatives
2012 Presidential Campaign
Autism Speaks is asking each of the 2012 candidates for President to sign on to its Blueprint for an
Appropriate Federal Response to Autism.

The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA) of 2011
President Obama signed the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 into law on September
30, 2011, securing the Federal response to the national and public health emergency posed by
autism spectrum disorders for another three years. Sponsored by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and
Mike Doyle (D-PA) in the House of Representatives, and Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and
Mike Enzi (R-WY) in the Senate, the law authorizes $693 million in federal resources for
continued autism research, treatment and services.




Federal Initiatives

The IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (S. 613/H.R. 1208)
Sponsored in the Senate by Senator Tom Harkin (IA) and in the House by Representative Chris Van
Hollen (MD-8) these bills would allow parents to recover expert witness fees in an action under the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Military Families and Autism Advocacy
Are you a member of a Military family affected by autism? Want to get more involved with issues
of policy and legislation that affect children with autism in military families?




State Initiatives : - H4935 An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism
(ARICA)

Massachusetts Becomes the 23rd State to Enact Autism Insurance
Reform Act
What treatments are covered under ARICA? The law covers the following care prescribed,
provided, or ordered for an individual diagnosed with one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders by a
licensed physician or a licensed psychologist who determines the care to be medically necessary:

Rehabilitative Pharmacy Psychological Therapeutic



H4935 An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA)

Habilitative or Rehabilitative Care – this includes professional, counseling and guidance services
and treatment programs, including but not limited to, applied behavior analysis supervised by a
board certified behavior analyst, that are necessary to develop, maintain and restore, to the
maximum extent practicable, the functioning of an individual.

Pharmacy care - medications prescribed by a licensed physician and health-related services deemed
medically necessary to determine the need or effectiveness of the medications, to the same extent
that pharmacy care is provided by the insurance policy for other medical conditions.



H4935 An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism (ARICA)

Psychiatric care - direct or consultative services provided by a psychiatrist licensed in the state in
which the psychiatrist practices.

Psychological care -direct or consultative services provided by a psychologist licensed in the state
in which the psychologist practices.

Therapeutic care - services provided by licensed or certified speech therapists, occupational
therapists, physical therapists or social workers.



Bill H.2710 An Act establishing a commission to study the feasibility of a charter school for
students on the autism spectrum

By Ms. Coakley-Rivera of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2710) of Swan
and Coakley-Rivera for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the
General) relative to establishing a charter school for students diagnosed with Autism Joint
Committee on Education.

Sponsors: Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera
Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Education



THE CAMPUS CONCEPT – ATTRIBUTES FOR CONSIDERATION

ONE THREE
TWO
Rooftop & FOUR
Clustered Community Community Equine-Assisted
Neighborhood Building/Activities Gardens Therapies Center
Model Center



PROSPECTIVE COLLABORATORS

The following slides present a summary view of organizations / programs that we have
identified as both prospective collaborators and inspirations for key attributes of the
campus prototype that we endeavor to develop …



THE GREEN HOUSE MODEL
Developed by Dr. William Thomas and rooted in the tradition of the Eden Alternative, a model for
cultural change within nursing facilities, The Green House model is intended to de-institutionalize
long-term care by eliminating large nursing facilities and creating habilitative, social settings.

A radical departure from traditional skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities, The Green
House model alters facility size, interior design, staffing patterns, and methods of delivering skilled
professional services.



Neighborhood Model
The Concept contemplates a neighborhood of
Residential Prototypes that have been designed in
order to adapt to multiple occupancies types.



THE GREEN HOUSE (Illustrative Photos & Rendering)



THE GREEN HOUSE (Illustrative Photographs)



Normalization and the Silverado Story
The principle of normalization aims to refute the idea that people who have disabilities should be kept
separate from society. Putting people with “their own kind” detracts from individuality and dignity.
Based on these principles, Silverado Senior Living has created many programs and standards which
aim to provide every resident with dignity and respect.
Allowing pets and children, welcoming family, and frequent interactions with the community through
our service clubs are a few ways we create a warm home-like environment for our residents.



Impact Oasis (TRAIL)
Impact OASIS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to
promote inclusion and acceptance of autistic individuals into
their local communities by establishing farm centers that provide
meaningful work, peaceful and healthy residences and
community interaction.

We have been granted a ground lease, from the township of
Middletown, on a portion of a 15 acre farm tract at Stevenson’s
Park, Middletown.

OASIS has agreed that this area is to be used for farming,
gardening and horticultural purposes as part of our education,
training and assistance programs for autistic individuals.
SOURCE: http://www.impactoasis.com



Impact Oasis (TRAIL)
Impact OASIS is proposing to create a Transitional Residential/Adult Independent Learning
(TRAIL) Center that will provide young adults with autism a unique experience parallel to their
non-disabled peers once they graduate from high school.
After High School most young adults have a first opportunity to live on their own. Some go on to
college; others may get a job and an apartment. Both begin to learn how to manage their own lives
more independently; from ensuring there’s food in their homes to learning how to manage their
time and take on adult role responsibilities such as work, continuing education or other type of
community role.The OASIS TRAIL Center will provide the following services to assist in
facilitating the transition from the role of student to that of an adult for those served:

Residential/Habilitation services/Vocational services/Recreational/Respite services/
Continuing education (focus will be on language comprehension and usage and social skills
training)

SOURCE: http://www.impactoasis.com



The Greenhouse Project, is an initiative dedicated to
improving environmental science education
in NYC public schools through the construction of on-
site greenhouse laboratories, based on the Science Barge
design, and the provision of a hands-on educational
curriculum.

The Center functions as a hands-on classroom for
students from Kindergarten through 8th grade with an
integrated environmental science curriculum. The
facility also serves as a teacher training center and
model for replication at other urban schools.



The Charles River Center

The Charles River Center (formerly Charles River Arc) is a private, nonprofit human service agency in
Needham, Massachusetts, providing employment and job training, residential homes, therapeutic day
programs, and recreational programs for children and adults with mental retardation and other
developmental disabilities. Founded by a group of parents of children with special needs in 1956, the
mission of Charles River has always been to improve the quality of life by helping each individual with a
developmental disability achieve his or her highest possible level of independence so that he or she
can fully participate, benefit, and become a contributing member of the community.

The Charles River Center serves over 500 families from many communities including Needham,
Wellesley, Weston, Newton, Dedham, Cambridge, Brighton, Brookline, Framingham, Natick,
Westwood, Dover, Waltham, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Roxbury, Watertown, Quincy, Norwood, West
Roxbury and many more.

Source: : http://www.charlesrivercenter.org/index.cfm



The LABBB Collaborative

The LABBB Collaborative helps students with special needs
reach their full potential through high quality programs that
integrate academic, social, recreational and vocational services
and enable participation in the least restrictive environment.

By sharing its resources with multiple school districts and social
service agencies, its programs maintain superior quality and
reasonable costs to those it serves, by meeting or exceeding state
standards, and achieving economies of scale. We are serving 60
cities and delivered the following specialized services.

SOURCE: http://www.labbb.com/



Vocational development…
Vocational development and real life job exploration are the
primary goals of the LABBB Vocational Program. All students
participate in vocational programming that is individualized.

The LABBB Vocational Program has been recognized
statewide, nationally and internationally for excellence in
vocational programming. It has received numerous awards for
Best Practices and quality vocational programming. The
LABBB Program continues to comply with required industrial
standards. Students do receive monthly paychecks.




Specialized Services…

 Adapted Physical Education  Work preparedness
 Physical Therapy  Transition services
 Occupational Therapy  Reading Consultation
 Speech and Language Therapy  Vocational Training
 Behavioral Therapy  Assistive Technology
 Counseling Consultation




Stewart Home School - Kentucky
Residence Halls, Classrooms, Gymnasium, Pavilion, Fitness Center, Library,
Ballfield, Riding Ring and Stables, Fishing Ponds and Grounds combine to
create a setting for a special needs education as lovely and complete as any
college campus. Students at our school for special needs enjoy the commons
areas as much as their own private rooms. The center of it all is the historic
Main Building, where Administration Offices, the Business Office, Residential
Services and Health Care can be found. The Main Building is also home to a
women’s residence hall.

SOURCE: http://www.stewarthome.com/



Horses have always been a part of Stewart Home School
since its inception in 1893. The Equestrian Program itself
has evolved from just a few students riding to almost half of
the school’s population being involved with the horses.

Our program is open to all interested
students and, depending on their
request, they may be riding the horses
or driving our Shetland pony. If
necessary, the students’ medical and
physical abilities are evaluated to place
them in the safest and most enjoyable
portion of the program.



Day Habilitation

An interdisciplinary clinical team and a strong
behavioral approach are incorporated into each
day habilitation site to develop functional
skills and enjoyment of the communities
surrounding them. Each one has its own
unique personality based on its participants.
 Speech & Language Communication Therapists
Our day support professional instructors work  Occupational Therapists
closely with our clinical staff in developing  Physical Therapists
dynamic schedules of activities to ensure that  Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants
the person is actively involved in their daily  Certified Physical Therapist Assistants
routines.  Behavioral Psychologist

http://www.tillinc.org/index.html



EGA
EGA is an architectural design and planning firm that
was founded 43 years ago with the commitment to offer
only the highest levels of design service to its clients.
While EGA has provided architectural services for a
diverse listing of project types, the firm’s primary
practice is the study and design of senior living
environments.

This has been the foundation and focus of the practice
from the firm’s inception. EGA is a nationally recognized
leader in the senior living field with a continuing
commitment to excellence in design and service to its
clients.



Noble Homes
Noble Home, LLC was formed in 2007 based on the notion
that a modern kit house may just be the best way to help
new homeowners build an environmentally responsible and
responsive dwelling.

Noble Home is made up of a multi-disciplinary team of
designers, builders and philosophers. We all have a deep
commitment to sustainable development and in keeping our
environment safe for future generations. We are ready to
explore and tackle any high or low tech solution to living
lightly on the Earth.



PATH International

PATH Intl. was founded in 1969 as the North American Riding
for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) to promote safe
and effective therapeutic horseback riding throughout the
United States and Canada. Today, PATH Intl. has nearly 800
member centers and over 6,300 individual members in
countries all over the world, who help and support more than
42,000 men, women and children with special needs each year
through a variety of equine-assisted activity and therapy
programs.



What others are doing… Select Path Certified Centers in Massachusetts

Organization Address 2 URL
Blue Pony Hatchville, MA 02536 www.bluepony.org
Breezy Hill Therapeutic Riding Holliston, MA 01746-1403
Dr. Franklin Perkins School Lancaster, MA 01523-2569 www.perkinschool.org
Equine Partners, Inc. Hopkinton, MA 01748 www.equinepartnersonline.com
Flying High Farm Lunenburg, MA 01462-2013 www.flyinghighfarm.com
Forge Works Farm, LLC Rutland, MA 01543-1616 www.forgeworks.net
Friends for Tomorrow, Inc. Lincoln, MA 01773 www.friendsfortomorrow.org
Greener Pastures Chelmsford, MA 01824-4415 www.flyingchangestables.com
Greenlock Therapeutic Riding Center Rehoboth, MA 02769 www.greenlock.org
Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program Lincoln, MA 01773-3105 www.lovelane.org
Nantucket Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. Nantucket, MA 02554-0023 www.seaponyfarm.com



What others are doing… Select Path Certified Centers in Massachusetts

Organization Address 2 URL
Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association Inc. Belchertown, MA 01007-0944 www.pioneervalleytra.org
Prayers Answered Therapeutic Horsemanship Shirley, MA 01464-0175
Rehabilitative Resources Inc Brookfield, MA 01506 www.rehabrescourcesinc.org
Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. West Tisbury, MA 02575-0044 www.risingtidetec.org
Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian Farm Tewksbury, MA 01876-0755 www.t-h-e-farm.org
The Bina Farm Natick, MA 01760 www.binafarm.org
The Bridge Center Bridgewater, MA 02324-2112 www.thebridgectr.org
Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc www.equestriantherapy.org
Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program West Bridgewater, MA 02379 www.wildheartstherapeutic.org
Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc. Boxford, MA 01921-2216 www.windrushfarm.org



The Flag Foundation

The Flag Foundation stewards an international network of
sanctuary ranches that foster horse/human partnership.

Activities on our ranches range from holistic horse care to
equine-guided personal and professional development –
universal experience accessible and beneficial to everyone.
Because they possess sophisticated skills in emotional, social
and body intelligence, horses are leading us to our next level of
human development.

Each interaction informs and transforms, one horse, one
person, one life at a time. Each ranch preserved devotes land to
this purpose in perpetuity.



Potential Collaborators…



Other Potential Collaborators…



Suggested Next Actions

1) Survey & Consolidate our thinking Re “The Concept”
2) Refine Planning Document so that it accurately depicts our intentions
3) Identify Key People that we wish to prospect for collaboration
4) Update & Distribute Deliverable to Identified Prospects for directional feedback
5) Plan Meet and Greets / Conference Calls with interested parties
6) Establish an advisory Board of Directors represented by collaborators established to further develop, guide
and govern business plans.

The key resources required to further develop and advance this business plan will represent a wide array of
disciplines.

These may include: Architectural & Design Specialists; Medical Professionals & Healthcare Specialists;
Educational Institutions & Academia Professionals; Governmental Agencies;
Corporate / Individual Sponsors



For more information:

Please contact David McCarron at dmccarron@cca-capitalcare.com

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative
(and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid
plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All
sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole
stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of
unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have
dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


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