Via Receives $275,000 Grant for Three-Year Autism Program
November 3, 2009

BETHLEHEM,PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley received a $275,000 grant from Lehigh County HealthChoices for a program to provide support and services to adults age 21 and older with autism. Through this three-year grant, Via will provide services annually to 20 adults with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD).

“With the increasing number of ASD diagnoses, resources for programs and support are limited,” said Lisa Musselman, Via Community Connections Director.

“Via’s Autism Services will provide adults with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis with educational, vocational and recreational activities in the community. This program also offers supports groups for adults with ASD and their family members.”

Continued development of social skills and peer networks lead to success in adult life, career development and independence. Via’s Autism Services is a resource for adults with ASD to connect with each other, their peers, and community resources so they can explore their talents and potential. While adults with ASD are the focus of this program, Via and HealthChoices recognize the vital role families have in this process. Ongoing parent and family support groups will play an important role in this program.

“Via’s Autism Services will serve a group of individuals whose skills and talents have gone unrecognized in our community,” said Musselman.

“Due to a lack of state and local funding for adults with autism, this group has gone largely without support for too long. The population we are looking to serve has a wide range of untapped skills and potential. Without programs like this, their abilities may go unnoticed and unexplored.”

One of the goals of this program is to educate the community about the talent and skills of adults with autism. By connecting participants to the community through volunteer, recreational and vocational opportunities, the public can learn more about the potential of this unrealized community resource.

“People want to be connected to friends and family, and learn, work, and be respected for their choices,” said Musselman.

“Via’s Autism Services are a way to introduce options for people after they graduate from high school – like exploring employment and housing options. It also serves as a way to educate the community about the potential for employment and volunteer opportunities for adults with autism that they may not have otherwise thought possible. “

Via’s Autism Services will provide social and life skills development. Adults with ASD will have the opportunity to participate in social, vocational and independent living activities that are tailored to their needs and interests. Participants will have an active role in planning their schedule and in the development of goals and objectives for each activity.

Via partners with more than 75 small and large employers and 42 local agencies and institutions of higher education throughout the Lehigh Valley. Participants in this program will explore vocational training and opportunities through these partnerships and participate in job shadowing, job site visits, career exploration, resume preparation, and inclusive service learning and volunteer activities

Via’s Autism Services will work with participants to tailor recreational and community activities to personal preferences. Depending on individual interests, activities may include sporting events, cultural events, art classes, and various community and social activities. Participants will have an active role in planning their schedule and will incorporate life skills such as budgeting and transportation needs into these activities.

Two support groups will also be offered as a part of Via’s Autism Services: one for people with ASD and one for family and parents. Support groups offer a positive and supportive environment where adults with ASD have peer support, and feel valued and empowered. Participants will be encouraged to increase their self-knowledge and knowledge of their diagnosis. For families and parents, this will be a way to network and exchange information. Families and parents have special concerns and often need a great deal of information: information about ASD, about services, therapy, funding sources, transportation, medical facilities, and much more.

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

ia works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment. And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing. Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment. Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives. Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390