CIP Bloomington Internship Spotlights
By Jim Walsh, CIP Bloomington
The following videos spotlight a few CIP Bloomington students at their current places of employment. All CIP students participate in community service, internships, and/or jobs as part of their career exploration and development. CIP assists students in job readiness, training, and coaching.
By Judy Gerich, CIP Amherst Career Coordinator
Internship participation and planning have been very much a part of life at CIP Amherst this spring. Our students’ internship choices have been shaped by their academic training; personal interests; life goals; and areas of strength.
Equally important: finding sites that are well run, with supportive supervisors. I try to find places with pro-active, flexible, responsive supervisors who are interested in and willing to work with our students themselves; as well as with job coaches at times; and with me as our Career Coordinator.
Our students’ interests range from social work, to business and accounting, to animation, to graphic design, to Victorian English, to computer repair and web design. As a result, their internship sites vary as well. Good internships, like good jobs, have promoted growth and have been fun. They have given our students the opportunity to learn new skills, to put into practice what they have learned in classes, to meet new people, and to have the chance to explore new neighborhoods in the greater Buffalo area.
This spring, two of our CIP Amherst students have worked in Buffalo Public High Schools. One worked during the school day in a resource room, assisting students one-on-one with assignments. The other worked in an after-school program with refugees, helping them with financial aid applications, with college applications, and occasionally with homework.
The first student often felt frustrated, in that little support or direction was available to him. The second student reports that in spite of the very real language barrier between himself and the refugee students, he felt satisfaction from knowing that he was making a difference in their lives. This second student also noted that his experiences made him realize that he, as a future social worker, will look for positions helping high school and college age students.
Some of our CIP Amherst students have had opportunities to work in after-school community centers. Students participating in these internships have a passion for helping people in real and measurable ways. However, the levels of funding of the centers have varied widely, which has made all the difference in the quality of their internship experiences.
In two centers, inadequate funding has meant inadequate staffing and mediocre facilities, with little direction given to volunteers, interns and children in the programs. In another center, our student is having a great experience. There, he has the chance to help students complete their homework, to help other interns lead enrichment activities in science and for holidays, and to simply get to know the children who come to this community center.
One CIP Amherst student who is studying graphic design is doing an internship that is evolving as he masters a wider array of skills. He is working with a design company, winning small jobs by creating graphics for them; gaining experience as a screen printer; and beginning to learn how to work with an embroidery machine. In addition, he has successfully created a business card for a CIP staff member, has designed our convocation invitations, and as I write, is co-creating the cover of our convocation program.
In the works are summer internships for several other CIP Amherst students. One student intends to work with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy as a writer. The Olmsted Parks Conservancy strives to protect the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks system in the City of Buffalo, and to allow residents and visitors to use the parks all year round.
Another CIP student is striving to do animation work through his department at Daemen College in the Tri-Main Building, which is a bustling center for a large number of arts organizations in our area. Two others have a very exciting opportunity to work with a local nonprofit called Buffalo ReuseIT, which is in a growth phase.
Buffalo ReuseIT gathers used computers and printers, repairs them, and sells or donates them to individuals and groups that need to replace the equipment that they have. Buffalo ReuseIT just got its 501(c)(3) status this week, which will allow their director to write grants, to create jobs for their interns, and to formalize partnerships with groups such as CIP. One of our students will help repair equipment, and the other will assist by doing web design for them.
One other CIP Amherst student will intern this summer, as an accountant for Autistic Services. He will prepare ledgers for them, do accounts payable work, assist with billing, and perform a miscellany of tasks that will support their work. Since this is a state-funded agency, this student has had to be fingerprinted, drug-tested, and formally cleared before he begins his internship.
I am excited about the internship opportunities afforded to all of our CIP Amherst students: the internships already completed; the ones in the works for summer; and the ones down the road, as our students progress in their studies. These internships may be the most important factor that will enable our students to secure jobs in their chosen fields.
They will enter their job searches with valuable experience under their belts, with resumes that reflect what they have accomplished, with references who will be happy to attest to their skills and knowledge, and with confidence. It is a pleasure to creatively seek internship placements that are good fits for our talented, multi-faceted students.
Upcoming Panel Event To Address College, Independence and Employment
A New Networking Event For Parents and Professionals
Thinking Positive About The Future
Insights Into College, Independence and Employment For Young Adults With Asperger’s, ADHD, and other Learning Differences
Date: June 27th, 2012
Time: 5:00-7:30 PM
Location: CIP Berkeley, 2070 Allston Way Suite 101, Berkeley, CA (please note new location)
Please join us for an informative evening event at CIP Berkeley’s newly expanded location. The event will include presentations by several guest speakers who work with the ASD and LD community; offering advice on the key stages of transition to adulthood including: letting go, adjusting to college, finding success in the workplace, and achieving independence.
5:00 – 5:30 – Refreshments, tours and art display
5:45 – 6:30 – Presentation by Dr. McManmon, author of Made For Good Purpose and Founder of The College Internship Program
6:30 – 7:30 – Panel presentations and Q & A
Presentation by:
Michael P. McManmon, Ed.D.
Dr. McManmon is the founder of the College Internship Program (CIP), which serves college-aged students with learning differences and Asperger’s Syndrome in six centers across the US. He is a blog author for Psychology Today and his book, “Made for Good Purpose” has been published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Panelists:
Laura Shumaker
Autism Advocate and Blogger for SFGate, author of A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism
Andrew Selby
Employer Representative, Bridges to Work, a transition program that fosters employment opportunities for young adults who have disabilities or barriers to employment
Janet Lawson and Dan Swearingen
Founders of Autistry Studios, a therapeutic program for teens and adults with autism, Asperger’s and other social/communications differences offering workshops, college and job support. Dan has been diagnosed with Asperger’s and has enjoyed a successful career in software development
Ron Nelson
Interim Coordinator/Counselor for Disability Services, Merritt Community College in Oakland
David Jolliffe
Berkeley Community Media, Bay Area media company and internship provider
Jack Fagan
Former President, AASCEND (Autism, Asperger Syndrome Coalition for Education, Networking, Development) and organizer of new Bay Area job club for adults on the spectrum.
Other special guests will include representatives from Transition Options Program (TOPS) through Mt Diablo Adult Education, and Semperical Inc, a new technology company seeking employees on the autism spectrum
Register Online
Cost: Free
(space is limited)
Meet Zoe: CIP Berkeley Therapy Dog
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) involves to use of animals in therapy to improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. Additionally, the use of a pet within a therapy setting has been a proven way of increasing rapport between a patient and therapist.
Even the simple act of having a pet can be known to improve one’s health, confidence, and relaxation. In addition, many of our students on the autism spectrum, or with other learning differences, form special bonds with animals.
Zoe, a 4 year old cocker spaniel mix, rescue dog, has been a “mascot” and therapy dog at CIP Berkeley for the past two terms. Zoe is the companion of clinician, Barbara Large, L.C.S.W.
As CIP students became familiar with Zoe’s perspective and needs, social thinking skills were being practiced, such as learning non-verbal communication, body awareness, perspective taking and patience. As the students and Zoe developed trusting relationships, which happened rather quickly, her role as social thinking instructor transformed to therapy dog.
Entering into the program in September/October was a new experience for Zoe and one that required some patience from staff and students alike. At the beginning, Zoe would bark when people knocked on the door and in addition, students had to learn the best way to approach Zoe, who like many other “rescue” dogs, does not like direct eye contact or quick hand movements from new people.
Students who work with the other CIP clinicians love her as much as those who work directly with Barbara and Zoe in therapy. One student noted that “…even though Zoe is a rescue dog, she has rescued others who have experienced some hardships like being bullied or criticized in their lives.”
Zoe loves the students and they love her. She runs up to them with her tail wagging eagerly awaiting their voice instructions, face-to-face contact, and most importantly the petting. She has assured confidentiality; she is non-judgmental and is eager to be a friend.
Here are some other comments from students:
“She reminds me of my dog and it makes me feel more at home when I am with her.”
“Petting Zoe reminds me of my cat at home.”“Zoe helped me to calm down when I was having an emotionally difficult time.”
“I love having Zoe in therapy. She’s very sweet, and it just feels good to be able to hold her and have her sit in my lap.”
It is not unusual to notice this scene: Zoe comes to work in the morning and there are students in the lounge. The students enthusiastically, and sometimes in unison, call out, “Zoe!!” when they see her. She responds by running up to the students with a wag of the tale and a smile on her face. Pure JOY!
Legendary Voice Actor Jim Cummings Visits CIP Long Beach
By Susan Osborne, CIP Long Beach Program Director
April 5th was an amazing day at CIP Long Beach highlighted with not one but two incredible guest speakers, voice over legend, Jim Cummings, and Wrong Planet founder, Alex Plank.
Jim Cummings has a very impressive resume of voice over acting roles. He is the current voice of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger and he’s appeared in hundreds of television shows and major motion pictures including The Lion King, Princess and the Frog, The Little Mermaid, Animaniacs, The Bee Movie, Darkwing Duck, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Transformers, just to name a few. Pretty much if you’ve watched any popular animated movie or TV show in the last twenty years, you’ve heard Jim’s work.
Long Beach Student Merritt is a huge fan, and when he suggested Jim as a speaker for our Internship Job Support class, most of us didn’t know who he was. So when we became aware of how well-known Jim is, no one thought it had any chance of becoming a reality.
But Merritt was determined, so together with Career Coordinator, Monique Trudeau, they researched and located the email address for Jim’s talent agent, Heather Virgo. Monique supported Merritt in composing the email to Heather, and to everyone’s utter surprise, Heather emailed right back asking if we’d like Jim to come on April 5 or April 12. The 5th was perfect because we were closed for our break the following week.
Jim is so cool even my 18-year-old son wanted to come to CIP that day. When Alex Plank, and his film partner, Noah Trevino, heard about Jim’s visit, they also wanted to come.
Jim’s visit lasted almost 2 ½ hours, and I know everyone agrees that the time we spent with Jim was more amazing than we could have ever imagined.
When I say that Jim is the nicest man on earth, it is no exaggeration. He completely connected to everyone, and the students especially felt at ease. Even our quietest student, made a relevant comment and did a pretty good impression of the Wicked Witch of the West.
A lot of questions were asked, and Jim sincerely answered each one. Some of these were insightful and offered Jim an opportunity to share his knowledge, wisdom and experience. Other questions not so much. Luckily, we took a lot of footage, and Social Thinking Instructor, Matt Smith, plans to use it for some “teachable moments” during individual modules with the students.
Since Jim was invited to speak at our Internship Job Support Class, we asked him to share his experience on how he became such a successful voice over actor. He was extremely generous in sharing his knowledge, and to each question, he gave thoughtful, warm and humorous responses.
His first word of advice to our students about choosing a career: write down ten things that they would do for free and choose something from this list. Jim went on to share insights into how the process of voice over acting works and how he got his start in the business. He did a lot of impressions. He shared some funny and interesting stories about characters that he voiced. Jim could not have been nicer or more respectful, and we were so incredibly lucky to have him.
At the end of his talk, Merritt presented Jim with three pieces of his framed artwork; Jim also received a script from Merritt that he had written himself. Student Drew gave Jim a framed piece of one of his beautiful, original artworks. Jim accepted everything with great appreciation. Needless to say, he completely made everyone’s day!
After a pizza lunch, Alex Plank spoke to the students. It turned into a great opportunity for them to ask Alex questions and get his perspective on college, careers, and dating. It was a small enough group so they all received personal advice from someone who has overcome some of the same challenges that they now face.
It turned out that both CIP and Alex planned on being at the Autism Speaks Walk on April 21; Alex videotaped the event with Noah, and CIP Long Beach had their own registered fundraising team for Autism Speaks.
Alex and the students hung out together at the Walk, and Alex offered advice and tips on social interactions. This seemed to be of great interest of all of the students.
Our day with Jim and Alex was memorable for everyone, a perfect way to end right before Spring break. Each of us left CIP with memories of Jim’s wonderful visit and students had the following Saturday with Alex to look forward to.
April has certainly turned into one of the most fun-filled months for CIP Long Beach!
CIP Berkeley Teams Up to Beat Cancer at Relay for Life
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. -Lao-Tzu
By Sheryl M. and Devon K., CIP Berkeley Alumni ’10
Over the weekend of April 21st-22nd a group of CIP students, alumni, staff, and families participated in the 2012 Relay for Life event at UC Berkeley. Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that takes place at colleges and communities across the country to raise money to provide cancer patients support, and to help find a cure for cancer.
There are two types of fundraising opportunities with Relay for the life. The first is the “pre-event” fundraising. The CIP Berkeley team consisted of 9 members, 3 alumni and 6 current students. The team fundraised $2,516.44 for the event in just a little over a week, and ended up being the 3rd top fundraising team out of 87 teams.
The second type of fundraising is done during the Relay for Life event. The CIP Berkeley team worked very hard on our “Fight Back” activity. Each team had to make a cancer education activity to have at the event so that they could still fundraise.
Our activity “Wash Away Cancer”, took the much loved carnival game of darts and balloons and turned it around/. Our activity involved water balloons and turned into a matching game, matching a given specific type of cancer to a broader category. At the end of the event, we ended up winning first place for our activity!
The idea of the relay is to have a member of your team walking at all times for 24 hours (think keeping the baton moving), because cancer never sleeps. By taking shifts and turns, our team was able to do just that! But the event was not just walking, there were so many other amazing activities and performances to partake in. There was the Ms. Relay pageant, the car race, capture the flag at 12am (in the sprinklers), dodge-ball, an on-field Zumba class, improv performances, vocal performances, and getting to watch the UC Berkeley Quidditch team practice.
It was great to have other activities to join in on in the downtime when you were not walking. During the evening there was also the Luminaria Ceremony, which is a time to remember those we have lost, those who are still fighting, and those who have survived. It is also a time to come together, to listen to each other’s stories, and realize that we are all in this fight together.
The Relay for Life event showed the participants how rewarding it can be to take part in something bigger then themselves. It enables the students to take everything they have learned at CIP and expand on it: being courteous to others, exercising their social thinking skills they have accumulated, make goals and achieving them.
The Relay for Life event was an eye-opening and educational experience for many people on the team; learning how to put up a tent, sharing stories and memories of loved ones, working as a team, learning that we as individuals are capable of achieving a lot more then we give ourselves credit for, but also that it takes want and effort for progress to be made.
Though the Relay event is over, and each person who participated will take something that they learned away from the experience. So thank you to: Caitlin, Catherine, Mitchell, Arbor, Guido, Aaron, Jen, Josh, Sandy, Amanda, and Laurence for participating with us in the event. We could not have done it without you or the support of CIP Berkeley in letting us do this. We can’t wait to do even better next year, at Relay for Life 2013!!
Donating to teams does not close until August 31st, so if you are interested, please email Sheryl at meeuw51@yahoo.com
Creating a world with more birthdays and more bedtime stories, one lap at a time!!
Bloomington Student Receives Childhood Development Associate Certification
By Teresa Colby, Tutor and Instructor, CIP Bloomington
Being a trailblazer isn’t easy. There are no established routines. Everything is new and taken one-step at a time. Sometimes steps falter, are retraced and taken into another direction. In the end, when the goal is achieved, the pride and satisfaction is ten-fold because you not only won for yourself, you won for others who will follow in your footsteps.
Hannah K. is a trailblazer. At the Bloomington Center, she is the first student with the College Internship Program to successfully complete a competency-based professional certification known as the Child Development Associate (CDA) that is awarded through the Council for Professional Development and recognized by the National Association for Education of Young Children as a teaching certification for children ages 3-6 years of age.
For the past three years, Hannah has passed a rigorous academic course of study at Ivy Tech Community College as well as 480 hours of classroom teaching experience.
Her support team at College Internship Program, which included academic, vocational, social thinking, and advising personnel worked, encouraged, and supported her through a process that according to the Council for Professional Development, only 50% of applicants successfully complete.
Hannah has achieved professional recognition for being a competent, high-qualified teacher as demonstrated by her actual teaching experience and professional portfolio.
At Ivy Tech Community College (Bloomington Region), she is also the first student with a disability to successfully complete the certification process.
Her perseverance, dedication, and hard work has helped to educate the faculty and instructors as Ivy Tech Community College about Asperger’s and Nonverbal Learning Disorders. As a result of her trailblazing other students with disabilities have been encouraged to pursue her path of study and achieve a professional career path that is both full-filling and self-reliant.
It has been a great honor and privilege to work with Hannah; both as her tutor at CIP and her faculty instructor and CDA Advisor at Ivy Tech.
She is an inspiration to students who may feel daunted at entering a competitive professional field, professors and instructors who feel hesitant or even intimidated when teaching students with special needs, and other CIP students who face challenges other students take for granted. She will always stand out as a bright spot in my career and a symbol for
possibilities.
Girls Only: A CIP Bloomington Women’s Group Adventure
CIP Bloomington Women Visit Louisville
Due to higher diagnoses rates in general, it’s typical that most CIP centers enroll slightly more male students than females.
Despite this statistic, the Bloomington Center is challenging the trend and this year boasts that 40% of our student population is comprised of a group of uniquely talented, extremely expressive, and from time to time highly dramatic young women.
Mendy Kossmann, our Academic Coordinator has taken advantage of this, establishing a tight, supportive, and very active Women’s Group.
This past weekend the group visited the Speed Museum in Louisville, Kentucky to view what was described to be “an extraordinary exhibition of modern French Impressionists and Post-impressionists”. The group consisted of nine students, as well as Mendy with her daughter Jacqui, Teresa Colby (Academic tutor) with her daughter Ruth, Bridget Gladen (C-STEP Instructor), and Brittany Hill (Residential staff).
Arriving in Louisville, they began their adventure at Lynne’s Paradise Café, which is said to be a museum trip in itself. Following lunch the group spent a few hrs at the Museum and then back to Bloomington. A BIG THANK YOU to the four staff who participated in the event.
Q & A with Dr. Michael McManmon
Dr. McManmon recently did a Q & A with Kingsley Publishing titled “Cognitive flexibility is the hallmark of a productive, happy and healthy young adult with Aspergers Syndrome”. Dr. McManmon is the founder of the College Internship Program, a national postsecondary program for young adults with Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD and other Learning Differences.
Click here to learn more about his connection to Asperger’s, “Made for Good Purpose” and his love for poetry!
Taking Perspective: CIP Long Beach Internship/Job Support Group
By Monique Trudeau, Career Coordinator
One of the classes we started this Spring term is our “Internship and Job Support Group”. I decided to create some additional opportunities for students to learn about actual experiences from individuals in various fields with a featured guest speaker for each class.
Speakers share their own individual story about their chosen career path with the hope that it might open the eyes of our students to experiences they might never have considered. The class takes place every Tuesday morning at 9 am sharp, with students excited and engaged during our weekly “career show and tell”.
The class offers our students the chance to learn about the perspectives of individuals of different ages and from various walks of life. Some of our past speakers have included a 40 year-old firefighter who joined the Los Angeles County Fire department at the young age of 21, the average age of our current student body.
Past speakers have included a film maker, a barber shop owner, a paralegal, a football coach, and a self-made entrepreneur. Some of the speakers we hope to include before the end of the term are an L.A. Times journalist, a policeman, and an engineer.
*If you are a professional in the Long Beach area interested in this opportunity, contact Monique at mtrudeau@ciplongbeach.org.
Dr. McManmon Talks About Made for Good Purpose, on It’s Your Health Radio
Below is a link to Michael Mcmanmon’s interview taped March 13th on ” It’s Your Health Radio”.
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From www.itsyourhealthnetwork.com - Founder of CIP, and author of “Made for Good Purpose: What Every Parent Needs to Know to Help Their Adolescent With Asperger’s, High Functioning Autism or a Learning Difference Become an Independent Adult.” Many teenagers with Asperger’s Syndrome leave school feeling unsure of how to take the next steps in their lives.
Leaving the comforts of home and facing the unknown can be daunting, but with the right support and advice these young adults can adapt and enjoy their newly-acquired independence. Filled with useful advice, easy-to-apply techniques, and personal anecdotes from both the author’s own experiences of Asperger’s Syndrome and those of his students, this book is a practical guide for helping young adults on the spectrum achieve independence and learn life-long skills of self-knowledge, self-sufficiency, and self-advocacy.
Dr. Michael P. McManmon is the founder of the College Internship Program (CIP) that serves college-aged students with learning differences and Asperger’s Syndrome in six centers across the US. CIP’s goal is to prepare young men and young women with skills for life, for college, for work and for independent living. Dr. McManmon was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at fifty-one years of age. His personal struggles and ensuing victories and that of his students and staff have inspired this book.
Where Are They Now? CIP Berkeley Alumni Spotlight
Nick W. – CIP Berkeley Alumni
Nick is a CIP Berkeley alumni who is on track to graduate from Humboldt State University this year with a B.A. in Geography.
During his time at CIP, Nick attended college at Berkeley City College, volunteered at Claremont Canyon planting redwood seeds, and held an internship at Sausal Creek propagating and planting native plants and monitoring water, bird, and aquatic insects. He took advantage of the many offerings the Berkeley area has available and CIP’s 4 planned weekend activities per week.
Nicks interests include maintaining the National Parks in California, Oregon, and Washington, working with organic products and fair trade certified stores and other companies related to healthy products. Along with being an avid runner, he eats healthy and grows his own vegetables.
Nick was nice enough to take some time recently to check in with us regarding his progress in college, employment, and life:
What types of accommodations/supports do you receive in college?
I am given extra time on exams–usually double time or more. I have a friend/social worker named Jessica who I see once or twice a week. Also, I sometimes see a young woman of nearly my age who attends HSU and who also is a social worker for me. One other person I meet with every few weeks is the owner of the company they both work for, HCAR, named Bill.
What is some past work experience you’ve had?
Two work positions I have had are a landscaper’s assistant (involving lawn mowing, trimming, sweeping, blowing) and an employee of a Nursery in Danville largely involved in watering plants, helping the store look presentable, and hauling products into customer vehicles.
What is your ideal job?
One of my ideal jobs is a worker on an organic farm.
Are you receiving financial support while enrolled in college?
I receive assistance that helps pay for my apartment and other expenses. I have assistance in paying my rent, gas, electricity, and internet, and independently manage my checking account.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some hobbies include reading books in a library that pertain to wildlife, running on most days of the week, and eating out two to three times a week at fast food restaurants and restaurants. In my spare time I might go for a walk in a nearby park or watch weather news.
What are you most proud of since leaving CIP?
Since leaving CIP I have become proud of my ability to cook healthy meals for myself and complete my assignments without supervision. A part of CIP I found most useful were the outings in areas outside of Berkeley because they offered more variety.
If you could still have 1 part of the CIP program
The recreational trips.
Where do you see yourself in 1 year? 5 years?
I see myself working on an organic farm in Sacramento or helping with reforestation efforts in the state of Washington within one year. In five years I see myself with a number of friends and traveling internationally with a humanitarian charity organization.
What advice would you give to a new CIP Berkeley student?
I would give newly enrolled CIP students the advice to take advantage of recreational trips to San Francisco and see some of the museums.
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