Bloomington MLK Day Volunteering

By Karen Thomas, Bloomington Program Director   

We had a great MLK day out here in Bloomington.  Kudos to Kayle Lewis, Career Coordinator, for all the work she did connecting students with such dynamic volunteer opportunies.  Mendy Kossmann, Academic Coordinator and Women’s Group facilitator also had a day on when she and her daughter Jacque accompanied the women’s group at Reach High. Brittany Hill, CIP Bloomington’s overnight residential staff also volunteered in assisting students.

Below is Kayle’s summary of the day :

We had a great turn out for our 3 volunteer events, and everyone had a really wonderful time. Joe B., Joe F., Eugene, Isaac, Braden, Brittany and I had a great time painting garden signs for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard’s community gardens. Douglas, Braden, Andrew F. and I  enjoyed building bee hives, and painting gourd bird houses for the Community Orchard. And Women’s Group and Mendy had a great and busy day at Reach High Consulting playing with children with disabilities! Thank you for everyone’s help!

CIP Amherst Student Organizes Food Drive with Students and Staff

Dropping in at the CIP Brevard Center in Florida

By Colby Klein, CIP Berkshire Residential Staff

While vacationing with my parents in Sebastian, Florida, I thought it would be a great idea to pop in the nearby Brevard Center and pay a visit. My parents and I met with Admissions Coordinator, Stephanie Brown, who was nice enough to give us a tour of the facility and introduce us to various staff and students.

I learned that Brevard gets off winter break earlier than the Berkshire Center, so thinking students were on break I was surprised when I got to meet several Brevard Center students. I observed a student exercising with wellness coordinator Lance Haskins, and Lance told me about the opportunities students have to take surfing and martial arts lessons.

Some students were doing homework on the computer, while others were eating lunch and socializing with their peers and staff. I stopped in and met Head Student Advisor Sharona Sommer, while she was engaged in an advising session with a student. The Center was busy and staff gave us a warm welcome, as well the students. One student struck up a conversation with me and let me know he was a 3rd year student and asked about former Residential Coordinator (now Berkshire Center Residential Coordinator) Travis McArthur, as Travis was Coordinator for his first 6 months at CIP Brevard.

Stephanie took us around to the student apartments and showed us the beautifully landscaped and fenced in courtyard where students have their weekly Grill & Chill. The courtyard connects all the apartments through their back doors. What a great way to bring students together to socialize and interact!

Then, Student Ambassador Zach Smuckler came for a van ride to help Stephanie show us the houses for more independent students. Zach explained to us how it was a only a 5 to 10 minute walk to Brevard Community College, which is located across the street from CIP Brevard. He mentioned highlights of local entertainment and venues, such as the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts (also located across the street from the CIP Brevard), where famous comedians often perform, also the huge cinema center, local restaurants and more, all close by. Zach pointed out the Publix Super Market and Walmart Center where students go grocery shopping, noting how he likes to buy meats from the former and produce from the latter.

Next we saw the houses where generally upperclassmen live, and Zach gave us a very detailed rundown about what the houses were like inside, from the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and how the kitchens are big and open, which makes it easier for cooking. One of the houses students were living in even had a pool! Not to mention the houses were beautiful and in a nice neighborhood. I especially liked that one live-in res staff lived in the area of the more independent student housing, and the other live-in staff resided in the apartment area residences. This means both are close to their own area to easily provide residential services to students.

I asked Zach what was on the menu for weekend activities and was impressed to hear that they were going to Disney World! I thought to myself, geez, these students have it made! Stephanie did a great job showing us around and Zach was excellent as a tour guide, and I can see why he was chosen as student ambassador. After the tour, Zach was off to prepare for the student senate meeting as he is student president. I encourage anyone who comes to the Melbourne area to check out the Brevard Center. The staff there were very pleasant and it was so great to meet such enthusiastic students.

A Unique Summer College Experience

Applications are arriving daily for our 2-week Summer Programs for teens 16-19 with Asperger’s, ADHD and NLD and other Learning Differences. Don’t miss this unique opportunity at six college or university locations in the US!

If you’re interested in joining us for another fun summer submit your application now! Participants who join us this summer can expect expert staff and outstanding programming, a top-rated college or university setting, and plenty of action-packed learning and recreational activities.

During our two exciting weeks together, participants will be introduced to CIP’s comprehensive curriculum, developing goals through the Person-Centered Planning process, practicing independent living skills and social competencies. Best of all, participants will have lots of opportunities to build new friendships and have plenty of fun!

FUN Activities!

During the CIP Summer Program we feature theme-based curriculum, connecting important concepts with fun social activities throughout the day.

• Rock climbing or ropes course
• Bowling
• Movies
• Laser Tag
• Amusement or Water Park
• A Field Day with CIP students
• 1 meal per day at a restaurant
• Board games
• Yoga or meditation

Other activities may include:

• Zoos, kayaking, baseball games, mini golfing, and/or roller skating
• Museums (Children’s, Science, Art or Naval and Military)
• Local attractions including Alcatraz (Northern California), Niagara Falls (New York), Kennedy Space Center (Florida),  Boston Aquarium (Massachusetts), and Wonderlab Science Museum (Indiana) just to name a few!

Summer Program Dates & Locations

CIP Brevard Cumulative GPA for Fall 2011? 3.7!

The CIP Brevard students have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 for Fall 2011. Check out the types of classes CIP Brevard students are enrolled in:

CGS2100-02m, Microcomputers, A

BSCC1005-04M, Fundamentals of Biology, B

HUM2211-03Z, Humanities, A

CLP1001-01M, Human Adjustment, A

Advanced PC Repair, A

ENCV0010-70M, Prep- Writing 2, A

MATV0024-09M Prep- Math 2, B

MAR2011-01M, Marketing, A

TARC2122-46M, Advanced Architectural Drafting, A

MAT1033-03M, Intermediate Algebra, C

HUM 2211-07M, Humanities, B

CTSC1134-01M, Network +, B

CTS1321-70M, Linux, B

CTS1142-40M, Information Technology Project Management, A

ACO0002-01M, Accounting 1/10, B

HUM2211-01M, Honors Humanities, B

OSY2014-01M, Honors, Psychology 2, A

MAC1147-02M, Trigonometry, B

CGS2100-01M, Microcumputers, B

A Practice in Self-Advocacy

By Ryan Therriault, Academic Coordinator, CIP Brevard Center

It’s the beginning of another semester. Students are learning their new schedules and getting to know new roommates. In addition, students attending Brevard Community College (BCC) are buying books, finding classrooms and stopping by the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).

A student with a documented disability is entitled by law to certain accommodations and the OSD provides these students with a notification form for each instructor stating for which accommodations they are eligible. Most of our students are given accommodations for testing in a quiet area and additional time on tests.

In order for students to be successful, it’s important that they use every opportunity available to help them benefit from their classes. BCC instructors also encourage students to use their accommodations and include information about the OSD in their syllabi.

Here at the Brevard Center we stress self-advocacy and using the OSD is part of the process. Students are responsible for notifying instructors and scheduling exam dates at the OSD. The students are given 2 weeks to get their accommodations signed by their instructors and returned to me. If they are not able to meet this deadline, I assist them in accomplishing this important task.

Although the students may not use the accommodations that they are granted, it is advantageous for the instructors to be aware of the accommodations in place in order to be prepared.

CIP Berkshire Advising Update

Mary Ann N. Brown, BA, Head Student Advisor, CIP Berkshire

I love this time of year. Not for the decorations or the music or the presents but because of a message which one senses in the air. “Something” which encourages us to look for the best in others, to see our common humanity and to be a little kinder to each other.

It’s a time to stop and reflect about the past year and, hopefully, to dwell on the good which has happened. I know that many of our Berkshire CIP students are doing that this season. They are finishing up their college classes or C-Step courses or their internships/jobs before leaving for the break (which many of them do not want to go on as they want to stay in Lee with their “friends”).

I took a look at our student list and I could not help but feel a sense of pride in them for their hard won accomplishments. There are other students which have achieved much this Fall Term but these particular students represent a cross section of our population. They internalized where they wanted to go and they stayed on track – not getting distracted by the day to day “stuff” which everyone comes up against on their individual journey. I would like to share some of those accomplishments with you. I think it is fitting to do so as we end the year and look forward to 2012.

There is Jimmy who is a second year student. Last year, he did not want to go to the local community college as he did not have the confidence to do so. After this Fall Term and doing so well, he is enrolled in three Berkshire Community College classes – one of them being Business Law.

Another student, Jacob, will be getting his AA Degree from BCC in the Spring of 2013 and then going onto a four year college to get his degree in Game Design. He’s in the process of building his own computer! According to his father, he could not have done it without the emotional, social and academic support he has received at CIP for the past year and a half.

Charlie is working towards his Physical Fitness Certificate at Berkshire Community College as he wants to be a personal trainer. He has overcome many “attitudinal” issues to achieve this goal and now he is in such a positive place that he wants to go for his AA. He’s working at a local gym not only doing some training but helping maintain the machinery – a two- pronged approach towards a career! This young man is in his third year at CIP and it took him until a few weeks ago to realize that he had to use staff and work with them if he wanted to reach his dream. It’s been smooth sailing since.

Jackie, a quiet young lady in her fifth year at CIP, now has her own car, lives in an apartment with another student and works full time at a local resort. Jackie needed time and assurance from staff (as did her parents!) that things would eventually fall in place for her. By working full time, she now receives health insurance, paid vacation time and other benefits. Jackie loves her independence and it shows in her beautiful smile.

And then there is Joe. Joe came in the Fall of 2010 and had a rough start. He did not want to take any college courses even though he has the intellectual capacity to do well. He was somewhat at a loss. It was not until the middle of this Fall Term that Joe happened on the idea of getting his CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Certificate. He passed all of his quizzes and tests with nothing less than a 95%. Joe is delighted with his career choice and he will probably go on to become certified by the state. The best part of this success story is that Joe’s achievement in one area of his life has led him to feel successful in other areas. He now has the belief in himself to try climbing another rung or two up the ladder towards a life of being independent.

To me, these gifts are worth thinking about. We forget about what is real and important in life as we get inundated with TV news, People and Time Magazines and movies….just to name a few of the things which mold our perceptions and world views, rightly or wrongly. We forget that everyday our students, your children, struggle to achieve and carve out a place for themselves in this world. It is not always easy but when they do succeed, it is an indescribable feeling.

I wish that some of our parents could be present when a student comes into our offices to announce, “I got an A on my essay!”, or “I got a 95% on the midterm – whew!” or “I made all of my appointments this week.” These statements say a lot of their awareness of what they know they need to do in life. It should also say to us that Hope should never be sold short and that it should be one of our anchors in life. In this season of Hope, it’s nice to read about our students and know that Hope is something we should not give up on. I believe it really is in our DNA. I see it everyday in my students.

Warm and joyful wishes of the season to all.

CIP Brevard Student Senate Update 2011

By Jodi Pierce, Advisor/Student Senate Staff Advisor, CIP Brevard Center

The 2011-2012 Student Senate campaign has begun at the Brevard Center. Returning students Rick O., Dodge M., Ross M., Thomas S., and Zachary S. have entered the race. New students Taylor B. (a January 2011 admission) and Colin Z. are also running.

The Brevard Center Student Senate consists of four members: president, vice president, treasury and secretary. The seven nominees will campaign by using creative flyers, digital media and social networking, followed by speeches during the September 21st all student, all staff meeting. Elections will be held on September 22nd. Best wishes to all of our potential leaders at the Brevard Center!

Last year, Moultrie W., Zachary S., Dodge M., and Andrew Maris were very active as Student Senators. They wrapped up a year of parties, van clean ups, guest speakers and community activities with a weeklong Student Senate Café during finals. While most of the students were cramming for exams and staff was busy providing support, everyone had the chance to purchase a made to order breakfast.

Moultrie and Zach cooked eggs, ham and veggie scrambles for students and staff and earned a little cash to support senate activities. No crepes here, but they did a great job balancing their senate roles with their own studying to make sure that folks were fueled up for the busy week. Zach can fry an egg and study for a Psych final at the same time! Nice job, Senators.

My Summer Job at Camp Barney

By Dave F., 2nd Year Student, CIP Brevard Center

This past summer I worked at Camp Barney Menditz in Cleveland, Georgia as a staff member in nature and crafts. Some of my favorite activities were assisting with rope courses by helping people put on their harnesses and leading campers in a mud pit where everyone in a cabin gets covered, head to toe, in mud. I worked with 24 other staff members and with campers who ranged in age from about 8 years old to about 15 years old.

The camp is located by 2 lakes in the Appalachian Mountains on about 500 acres which are mainly woods. It was a beautiful place to be.

I really loved being there because it was so much fun and helped me to stay in touch with my Jewish heritage. I hope I can work there again next year.

Summer Program: Don’t Miss Out, Limited Space is Available

Don’t miss this year’s sneak peek at college for high school students with Asperger’s, High-Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, ADD, NLD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Give your teen the opportunity to learn valuable skills for making a well-prepared transition from high school to college.

Applications are arriving daily for the 2012 summer program; submit your application now to be eligible for the first round of interviews to be announced on January 31st, 2012.

2012 Curriculum Highlights

Students will meet and use ice breakers, idioms, discussion of expected vs. unexpected behaviors to start each day during the program.

Roommate Rules: Written and Unwritten
Navigating a college campus
Social dining, chit chat and eating rules
Self-advocacy and disclosure
Self-initiation
Making plans with friends and planning leisure activities
College 101
Dealing with being away from home

Students will also create their own Person Centered Plans. Person-Centered Planning assists students in becoming more aware of their interests, desires, strengths and challenges. Participants will use a variety of multimedia in order to create and share PowerPoint presentations that are interactive and visual reminders for keeping track of important short and long-term goals.

2012 Summer Program Dates

Florida Tech
Melbourne, FL
June 24 – July 8, 2012
More information

Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
July 1 – July 15, 2012
More information

University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
July 8 – July 22, 2012
More information

University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
July 15 – July 29, 2012
More information

Elms College
Chicopee, MA
July 15 – July 29, 2012
More information

*NEW* CSU Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA
July 1- July 15, 2012
More Information

Admissions Process

Now Accepting Applications!

To apply, visit the application page. Your application will be processed in the order it was received, once all materials have been fully received by our admissions office. If it is determined that your student is appropriate for CIP’s summer program, our admissions office will then contact you to schedule an interview.

First-Round Interview Decision

First round of invitations to interview will be sent for returning students on January 3rd and for new students on January 31st.

Once an interview is completed CIP will typically contact the family within one week letting them know of our acceptance decision.

Join us for another great summer! Acceptance is limited to 12 students per location. If you have any questions regarding your student’s eligibility, please contact me below.

Busy in November: CIP Brevard

By Janet Hrezo, Brevard Center Staff

Harmony Farms

November is a busy time here at the Brevard Center beginning with Parent Weekend and ending with Thanksgiving break. In between, students found themselves with much to do such as they participated in community service projects, mentoring opportunities and weekend activities.

Students volunteered their time and effort at diverse sites. Dane S., Dave F. and Zach S. worked at Harmony Farms, a volunteer based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled individuals through interaction with horses. Peter S., Zach S., Charlie N., Dane S., Dave F., Thomas S. and Andrew M. spent a Saturday morning at the Rossetter House, on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, helping to prepare their garden for the holidays. Charlie N. and Dodge M. also had the opportunity to spend time at BRPH as part of Disability Mentoring Day. BRPH is an international architecture and engineering design and construction services firm.

Rossetter House Community Service

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we once again held a potluck lunch. While we didn’t eat turkey, we enjoyed spending time with our Brevard Center family and, as always, were amazed at the culinary skills that the students displayed. Weekend activities were also diverse. Students spent time at the Space Coast Fair and attended a play at Melbourne Civic Theater.

Space Coast Fair

Student Senate’s donation drive for Toys for Tots continues and our holiday party is coming up in December. There’s never a dull moment at the Brevard Center. Thanks to our students and staff for making this all happen.

CIP Brevard Parent Weekend with Dr. George McCloskey, Bowling and More!

By Janet Hrezo, Brevard Center Staff

Parent Weekend at the Brevard Center took place on November 11th and 12th. Students, their parents and staff had the pleasure of attending a seminar on Friday with Dr. George McCloskey on “Coping with Asperger’s by Building a Better Brain”. Dr. McCloskey is an engaging speaker and gave an excellent presentation with concrete examples of interventions for executive functioning difficulties for students on the Autism spectrum. Thanks to Francine Britton from SEDF (Student Educational Development Fund) for making it possible. After the program, parents and staff attended a wine and cheese reception at the center.

Saturday began with workshops to keep parents updated on the current curriculum. This was followed by the 6th Annual CIP Family Bowling Tournament. Congratulations to Andrew M., student winner, Randy M., parent winner and the team winners.

Thanks to everyone for making Parent Weekend 2011 such a great success.