Jenn’s internship is at Delilah’s Pet Shop, just two blocks from the CIP Bloomington Center. Four mornings a week she cleans the five puppy cages. She started working with her boss and a job coach cleaning the puppy cages, following prompts for each step–gradually she needed less prompts and became more time-efficient and self-directed.

She is working towards having more responsibilities around the store including cleaning the main store area, tending to the cat room, and stocking the store inventory. “It’s fun,” Jenn said, “but this is actually pretty hard work–it’s a real job.”

Jenn is a hard worker and loves spending time with the puppies. She is motivated and driven to become independent and is making great progress towards her goals!

National program offers in-depth supports for young adults with learning differences

(SF Gate) May 03, 2013

Vasha Specian was first in line at the volunteer booth on Kite Day for Autism in Framingham, Massachusetts on April 28. “They really needed someone to wear the Cookie Monster costume, so I agreed to do it right on the spot,” Vasha commented. “As soon as I put the costume on, little kids with autism and other learning disabilities started hugging me and wanted their picture taken with me. It was very cool interacting with everyone.”

Vasha is a determined young man who has overcome many obstacles during his 22 years. He has been diagnosed with High Functioning Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia. Despite his learning differences, Vasha was eager to help others on Kite Day, an annual event held during Autism Awareness Month in April.

Vasha is a student at The College Internship Program (CIP) in Lee, Massachusetts. CIP is a national post-secondary program that supports young adults age 18-26 with autism and other learning differences as they transition to college, independence and the workplace. “People told me I would never graduate from high school, get a job or drive a car,” Vasha commented. “I have worked hard and am happy to say I have accomplished all of these goals, despite what people told me.” Vasha attributes a great deal of his success to his experience at CIP.

CIP operates programs in six locations across the US. This year, students chose autism-related charities to support during Autism Awareness Month and spent hundreds of hours volunteering in their respective communities. In Florida, CIP students staffed a booth at the All Kids Can Family Festival in Melbourne, while students in Indiana participated in the Celebrating Abilities Resource Fair, a non profit where CIP students Adria Nassim and Bess Molenda serve as interns. “This event shows how we can actively contribute to the community by advocating for individuals with disabilities and promote a can do attitude,” commented Adria. In New York, Amherst students helped raise money for autism research and participated as a team at a Walk For Autism event that drew over 4,500 people.

CIP student Stefan Solvason was also positive about his volunteer experience. ”It was really nice to help out at an event that advocates for people with special needs,” he stated. Stephan has also also been diagnosed with autism. He participated in Stepping Stone Growth Center’s Every Step Counts Walk/ Run event in Berkeley, California. In Southern California, Long Beach students participated in an Autism Awareness Walk and Resource Fair at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. “It was an awesome event,” stated Tess Granberg. “I have always wanted to do an autism walk.”

CIP was founded in 1984 and is known for providing in-depth services that help prepare young adults with autism and other learning differences for the workforce and independence. “We are fortunate to have such a great group of students at our Centers across the country,” commented Heather Greene, CIP’s Executive Director. “Each student has their own unique set of challenges, yet they were eager to volunteer and help others on the autism spectrum,” she continued. “With the CDC reporting that incidence of autism now affects one in 50 young people, we recognize how much support this population needs as they grow into adulthood. We are here to help our students build productive lives and we are proud of each and every one of them.”

Via San Francisco Chronicle

“I came to CIP as someone who has been in college, and dropped out. I have worked a full time job with minimum wage, and quit. I came here as someone who struggled with weight, and saw no way out. I was unhappy with myself in more ways than one. I was someone who had no follow-through.

Coming to CIP gave me the chance to reinvent myself, to stop sulking and instead take charge. Until I came here, I had no motivation because I saw no future for myself. When I saw that other people cared about where I was going in life, I slowly began to see it too. In my first term I began to take the wellness program very seriously, and I was able to lose 30 lbs. CIP pushed me to go back to school, and I was able to choose a degree program and persevere with my classes. I had a demanding schedule put on me, and I made it through.

Something my dad always told me is that you are only as good as your word. CIP helped me man up to the task at hand, and allowed me to change my attitude from what I would have used to say, “no”, or “maybe” to “yes I can”.

After three years here, I’m preparing for my departure. CIP has allowed me to grow up and to no longer feel like a child. In treating me like an adult, CIP has let me develop the ambition and drive to succeed. I am now applying to several competitive schools to continue my education; something that nobody in my life could have foreseen three years ago.”

On Monday, March 18th, four Brevard Center Students and I attended an employer panel presented by the Employment Network of Central Florida and hosted by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. It was a rare opportunity for attendants to ask local Human Resource (HR) experts “behind-the-scene” questions about the hiring process (applications, interviews, etc.).

Presenters included managers from Big Lots, Devereaux, Health First, Inc., and Lowes.
The group of presenters emphasized that they look for individuals who are energetic and positive and possess flexible schedules (willing to work weekends, evenings, and varying shifts). They especially value good part-time workers. Some said that as much as 60-80% of their personnel work part-time. Healthcare agencies such as Health First, Inc., and Devereaux also said that they are looking for individuals with caring hearts who want to make a difference.

To get noticed, they recommended that job seekers set themselves apart from others by dressing well when picking up applications or attending interviews (for example, for a man, wearing a button-down shirt and tie even if the work environment is more casual). They also recommended that job seekers tailor their resumes to the jobs desired and stop by in person to speak to an HR or hiring manager after they apply online.

They stressed always being honest on applications as they would rather be told about an issue upfront than find out during a background check. When explaining any job terminations, they said it is very important to “take any emotion out of it” and not speak badly about prior supervisors or experiences. If an individual takes responsibility and states how they have worked to correct an issue, they see the applicant in a much more positive light.

Panelists were impressed by a question asked by Alex W., a first year student at the Brevard Center. Alex inquired “what percentage of applicants are typically offered an interview?” They indicated that they often receive 30-40 applications and typically offer interviews to three individuals (but sometimes up to five or six individuals).

Moultrie W. asked about any pet peeves that the presenters had with regards to applicants. They seemed to enjoy the humor in this question. Top pet peeves included letting a cell phone ring during interviews (forgetting to turn off), dressing too casually (flip flops, shorts, jeans, and t-shirts), being late, chewing gum, and not having researched the company prior to the interview. All of these send the message that an applicant may not care.

The group also mentioned getting frustrated when job seekers call repeatedly to ask about progress on their own individual applications. They would much prefer that job seekers ask more general questions when calling the HR department such as “when do you expect to begin interviewing?” or “when do you plan to make a decision?” When asked about how many individuals follow-up with thank you notes, the group said rarely… however, they highly recommend. They said that taking extra steps such as writing a thank-you note, dressing nicely, and preparing for an interview often can make a world of difference in receiving a job offer.

Many thanks to all of the panelists for taking time to share some valuable tips!

Jason Lau, more affectionately known around CIP Long Beach as “J. Lau”,  is a very intelligent young man with interests in religion and politics. He started attending CIP January 2012. As many of our other students, Jason faced a variety of challenges, but with staff and student support he has been learning from them and moving forward.

Currently Jason is enrolled in classes at Long Beach City College where he is taking an Algebra class and received 100% on his last exam. His biggest challenges have been transportation and the ability to navigate around new areas. He now feels more comfortable taking the bus to and from campus independently and is very proud of himself for achieving this goal.

Jason has also become very skilled at utilizing a variety of strategies to help manage stress. He realizes that staying active is the key to avoiding thought overload and enjoys exercising with our Wellness Coordinator. Some of the additional strategies he came up with regarding self-regulation include looking at books that feature graphs, pictures related to agriculture, environmental issues and cultural differences.

He enjoyed working in the community garden during community service and found the physical labor of digging, scooping and planting to be very relaxing.  He would like to seek out more volunteer opportunities for this type of activity. The entire staff at CIP Long Beach is very pleased with the progress Jason is making and we look forward to seeing him achieve great things in his future!

Victor H., a CIP Berkshire student, continues to be a stand out regarding his commitment to his Wellness program. Victor is always prepared and on time for his sessions having arrived early and taking the initiative to write in his journal before class even begins.

He is eager to workout, always highly motivated, cooperative and participates fully. Victor is also enjoying taking his turn at leading the warm up routine, by getting in front of the group and deciding on a movement he has learned or created.

He is a great motivator while leading the group and his face lights up with self satisfaction that everyone is following along with him. Victor has also become aware that he is able to regulate his moods through exercise which is helping him immensely.

Victor has been attending Weight Watchers and has lost 14 lbs. by keeping track of his points on his own. Through his workouts in CIP’s Wellness program he has reduced his waist size by 4 inches. Victor is a wonderful example of taking advantage of all that is being offered to him in Wellness and on his own.

His is practicing good eating habits, monitoring his portions and sweet consumption, doing Wii Fitness and taking walks on his own time and attending all his Wellness sessions faithfully. This is what has led Victor to such success and we are so proud of him!

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, CIP Bloomington sponsored and participated in the 2013 Celebrating Abilities Resource Fair on Saturday, April 13, 2013. The Resource Fair was held to raise awareness of disability services in Monroe County. This event was a great opportunity to learn about products and services available to persons with disabilities and for their families.

There were lots of games and fun events for the whole family including live animal entertainment, “fake” animal entertainment, face painting, and prizes. This was a great opportunity for our students and staff to learn more about other organizations in the area and network with these amazing organizations and people all while volunteering and supporting our cause. We had an amazing turn out for the “On Safari” themed event with 15 students and 15 staff helping out with everything from the planning to event coordination, and even running a CIP booth!

The planning for this event began back in January when CIP was asked to help put together this event in coordination with Down Syndrome Family Connection (DSFC). Two CIP students, Bess M. and Adria N. are currently interns with DSFC and with the help of Bridget Gladen and Niki Grzselo began assisting their supervisor, Cyndi Johnson with coordinating this phenomenal event.

Bess and Adria helped design the layout of the space, assembled volunteer and exhibitor materials, contacted businesses for donations and helped out on the day of the event with various tasks that Cyndi needed. Kelsey H., Dylan C., Douglas S., Evan C., and John D. provided needed man power the day before by helping to set up the event space so that over 40 exhibitors would be ready to go the next morning!

Tony Wiesman coordinated the CIP table for the event and students Joe Banchik and Julia Harner helped spread the “Making It REAL” message. Hailey Butchart, our Social Work Intern from IU helped design interactive activities for the CIP table at the event, which were a huge hit! She put together a fun activity sheet engaging participants on facial expression recognition in fun safari cartoon characters, and a great fidget explanation with a variety of fidget toys for participants to interact with.

Karita Musgrave, Sari Z., Jenn W., Bess M., Adria N., and Anna H. were in charge of exhibitor and volunteer check in and deserve gold stars for all being ready to go at 6:30 am on a Saturday! Eugene J., Isaac F., Thomas S., Johnny Vanore and Todd Wantz helped exhibitors carry their heavy loads, and then greeted guests with materials and smiles as they entered the fair. Jenn, Adria and Thomas even dressed up as animal characters and meandered around the fair making families smile and laugh!

Jim Walsh, Mendy Kossmann and Teresa Colby provided photography for the event and captured some amazing shots of the animals, families, exhibitors and CIP students. Karen Thomas, Jennifer Halloran, Oriane Robison, Kaitlin Chappelow, and Betsy Prange all helped tremendously behind the scenes with student coordination, meal preparation and overall CIP coordination to help make the event a success!

I would like to express my gratitude to all the students and staff that made this event an amazing success and to the CIP National Office for the way cool t-shirts!

According to the Random House Dictionary, a graduation is the ceremony of conferring degrees or diplomas, as at a college or school. It conjures up images of smiling families, flashing cameras, and tossed caps all to the sound of gleeful applause and clapping.

Graduation is celebrated as a milestone that parents and their children anxiously look forward to, but it is more than a ceremony; it is a rite of passage that signifies perseverance, self-worth, and hard-fought independence.

Three students at the Bloomington CIP program embody the spirit and essence of a graduate: Amy B., Braden G., and Eugene J. Each of these students, armed with unique skills and challenges, began their path to graduation as many students do with three difficult questions: who am I, where do I want to go, and how do I get there.

A unified and dedicated team of tutors and academic supporters, led by Academic Coordinator Mendy Kossmann, created the solid foundation from which Amy, Braden, and Eugene could answer these questions.

Amy Breyer began as a transfer student who envisioned a goal in the Education field. Her skills and aptitude for working with young children was already a fire in her belly, but as with many education students, a bewildering array of method classes, theory and pedagogy, and conflicting practicum schedules made her goal appear murky and very far away.

What Amy was able to accomplish through the steady support and guidance of her team was a metamorphosis into a poised and confident early childhood educator. She examined her disposition, developed a plan to recognize and overcome habits and behaviors that created obstacles to her goal, and emerged with a sense of self-worth that firmly stated “I can teach children!”

Amy learned to, in her words, “step back and think about what I am doing. Instead of being overwhelmed and freaking out, I think of the steps I have learned to self-regulate.”  As a result, she has gained independence earned as a full time teacher in a highly qualified early childhood program.

Eugene Jeng, like Amy, began as a transfer student with the goal of achieving a degree, but was unsure of the best field to go into.  He had great interest in geography and political science; his understanding and knowledge of history made him a very successful intern at the Bloomington Historical Society and the I.U. library.

Exactly how to navigate the application process and choosing which school to enter in order to follow his interests was confusing, to say the least. Deadlines, application formats, and scheduling were challenges that made a degree feel unlikely.

The CIP academic team, along with his very dedicated advisor Jim Walsh, helped Eugene create a time management system in which classes, coursework and study time could be completed as needed.

Eugene was able to apply his considerable analytical skills to his studies without being overwhelmed by the anxiety of deadlines. As Eugene put it, “Part of it was learning to organize time and part of it was learning good study habits, so the time I spent was useful and helpful.” Eugene’s degree in General Studies opens the door to further studies at I.U, to work in urban development, or go wherever his interests take him.

Braden Gertz entered the program fresh out of high school with a drive and enthusiasm that could take him to the moon. His unfailing organization and self-discipline made him wide open to apply himself in many directions, but like Amy, children are what make Braden shine.

Academics and testing could not dampen his natural affinity and innate ability to connect with children, especially special needs children. Through three internships and practicums, along with his education courses,  he proved himself to be a vital member of a teaching team and created an atmosphere of trust and respect among children and colleagues alike.

With the help of Kara Lasher, his adviser, who never failed to be there for support and encouragement, he completed a professional working portfolio that would make any education student green with envy. This portfolio exemplifies the very best traits of Braden: perseverance, dedication, hard work, and unfailing optimism for himself and the children he works with. As a graduate of College Internship Program, he embodies the very best of what we hope for in achieving self-worth and respect.

The academic department, along with the family of support at CIP Bloomington, loudly applauds and cheers our graduates of the 2013 May convocation. Pictures please!

LEE–This past weekend in Lee ‘The Good Purpose Gallery‘ opened an exhibit called, “Shifting Perceptions,” the art of autism. The art exhibit features ten artists from the United States and one from Ireland. The project brings awareness to the creative abilities of people with autism to the general public.These artists are self-taught, and despite their learning differences associated with autism, enjoying their art as a creative expression of their interior and imaginary worlds.

The exhibit is open through the end of May. The group also says their work provides a means of communicating their experience of the world in which they live.

Via WNYT Channel 13 News

Hal and his family put a lot of time and energy into this amazingly creative remix of PSY’s hit song, “Gangnam Style”, titled “College Intern Style”. Turn your speakers up!

Contest participants submitted a video for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship to one of CIP’s 2013 two week summer programs for young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, ADHD, and other Learning Differences!

The CIP Summer Program offers two week summer programs in six locations across the US for high school sophomores and up to learn important skills and gain valuable experience while residing on a college campus. Experience independence and get a taste of college life during CIP’s two week summer programs! www.cipsummer.com