5 Columbia Area Businesses Recognized As Autism Friendly

From HCAS:The Howard County Autism Society (HCAS) recognized five autism-friendly local businesses and organizations at a celebration in the Howard County NonProfit Collaborative on September 12, 2018. This is the first stage of a larger effort by HCAS to encourage and celebrate community inclusion. Recognition, for this initial group and others to follow, is for organizations that enable those affected by autism and their families to know there are safe places in the community actively working to include them through sensory-friendly events, employment, inclusive products and services, Autism 101 training for staff members, and as HCAS volunteers for events throughout the year.

The five awardees were as follows:

Alpha Academy: Located in Columbia, Alpha Academy focuses on strategic life training for young people through academic excellence, physical fitness and strategic mentorship. Alpha Academy generously opened its studio space, instructional staff and student volunteers to HCAS for a Fitness Class series. Together, we are supporting individuals with ASD ages 11 – 24 who need 1:1 support to participate in this fitness experience that offers a martial arts flair! Alpha Academy donated its time and talents to help participants improve balance, strength, endurance, flexibility and body awareness. The fall session begins on September 22nd and is full with a waiting list.

Columbia Association Aquatics Office: Swimming is a popular pastime for children with autism and water safety a high priority for their parents. Over the past two years, HCAS has partnered with the CA Aquatics Office to provide training on autism awareness to managers and lifeguards, including a session on Memorial Day for 300 summer lifeguards and the posting of autism awareness posters at each of their pools. This summer, CA designated a sensory-friendly pool at MacGills Commons, where families who made a request could remain with their child in the pool during adult swim. For children who have difficulty with transitions, this was a simple but most welcome accommodation.

Howard County Recreation & Parks: HCRP is a longtime HCAS partner and friend to the autism community. Their ongoing efforts to create and sustain rich, inclusive programming and facilities for individuals with autism and other disabilities is a model for other counties throughout the state. We were delighted a few weeks ago as the County broke ground on an inclusive playground at Blandair Park. Several HCAS members provided input throughout the planning stages of that project and we eagerly anticipate its completion! HCAS gave special recognition to Susan Potts, who leads HCRP’s Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services. She has been a consummate advocate with a creative approach to inclusion and accommodation services.

The Mall In Columbia: For families the autism community, visiting Santa or the Easter Bunny in the mall during holiday times can be daunting or simply impossible. So, several years ago, HCAS partnered with The Mall In Columbia to offer sensory-friendly times for our children to have these opportunities. They can meet Santa or the Easter Bunny early in the morning, before the Mall opens. The escalators and music are turned off. Families just check in when they arrive and take a number – no waiting in line – and there are fun activities to do while they wait. Such a small thing, but so important for those who can enjoy it.

Outer Office: Outer Office in Fulton has been doing printing for HCAS for many years-- letterhead, postcards, posters for the Walk/5K, invitations for the gala, brochures in English, Spanish and Korean you name it. In addition to their great service and quality of the work, there has always been a generosity of spirit, kindness and support in every encounter. And not only towards HCAS. Outer Office has reached out to the community to hire adults with autism and other disabilities in its business. Bette Dolan and her staff take an interest in every HCAS activity!

Images via HCAS