July 23, 2015

In This Issue

UTMB OT Students

Save the Date for Boo-lathon

TUTS Summer Camp

Kroger Card Renewal

Kroger card holders, it's time to re-link your Kroger Plus card to Avondale's Community Rewards account. By linking your Plus card to us, Avondale receives a donation from all your eligible purchases throughout the year. Even if you have linked your card to our account before, you must re-link it starting August 1.

Visit the Community Rewards website to do so now.

Houston Abilities Expo

July 31- August 2, 2015

NRG Center, Hall E

Friday and Saturday:

11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday:

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more than 30 years, Abilities Expo has been the go-to source for people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans and healthcare professionals. Discover ability-enhancing products and services, play a few adaptive sports, learn new dance moves, attend informative workshops and more.

Calling All Runners!

Registration for the full and half marathon are sold out, but Avondale House can still get you into the race of your choice through the Run for a Reason program. Email emilyh@avondalehouse.org for more information.

Click here to visit our charity page.

UTMB Students Create Lasting Programs for Clients

UTMB OT students with Avondale at Food Bank

UTMB students Emma and Alyssa helped Avondale clients like Chandler and Alex sort medicine and other health items at the Houston Food Bank.

For one week in June and July, Avondale House's adult day habilitation program was the host of six occupational therapy (OT) students from the University of Texas Medical Branch. The OT students selected Avondale as the site to complete their mental health fieldwork assignment.

After starting each week with observation, the students designed and implemented a project or program to help further our clients' well-being. Individuals on the spectrum often have difficulty with social interaction. The first group of OT students, Nichole, Stephanie and Jamie, addressed this by setting up a mock grocery store where clients not only "shop," but also staff the store.

As OT student Nichole explained, this allows for turn-taking and practicing tasks that require input from someone else before moving on.

"You and I may think little of the various social interactions that take place at a grocery store, from navigating crowded aisles, waiting in the checkout line to exchanging money," she said. "However, an individual with autism may need extra practice to become comfortable with these interactions that are necessary for independent living."

Courtney and Paul pick an exercise
for the group to try.

In July, the second group of OT students, Alyssa, Emma and Devin, created an interactive exercise program. For those with autism, exercise provides not only physical and emotional benefits, but can reduce maladaptive and stereotypical behaviors. To encourage exercise, the OT students set up cardio, stretching and strength training stations. Clients interact with each other and engage in the task by choosing the particular exercise and duration.

After just several sessions, the OT students were able to recognize improvement in our clients' focus and motivation. Remarking on the progress, OT student Emma noted that, during the workout sessions, many clients put forth more effort than they did in any other task. Click here to watch a short video of an exercise.

We thank all of the UTMB students for their hard work and valuable contributions to our day habilitation program.

TUTS Summer Camps Encourage Creative Expression

Nico and Trevon dance to

"Beach Blanket Bingo."

Eight Avondale students recently wrapped up a week of engaging musical theater classes as part of a summer camp offered by Theater Under the Stars (TUTS).

TUTS The River Performing and Visual Arts Center specializes in extending access to the arts to children of all abilities. The River is hosting four camps this summer for children ages 4-19 with special needs. Additional Avondale students took part in TUTS camps in June.

"Arts engagement helps with communication, develops social skills, and boosts the self-confidence of individuals of all abilities," said Eileen Edmonds, artistic director of The River. "What we specialize in is offering modifications and adaptations, and we offer support that helps individuals with disabilities shine."

Student crafts were used as decorations at the camp's final performance.

Each camp has a different theme. Most recently, Avondale students participated in "Surfside," featuring summer and beach music. With the help of instructors and peer-aged volunteers, they learned lyrics, speaking parts and dance movements, and also worked on craft projects. While these activities may sound typical of a summer camp, Avondale Principal Becky Ingalls points out that it is not typical for everyone.

"We all have images of kids going to fun summer day camps where they can do some of their favorite things," she said. "They have a chance to be around new people, have fun all day and create new memories. Kids on the autism spectrum have not had that opportunity. While there are numerous camps available, not many are available to all."

The culmination of the week-long "Surfside" camp was a performance by all its participants in front of family, friends and other special guests. Students sang and danced to songs like "Beach Blanket Bingo" and "La Isla Bonita." While many individuals with autism struggle with social interaction and communication, musical theater can help them be more expressive.

Noah and classmates take the stage.

"Noah doesn't participate in many group activities, but he blossomed

being in this class," said Tracy Johnson of her son, who attended the "Surfside" camp. "He absolutely loved it and would practice at home and show us his dance."

Avondale House has worked with TUTS The River for three years. In addition to our students attending summer camps, music and theater instructors have come to Avondale to teach classes during the school year.

"We have seen the growth of several students who, at one time, were reticent to just stand before an audience. They blossom to singing and dancing enthusiastically on stage before a large audience," said Eileen. "We are proud and honored to play a small role in their progress."

Click here to learn more about The River.