November/December 2018
Greetings!
It is hard to believe that we are already approaching the winter holidays. While the shorter days and cold weather often signal a time to hunker down and hibernate, we've been a busy as Santa's elves. Here are some highlights:
Students involved in the upcoming production of
The Lion King
have been enthusiastically rehearsing their parts.
Guests at our
Hall of Fame Dinner
, held in early November, had a great time and raised over $120,000 in support of S360's programs and services.
Students have enjoyed
respites, dances, Halloween parties and holiday assemblies.
They've also been
giving back
by collecting donations for several worthy causes.
FilmAcademy360 recently produced the video for the bell ringing ceremony at
NASDAQ SWK Technologies.
The video was projected on the NASDAQ Tower and Marquee in Times Square.
Independence360 received a $50,000 grant from NEXT for Autism to take our vocational and support employment programs to the next level and open new, meaningful employment opportunities that address the interests and abilities of our clients.
And last but certainly not least, we've
added the position of Assistant Director/COO to our Spectrum360 administrative staff to help handle the expanding workload. Please welcome
Dr. Danielle Taylor, who joined us in October. Danielle comes to with to us with a great deal of experience in special education and is a wonderful addition to our staff. Be sure to read the January/February issue of the Spectrum360 E-Newsletter for an in-depth interview with Danielle.
Happy reading and Happy Holidays!,
Jennifer Miller
Public Information Officer / Family Liaison
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Reaching Our Annual Goal
When we talk to the parents and caregivers of the almost 350 children and adults that we serve, you can truly understand why we feel so passionate about providing the best programs possible.
Read about one mother's reason for asking you to help us reach our fund raising goal this year.
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Picky Eaters or Something More?
While the internet is filled with funny videos of children trying to avoid eating foods like broccoli, having a child with autism who refuses to try new foods can be very stressful for everyone in the family. New research points to the idea that for children with ASD,
being a picky eater is not just a phase.
If this a challenge for your family, watch for information on our
upcoming Spectrum of Options seminar on Sensory Issues in May where Nancy C. Calamusa, an expert on addressing food issues, will be part of our esteemed panel.
NOTE:
Check out the
full issues of Spectrum360 Research Roundup!
Published monthly and now available on our blog, it is a curated synopsis of emerging research about autism and related disabilities with links to the articles.
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Apps that Help with Daily Living Skills
With the overwhelming number of apps that are available, sometimes it is hard to identify the most effect ones. Ilana Bacharach, our Media Specialist at Academy360 Lower School, has taken the guess work out of the equation.
Check out two apps for teaching daily living skills
that received her 5 star review!
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Valuing Each Person as an Individual
One of Spectrum360's core values is to treat each person we serve as an individual and to value, support and educate the "whole person." When student Jesse B. refused to give up his cell phone in class, things could have gone very badly...
find out how his love of WWE and staff's dedication to these values made the difference.
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A360 Nurses Dispense Compassion, Comfort & Caring
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Spectrum360 serves children, adolescents, young adults and adults on the autism spectrum and with behavioral and related disabilities. Spectrum360 and its programs are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Academy360 schools are approved NJ State Board of Education Private Schools for the disabled, providing Preschool, Autism and Behaviorally Disabled programs. We serve students, ages 3-21, with schools in Verona and Livingston, NJ. Academy360 schools have provided special education services for over 50 years.
Independence360 is a comprehensive program developing vocational, life and social skills and personal development for adults with autism and related disabilities. Independence360 is approved by the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities and Medicaid as a Day Habilitation Program and by NJ DVRS to provide Job Coaching Services.
FilmAcademy360 is a unique, practical and hands-on education program designed to help a diverse group of learners ages 14+ develop creative and technical skills in filmmaking, video editing, production and publishing. Programs are available after school, on weekends and in the summer months.
CulinaryAcademy360 is an after school and adult enrichment programs for students 14+, teaching culinary skills for independence and exploration of culinary arts as a vocation. Beginner level classes for cooking basics, and Intermediate level classes for vocational exploration are available.
Spectrum360 Business Office
414 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite 200B, W. Orange, NJ 07052
Phone: 973.509.3050, Press #5; Fax: 973.509.0185
Academy360
Lower School
One Sunset Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044
Phone: 973.509.3050, Press #1; Fax: 973.509.3060
Academy360
Upper School
6 Regent Street, Livingston, NJ 07039
Phone: 973.509.3050, Press #2; Fax: 973.740.2021
Independence360
60 South Jefferson Road, Suite 7, Whippany, NJ 07981
Phone: 973.509.3050, Press # 3
FilmAcademy360
6 Regent Street, Livingston, NJ 07039
973.509.3050 ext. 414
CulinaryAcademy360
6 Regent Street
, Livingston, NJ 07039
&
60 South Jefferson Road, Suite 7
Whippany, NJ 07981
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