Stafford Family: Abilities United has been a blessing

 

The Stafford Family have become increasingly engaged with Abilities United

Peyton attends Abilities United’s Milestones Preschool Pre-K program. He was diagnosed with Regressive Autism just after his second birthday. The first 15 months of his life were amazing – he was a very happy, alert baby and was very talkative and social. Between 16 and 19 months, he lost all of his speech except for the word “Ha”, became very introverted and wanted to spend all his day lining things up. His diagnosis confirmed our fears. My husband has a 17 year old cousin who is Classically Autistic. She was diagnosed at birth, but at that time, there were not as many options for therapy. Early Intervention was not available back then so she was not given the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to live independently. So much has changed in the 15 years between her diagnosis and Peyton’s, and we are so thankful for the advances in early diagnosis, early intervention and therapy.

Peyton started Early Intervention, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy within two months of his diagnosis. I enrolled in a study at the Stanford Psychiatry Clinic on Pivotal Response Therapy. We started intensive one-on-one Behavioral therapy called ABA 10 months after his diagnosis, and by his third birthday, Peyton was talking, had great eye contact, and was social! He qualified for a social skills group and minimal speech therapy through our school district and we enrolled him at Milestones preschool. We also enrolled him in the Abilities United Therapy Clinic’s social skills group for 3-4 year olds.

These past 15 months at Abilities United have been such a blessing for our family. I describe Milestones preschool as an inclusive program in a loving environment with an exceptional staff that will work with your child and prepare them for life. This is what they have done for us. Peyton moved up to the Pre-K program in May and is expected to be mainstreamed into public Kindergarten next Fall. I have involved myself more into the Abilities United community. It’s a small sign of gratitude for this wonderful agency. This past summer I took a leadership role in the Children’s Development Services Parent and Staff Association and participated in the recent Aquathon. Peyton and my husband had such a great time swimming in the event!

I was lucky to have been able to stop working in order to focus on Peyton and get him the therapy he has needed to get where he is today. All of the therapy and interventions have given me back my son and has opened the door to a life full of possibilities for him. If you had asked me two years ago what I imagined Peyton’s life to be like, I would have painted a pretty dark picture. But, with all the progress he’s made in just these two years, I now am more optimistic and see great things in his future. I see him having lots of friends. I see him playing sports, possibly even as a team captain! I see him graduating high school and college. I see him falling in love and having a family of his own. But, most of all, I see him happy and seeing people for who they are, rather than whatever disability or developmental delay they may have, and I credit our time at Abilities United for that.


Written by Leslie Stafford and presented at the Abiliities United 50th anniversary celebration on April 25, 2013.

Tracey and Laurie Jarrett: Abilities United is a lifeline

Tracey Jarrett and her family have had a
lifelong relationship with Abilities United

The wonderful progress that has been made over  the years both by Abilities United and its clients could not have happened without the efforts of many parents in the community. A great example is Laurie Jarrett.

In 1973, Laurie learned that her baby daughter Tracey had Down Syndrome. “I was in shock,” says Laurie.   “Tracy started in the infant stimulation program when she was four months old. The agency (Abilities United) was an absolute lifeline for me; Tracy was learning and so was I.”

“All the literature for Down Syndrome at that time emphasized very low expectations,” says Laurie. “That just did not sit well with me.  I raised Tracy with the same expectations I had for my other two daughters. That was all reinforced at the agency as well.”

Through what is now Abilities United, Tracy became involved with swimming and then Special Olympics.  She would continue swimming at Abilities United for years. After going through the public school system, Tracy again re-engaged with Abilities United in 2002, which led to a job a local movie theater. “She worked there for five years and she loved it,” says Laurie. “She was so proud to put on her uniform and go to work at the theater.”

From her participation in the Abilities United Independent Living Skills Program Tracey developed the skills that enable her to live with greater independence, and today she has her own apartment in Palo Alto. “ "The Abilities United Employment Services helped Tracey get job at Stanford working for food services in one of the dorms,” says Laurie. “It’s just wonderful.”

“This is a lifetime association with the agency,” says Laurie. “When Tracy had her 40th birthday, it was a given that we’d have the party at Abilities United.” Laurie shares a photo from an Abilities United Author’s Luncheon, where both mother and daughter are beaming. “You can see there how proud I am,” she says, as she brushes away a tear of happiness. 

Her advice to parents of a child with Down Syndrome? “Contact Abilities United right now. It will be the best thing that ever happened to you and your family.”

Based on a 2013 interview. Written by Bob Thomas. Edited by Laurie Jarrett and Wendy Kuehnl

Judy Wachner helps support her family with her art sales

                                                  Judy Wachner is a dedicated artist and

sells her art to supplement family income.

When you walk through the front door at Abilities United, take a moment to look at the beautiful painting that hangs on the wall to your left. This will make you one of many who have admired the wonderful art of Judy Wachner.

Judy has been with the Abilities United Independent Living Skills (ILS) program for the past three years, since moving to the Bay Area from Southern California. Judy’s path has had its challenges. “When I was young I had a head injury, but for years nothing was diagnosed,” she says. “I did ok in public schools, but I was physically very small. I had a learning disability that nobody could figure out, and I had seizures and other issues.”

Seeing Judy’s special gifts as an artist, Abilities United helped obtain a scholarship for Judy to get individual art lessons from a professional instructor. Bud Rubin, a supporter of Abilities United, funds a scholarship that helps covers the fees for these lessons. With this, the stage was set for one of Judy’s special experiences at Abilities United. “I was able to give Mr. Rubin a picture that I had drawn,” says Judy. “He liked it and it made me feel so good.” Cassy Curran, Judy’s ILS instructor at Abilities United, adds that “It was an amazing picture; it just had a heavenly feeling. Mr. Rubin was deeply touched; it was a wonderful moment.”

“Working with Judy has been a delight, adds Cassy. “Her artwork is beautiful and captivating. I admire her sense of beauty, her gentleness, and her courage. She’s had a lot of difficult challenges in her life, but now I can see the day where Judy will be MY art teacher!”

Judy has sold a number of pieces of her art, and aspires to sell more. “I’d like to sell more to help add to our household income,” says Judy, who has been happily married to her husband Yaakov for 12 years. “Abilities United has been very proactive in helping me with my art, and helping me find new ways to sell it.”

“There are a lot of people with disabilities, many who are more disabled than I am,” says Judy. “But with a bit of help, the art that some people with disabilities can create is incredible. Abilities United is a great place. There’s a warmth here that helps make it really special.”

Based on a 2013 interview.  Written by Bob Thomas. Edited by Judy Wachner and Wendy Kuehnl.

Don Ostrus: Involvement with Abilities United was a highlight of life

Don Ostrus was board president of Abilities United & inspired in his work.

Don Ostrus is 92 years young and has seen a lot in his time, so it means a little extra when this long-time supporter says “my involvement with what is now Abilities United was one of the highlights of my life.” Don’s involvement with people with disabilities did not come naturally. “I had a cousin who was severely disabled, and he scared me,” says Don. “Then years later I befriended a child with a disability, and I found that he was such a sweet kid. In the 1980s I became involved with what is now Abilities United, and I served on the board for a number of years. When I became president of the board I was totally immersed.” Things have changed a lot since then, and in a very positive way. “Back then those with disabilities were shunned; you’d never see a person with a disability working in the community,” says Don, “but now they are accepted. Today I see people with disabilities working in the community; they are great employees and they have such a sense of pride and self-worth with their jobs. It’s been a real inspiration to see this happen.” Don sees that a key reason for the very positive progress through the years has been the work of organizations such as Abilities United. “There have been so many top-notch people who have given their time and their talents,” says Don. “Lynda Steele of Abilities United is one of the best executive directors around; she has a lot of empathy and a lot of business sense.” “People with disabilities are an important part of our community,” says Don, “and it is organizations like Abilities United that make it possible.” Based on a 2013 interview. Written by Bob Thomas. Edited by Don Ostrus and Wendy Kuehnl.

Pieter Kark: Neurologist works with people with disabilities for 50+ years

Pieter Kark dedicated his neurology career
to working with people with disabilities

The credentials of Dr. Pieter Kark tend to humble the rest of us. A preeminent neurologist with fifty years of experience working with people with disabilities, Dr. Kark was educated at two of the top universities in the world – Harvard and Oxford – and had stints at prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital, the National Institute of Health, and several leading universities during his distinguished career. Above all this, he is a man with a very big heart.

With such a pedigree, we were thrilled when Dr. Kark joined the board at Abilities United in 2009. Upon arrival, he was thoroughly impressed with what he found. “I’d never seen anything like it,” he says. “Everyone on the staff deeply cared about what they were doing. They all wanted to help the participants move forward, and to enable them to contribute to society however they could. There was such a warm, positive feeling.”

Abilities United has a different philosophy than some of the other organizations Dr. Kark has encountered. “Other organizations, particularly in the past, viewed people with developmental disabilities as people who needed to be cared for,” he says. “In contrast, Abilities United sees each individual as a person who can contribute to society in enormous ways! We have people who are excellent poets, artists, writers, and musicians. For the November 2012 election, five individuals organized a community discussion about tax issues that went for a couple hours and really got into the meat of the issues. Our participants are people who have a lot to give back, and they enjoy giving back.”

Over his career Dr. Kark has seen some important and very positive changes for those with disabilities. He has helped enable some of these changes himself; through his research he identified that some disabilities, which are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, can be treated simply by changes in diet. “One of my first patients had problems with coordination, and by putting him on a low sugar diet he’d get better very rapidly,” says Dr. Kark. Simply put, his pioneering work has helped enable more effective treatments for an entire class of disabilities.

While pleased with the progress he has seen over the past fifty years, Dr. Kark believes that we still have a long ways to go. “There are hospitals and high-tech companies – even in this area - that can’t imagine hiring someone with developmental disabilities for a job that they could certainly do,” he says. “People need to recognize that those with developmental disabilities have a lot to contribute.”

With his deep expertise and passionate support for people with developmental disabilities, Dr. Kark has been a wonderful addition to the Abilities United team.

Based on a 2013 interview. 

Written by  Bob Thomas and edited by Pieter Kark and Wendy Kuehnl.

Amber and Jacques MacMillan: Early experience creates ongoing involvement

The MacMillan Family: Jacques & parents
benefit, mother joins Abilities United board

From her work as a speech pathologist, Amber MacMillan had heard the buzz about Abilities United for years, and she became aware of the agency’s work. Then in 2008, her son Jacques was born with a disability and suddenly her family would become partiipants of Abilities United.

“Jacques was born in 2008 with a condition called hypotonia,” says Amber. “He was in the early intervention program at Abilities United starting at age two. With their therapy we saw lots of improvement in his ability to maintain his balance, and then to be able to stand and eventually walk.”

Like other Abilities United participants, Amber valued how Abilities United helped the whole family. “Having a child with a disability is a traumatic experience that hits like a freight train,” says Amber. “We had plans and dreams for our child, but now we would be taking a different path. It was very disorienting; suddenly my day was driven by doctor’s appointments and therapy appointments, and I didn’t know what was going on with our son or why. With Abilities United, I felt like I was arriving at a place where a team was going to take care of me as well as my child.”

“As a mother I found enormous value in what’s called parent group time,” Amber says. “When the child is with a therapist the parents have 45 minutes with each other and can talk about things relating to their children, or talk about what’s going on in their own lives. Lots of tears are shed there and you know you’re talking to people who understand the challenges. We all benefitted and felt that the parents group did something marvelous for us”

Amber was so impressed with her experience that she worked with three other parents to co-found the Abilities United Parent and Staff Association, and later she expanded her efforts to give back by joining the Abilities United Board of Directors.

At Abilities United, we are proud of the progress that Jacques has made, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with Amber as she strives to help both the organization, and other parents who have a child with a disability.

Based on a 2013 interview. Written by Bob Thomas, edited by Amber MacMillan and Wendy Kuehnl

Charlotte and Gina Rayfield: Abilities United is like family

For Gina Rayfield and her charming daughter Charlotte, Abilities United has been a family affair.

The Rayfields first came to what is now Abilities United when Charlotte, who was born with cerebral palsy, was about a year old. “We were a family coming in, with a child born with a disability, and we didn’t really know how to support her,” says Gina. “At the beginning when you have that challenge, it can be daunting, and you feel alone. Abilities United is really a great place for people to come together; to get the support for the family, and to help the child excel and succeed as much as they can.”

Gina was so impressed with her experience at Abilities United that she became a volunteer, then a member of the Board of Directors for six years, and then continued to be involved with the annual Author’s Luncheon. “My favorite memory of Abilities United was having our family featured at the Author’s Luncheon,” says Gina. “We presented a video of Charlotte, showing some of the amazing things she’s done and what a great person she is. Being on stage with her and sharing that moment was truly special.”

Charlotte today is a smart, vibrant, and impressive young lady. Now a 14-year old girl, she’s something of an ambassador for Abilities United, and supports fundraising activities via the Author’s Luncheon and the Abilities United Aquathon. She’s gets around in her wheelchair, but this hasn’t stopped her from developing a passion for bi-skiing, and videos on youtube of her skiing [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh1yiA4iGuE] reflect her joy on the slopes. She’s a young girl with great dreams – “I want to be a teacher and an author,” she says.

“I would encourage people to learn more about Abilities United,” says Gina. “It’s a vital part of the community, and the work they do is amazing and important.”

Based on a 2013 interview. Written by Bob Thomas, edited by Gina Rayfield and Wendy Kuehnl

Lechuga Family: Laura made impressive progress at Abilities United

The Lechuga Family: Laura's progress
impressed everyone, including doctors

In 2011, Ed Lechuga was grappling with the challenges and heartbreak of having a daughter with a disability who was not progressing. “Laura has a rare condition called Aircardi Syndrome, which results in an underdeveloped brain and other issues,” says Ed of his daughter. “A year ago, when she was six months old, she couldn’t hold her head up, and I would have to hold her neck just like an infant.”

It was at that time that Ed heard about the therapeutic benefits of the warm-water pool at Abilities United. “I wanted to do whatever benefited my daughter,” says Ed. “When we started with Abilities United, they asked what our goals were. The doctors had said that if Laura wasn’t holding herself up by age two, that she would probably never walk, so getting her to hold herself up was the goal.”

Laura went through several months of aquatic therapy at Abilities United. “One day it seemed like a switch went on, and she held up her head in the pool,” says Ed, who still gets excited at the thought. “That was a tremendous step forward! Now she’s 19 months old and sitting up, and with a bit of help she can even stand in the pool.”

Other experts have been taken aback by Laura’s progress. “Our neurologist was surprised,” says Ed, “Then when the Director of the Early Start program from the San Andreas Regional Center came over for her annual check-in, she was blown away.”

“I could talk about Abilities United all day long,” says Ed. “You can see the care and expertise they have as they are working with the children. They asked me how they could improve, and I simply couldn’t think of anything. We expect to be here for years.
 
Based on a 2012 interview. Written by Bob Thomas, edited by Ed Lechuga and Wendy Kuehnl.

Zac Baenziger: Uses his talents to benefit Abilities United; benefits from Abilities United

Zac Baenziger works with Drew Thorn as
a volunteer in Adult Services.

On nearly any workday, you will find 30-year-old Zachary Baenziger busy at his volunteer job at Abilities United.  He smiles widely and states, “It gives me pleasure to help and I know people appreciate what I do.  I am glad to provide support so we can move forward to get things done more quickly or keep from getting behind.”  Zac has a beaming personality, which has helped him create an essential role for himself at Abilities United.

Zac has volunteered between 10 to 15 hours a week for the past two years. From scanning projects to filing, he works side-by-side other Abilities United staff and brings an up-beat spirit to the office.

Born in Vallejo, Zac was raised in Los Altos, and graduated from Los Altos High. When he finished high school, he qualified for support from the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).  He was intent on finding a job since he did not want to stay at home doing nothing in particular.   His DOR counselor sent him to Abilities United to receive job search skills and placement. He recalls that with his combination of challenges, learning these skills was very important to his ability to find employment.  Zac also took a series of business office procedures courses through adult education at the Adult Education Center in Mountain View.

Over those twelve years, Zac worked for a clothing store, an Italian deli, upscale food store, and in his father’s business. He was recently hired to do administrative work at a Ada’s Café that is scheduled to open in the new Mitchell Park Public Library.

When Zac is not at work or is in between jobs, he volunteers at Abilities United, ready to complete whatever tasks need to be done. “I like the people here and Abilities United gives me somewhere positive to go.” Doing a variety of office tasks helps keep up his office skills.

Drew Thorne, Adult Services Coordinator, is Zac’s supervisor at Abilities United. He explains that, among the administrative volunteers that work in his department, Zac works long hours, handles technically complicated tasks, and takes ownership of long-term projects. Drew continues, “Our relationship with Zac exemplifies an intrinsic approach of Abilities United: we are connecting abilities with opportunities; we’re showing that strength and inclusivity go hand in hand. We help him prepare for employment, and he helps us with our workload. Zac works hard and rises to a challenge, his impact here is immeasurable.”

Zac is thorough, pays close attention to details, and is always willing to help at a moment’s notice.  He is excited to learn new things. As a result, he has expanded his skills and effectiveness. He easily collaborates with staff and volunteers. He takes time to engage and support other volunteers in their work.  “Zac is a very supportive person,” reflects Drew. “Zac is a hard worker who takes pride in his results and rises to new challenges; his impact here is immeasurable.

Zac likes being part of an organizational community and finds it hard to imagine not coming to Abilities United.  “If I stayed home in my apartment I would be missing out, feeling unmotivated. My favorite part of Abilities United is the employees and participants.  We offer and provide good programs.” 

Based on a 2013 interview with Carol Lillibridge. Written and edited by Carol Lillibridge and Wendy Kuehnl. 

Christine and Philippe Wyborn: Benefitted by and Benefitting Abilities United

Christine Wyborn and her son, Philippe,
benefitted from and are benefitting Abilities United

Christine Wyborn and her husband moved to Belmont, CA where their first son, Philippe, was born at the end of 1969.  Like all new parents, the Wyborns were overjoyed with their new-born son and looked forward to seeing him grow with each passing day. “When Philippe was born, he was fine,” reflects Christine,  “However, at 15 months old, he started having seizures resulting in brain damage. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.”

Though the diagnosis was devastating, Christine was determined to get the best services available and tirelessly located as many resources as possible.  One doctor suggested that Philippe stay at home, an option Christine did not accept. Instead, Christine immediately enrolled Philippe in physical therapy, where he learned to crawl, then walk.

Three years later, Philippe’s baby brother, Shawn, was born. After a few months, Shawn too, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and had seizures. She enrolled them in a school for children with Cerebral Palsy. But at the same time she fought the school district so the boys could attend the public school in San Bruno.

During the boys’ school years, Christine discovered Abilities United. Phil and Shawn swam in the Abilities United pool two times a week. They also had horseback riding therapy in Woodside twice a week.  “Swimming enhanced their body coordination she says, “and riding strengthens balance for children with Cerebral Palsy.” 

Philippe went on to junior high school in Foster City but Shawn died at the age of 14 during a seizure.  Philippe was much more fortunate and his most severe and last seizure was at the age of 23. 

After Philippe graduated from the San Bruno high school in 1992, Christine searched for a place where he could continue to develop his independent living and social skills. After evaluating several programs, they found Abilities United’s Adult Day Program, which he has attended ever since. “We all loved Abilities United right away,” she states.

Four years ago, at age 38, Philippe took the next step in his independence and moved out of his family’s home into a Foster City group home when the five other residents voted him in.  Every weekday travels to Abilities United via a van service. 

Today, Christine’s biggest concern is to provide for Philippe’s future.  In 2005, before her husband died, they created a trust. Christine states, “I want to give to a charity that is close to me. After Philippe’s needs are met by the trust, our home will go to Abilities United.”

Based on a 2013 interview conducted by Carol Lillibridge. Written and edited by Wendy Kuehnl and Christine Wyborn.

Debby Lesser: Her life's passion is inspired by her son

Debby Lesser's passion and advocacy for the rights of
people with disabilities has been inspired by her son, Ben.

Like other team members at Abilities United, Debby Lesser has a deep commitment to people with disabilities that extends well beyond working hours. An Executive Assistant at Abilities United, for more than twelve years Debby has been focused on helping to ensure housing options for those with disabilities. 

“My son Ben has Fragile-X syndrome, which is a genetic condition that shares some characteristics with autism,” says Debby. “As Ben grew older and I learned more about what he had in store, it became clear that housing for the disabled is a big black hole.”  

“Many people with disabilities are low income, and it’s not affordable for them to live in this area given housing costs,” she says. “I’ve tried to help raise awareness that people with developmental disabilities live in our communities and they need housing. Otherwise, they often have to move somewhere cheaper that’s far away from families and friends".

“A woman with a mission, in the last fifteen years Debby has helped build forums for parents to start planning on housing for their disabled children; helped start a parents group that now has 170 families; and continues to work with local communities to advocate for more housing options. 

With her passion for improving the lives of those with disabilities, it was appropriate that Debby would make her way to Abilities United. “I was struck with how board members, families, and participants all view this as a second home; they know everyone and it’s very comfortable. Families feel this is a place where their children will be cared for and appreciated, where they can learn and grow.” 

“The staff at Abilities United is really a good group,” says Debby in conclusion. “They’re a big reason why Abilities United is a premier agency in the Bay Area.”

Based on a 2013 interview with Debby Lesser. Written by Bob Thomas, edited by Debby Lesser and Wendy Kuehnl.

Joe and Jennifer Kaufman: Son and mother's lives changed by Abilities United

Joe and Jennifer Kaufman's lives changed
after they worked with Abilities United.

Two minutes after her son Joe was born, Jennifer Kaufman’s pediatrician walked into the delivery room and coldly said “your son shows all the signs of Down Syndrome.” He then turned and walked out of the room.

“Seven weeks later I brought Joe to Abilities United,” says Jennifer. “The first teacher I met reached for Joe with joy and said ‘A baby!’ She didn’t see an infant with Down Syndrome, she just saw a beautiful baby.” Jennifer gets emotional at recalling the moment. “Abilities United saw past the diagnosis. I will never forget how they loved him for being Joe-Joe.”

Through physical therapy at Abilities United, Joe would learn to walk and take his first steps when he was three years old. “That was monumental,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer, who had previously been a teacher herself, was so impressed with Abilities United that she applied to join the organization. With her energy, compassion, teaching background, and experience in raising a child with a disability, Jennifer has been a wonderful fit.  For eight years she’d been a teacher in the Abilities United Early Intervention Program, working with children from infancy to age three. She is a beloved teacher and friend for many children with disabilities, as well as their families.

Today Joe attends a public school, and together with several other kids at school, he has the job of raising the flag each day.  Jennifer is proud of Joe having this responsibility.

Looking forward, Jennifer’s dreams for Joe will, in their essence, sound familiar to most parents. “I look forward to him contributing to society at whatever level he’s capable of doing. I hope that he’ll be a happy adult, who is loved, and who is appreciated for all that he is.”

Abilities United is proud to have worked with Joe, and we’re fortunate to have wonderful staff such as Jennifer.

Based on a 2012 interview with Jennifer Kaufman. Written by Bob Thomas. Edited by Jennifer Kaufman and Wendy Kuehnl.

Hellen Hsieh showcases and highlights artists' talents

Hellen Hsieh showcases and shares artists'
talents with all community members

Hellen Hsieh, owner of Design Loft, is a dedicated long-time art curator volunteer at Abilities United.  Since January 2010, Hellen has contributed her own artistic talent selecting, preparing and framing the original works of art created by artists of Abilities United. She also spearheaded Abilities United’s participation in the Silicon Valley Open Studio tours (SVOS) as well as dozens of other Bay Area venues to showcase and promote the art created by participants of Abilities United.  Hellen has also hosted an art show of the Abilities United artists at her Design Loft grand opening.

Hellen’s efforts are inspirational and the artists inspire her,  “I want other people to see the beautiful artwork individuals with disabilities are capable of creating; to help people see their talent and ability rather than their disability. This is an opportunity to give these artists a public space to display their work.”

She was honored with President Obama’s Volunteer award for her hundreds of hours of volunteer service as our art curator. She has received the San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) Service Above Self award for community impact. Her volunteer efforts have been highlighted in the San Jose Mercury News, Menlo Park Almanac and Mountain View Voice.  Hellen’s contributions have made possible art shows at Silicon Valley cafes, libraries, city buildings and corporations.  She has expanded the art shows to corporations such as Cisco Systems where all 27 pieces of artwork by artists from Abilities United sold to Cisco employees and LinkedIn’s corporate headquarters where the art was sold as a part of LinkedIn’s 10th anniversary party and their “dress your office space” campaign.

Hellen’s contributions as an Art Curator are most definitely appreciated by everyone at Abilities United, especially the artists themselves whose self-confidence and passion for art increases with each exhibit and sale. She has “drawn” the attention and admiration of many community members and friends of Abilities United.

Based on a 2012 interview with Hellen Hsieh. Written and edited by Wendy Kuehnl and Hellen Hsieh.

Eric and Elinor Burns: Trailblazer in services for people with disabilities

Eric and Elinor Burns have long been
trailblazers in service for people with disabilities.

When it comes to providing services for those with disabilities, Elinor Burns has found herself as a trailblazer more than once. "I was one of the original parents who met in a church basement in Palo Alto to plan the creation of what was to become Abilities United,” says Elinor, whose son Eric was born in 1951 with Down Syndrome. “There were no service options back then; there was nothing at all for Eric.” Building on the efforts of Elinor and other families, what is now Abilities United was formed in 1963. In the 1980s, Elinor served on the staff as Director of the Home Companion Program. “The parents knew the value of respite,” says Elinor. “They welcomed the opportunity for their child to have a relationship with someone other than a family member. It was also an important outlet for the parents themselves, to spend time with their other children and with their family in general.” A wonderful highlight of Eric’s life was his time working at Stanford University. “He got the job through Abilities United Employment Services,” says Elinor. “They trained him and he was hired at Stanford where he worked in the dining room at one of the dorms. He made wonderful friends and for a decade he enjoyed working there. Each paycheck was a day of celebration; he was so proud to save his own money and to use his savings for a camp he attended each year.” Eric has had a full life as an artist and a gold-medal winner in Special Olympics, and enjoys camping, bowling, and other sports. All of these are things he does with his friends from Abilities United. With the tremendous advances in health care in recent years, life expectancies have increased for those with disabilities, and this is bringing new challenges. “Now I find myself a trailblazer again,” says Elinor. “I’m working with Abilities United to explore perhaps developing a program to help seniors with disabilities – like Eric - avoid feeling alone and isolated from their peers. We’re very grateful to Abilities United for allowing Eric to explore new paths here in his senior years.” Those of us at Abilities United are very grateful to Elinor for her wonderful efforts in establishing our organization, and for continually working to improve services for people with disabilities. Based on a story submitted by Elinor Burns, edited by Bob Thomas and Wendy Kuehnl

Minka van der Zwaag, City of Palo Alto partners with Abilities United.

Minka van der Zwaag, an employee of the City of Palo Alto, partners with
Abilities United

Abilities United takes great pride with its place in the community, and Minka van der Zwaag, who manages the Office of Human Services for the City of Palo Alto, sees the organization as something special.

“What I enjoy most is when I go shopping at Safeway and see that the courtesy clerk is a person with special needs, and that he’s exuding pride in his job. Having a job can help provide a sense of accomplishment and a sense of purpose, and Abilities United helps people with disabilities get and keep these jobs. It’s a great legacy of the organization.”

Each year the City of Palo Alto offers a summer camp at the Lucie Stern Community Center, pairing special needs kids with youth volunteers. This year, Abilities United ran the camp, helping deliver results that are consistent with the organization’s philosophy of inclusion for those with disabilities. “The summer camp program has been amazing,” says Minka. “It gives all the children that special memory of summer camp, and helps build inclusive relationships among the campers and the volunteers many of which carry over to the school year.

Abilities United is one of a select group of non-profits that has received grants from the city. “We view Abilities United as the leader in providing great services for those with special needs.” she says, “We’ve always been very impressed with how much Abilities United can do with just a little money. Whenever the city provides a grant, the receiving organization has to specify what they hope to accomplish with the money, and Abilities United always meets or exceeds their objectives.”

With the fiftieth anniversary of Abilities United, Minka offers her congratulations. “Thank you for your service and passion for those with special needs,” she says, “We look forward to continuing to partner with you in the future.”

Abilities United greatly appreciates the support of the City of Palo Alto, and looks forward to continuing to expand their positive impact in the community.

Based on a 2012 interview with Minka van der Zwaag.  Written  by Bob Thomas, edited by Minka van der Zwaag and Wendy Kuehnl