Dr. Harry Hartzell remembers 50 years of Abilities United & services for people with disabilities

Dr. Harry Hartzell with Lynda Steele, Abilities United Executive Director

Fifty years ago Dr. Harry Hartzell, a pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, learned that his newborn child had severe disabilities. Subsequently, he and his wife discovered that a group of parents had started a program at a local church for young children with developmental disabilities. They enrolled their son Ben and found the program, under the direction of Marie Mong, to be very helpful in giving them guidance in caring for Ben. It also put them in contact with helpful community resources and with other parents facing similar questions and challenges. Thanks to the foresight, planning, and fund raising begun by these parents, who wanted services for their children to be available in the community, this program grew into Abilities United.

It is sobering to remember the thinking that was prevalent in that era. “At that time, the advice that many professionals gave parents was to institutionalize the child before getting emotionally attached,” remembers Dr. Hartzell. “I visited the hospital in Sonoma where Ben would have been placed. It was a shocking experience, and we certainly weren't going to send our son there. Fortunately, it was the early '60s, and under the leadership of President Kennedy, parents were having the courage to speak up, taking the position that these are our children, and the right thing to do was to show that we love them by helping them become part of our community.”

Thus began Dr. Hartzell's association with the agency. In time he would become increasingly active, serving on the Abilities United Board of Directors after retirement from his pediatrics practice, and he continues to advise on fund-raising efforts to this day.

“I’m proud of so many of our programs,” Dr. Hartzell says. “Our Employment Services Program helps our clients get jobs—in food service at Stanford, as a greeter at Walmart - all kinds of things. Our participants take enormous pride in their work, and that furthers the goal of inclusion in the community. I’m also very proud of our programs for the parents. As my wife and I learned, raising a special needs child brings some enormous challenges, so providing counseling and enabling parents to meet with others who have been in their shoes is a huge help.”

A conversation with the remarkable Dr. Hartzell reminds us of the incredible changes over the past 50 years. What is now Abilities United has grown from a small but determined group of parents meeting in a church social hall, to a vibrant organization with a wide range of services and a track record of making a significant difference in the lives of special children and their families. What was once the standard practice of institutionalizing a child has given way to effective efforts at education and inclusion. Here in the Bay Area, Abilities United is playing a key role in those efforts, helping our community continually improve its commitment to our developmentally disabled citizens.

Based on a 2012 interview with Dr. Harry Hartzell.  Written by Bob Thomas. Edited by Harry Hartzell and Wendy Kuehnl.

Abilities United Year-long Campaign to Celebrate 50 Years of Inclusion and Contribution in the Local Community

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Today, AbilitiesUnited begins the celebration of its 50^th Anniversary concurrent with the International Day of People with Disabilities, a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being. 

Abilities Unitedbegan in 1963 as a small nursery school founded by twelve Palo Alto families for their children with developmental disabilities.  Since then, the agency has continued to be a critical lifeline for families throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.  For years, they have served thousands of children and adults, helping them with their personal development and integrating them into the community.

Lynda Steele, Abilities United’s Executive Director, provides this perspective. “At one point, institutionalization was the only option for children with disabilities. But over the past 50 years, we have developed a wide range of comprehensive life-long services through education, training, and supports that enable those with disabilities to be a part of the community. In creative and positive ways, we have worked hard to eliminate the barriers that prevent individuals from attaining the best life possible.”

The agency will be telling its story of inclusion in a number of events, shows, and webinars with community partners through the year. The campaign’s inaugural event will be an art exhibit hosted at the Microsoft retail store at the Stanford Shopping Center from Monday, December 3 through Friday, December 7. Original works of art from local artists who are participants of the agency will be on exhibit and available for purchase.

According to Michael Solari, Microsoft Community Development Specialist: "At Microsoft, we strive to help people around the world realize their full potential. By hosting an art exhibit with Abilities United, we are able to jointly celebrate the artistic accomplishments of their participants. And since technology has greatly improved the inclusion and contribution of all in our community, the Microsoft team will be hosting a variety of technology classes throughout the week for children and adults of all abilities."  

Beginning December 3, Abilities United will also launch their “50 Successes/50 Stories” campaign, publishing compelling personal stories to illustrate the accomplishments of people of all abilities over the past 50 years.  Each week, a new story will be distributed through social media as well as posted on the agency web site.  In addition, the agency is asking people throughout the community to join the conversation and submit their stories online. Bob Thomas of Mountain View, who first volunteered for the agency in 1978 when he was 18 years old, collected the 50 individual stories in support of the 50^th Anniversary campaign.

Looking to the future, Abilities United will continue their commitment to people with disabilities.  They look forward to the time when all barriers –both attitudinal and physical--for people with disabilities will truly come down.  

According to Dr. Heidi Feldman, Abilities United Board President, “We are driven to continue our leadership role in full community inclusion and universal contribution – a mission not yet completed – while expanding our capability to serve more children, adults, families, and community partners.  We seek to influence a wider community in our state and nation through training, research, and dissemination of inclusionary services that work. Please join us in this mission.”

Submitted by  Wendy Kuehnl, Abilities United Marketing Director

Authors Luncheon a record breaking success!

After a successful 20^th anniversary celebration in 2011, Abilities United Authors Luncheon followed up this year with another panel of renowned authors: Arlie Hochschild, Jon J. Muth, Ellen Sussman, and Lee Woodruff. This popular event drew a sold-out audience of over 600 book lovers from all parts of the Bay Area.  

Carolyn Johnson, co-anchor of ABC7 News emceed the event and introduced Heidi M. Feldman, M.D., PhD, President of the Board of Directors of Abilities United, who spoke about the benefits of early intervention services for children at risk of developmental delays.

Dr. Feldman was followed by Jennifer Byde Myers, co-author of "Thinking Person's Guide to Autism" who told her family's personal story about how her son benefited from Abilities United early intervention services when he was a toddler and how her family benefited from the support they received from other parents and staff.

These guest speakers led the way to the newly added "Fund a Future" auction to raise scholarship funds for early intervention services for children at risk of developmental delays.  Abilities United partnered with Alman Benefit Auctions to manage the 15 -minute auction, which raised $67,000 from dozens of event attendees!

The 4 hours long event concluded with the four-featured authors who sat on the stage in a conversational “U” arrangement.  Carolyn Johnson introduced each one and Jon J Muth opened and delighted the audience with his illustrations and tales of the inspirations behind his drawings.  Ellen Sussman followed Muth with stories of her life in France and the gift she gave her husband, which inspired her recent novel “French Lessons”. Arlie Hochschild entertained the audience with examples of how Americans outsource the activities of their lives such as dating, children’s birthday parties, and home maintenance.  Lastly, Lee Woodruff shared her personal story about her husband Bob’s brain injury and recovery.  In additional to the presentation, the authors signed their books and greeted book lovers throughout the afternoon. 

The Abilities United art exhibit and silent auction, now in it's seventh year as part of the luncheon and sponsored by Allegro Framing of Portola Valley, showcased original works of art by artists of Abilities United.  100% of the proceeds go directly to the artists who range in age from 3 years old to over 50 years old and participate in all of Abilities United services.  These 12 original works of art are also featured in the Abilities United annual report, which is designed as a 2013 calendar. 

This year’s Authors Luncheon is expected to raise a record $300,000 through ticket sales, sponsorship, book sales and donations. Over the past 21 years, the Authors Luncheon has raised over $2 million!  These funds are used to provide services to people with developmental and physical challenges through Abilities United's life long services including Children's Development, Family Support, Adult Services and Aquatic Services.  Since it's inception in 1992, the Authors Luncheon has grown from 325 attendees to today's dedicated audience of over 600.  Revenue has grown from $30,000 in the first year to this year’s expected $300,000. Stay tuned for next year’s Authors Luncheon and the “save the date” announcement.

Special thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers and authors for making this event so successful! You can see their names and details at http://www.abilitiesunited.org/Page.aspx?pid=338#authorslunch

Also, photos of the Authors Luncheon are posted on the Abilities United Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/AbilitiesUnited.org

Submitted by Wendy Kuehnl, Abilities United Marketing Director

Dr. Heidi Feldman, Abilities United Board President, receives Pediatric award

All of us at Abilities United congratulate our Board President, Dr. Heidi Feldman on receiving this prestigious award.  

AAP press release

NATION'S PEDIATRICIANS RECOGNIZE LOCAL DOCTOR

NEW ORLEANS  Heidi M Feldman, MD PhD, FAAP, of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford University received the C. Anderson Aldrich Award at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans, La., October 20-23, 2012.

The annual award recognizes achievement in the field of child development. This award is named for Dr. C. Anderson Aldrich, one of the founders of the AAP, whose greatest contributions were in the modern practice of infant feeding. Dr. Aldrich and his wife Mary co-authored a book entitled Babies are Human Beings in which he urged flexible schedules for feeding, sleeping and toileting.  In 1944, Dr. Aldrich founded the Rochester Child Health Institute in Rochester, Minnesota, devoted to research on the development of infants and children and to a program of delivering childcare to an entire community.

Dr. Feldman holds the Ballinger-Swindells Endowed Professorship of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine and serves as the Medical Director of the Mary L Johnson Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Clinical Programs at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.  She was on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh for 22 years before moving to Stanford University in 2006.  Her research interests focus on language development in children with medical and neurological conditions that put language learning at risk. She is currently combining neural imaging techniques and behavioral measures to understand language, cognition, and reading outcomes of children born preterm.  She has published over 120 articles and chapters. She has demonstrated that deaf children of hearing parents who are not exposed to sign language create a manual system to communicate with others.  She has demonstrated the resilience of language after unilateral brain injury.  As part of a large team, she documented that placement of tympanostomy tubes for chronic ear infections does not improve developmental outcomes in speech, language, thinking skills or reading. 

Dr. Feldman has won awards for her teaching, recognizing her creativity in organizing courses for undergraduates and interdisciplinary professional students and her enthusiasm in educating medical students.  She was one of the editors of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Fourth Edition, the premier text in the field. 

Dr. Feldman has held several leadership roles at the national level: Past president of SDBP and subsequently co-Chair of the Membership Committee; Program Chair of the Section of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and a member of the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health of the American Academy of Pediatrics; chair of the Sub-Board for Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics of the American Board of Pediatrics.

She is also a dedicated yoga enthusiast and yoga teacher who has offered inclusive yoga classes to children.

The AAP is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well- being of the nation’s infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

Submitted by Wendy Kuehnl, Marketing Director, Abilities United

Abilities United Playground is Transformed by Redwood City Girl Scouts; Troop Demonstrates Talent and Passion for Community Improvement

The complete renovation of the Abilities United playground for Early Intervention children was the focus of a local Redwood City Girl Scout Troop project.  The eight girls each invested over 65 hours in creating a fun, interactive, and safe playground.  Their efforts earned them unanimous squeals of delight from the children who now have a more colorful and attractive place to play, as well as a Silver Award, the highest honor that can be earned by scouts in the junior high age group.   A dedication event, including the Girl Scout Troop, children and parents, was held on Friday, October 12 at 5:30 pm at the Abilities United location at 3864 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, CA 94306

The Girl Scout Troop considered a number of community projects to work on, selecting a playground at Abilities United used by young children with and without disabilities.  The girls painted the fence and created decorative murals, including two murals where children graduating from the program will place a handprint upon completion.  They also built and decorated a playhouse that will include custom-made cabinets to store toys.

Throughout the process, the Girl Scouts had to learn about children with disabilities and ensure that the environment took into account their special needs.  This was reflected in their work with a sensory and a sound mural board to help engage the children with sensory challenges, while others created drawings with characters in wheelchairs.   All the money needed for supplies, exceeding $1,000, was raised by the Girl Scouts through a series of fund raising events.

Tim Harper, Associate Director of Abilities United  Children’s Services commented, “Our agency’s playground serves a critical role in the social and physical development of our children.  The creative renovation effort by this group of talented Girl Scouts was such a generous display of giving back to our community.”

When asked about their experience, the girls were universally excited with the results.  Some of their comments:

"As a community, it is our job to help these children grow up to be the best they can be," said Julia Triest.

"I discovered how good it feels inside when you do something that's going to help someone," said Briana Das.

"I discovered that I enjoy helping and working with people who have special needs," said Sarah Rodriguez-Soto.

"I gained skills such as teamwork, setting and achieving goals, public speaking, and how to work with people who supervise me and who I supervise," said Megan Weaver.

According to Christine Stabile, Troop Leader for Troop #32071, "It has been wonderful to supervise these girls throughout this project, and watch their determination to overcome the challenges inherent in such a complicated project.  They had to push themselves beyond their usual comfort zone to interact with new adults or take leadership of others.  Their eagerness and dedication is reflected in this wonderful new playground.”

The eight Girl Scouts involved in the project are: Avelle Campbell, Briana Das, Giselle Hernandez, Sarah Rodriguez-Soto, Gabriella Schuhe, Mikayla Stabile, Julia Triest, and Meagan Weaver.

A short story regarding this accomplishment was published in the Sal Pizarro column of the Mercury News on October 17.

A Splashing Success! Abilities United Aquathon

Picture a beautiful late summer sunny day in Sunnyvale, hundreds of energized people of all ages and swimming abilities,  hundreds of smiling volunteers and cheerleaders, a gorgeous Olympic sized pool at the Sunnyvale California Sports Center, a San Jose "Sharkie" floating in the water...all these came together to generate fun, excitement, and camaraderie for all attendees. AND over $120K in donations for services for community members with disabilities who benefit from Abilities United!

Countless thanks to the hundreds of people who made this event so enjoyable and successful.  There are far to many important people to list here but here's a start!  Special thanks to

• Chris Ream who has emceed the Aquathon for 16 years. 
• Olympian Susan Roy for handing out the medals and trophies
• Homestead High School Interact Club students for helping with set up and the food table
• Mountain View High Athletes for Athletes for also helping with set up and for swimming and raising money for the Aquathon
• Cupertino High School students World We Dream team for videotaping the event and interviewing attendees.  
•  San Jose Sharks mascot, Sharkie for his annual “splash”, delighting children and adults alike. 
• Nina Moseman,  Special Olympic Gold Medalist, for being our honorary swimmer

Congratulations to our swimmers!
The fastest swimmers were impressive with elegant strokes and lightening fast speeds!  The competitive spirit cut through the water with the results as follows among the Adult teams:

• Cisco Bommarito Barracudas won the Gold Trophy clocking in at  135 laps 
• Sue Nommi Rising  won the  Silver Trophy close behind with 133 laps
• EDesignC Magnificent Marlins  won the Bronze Trophy with 126 laps

The Family and Kids Teams were equally impressive and just as competitive!

• Athletes for Athletes won the Gold at 120 laps
• NVIDIA 2012 (team 2) won Silver with  110 laps
•  Justice League of Adult Services won Bronze with  105 laps

We throw in a healthy doze of competition to win an iPad by raising over $1,000. This year we had dozens of swimmers qualify for the drawing, some raising well over $3,000!  The lucky, random winner was a young member of the Orca team, who summed up his delight with a simple "Yes!"   

All this was made possible by hundreds of donors from throughout the world who together donated over $120,000!  We thank each and every one of you over and over again from the bottom of our hearts! Joining these generous individuals are our corporate sponsors:

Gold Sponsor/$10,000 

• NVIDIA(8 years as sponsor, 11 years of team swimming!)
• Oracle  (7 years as sponsor, 16 years of team swimming!)

SILVER/$5000 

• Intuit (7 years as sponsor; 22 years of team swimming!)

Many thanks also to the Lane sponsors:

• Café Zoe and SRI International of Menlo Park
• CFOs2GO of Walnut Creek
• MarketRiders and Mulcahy Family Dentistry of Palo Alto
• Milk Pail Market of Mountain View  
• San Francisco Sailing

The AbilitiesUnited Aquathon fundraising goal is $175,000. Though we are well over $100K we need to keep raising money to reach our goal. So don't stop sharing your enthusiasm for the Aquathonhttp://www.abilitiesunited.org/aquathon! Donations can still be made at  www.AbilitiesUnited.org/aquathon  

Share your Aquathon experience on Facebook! 

On September 28 at 5 pm when you'll find out who won the Fundraising Gold, Silver, and Bronze trophies. You can "watch" the progress online www.AbilitiesUnited.org/AQresults 

Be sure to "get in the swim" next year at the 35th Annual Abilities United Aquathon!

Submitted by Wendy Kuehnl, Marketing Director, Abilities United

Martin Odian, along with Shubhankar Jain & six others, inspire Giants fans

Fans of the San Jose Giants and fans of seven inspiring individuals had a heart-warming, fun and energy-packed night at the July 20, 2012 "San Jose Giants Disability Awareness Night".   During the game, the MFP Disability Leadership Award 2012 was given to Martin Odian (of Abilities United), Shubby Jain (of Abilities United partner, World We Dream), Janna Woods, Marv Tuttle, Trudy and Nicole Grable and Hatikvah House.

Martin Odian received the MFP Disability Leadership Award award for individual contribution for his "unselfish work serving individuals with disabilities".  Martin has been in the Abilities United Independent Living Skills program for two and a half years.  During that time he has shown leadership and vision through his participation in the creation of an advocacy group for people who use Abilities United services. Martin helps administer the group by working with others in the planning meetings and he helps facilitate the monthly advocacy meetings.

Martin is a client of GGRC and is a member of their client advisory committee. He participated in 'grass roots day' as part of the SARC contingent which was sponsored by the Association of Regional Centers where they met with state politicians and advocated for the needs of people with disabilities. He also attended a workshop on self-advocacy for people with disabilities put on by the Consumer Action Committee at A.L.I.V.E., a community based organization.

Martin has shown interest and willingness to grow in his leadership capabilities by attending a recent UC Davis Mind Institute Self-Advocacy workshop, the 2012 ARC state legislative policy conference, and multiple other similar opportunities. He shared the knowledge he gained here with his peers by collaboratively creating and running a legislative letter writing campaign to support his peers in sharing their experiences, needs and wants with those who create legislation. Martin has a history of being active in the social life of the community. He has participated in the campaign of a local politician whom he has supported for many years. Martin also helps run a voting station on election days.

Martin understands the challenges and opportunities for those with developmental disabilities who seek employment. He has remained gainfully employed for many years working at Fry’s, Safeway and now at a local Chevron station. Martin has dealt with the struggles the community faces when understanding a person who has a developmental disability in an employment situation. Martin has managed the transition from work roles that did not fit his skill set to finding the right work situation which meets his needs and gives him an opportunity to be a contributing member of the community.

It is Martin’s leadership skills, his passion and his experience that earned him the MFP Disability Leadership Award award for individual contribution.  Join us in congratulating Martin on all his accomplishments!

Photos from the San Jose Giants Game and award ceremony  are on the Abilities United Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151024815048763.418417.50828398762&type=3&l=a1f3a1c871


Submitted by Wendy Kuehnl, Marketing Director, Abilities United