November 20, 2002
WKU Launches Kelly Autism Project
With $150,000 Gift
Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University is breaking new ground through the commencement of the Kelly Autism Project. According to Tom Hiles, WKU's vice president for Institutional Advancement, this program is being made possible through a three-year gift of $150,000 for initial funding by John and Linda Kelly of Bowling Green, a couple whose daughter has been diagnosed with autism.
"We have announced hundreds of gifts during the almost five years of the Investing in the Spirit Campaign, but I can think of none that were more meaningful," Hiles said. "We are grateful and excited that the Kellys will utilize Western's expertise and relationships to partner with the community and the schools to improve the lives of young people with autism."
Michael Mayton, WKU assistant professor of Special Instructional Programs, will head the project. According to Mayton, the long-range goals of the Kelly Autism Project are to:
· Provide instruction, intervention and support opportunities to children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders;
· Empower families as well-equipped advocates and give them the tools and strategies needed to extend ameliorative program practices into the home; and
· Provide training and other resources to public school administrators and educators who work with students with autism spectrum disorders in their schools.
"Though other age groups and other classifications within the autism spectrum of disorders will eventually be included within the project's scope, the initial focus will be on preparing young adults with autism, ages 14 and over, to effectively transition to a purposeful, fulfilling life after their public school years are over," Mayton said.
The Kellys say they are impressed by the leadership WKU has shown through this project and are pleased to provide the initial seed money for the program.
"Autism is affecting more and more of our population," John Kelly said. "As our children grow into adulthood, the challenge is in how to create transition programs that support the needs and desires of the individual, and have value to the community as well. Western Kentucky University is committing the people, resources, and infrastructure to develop the programs that will help these citizens meet their potential."
Mayton said that individualized programs for these young people will strive to increase interactive social skills, community participation, opportunities for recreation and leisure activity, therapeutic vocational skills and access to meaningful interpersonal relationships, all for the purpose of enhancing their overall quality of life beyond the final years of public school.
The center will be a cooperative program between Western's College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the College of Health and Human Services.
"WKU becomes the umbrella institution," John Kelly concluded. "They will be developing transition programs in coordination with the school systems and other support organizations in the community, assisting our autistic children in developing self-esteem and interests that can have value in the community."
For more information, contact Tom Hiles at (270) 745-6208. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
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