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This article was originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
By Jeremy Reynolds
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 

Jennifer Bruno doesn’t take her daughter Cassie to many public events. She gets tired of people gawking.

“You can’t offend us if you just talk to us, but most people just stare,” she said.

Cassie, 14, is visually impaired and autistic. Sometimes she yells loudly, when she’s overwhelmed or tired. While Ms. Bruno keeps Cassie’s life social and active with events specifically for children with autism, it can be stressful to take her to public, family-friendly occasions that parents of neurotypical kids wouldn’t think twice about.

Events like the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Concert, one of the best attended holiday concerts in the city, aren’t on the agenda. At least, not until this year. On Saturday, the symphony hosted its first sensory-friendly Holiday Pops, transforming Heinz Hall into an inclusive, welcoming space for an afternoon of music for the whole family.

“Coming here hasn’t been stressful — this is wonderful,” Ms. Bruno said at the concert while Cassie vocalized to pre-show Christmas tunes. “I absolutely will be back.”

Typically kids, adolescents and adults with autism take in information differently than their neurotypical peers. They can be easily overwhelmed by the senses, noises, visuals and smells. The loud music and the crowds and flashing lights at traditional concerts can overwhelm someone with autism such that they need to leave.

At Saturday’s concert, narrated and directed by conductor Daniel Meyer, kids roamed the aisles, clapping when they felt like it or vocalizing to sing with the music. The lights stayed up to help with focus, some of the louder moments in the holiday selections were toned down. The symphony provided quiet spaces for listeners who needed a break from the noise, and the PSO provided pre-concert activities like singalongs and fidget tables to help ease folks into the experience.

There were curbside assistance for listeners with mobility issues; hearing aids and an American Sign Language interpreter for those with auditory issues; Braille programs for the visually impaired; and several dozen volunteers on hand to assist families.

In one hallway, musician James Rodgers sat softly demonstrating the mechanics of a bassoon to children and parents. The soft sounds of a cello floated down from the balcony, where Santa Claus hung out to take photos after the performance.

The Pittsburgh Symphony’s foray into sensory friendly programming isn’t new, as the orchestra rolled out its first program in 2015 after working for more than two years with community organizations such as Welsey Family Services, Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind and many others.

Occupational therapist Roger Ideishi, also a professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, also helped design the concert format, and now the orchestra programs one sensory friendly experience a season. Saturday’s concert drew around 1,200 people to Heinz Hall.

This year, the symphony has been working to adapt pops programming like its Disney pops concert in March and the December Holiday Pops concerts to provide the same opportunity to kids with mental, physical or social disorders as their neurotypical peers enjoy. Orchestras around the country ranging from the Boston Pops and the Nashville Symphony to the Minnesota Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony are adapting Pittsburgh’s sensory friendly experience for their own communities.

“About 14% of the population has some kind of visible or invisible disability,” said Suzanne Perrino, senior vice president of learning and community engagement at the Pittsburgh Symphony.

That’s more than 40,000 people in Pittsburgh alone. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 59 children will be diagnosed with autism.

“We heard that we’re not currently reaching this audience, that families can’t attend as a unit and they leave kids with disabilities at home. We wanted to offer something to change that,” Ms. Perrino said.

She explained that “sensory friendly” means focusing first on families and second on welcoming anyone who’s worried about being judged for reacting to the music in a different way.

Families started wandering into Heinz Hall about an hour before the 2:30 p.m. concert began, familiarizing themselves with the facilities, learning exit routes, checking to see if their children wanted to experience the concert or whether the space might be overwhelming that day.

Many listeners seemed excited and beamed throughout the performance, singing along with the symphony during Christmas carols and waving cheerfully at Santa when he jollied himself onto the stage. Others seemed a bit overwhelmed, and some parents would leave the concert and return or head home a bit early. The symphony offered a full refund to any family who couldn’t stay, no questions asked.

“This is like therapy for us parents,” said Amy Hart, mother of Sophie, 10, before the concert began. “Normally everybody just stares at us. Here, everybody gets it.”

Ms. Hart and Ms. Bruno are friends, and they’re both clients of Wesley Family Services, which began sponsoring the PSO’s sensory friendly performances this year. Wesley provided training to the orchestra staff, ushers, box office and musicians earlier this year to prepare everyone for the performance. Wesley Family Services also offers a creative arts therapy program, which Ms. Bruno credits for helping Cassie to begin vocalizing.

“Cassie’s got some pipes!” Ms. Hart said.

Another concert attendee, Garrett Willner, said he was thrilled to be hearing the orchestra. Mr. Willner, 20, has autism, and he said he loved playing the piano, particularly Journey covers and tunes by The Beatles.

“I’m so excited for the Christmas carols,” Mr. Willner said, fluttering his hands lightly in anticipation.

Pittsburgh has demonstrated a progressive approach to providing inclusive spaces for the disability community.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust staged a sensory friendly version of Disney’s “The Lion King” in September. (Mr. Willner attended — he said he enjoyed it.) The Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, The Andy Warhol Museum and others offer sensory friendly variants of some of their programming.

Also, Pittsburgh International Airport is one of only a handful of airports around the world to offer a sensory friendly room to ease the difficulty of traveling for families. Inspired by an airport employee’s heartfelt letter suggesting that the airport provide a space for traveling families with autism or other special needs, Presley’s Place opened earlier this year.

Ms. Perrino said the orchestra is working to incorporate universal design practices in the rest of its programming. Universal design is about creating an environment that can be accessed and understood and enjoyed by as many people as possible regardless of their age or abilities. Since the orchestra began its foray into creating sensory friendly experiences, Ms. Perrino said, the education and community programs and pops programs are incorporating some of the changes.

At the moment, the PSO only programs one sensory friendly concert per season, but that may increase in the coming years as the program continues to evolve based on community feedback.

“We want this to become a new tradition,” Ms. Perrino said.

And as for Ms. Bruno and Mr. Hart, they said they and many parents welcome people speaking to them in public and asking questions.

“You really can’t offend us,” said Ms. Bruno, who raised more than $23,000 for the Team Cassie Fund at the Pittsburgh Foundation to raise awareness, acceptance and inclusion for children with autism.

“But please don’t stare — offer to help if something seems to be going wrong. Ask us questions. Come say hello!” she said.

https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2019/12/23/Pittsburgh-Symphony-Orchestra-PSO-sensory-friendly-autism-holiday-concert/stories/201912220131

 

This story was originally published by The Almanac.

From Sleeping Beauty to Buddy the Elf too, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Wesley Family Services’ sixth annual Winter Wonderland offered something for everyone.

An array of familiar costumed characters, including the guy in a green suit made famous by Will Ferrell, greeted visitors to the nonprofit support organization’s South Fayette Township location for a Dec. 8 extravaganza that focused on Wesley’s creative arts program.

At the heart of the event were performances by the program’s rock bands, the Flying Sock Monkeys and Snow Phantoms, providing plenty of sing-along opportunities with a variety of holiday favorites, with the show emceed by Drew Evans.

Winter Wonderland also featured numerous activities, including creative arts program supervisor Katie Harrill leading holiday-themed music-making. Crafts, painting, drama, and dance also were on the agenda, and everyone was treated to seasonal snacks.

The creative arts program provides an innovative and fun approach to music therapy for individuals of all ages with behavioral, social, psychological, communication, physical and motor/cognitive functioning issues in the Wesley Family Services facilities in South Fayette, Monroeville and Marshall Township.

For more information, visit wfspa.org/service/creative-arts-program.

Why do I work for Wesley Family Services? Because all my life I have felt driven to make a difference, but I didn’t know how.

Somehow I had the false idea that to make a meaningful impact, one had to be someone more extraordinary than someone like me, who was shy, who didn’t make the best grades, who seemed to have below average luck. But, despite those feelings, I knew that my purpose was to somehow be a part of the movement for positive change in the world.

As a high school student, I thought about how I could do this. I traveled to other countries on mission trips to help those in need and contemplated joining the Peace Corps, or being a missionary. I loved traveling and I adored the wonderful people I met abroad.  However, deep down I knew my mission was at home. Mother Theresa said, “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, suffering, and the lonely right where you are.”

I thought about how I could do this, and I felt drawn to social services. One day I found Wesley, whose mission is to empower children, adults, and families. This mission aligned perfectly with my own; I knew working with Wesley would empower me to be a part of the movement for positive change in the world.

I joined Wesley and have found great fulfillment working with wonderful people! My colleagues are amazing and have the same heart and passion as I do, and together we are driving change in our corner of the world.

Finally, I have the means to make a difference and help others. Not only that, I have a bright future here. I have a career path. I can make a difference in my community while proving for my family. If you want to find a place that empowers you to be a part of the movement for positive change in the world while providing for yourself and family, join our mission. We need more people like you with the same heart and passion. I would encourage you to visit our website, www.wfspa.org/careers, and take a look at all of the administrative and clinical positions we have open.

 

This article was written by Renee Tabak, MS-HRM. Renee  works in our Human Resources Department as a Talent Acquisition staff member.

Pittsburgh International Airport was in the news recently for something very special: the introduction of a new sensory room for passengers with sensory processing needs. The idea came from Jason Rudge, an employee at the airport whose son is diagnosed with autism. He came up with the idea when he saw how beneficial the sensory room at school was to help his son regulate and participate in school activities. At Wesley Family Services, we see similar benefits by incorporating sensory rooms in our programs. These rooms play a role in our Wonder Kids program and Autism Outpatient but can also be utilized by clients in other programs when available. As an organization, we strive to accommodate sensory needs in other ways through the use of adaptive seating, lighting covers, weighted vests, etc. Wesley also supports sensory-friendly events in the community and provides support in any way possible.

There are a few things that I really like about the space at the airport in particular:

1. Inside Presley’s Place (the name of the sensory room, named after Jason’s son) there is a replica of an airplane cabin for passengers to become acclimated to the actual look and feel of being on the plane. The replica is made of materials used in a real cabin, and passengers can sit in the seats and experience what it is like to be in the environment of a plane before getting on. This helps individuals prepare and makes the airplane less of an unknown situation for them.
2. With the Pit Pass Program, families can come check out the airport, the sensory room, and explore the mock cabin even before the day they are scheduled to fly! This also helps passengers become used to the environment, since going to the airport can be such a large shock to someone’s routine. Giving the time and space for people to get accustomed first can make a world of difference.

3. The room is designed in such a way that it is suitable for all ages, not only kids. With guidance from other organizations that have sensory rooms in the area, they found that “less is more.” The room is not too overwhelming with toys, lights, and colors. It provides a comfortable environment that is away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

4. Along with that, the team that put this together seemed to really do their research. Not only did they reach out to facilities in Pittsburgh and other airports that have spaces designated for this purpose, but they also received input from caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental diagnoses, which influenced how they created the space. The best way to understand someone else’s needs is to ask them directly. While everyone’s experience is a bit different, in order to learn more we be open-minded and accepting of others.

It is great to see public spaces educating themselves and making their environments more inclusive for all individuals. In keeping with our mission to empower children, adults, and families by providing transformational care, Wesley Family Services is proud to offer sensory rooms at a number of our locations. In a video about the space, Jason shares a great sentiment that I believe really reflects what Sensory Awareness Month is all about. He said, “It’s not about awareness…acceptance. We want to accept everybody that’s different. Just because they look different or act different, they’re no less than us.” We all have certain sensitivities to sensory stimulation, such as nails on a chalkboard, or chewing noises for some. We also have sensory experiences that help calm us, such as massages or listening to music. Sensory Awareness Month is about learning to accept the range of sensory needs experienced by all individuals. The more we learn about others’ experiences that may be different than our own, society as a whole will become a more inclusive and safe space for everyone.

 

*This article was written by Arianna Bendlin, MT-BC, a music therapist in our Creative Arts Program.

This story was originally published on TribLive.com

Deer Lakes School District officials said it made sense for them to partner with Wesley Family Services to offer Alle­gheny County’s only public school-based partial hospital program for students with severe mental health and psychological issues.

The program had been based in Highlands School District for more than a decade, but stopped operating there after last school year when the district closed the Highlands Support Center in Fawn. It moved to Deer Lakes in July.

“We had a lot of students in the Highlands program, so we were paying the transportation there,” said Deer Lakes Assistant Superintendent Bobbi-Ann Barnes. “It just made sense for us to be able to house it here.”

There are 12 students in the program, now based on the second floor of Deer Lakes High School. It can accommodate as many as 25 students, officials said.

The program provides mental health treatment, weekly psychiatric monitoring and schooling for K-12 students with conditions such as anxiety, depression or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD.

“These are for the most severe cases,” Deer Lakes spokesman Jim Cromie said.

The program is open to students from districts in surrounding counties and communities, not just Deer Lakes. In addition to Deer Lakes’ six students, three are from Highlands, while Allegheny Valley, Kiski Area and New Kensington-Arnold each have one student in the program.

The students are referred from their home school district or mental health professionals. They stay for an average of six to nine months before going back to a regular classroom.

The program is offered year-round because “mental health doesn’t go away in the summer,” said program manager Amanda Cooper.

Students are taught by Deer Lakes teachers and aides. They’re broken up into two classrooms categorized by age.

There is also a sensory room containing anxiety-reducing items such as yoga balls, weighted blankets and a giant teddy bear, along with a quiet room where students can go when they are feeling overwhelmed.

“Sometimes you just need to come and sit and have space to yourself,” Cooper said.

Students get three hours of academic instruction and three hours of group therapy a day. They also receive weekly individual and family therapy.

The program has a separate entrance and exit at the high school, and runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on school days.

To learn more, visit http://www.deerlakes.net/WesleyFamilyServices.aspx

Recently, we spoke with Jill Martin, who is the mom of Luke Martin, a child that’s enrolled in our Creative Arts program. Luke is 10 years old and is on the autism spectrum. We wanted to talk with Jill and hear a parent’s take on our recital.

Question: Why did you choose to enroll your son in the Creative Arts program at Wesley Family Services?

Answer: I found out about the Creative Arts program through one of the aides who was working with Luke at his school. She said I had to meet the program’s supervisor, Katie Harrill, because she has a gift and a way with kids. And, she was right. I enrolled Luke back in 2014, nearly 5 years ago, and I’ve been blown away with the progress he was able to make almost right away and since then.

Question: Did Luke participate in the Music of the Heart Recital his first year in the program?

Answer:  Yes, he did and honestly, I was unsure about him being able to do it. I didn’t know if he was capable of standing up there and performing in front of everyone. I also didn’t know what the recital entailed. It’s been so fulfilling as a parent to see him progress year after year. Katie rehearses with all of the kids, and they practice their song or whatever they are going to perform. That gives them confidence ahead of time to be able to stand up there, and the recital is so much fun!

Question: Where you apprehensive at all to let Luke perform?

Answer: I was actually. I was afraid it might be too overly stimulating for Luke. I didn’t know if he could handle it, if he would know what to do and when to do it.

Question: What’s the best thing about the recital as a parent?

Answer: To attend a music recital where my child is able to perform. Everyone in that room is so encouraging to all of the kids and teenagers that are in the program. It’s such a welcoming environment and very touching to see everyone in one room enjoying them. While the kids perform on stage, people and kids can be wandering around the room, talking, laughing—they can be themselves and feel relaxed. For some kids, they cannot sit there for more than a few seconds or minutes, and so to have an environment that’s completely casual, and no one thinks twice if there is a noise disruption, is wonderful. Also, the kids are so talented. It’s incredible to watch some of them sing, dance, or play an instrument. Wesley meets them where they are and then works with them on an individual basis to meet goals and milestones. It’s really quite amazing!

Question: Do you think the setup of the recital is helpful?

Answer: Absolutely! With everyone walking around and moving freely, it helps to remove expectations. People are comfortable, friendly, some are loud. There is no pressure on anyone.

Question: Is there anything you and your family do to help prep Luke for the recital?

Answer: Luke will perform his song at home for us, he enjoys singing and rehearsing. But, we don’t have to devote a lot of time for rehearsing. Katie and the other Creative Arts staff do that with Luke.

Question: Is there anything you do as a family to celebrate after Luke performs?

Answer: Yes, we do! Some of our family members have come to watch him sing. Often, we’ll go out afterwards to dinner or to get a treat. We want to celebrate what a great job he does!

Question: Do you have any advice for parents who are thinking about enrolling their kids in the Creative Arts program and having them participate in the recital?

Answer: Yes, I would tell them not to underestimate their child and the progress that he or she could make. Don’t let your fears about what you think they are capable or not capable of hold them back. Katie and everyone at Wesley will work with them to set them up for success at the recital. Music therapy has made such a wonderful difference in Luke’s life and our whole family’s life. I would tell any parent to try it.