Residential Roundtable Discussion: Spectrum of Possibilities-A Discussion of Housing and Funding Options
This roundtable will allow participants to further discuss federal and state legislative, funding and housing goals and hurdles introduced during Mrs. Cherry's presentation. Discuss action that can be taken to initiate the changes desperately needed to ensure the greater availability of successful housing options for the transitioning ASD population.
Cathy Purple Cherry
Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP is a national leader in the design of environments for children and adults on the Autism Spectrum as well as for individuals with other special needs. As a Special Needs Architect, Mrs. Cherry, Principal, Purposeful Architecture and Purple Cherry Architects, creates spaces that foster thoughtful living and learning environments and inspire creativity, individuality and independence.
Dan E. Burns, PhD
Dan E. Burns, Ph.D., is the father of a 25-year-old son on the autism spectrum and the author of Saving Ben: A Father’s Story of Autism. Dr. Burns is a Contributing Editor to Age of Autism, Canary Party Executive member, and Adult Issues Liaison for AutismOne. Through Appleseed Ventures, Dan empowers parents to organize communities where their adult ASD children and friends can live, work, play, and heal.
Mark L. Olson
Mark L. Olson is President & CEO of LTO Ventures, a 501(c)(3) non-profit company that develops live/work/play communities for adults with autism; founder & director of the Autism Entrepreneurs Center; Chairperson of the Community Living and Employment Subcommittee for the Nevada Governor’s Autism Commission; and, most importantly, the only parent of Lindsay, his 17 year old daughter with autism. www.ltoventures.org
Peg Pickering
Peg Pickering, is author of Prioritize Organize, Thriving on Chaos, and How to Manage Conflict and Confrontatio. A former business writer, she refocused her career on autism advocacy following the diagnosis of her son. After Hurricane Katrina, she opened a shelter to meet the unique needs of refugee families affected by autism. Peg is developing housing and employment options for adults with autism in the southeast.
Diane Belnavis
Diane Belnavis is founder of Juniper Hill Farms in southeastern Pennsylvania, model of independent living for ASD adults. Beginning her career at Willowbrook, Diane has been innovating DD-living reforms for thirty years. “We are not a group home,” says Diane of Juniper Hill. “Our mission is to foster connected, yet independent, lives through farming, flowers, fiber and friends.” http://juniperhillfarms.org
