Sandy Hallett spoke to the Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities Tuesday evening at the Family Learning Center about a parents group, Seneca Autism Learning and Support Association.
SALSA gives parents opportunities to share concerns and experiences. The organization has provided grants to families, supplied teacher training and is developing a lending library at the Opportunity Center.
Hallett is the parent of an 11-year-old son with autism, who is non-verbal. She said one in 88 children has autism and one in 54 boys is affected.
She read the poem "Welcome to Holland" about unexpected changes that happen in people's lives.
SALSA is planning a 5K run next spring as a money-making project.
Superintendent Lew Hurst recognized retiring employee Kay Grant for 11 years of service as a school bus aide. He reported 48 students are attending the School of Opportunity this year, an increase of six students. He reminded board members of a training session at Camden Falls 5-9 p.m. Oct. 30.
Hurst commended staff members attending a "Good Life" training that will help create a positive culture to see people as people.
Business manager Dick Williams reported $1.461 million was received from second-half real estate tax settlement. Fuel costs for August were $13,000 and $15,000 was spent to ready the bus fleet for its annual state inspection.
In other matters, the board:
Discussed the transfer of a Fostoria home from WSOS to Northland Homes.
Discussed employee family members becoming providers.
Learned Adult Director Rodney Biggert and Children's Director Rick Gagnon are attending Leadership Seneca County along with self-advocate Kelly Adams.
Approved deleting the position of tennis coach and creating a bowling coach position. The change is being made following a survey of clients and pays $537.
Reviewed 10 policies and deleted one.
Resolved to continue supporting the Bridges to Work program to assist young adults and adults in gaining community employment by pledging $20,000 of local resources to match federal funding.
Reviewed present contracts and approved an ethics council report.
The 169 Board meets next at 5 p.m. Oct. 9 at the School of Opportunity.
