Guelph Services for the Autistic was incorporated as a charitable, not-for-profit corporation in 1980, and reorganized in 1997 as a housing trust for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is not an agency, has no paid staff, and depends on the efforts of volunteer members. Support mechanisms being pioneered by GSA are attracting interest and being followed as models.

Important elements of GSA’s approach:

1. Focus on the individual person:

• friends and family “listening” to the person
• person-centred planning and individualized funding
• self-directed plans for good lives in home communities
• choices of how and with whom to live
• encouragement of self-expression by whatever communication modes work most reliably
• adults with whom GSA has housing agreements are the corporation’s only “active members” (others are associate members) 

• circles of support/personal support networks
• aroha or incorporated entities of personal empowerment and support (like microboards)
• strategies for community inclusion

a) Trusteeship role in owning and maintaining home for each adult, with various legal agreements to protect the person (so far funds are contributed by families, but other options are possible)

b) Developing more living supports, such as “anchor” and companion homesharers

c) Recruiting volunteer friends and host families for adults with autism and their families

d) Co-operating with WWAS in the ACES project, to build community supports for adults with autism in the Waterloo-Wellington region, and to learn from experience of pioneers

e) Information through OAARSN (Ontario Adult Autism Research & Support Network) and AAIWW newsletter (Adult Autism Issues in Waterloo-Wellington)

f) Sending representatives to workshops and conferences on relevant planning issues

g) Organizing workshops and conferences in this region

PResident’s report for 2004-2005

This annual meeting marks the 25^th anniversary of the incorporation of GSA as a charitable organization in 1980, and the eighth anniversary of GSA’s mission as a housing trust, which is our central and continuing role. This anniversary year has seen a high level of activity and some new initiatives.

Our mission and main focus is to help adults with autism to have their own homes and to live with dignity and safety in our communities, supported by family and friends, and with self-directed planning and individualized funding of necessary services.

Our 25th year has been distinctive for partnerships with other organizations that support vulnerable people. Our ASPIRE project, supported by funds from Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services to encourage planning by families with adults with autism in our larger region of Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin, is reaching its end. GSA’s AGM a year ago marked the beginning of a new phase of co-operation with WWAS, in planning for a regional farm community and centre of autism expertise and services—now known by the acronym ACES.

GSA’s most ambitious effort so far, the Guelph Spring Conference on Creative Supports for Vulnerable Adults in April 2005, also involved productive partnerships. A contribution to the whole Ontario community that is concerned with vulnerable people, this event was so popular that we decided to record and edit the presentations. We have now produced a videotape and printed book on Creative Supports for Vulnerable Citizens.

GSA AS HOUSING TRUST

GSA can look after the financial administration and maintenance of homes for people who need such support but want to have a sense of pride and security by living in their own homes. GSA recognizes the rights of each focus person to make choices about their lives and the people with whom they will share their time and their homes. Each adult is supported by a cluster or network of family members, friends and professionals.

GSA’s energies as a housing trust have been concentrated on making a success of its first house and organizing itself to extend its services to other vulnerable adults. GSA’s first focus person (and active member) has lived in his own home for more than seven years. With his parents, he has helped to prepare the house for occupancy by others he may choose as personal support workers and living companions. He has also pioneered for Ontario the incorporation of an entity of personal empowerment and support which we call an aroha (aka microboard).

Because of this first success, GSA has been approached by other adults and/or their families who want various kinds of help with housing and person-directed planning and support.

ASPIRE PROJECT

For the past three and a half years, GSA has made special efforts with the Autism Support Project: Information, Resources, Empowerment, using funds provided by Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services. ASPIRE has had two main parts. One is surveying the present situations, abilities and needs of adults with autism, in relation to available supports and services. The other is modeling effective ways to inform and empower autistic persons, with their families and friends, so they can plan and find resources for all the elements of a good life, including relationships with a personal support network, a home of one’s own, ways to make choices and contribute to the community, and a safe and secure future.

Three ASPIRE Advocates have worked for the project. Jan Cooper made a good start in 2002-2003, meeting with 15 families at least once for in-depth discussion of needs and goals. Nancy Miles was an enthusiastic Advocate from July to October 2004. Nancy Cherry has worked for ASPIRE, as well as other regional and provincial initiatives, during 2005.

GSA has encouraged local young adults and their families to go through PATH planning processes and has paid the facilitators’ fees in each case. All have found the experience most worthwhile and would recommend this form of planning event to others.

GSA OUTREACH AND COLLABORATION

GSA works with other organizations in seeking to understand and draw attention to the needs of adults on the autism spectrum and to develop effective ways helping them to live with dignity and fulfilment in their home communities. GSA and Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services (WWAS) co-operate in the quarterly newsletter Adult Autism Issues in Waterloo-Wellington (AAIWW). Information and communications about adult autism issues have been strengthened since March 2000 by the Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network (OAARSN) website at URL: http://www.ont-autism.uoguelph.ca and its electronic bulletins.

GSA directors and volunteers represent us at various meetings inside and outside the region. GSA also speaks up on issues and supports movements that enhance quality of life and self-determination for and by adults with autism and related disabilities. We share our experience and documentation with other organizations and family groups who want to use housing trusts for residential support, so that individual adults may have homes of their own or incorporated aroha entities, directing their own lives with understanding support by family members and friends.

Organizing the Guelph Spring Conference on Creative Supports for Vulnerable Adults on 29 April 2005 was a major effort for GSA. We convened a gathering of nearly 200 Ontario people who need to be creative in supporting good lives with and for adults who are vulnerable because of their physical, mental, communication or developmental differences. We particularly wanted to encourage self-advocates, families and friends to take part. Our concern was practical--how to plan and implement the elements of a good life for each person, and to learn from each other's effective strategies and success stories. Our approach was comprehensive and holistic. We hoped to put our minds and imaginations around various strategies, to show the connections among them, and to help persons and families think about and choose combinations that work for them. The conference was especially timely, in view of the announcement in 2004 that the Ministry of Community and Social Services intends to transform services for persons with developmental disabilities in lasting ways.

GSA was successful in obtaining a grant of just over $10,000 from The Ontario Trillium Foundation to help with conference costs. Planning began 12 months before the conference, when we obtained the co-operation of our keynote speaker, John Lord, and the six workshop leaders from all over Ontario. The event itself called forth a great of interest and participation by a remarkable range of people--vulnerable citizens themselves as self-advocates, parents and siblings, friends, support staff, professionals in the various fields, administrators and managers. More than half came from outside our region, many staying overnight in Guelph.

Planning the event itself, and our follow-up efforts have involved partnerships locally, regionally and provincially with other organizations and groups. Locally, we have worked with the Canadian Mental Health Association and several of its initiatives, the Community Mental Health Clinic, Families for a Secure Future, Community Living Guelph-Wellington, Planned Lifetime Networks, Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services, Kerry’s Place Autism services, the Community Music Therapy Association, with others. Across Ontario, we related to another 30 groups and initiatives.

We planned a process of collaboration in discussion and sharing resources--during the conference and also beforehand and afterwards--using the OAARSN website and other media. About twice as many responded to the announcement of the conference as we could accommodate: we could have doubled the number of participants if we had the space. Many who did attend wished they could have learned from more than one of the workshops. To meet these needs, we recorded the conference and have produced a professionally edited videotape of the highlights (49 minutes) and a printed report of edited presentations (80 pages), both entitled Creative Support for Vulnerable Citizens. We thank Kerry’s Place Autism Services and the Community Mental Health Clinic in Guelph for funds to have the video professionally edited by PAN Video Inc. of Guelph.

Since the conference, we have organized a series of four smaller workshops in Guelph, to address specific kinds of creative supports. Felicia Jervis led a workshop on Gentle Teaching. Graeme Treeby made a presentation about the Special Needs Planning Group. John Lord presented a sequel to his keynote address at the April conference on Individualized Funding. Elaine Atchison of the Ministry of the Attorney-General is explaining Capacity Assessment. And we have launched the Creative Supports Listserv and bulletin. See, for example: http://www.ont-autism.uoguelph.ca/CS-20050918.html

AUTISM AND COMMUNITY

During 2004, GSA took the initiative in hosting a series of discussions and facilitated workshops about the vision and feasibility of an intentional community and centre of excellence with and for adults and families who live with autism. WWAS agreed to co-operate in a pilot phase, and both regional organizations are represented on the Management Committee.

The project has the acronym ACES, for which Brian Henson designed a logo:

A stands for Autism, Adults, Asperger’s, Abilities, Attitudes, Accessibility, Aspirations

C stands for Centre, Creative, Circles, Community, Co-operation, Conservation, Communication, Confidence 

E stands for Empathy, Energy, Excellence, Experience, Expertise, Ecology, Environments

S stands for Self-Directed, Supports, Spectrum, Safety, Stability, Social Skills, Sensitivities

ACES means top quality, and the plural form suggests diversity of people interested in supporting and developing the abilities of adults with ASD.

Core components of the ACES vision are:

• Home in an inclusive, integrated community (with ratio of 3+ persons not on the autism spectrum to every one with ASD),
• Land-based work and other meaningful activities,
• Natural social supports wherever possible, and
• Functions of a centre of excellence and expertise that brings together professionals with a key focus on ASD, and offers helpful resources.

During 2005, ACES has had three main aspects:

1. Land-Based Voluntary Work Initiatives at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph, in which work parties help with gardening and ecology projects. A special responsibility was to maintain and improve the large Ignatius Courtyard garden. Our voluntary activity in the gardens and grounds has earned us a welcome place in the Ignatius/Orchard Park community—a valuable basis of trust for the future development of our vision. Ted McCartney led us in this responsibility.

2. The ACES Day Program Initiative was prompted by the lack of enough transitional support for young adults who had left school. Moira Hollingsworth, supported by WWAS, took the lead in setting up a day program for young people in transition between school and adulthood. This has been offered on Wednesdays since May. WWAS took most financial responsibility—contracting with a paid co-ordinator and assistant, leasing an Activities Room at Ignatius for one year, and offering transportation. Families and friends have given furniture and equipment. Will Wycherley has volunteered some advice on the basis of his years of experience working with adults with autism in England. Activities have included gardening, hiking, nature study, swimming, games, crafts, and computer. Experience with direct group support might be expanded to include respite and summer programs in future. 

3. A future potential ACES role as a Centre of Resources and Expertise for Autism was pioneered through a series of workshops and other support group meetings. Nancy Cherry, ASPIRE Advocate during 2005, has also volunteered with ACES to support these activities—researching the availability of support and services and providing background information for families to advocate for what they need. Workshops organized by GSA in 2005, that have supported this role have been on gentle teaching; designing person-directed plans and individualized funding; financial and legal planning for people with special needs; and capacity assessment and supported decision-making. The OAARSN website and bulletin and the new Creative Supports bulletin are used to share information and resources.

The ACES Management Committee consists of Moira & Roger Hollingsworth, Nancy Cherry, Ted McCartney, and Gerry Bloomfield (chair). WWAS has taken most financial responsibility for the Wednesday program —contracting with a co-ordinator and an assistant, leasing an Activities Room at Ignatius for one year, and paying for transportation. GSA has contributed to the ACES costs—paying for gardening equipment and supplies, ACES meetings and Centre workshops, painting of the room rented for the Wednesday group, and insurance of all ACES activities and participants.

Everyone connected with ACES was asked by the ACES Management Committee to respond to a little survey in August 2005—to help with planning the best next steps towards good lives in community for our friends and loved ones who live with the challenges of autism. Responses were received to eleven more detailed questions. Overall, answers to the question: “What was really good about ACES’ first three months?” were: “Pilot day program, meetings and workshops have been wonderful; initiating a relationship with Ignatius; initiative and idea itself; people willing to get together and make this initiative a priority in their lives; comprehensive vision and perception of opportunities at Ignatius; three-fold action steps – volunteering as part of Ignatius community, direct service, planning support and learning opportunities for families and friends.” Asked “What was disappointing?” these points were observed: “Some irritations associated with instituting a program involving families with varied expectations; lack of other such centres in other communities for networking; danger of settling just for the staffed day program –we must keep up our more comprehensive vision.”

APPRECIATION

GSA’s work is maintained by volunteers. To broaden our volunteer base, GSA is a member of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph-Wellington. We invite all our friends and supporters to help with our various efforts, in whatever ways they can.

We thank members and directors of GSA for their faithful service in 2004-2005—notably Andrew Foster (vice-president), Amar Arneja  (recording secretary), John Verhart (treasurer), as well as Eleanor Fairbairn, Henk Ensing and Ted McCartney (who joined the Board in February). We greatly appreciate the service of Mary Johnston and Grace Swartz as Audit Committee for GSA’s accounts in each of the past six years.

Board members were very active in planning and staging the conference. They were ably assisted by a team of volunteers recruited by John Verhart from the Holy Rosary Church in Guelph. We are most grateful for the help of Kathy Dunn, Magee McGuire, Joanne Tersigni, Ankie Verhart, Dianne and Ken Kroeger, Elsie and George Usitalo.  Will Wycherley and Nancy Cherry were also keen and effective volunteers around the conference, while Roger Hollingsworth helped by chairing one of the workshops.

GSA does not receive any regular Government funding for its activities and services. We have been fortunate this year to obtain grants from The Ontario Trillium Foundation, to help with the conference, and from Kerry’s Place Autism Services and the Community Mental Health Clinic (Guelph) to have the conference videotape professionally edited. We appreciate the funds from these organizations, and the continued support of our loyal members and friends.

Thanks to everyone. We look forward to the next 25 years!

Gerald Bloomfield, President

7 November 2005

 __________________________________________________________________________ 

The special events around our Annual Meeting on 1 November 2004 mark the seventh anniversary of GSA’s mission as a housing trust. Our focus has been on helping adults with autism to have their own homes and to live with dignity and safety in our communities, with person-centred and self-directed planning and funding of necessary supports and services.

GSA also celebrates co-operation with Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services to further the well-being of adults in our larger region of Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin. WWAS has financially supported several initiatives, notably ASPIRE--Autism Support Project: Information, Research, Empowerment—which we began during 2002 for adults and their families in our region.

The past year has seen renewed enthusiasm for a regional farm community and centre of autism expertise and services. This annual meeting is to be followed by a workshop about the meanings of community for persons with autism and the goals and purposes of such a centre.  

GSA AS HOUSING TRUST

GSA can look after the financial administration and maintenance of homes for people who need such support but want to have a sense of pride and security by living in their own homes. GSA recognizes the rights of each focus person to make choices about their lives and the people with whom they will share their time and their homes. Each adult is supported by a cluster or network of family members, friends and professionals.

GSA’s energies as a housing trust have been concentrated on making a success of its first house and organizing itself to extend its services to other vulnerable adults. GSA’s first focus person (and active member) has lived in his own home for more than seven years. With his parents, he has helped to prepare the house for occupancy by others he may choose as personal support workers and living companions. He has also pioneered for Ontario the incorporation of an entity of personal empowerment and support which we call an aroha (aka microboard).

Because of this first success, GSA has been approached by other adults and/or their families who want various kinds of help with housing and person-directed planning and support. GSA shares its experience and the legal documents drafted for its unique services and supports with other persons and families.

ASPIRE

For the past two years, GSA has made special efforts with the Autism Support Project: Information, Resources, Empowerment, using funds generously provided by Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services. ASPIRE has two main parts. One is surveying the present situations, abilities and needs of adults with autism, in relation to available supports and services. The other is modeling effective ways to inform and empower autistic persons, with their families and friends, so they can plan and find resources for all the elements of a good life, including relationships with a personal support network, a home of one’s own, ways to make choices and contribute to the community, and a safe and secure future.

Our first ASPIRE Advocate, Jan Cooper, made a good start in meeting with 15 families at least once, for in-depth discussion of needs and goals. After training at the Marsha Forest Centre for Inclusion, Family and Community, she co-facilitated a workshop in September 2003 to introduce ASPIRE adults and their families to PATH planning strategies (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope). We are sorry Jan could not continue in this role because of family commitments.

GSA welcomed Nancy Miles as our second ASPIRE Advocate in July 2004, initially for five months. Her tasks include a combination of:

a)     Following up key focus persons and families, and noting and reporting good models, issues, concerns, supports and services that require further investigation and advocacy.

b)     Compiling a list of really helpful resources and services that already exist in this region for adults—both publicly funded and user-pay--and identifying gaps,

c)     Planning small group discussions, focused on aspects of person-centred planning for a good life in the community.

Three ASPIRE adults with their families have had PATH events during 2004—GSA paying the facilitators’ fees in each case. All found the experience most worthwhile and would recommend this form of planning event to others. These are Nancy’s thoughts about a PATH: 

Witnessing a PATH was enlightening. It heightened my awareness about our responsibility to try to discover approaches that reach and empower those with disabilities. It was a demonstration of the potential that each one has to live a good life, and when facilitated well, a demonstration that no matter the disability, the unique make up of each person and their strengths can allow them to be part of determining their own futures.

Though my exposure to PATH is limited, the families I know who have experienced one have been very clear about how valuable the experience has been. It has helped to define goals and give direction and concrete strategies to achieve these. As an observer and participant in one PATH, I had scope to get involved without fear of being overwhelmed or getting lost – it gave me a sense of what I could realistically do and achieve in terms of participating in, and supporting a dream, for this one young man. The fact that this is not a static process lends itself to creating a hope that is rooted in reality.

I would recommend this process for each one of us !!!,  but even more so for someone who needs the structure and network of people to identify, articulate and support what is needed to create a good life.

GSA OUTREACH AND COLLABORATION

GSA also works with other organizations in seeking to understand and draw attention to the needs of adults on the autism spectrum and to develop effective ways helping them to live with dignity and fulfilment in their home communities. GSA and Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services (WWAS) co-operate in the quarterly newsletter Adult Autism Issues in Waterloo-Wellington (AAIWW). Information and communications about adult autism issues have been strengthened by the Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network (OAARSN) website at URL: http://www.ont-autism.uoguelph.ca.

GSA directors and volunteers represent us at various meetings outside the region. Vice-president Andrew Foster reported on the Individualized Funding conference in Toronto in February 2004, and Brian Henson represented us at two workshops in October. Elizabeth Bloomfield represents GSA and adult autism issues on various committees and working groups. She helped organize a Guelph workshop in early May about Adult ASD issues across Ontario (called by Autism Society Ontario), at which the record was kept by Mandeep Arneja. GSA also speaks up on issues and supports movements that enhance quality of life and self-determination for and by adults with autism and related disabilities. We share our experience and documentation with other organizations and family groups who want to use housing trusts for residential support so individual adults may have homes of their own or incorporated aroha entities so adults may direct their own lives with understanding support by family members and friends.

Organizing the Guelph conference on CREATIVE SUPPORTS FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS on 29 April 2005 will be a major effort for GSA. We are convening a gathering of Ontario people who need to be creative in supporting good lives with and for adults who are vulnerable because of disability. We particularly want to encourage self-advocates, families and friends to take part. Our concern is practical--how to plan and implement the elements of a good life for each person and that we can learn from each other's effective strategies and success stories. Our approach is comprehensive and holistic. We hope to put our minds and imaginations around various strategies, to show the connections among them, and to help persons and families think about and choose combinations that work for them. We plan a process of collaboration in discussion and sharing resources--during the conference and also beforehand and afterwards--using the OAARSN website and other media. Highlights of keynote, workshops and poster presentations will be recorded and edited into electronic and video resources to share with people and groups who cannot attend.

The conference is especially timely, given the announcement last week that the Ministry of Community and Social Service intends to transform services for persons with developmental disabilities in lasting ways.

Several provincial and regional organizations want to collaborate in the conference--including Community Living Ontario, Individualized Funding Coalition of Ontario, Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Autism Society Ontario, Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services, Planned Lifetime Networks (Waterloo-Wellington-Oxford), Family Alliance Ontario, Families for a Secure Future, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, and Ontario Network of Independent Living Centres.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

GSA is 24 years old, having been incorporated in August 1980 by core members of the Wellington County Chapter of the provincial organization now known as Autism Society Ontario. In its earlier years, GSA acted as a “ginger group” advocating on behalf on teenagers and adults with autism, planning services and supports, collaborating with other community and provincial agencies, and meeting with government officials. Our new initiatives such as the conference and farm community and centre can draw upon these efforts and experiences.

GSA’s work is maintained by volunteers. To broaden our volunteer base, GSA recently became a member of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph-Wellington. We invite all our friends and supporters to help with our various efforts, in whatever ways they can.

We thank members and directors of GSA for their faithful service in 2003-2004—notably Andrew Foster (vice-president), Amar Arneja  (recording secretary), John Verhart (treasurer), as well as Paramjeet Arneja, Eleanor Fairbairn and Henk Ensing. We greatly appreciate the service of Mary Johnston and Grace Swartz as Audit Committee for GSA’s accounts for each of the past five years.

Gerald Bloomfield, President

1 November 2004

___________________________________________________________________________________

PResident’s report for 2002-2003

Guelph Services for the Autistic was incorporated in August 1980 by core members of the Wellington County Chapter of the provincial organization now known as Autism Society Ontario. In 1997-98, GSA redefined its focus to become a housing trust and to support adults with autism and their families and friends as they move towards personalized planning and funding. Both of these are attempts to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, while making the best possible use of community resources. GSA can look after the financial administration and maintenance of homes for people who need such support but want to have a sense of pride and security by living in their own homes. GSA recognizes the rights of each focus person to make choices about their lives and the people with whom they will share their time and their homes. Each adult is supported by a cluster or network of family members, friends and professionals.

GSA also works with other organizations in seeking to understand and draw attention to the needs of adults on the autism spectrum and to develop effective ways of helping them to live with dignity and fulfilment in their home communities. GSA and Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services (WWAS) co-operate in the quarterly newsletter Adult Autism Issues in Waterloo-Wellington (AAIWW). Information and communications about adult autism issues have been strengthened by the Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network (OAARSN) website at URL: http://www.ont-autism.uoguelph.ca

During 2002-3, GSA has made special efforts with ASPIRE, the Autism Support Project: Information, Resources, Empowerment, for both the Region of Waterloo and Guelph-Wellington, using funds generously provided by Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services. ASPIRE has two main parts. One is surveying the present situations, abilities and needs of adults with autism. The other is modelling effective ways to inform and empower autistic persons, with their families and friends, so they can plan and find resources for all the elements of a good life, including relationships with a personal support network, a home of one’s own, ways to make choices and contribute to the community, and a safe and secure future.

Jan Cooper began to work part-time in August 2002 as ASPIRE Advocate. She has met with 15 families at least once, for in-depth discussion of needs and goals. GSA sent her to Toronto for a  three-day course offered by the Marsha Forest Centre for Inclusion, Family and Community in April, so that she could advise ASPIRE families about how to use the planning tools of CIRCLES, MAPS and PATH. Jan and Beth Hancox of Waterloo together facilitated a workshop in Guelph for ASPIRE adults and their families in early September 2003.

GSA made it possible for Marlene Klimkosz to attend a London conference in October about adult autism. As president, I represented GSA at the workshop offered by Kerry’s Place Autism Services in association with its AGM in November. The subject of the workshop, “Balancing Rights, Risks and Responsibilities” is challenging social service agencies. Paramjeet Arneja and Elizabeth Bloomfield represented GSA at the University of Guelph Volunteer Fair in September. During 2003, Elizabeth Bloomfield has represented GSA and adult autism issues on the Guelph-Wellington Working Group on Autism Spectrum Disorders that includes staff of the various agencies that have any connection with ASD. She was asked to write a report about the current situation of adults with autism in Guelph-Wellington.

GSA also speaks up on issues and supports movements that enhance quality of life and self-determination for and by adults with autism and related disabilities. We were invited to contribute a display about Adult Autism to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s conference in September 2003, for which we produced the brochure Adults with Autism.  We are sharing our experience and documentation with other organizations and family groups who want to use housing trusts for residential support so individual adults may have homes of their own or incorporated aroha entities so adults may direct their own lives with understanding support by family members and friends.

Because of her work with GSA, OAARSN and our first active member, Elizabeth Bloomfield is often invited to speak on the various issues that are part of GSA’s mission. This year, she gave presentations at the national Autism and Fragile-X conference in Kingston and Ryerson University’s Institute of Disability Studies in July 2003. She has also addressed meetings of other local orgnaizations such as Families for a Secure Future (Wellington-Dufferin) and Planned Lifetime Networks (Waterloo-Wellington). 

We thank members and directors of GSA for their service in 2002-2003—notably Dave DeVidi (secretary), Amar Arneja  (recording secretary), John Verhart (treasurer), and Henk Ensing, Andrew Foster and Paramjeet Arneja who continue as directors. We greatly appreciate the service of Mary Johnston and Grace Swartz as Audit Committee for GSA’s accounts for each the past four years.

We express our deepest sympathy to the Naylor family of Guelph in the recent death of their son Josef (at the age of 22). Phil Naylor has been associated with the GSA Board as a director at large for the past three years.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT FOR 2000-2001

Guelph Services for the Autistic was incorporated in August 1980 by core members of the Wellington County Chapter of the provincial organization now known as Autism Society Ontario. The purpose was to obtain the legal standing and powers to operate services for teenagers and adults whose needs were not being met in our region. Until 1997, GSA did not operate financially: personal funds and volunteer efforts were used to sponsor workshops, surveys, service proposals and special meetings. GSA’s efforts led to a survey of adult autistic needs throughout Ontario, reported in Our Most Vulnerable Citizens: Report of the Adult Task Force of Autism Society Ontario (1991). GSA directors helped form Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services (WWAS) in 1990-91, with hopes of establishing joint residential and vocational support services for the whole region.

GSA redefined its focus in 1997-98 to become a housing trust and to support adults with autism and their families and friends as they move towards personalized planning and funding. Both of these are attempts to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, while making the best possible use of community resources. GSA can look after the financial administration and maintenance of homes for people who need such support but want to have a sense of pride and security by living in their own homes. GSA recognizes the rights of each focus person to make choices about their lives and the people with whom they will share their time and their homes. Each adult is supported by a cluster or network of family members, friends and professionals.

For the past four years, GSA’s efforts have been concentrated on making a success of its first house and organizing itself to extend its services to other vulnerable adults. GSA explained its new focus in a brochure in early 1999 and an article published in the University of Guelph news bulletin, At Guelph, in March 1999. We appreciate the co-operation and advice received from advocates and administrators in other regions. GSA’s first focus person and "active member" has lived in his own home for more than four years. With his parents, he has helped to prepare the house for occupancy by homesharers who will provide companionship and practical support in return for reduced living costs. GSA has been approached by other adults and/or their families who want various kinds of help with housing and residential support. 

GSA works with other organizations in seeking to understand and draw attention to the needs of adults on the autism spectrum and to effective ways of helping them to live with dignity and fulfilment in their home communities. GSA and WWAS have co-operated since mid-1998 in the quarterly newsletter Adult Autism Issues in Waterloo-Wellington (AAIWW). Information and communications about adult autism issues have been strengthened by the Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network website started in March 2000 (at URL: http://www.ont-autism.uoguelph.ca). GSA recognizes the contributions of Peter McCaskell and Elizabeth Bloomfield in creating and maintaining this valuable resource. GSA supports the efforts of the Individualized Funding Coalition, in which GSA Honorary Director, John Lord, has been so active. 

During 2001, GSA has made several other special efforts:

1. Two "Super Sensory" workshops led by Gail Gillingham Wylie of Edmonton in May to help caregivers and professionals understand the stress of overloaded sensory systems for autistic children and adults;
2. The current Focus on Microboards events facilitated by David and Fay Wetherow of British Columbia, to increase understanding and, we hope, adoption in Ontario of this alternative to traditional social services;
3. Planning for ASPIRE: Autism Support Project: Information, Resources, Empowerment which has two main parts: taking a survey of the present situations, abilities and needs of adults with autism; and modelling facilitation to inform and empower autistic individuals, with their families and friends, to plan and find resources for all the elements of a good life, including relationships with a personal support network, a home of one’s own, ways to make choices and contribute to the community, and a safe and secure future. 
       

Gerald Bloomfield, President November 2001
  

________________________________________________________________________________________ 

PResident’s report for 1999-2000

 Guelph Services for the Autistic was incorporated in August 1980 by core members of the Wellington County Chapter of the provincial organization now known as Autism Society Ontario. The purpose was to obtain the legal standing and powers to operate services for teenagers and adults whose needs were not being otherwise met in the region. Until 1997, GSA did not operate financially: personal funds and volunteer efforts were used to sponsor a series of workshops, surveys, service proposals and special meetings. GSA’s efforts led to a survey of adult autistic needs throughout the province, which was reported in Our Most Vulnerable Citizens: Report of the Adult Task Force of Autism Society Ontario (1991). GSA directors helped to form Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services (WWAS) in 1990-91 in hopes of establishing joint residential and vocational support services for the whole region.

 GSA redefined its focus in 1997-98 to become a housing trust and to support adults with autism and their families and friends as they move towards personalized planning and funding. Both of these are attempts to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, while making the best possible use of community resources. GSA can look after the financial administration and maintenance of homes for people who need such support but want to have a sense of pride and security by living in their own homes. GSA recognizes the rights of each focus person to make choices about their lives and the people with whom they will share their time and their homes. Each adult is supported by a cluster or network of family members, friends and professionals.

 For the past three years, GSA’s efforts have been concentrated on making a success of its first house and organizing itself to extend its services to other vulnerable adults. GSA explained its new focus in a leaflet printed early in 1999, and through an article published in the University of Guelph news bulletin, At Guelph, in late March 1999. We appreciate the co-operation and advice received from advocates and administrators in other regions during the past two formative years.

 GSA’s first focus person has lived in his own house for more than two years. With his parents, he has helped to prepare the house for occupancy by several homesharers who will provide companionship and practical support in return for reduced living costs. Homesharers are selected, trained and encouraged in their roles by a “house committee” drawn from the support cluster of friends who care about each focus person. GSA recognizes each house committee as a legal sub-committee of the corporation and makes legal contracts with each approved homesharer. GSA has been approached by other adults and/or their families who want various kinds of help with housing and residential support.

 GSA works with other organizations in seeking to understand and draw attention to the needs of people on the autism spectrum and to effective ways of helping them to live with dignity and fulfilment in their home communities. GSA and WWAS have co-operated since mid-1998 in the quarterly newsletter Adult Autism Issues in Waterloo-Wellington (AAIWW). Information and communications about adult autism issues have been strengthened by the Ontario Adult Autism Research and Support Network website started in March 2000 (at URL: http://www.ont-autism.uoguelph.ca). GSA recognizes the contributions of Peter McCaskell and Elizabeth Bloomfield in creating and maintaining this valuable resource. GSA supports the efforts of the Individualized Funding Coalition, in which GSA Board member, John Lord, has been so active.

 I thank members of the GSA Board for their service in 1999-2000. We recognize the generous contribution of Fred Dahms as a director for the past three years and wish him well in his retirement. Dave DeVidi (secretary), Henk Ensing, Andrew Foster and John Verhart (treasurer) continue their valuable service as directors. We greatly appreciate the service of Mary Johnston and Grace Swartz as Audit Committee for GSA’s accounts in 1999.

 Gerald Bloomfield

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PResident’s report for 1999

 
GSA was incorporated in August 1980 by core members of the Wellington County Chapter of the provincial organization now known as Autism Society Ontario. The purpose of incorporating as a non-profit charity was to obtain the legal standing and powers to operate services for teenagers and adults whose needs were not being otherwise met in the region. Until 1997, GSA did not operate financially, but used personal funds and volunteer efforts to act as a “ginger group” sponsoring a series of workshops, surveys, service proposals and special meetings. GSA’s innovative proposals received some attention. Its efforts in convening meetings of representatives from a larger area led to a survey of adult autistic needs across the province which was reported in Our Most Vulnerable Citizens: Report of the Adult Task Force of Autism Society Ontario (1991). GSA directors helped to form Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services in 1990-1 in the hopes of establishing joint residential and vocational support services for the whole region. GSA and WWAS now collaborate in producing the newsletter Adult Autism Issues in Waterloo-Wellington (AAIWW).

  GSA redefined its focus in 1997-98, its primary function being to serve as a housing trust for people with autism. GSA took on this role so that it can support adults with autism and their families and friends as they move towards person-centred planning and individualized funding. Both of these are attempts to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, while making the best possible use of community resources. GSA can look after the financial administration and maintenance of homes for people who need such support but want to have a sense of pride and security by living in their own homes. GSA recognizes the rights of each focus person to make choices about their lives and the people with whom they will share their time and their homes. Each adult is supported by a cluster of family members, friends, and professionals.

 GSA’s first focus person has lived in his own house for more than two years. With his parents, he has helped to prepare the house for occupancy by several homesharers who will provide companionship and practical support in return for reduced-cost accommodation. Homesharers are selected, trained and encouraged in their roles by a “house committee” drawn from the support cluster of friends who care about each focus person. GSA recognizes each house committee as a legal sub-committee of the corporation and makes legal contracts with each approved homesharer. GSA is now being approached by other adults who want various kinds of help with residential support.

 The GSA Board’s efforts for the past two years have been concentrated on making a success of GSA’s first house and organizing itself to extend its services to other vulnerable adults. GSA explained its new focus in a leaflet printed early in 1999, and through an article published in the University of Guelph news bulletin, At Guelph, in late March 1999.  We appreciate the co-operation and advice received from advocates and administrators in other regions during the past two formative years.

 We particularly thank our retiring Treasurer, Inge Ensing, a charter member and director of GSA, who has kept the organization’s finances in order for the past two years. We also thank the following officers and directors who are willing to serve GSA in 1999-2000:

 
PResident’s report for 1997-8

 
    Guelph Services for the Autistic (GSA) was incorporated in August 1980 by core members of the Wellington County Chapter of the provincial autism organization now known as Autism Society Ontario. The purpose of seeking incorporation as a non-profit charity was to acquire the legal standing and powers necessary to operate services for teenagers and adults with autism whose needs were not being otherwise met in the region. GSA’s founding and long-serving directors and officers have included Henk and Inge Ensing and Gerald and Elizabeth Bloomfield.

    Until 1997, GSA did not operate financially, but used personal funds and volunteer efforts to act as a “ginger group” sponsoring a series of workshops, surveys, service proposals and special meetings, especially through the 1980s. GSA’s innovative proposals received some attention. Its efforts in convening meetings of representatives from a larger area led to a survey of adult autistic needs across the province which was reported in Our Most Vulnerable Citizens: Report of the Adult Task Force of Autism Society Ontario (1991), with two insightful essays by Dr Susan Bryson. GSA directors actively co-operated in the formation of Waterloo-Wellington Autism Services in 1990-1, when it was perceived that Area Office staff of the Ministry of Community and Social Services might respond to unified advocacy efforts on behalf of adults with autism.

    GSA has redefined its focus in 1997-98 to include functioning as a housing trust that supports adults with autism spectrum disorder to live more fulfilling, happier and more productive lives in homes of their own. GSA will look after the financial administration and maintenance of homes for people who need such support but want to have a sense of pride and security by living in their own homes. GSA supports its adults, who are active members of the corporation, to make choices about their lives and with whom they will share their time and their homes. This new focus is associated with person-centred planning and individualized approaches to funding, in order to make the best possible use of natural social supports and community resources. 

    A feature of GSA’s first house, which was bought in 1997 and has been prepared for occupancy, is the provision of residential support services by homesharers who are carefully selected to provide emotional and practical care and companionship in return for reduced-cost accommodation. Homesharers are selected, trained and encouraged in their roles by a “house committee” drawn from the support cluster of friends who care about each focus person. GSA recognizes each house committee as a legal committee of the corporation and makes legal contracts with each approved homesharer.

 
Gerald Bloomfield, 17 November 1998