April

Please spread the word and join us for a showing of the Wretches & Jabberers documentary !

Saturday April 2, 2011 at noon

At the AMC Neshaminy Theatre in Philadelphia

This April, the Autism Society and AMC Theatres have teamed up to bring the new film Wretches & Jabberers to 40 cities in a special limited release. Wretches & Jabberers is a ground-breaking documentary about two men with autism who embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability, intelligence and communication. The film's stars, self-advocates Tracy Thresher, 42 and Larry Bissonnette, 52, have limited speech and type to communicate. Growing up, people presumed they had intellectual disabilities and they were excluded from typical schooling. They faced lives of social isolation in institutions or adult disability centers. When, as adults, they learned to communicate by typing, it dramatically changed their lives.

We are spreading the word about this film because it highlights the real lives of adults living with autism. Today, many individuals with developmental disabilities are facing a crisis. For example, Tracy is homeless and sleeps in a different place each night. Projected government budget cuts mean the already scarce services and supports provided by Medicaid are even more vulnerable. On the other hand, the film portrays the potential of people with autism as Tracy and Larry show audiences around the world that they are "the perfect example of intelligence working out itself in a much different way."

This exceptional film is making one stop in a theater near you in April. This is a huge opportunity to raise awareness about the issues faced by adults with autism and other disabilities today. We appreciate AMC Theatres for providing this very rare opportunity for an independent documentary to have such a long run in large mainstream movie theaters. AMC is generously donating 10% of ticket sales to the Autism Society to commemorate Autism Awareness Month. Please click here to buy presale tickets: www.amctheatres.com/wretchesandjabberers

Our goal is to show our dedication and pride, fill theaters, increase awareness and support Tracy and Larry's efforts by sharing their story with the world. This film has the power to make people pay attention to the critical issues faced by others like Tracy and Larry, and to acknowledge that everyone deserves respect and that we should always "presume competence," which is evident if we just stop and listen.

We hope you are able to attend one of the showings. Please also help us spread the word by sharing this information with all of your e-mail lists, friends, families and colleagues, and encourage them to go see Wretches and Jabberers at a theater near them this April. The listing of theater locations and dates follows. You can watch the movie trailer or find more information at the Wretches and Jabberers website http://www.wretchesandjabberers.org and don’t forget, you can pre-order tickets here www.amctheatres.com/wretchesandjabberers Working together, we can change lives!

Variety's Autism Awareness Day at Sesame Place

Date: Friday April 22, 2011

Time: 10:00am-4:00pm

Where: Sesame Place, Langhorne PA

Variety's most popular event is back again! Children with autism and their families are invited to attend an exclusive day at this one-of-a-kind park!

Registration for this event will be available on our website in: www.varietyphila.org

Or call/email our office to request a paper form (215) 735-0803 autism@varietyphila.org

Silent Auction Pictures

The pictures from this years Silent Auction have been posted! Click here to view all the spectacular moments of the night!

New Faces Around Ivy Hill

Welcome New Instructors:

Rachael Rufe: Rachael has been teaching at Ivy Hill Since February 2011. Rachael is an Occupational Therapist. Rachel Came to Ivy Hill interested in volunteering with Special Olympics. Rachael has owned horses and ridden since a young age. She has volunteered at other programs through college. We are excited to have Rachael come on board with us teaching lessons.

Amanda Hedrick: Amanda has been teaching at Ivy Hill Since January 2011. Amanda has prior experience as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor and has taught lessons and summer camp in Maryland. Amanda attends Deleware Valley College. Amanda is a NARHA Registered Instructor.

The Autism Society of America, Greater Philadelphia Chapter: Autism Awareness Day at the Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

Date: Sunday April 17, 2011

Time: Gates open at 9:30am

Where: Philadelphia Zoo

Entertainment begins at 11am at the Peacock Pavilion. There will be a Resource Fair, Autism merchandise, Crafts, Face Painting and much more!

To be involved in the resource fair as an exhibitor or for questions concerning the event, Contact Anna at
AutismZooDay@verizon.net

For more information visit our website at www.asaphilly.org

Autism Awareness Night at the Phillies

Date: Friday April 15, 2011

Time: 7:00pm

Where: Citizen's Bank Park

Tickets or information please contact Gennie Devlin at earzal@aol.com