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County celebrates new autism facility Stafford County dedicates Day School and Transition Center Date published: 11/10/2009
BY JEFF BRANSCOME
The Stafford County school system recently honored the namesake of the Heather Empfield Day School and Transition Center. Empfield, who was an autism coordinator for the school division, died in May. Deputy Superintendent Andre Nougaret called her the "champion and visionary" of the new school during a dedication on Thursday. "I couldn't hold her down," Chief Facilities Officer Scott Horan said of Empfield at the dedication. "She really wanted everything under the sun for this school and rightfully so." The day school opened in a renovated wing at Drew Middle School in September and currently serves 12 students with autism and other disabilities. Most of the students previously attended private school because Stafford couldn't meet their needs. "We didn't have anything this individualized," said Sue Clark, the school system's director of special programs. The division worked with the county's Department of Human Services to establish the facility. "We're celebrating a great partnership tonight," County Administrator Anthony Romanello said at the dedication. The day school has two teachers, seven behavioral support assistants and a part-time occupational therapist, among other employees. It also has a padded quiet room and what's called a "sensory room," which offers comforting physical activities for students with autism. Teacher Terrie Levasseur oversees four students, ages 17 to 19, in the transition center. They learn about small engine maintenance, carpentry and bicycle repair in a shop near the school. "They're the ones that need the support, the structure of being in a small environment," Lavasseur said. "This is the best place for these guys to be." The day school has two classrooms for students with autism. One room is for those old enough to attend high school and the other is for younger pupils. "The goal is that they can go back to their community schools and finish their education," said Barbara Platt, supervisor of special education. Also at the dedication, Superintendent David Sawyer announced the creation of the Heather M. Empfield scholarship in autism. It will fund professional-development opportunities for employees who work with students with autism. People who want to contribute to the scholarship fund should make checks payable to Stafford County Public Schools and indicate the gift is for the Heather Empfield Scholarship. Donations should be mailed to the Office of Resource Development, 31 Stafford Avenue, Stafford, Va. 22554. Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
It's about time, but please keep in mind that management of this unforgiving health care condition affects not only those who are most affected, but their families, and designated care givers.
The health care communities can open more facilities to address AUTISM but the facility can be no better than its component parts. We need to educate ALL and assist those held captive by this health care condition, with the bigger picture. No more stats, no more excuses. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
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