The NIU Autism Caregiver Group welcomed caregivers and children to the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic on March 24 where Jessica Wexell and Autumn Gabriel, of DeKalb-based RAMP Center for Independent Living (CIL), were the guest speakers. 
“I really appreciated the engaging conversation between the caregivers and the RAMP representatives,” said Allison Gladfelter, associate professor of Speech-Language Pathology and leader of NIU’s Autism Caregiver Group. “The RAMP presenters shared a lot of information, and the families had a lot of great questions.”
RAMP is a nonprofit, non-residential center for independent living that offers services to any individual with a disability in Boone, DeKalb, Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. RAMP emulates the independent living philosophy with a mission to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.
“I immediately heard back from families that they couldn’t believe all of the helpful information the RAMP presenters had to share,” Gladfelter said. “RAMP is such a wonderful resource in our community, so I am thrilled that the Autism Caregiver Group could share our monthly meeting platform as a way to connect our families with RAMP’s services.”
NIU student volunteers led the children in an engaging spring craft while their parents listened to the guest speakers. Sophomore Adriana Dinello, who is majoring in communicative disorders, said she is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Autism Caregiver Group.
“Not only is it a great way for families to learn more from community professionals, but it is also an amazing gift for NIU students to be able to spend time with the children who are able to attend,” Dinello said. “Every child I have had the chance to interact with has been so wonderfully unique and each child is remarkable in their own way. I have never left an event without a smile on my face!”
Learn more about the NIU Autism Caregiver Group and their upcoming events.
Want to support NIU Autism Caregiver Group? Consider donating so they can increase the services they offer to the community. Go to We Care to learn more.
