Op

The Op Foundation : 

The Op Foundation Optimizing the Potential of Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities

The Op Foundation : 

Paul A. Walker, M.D. President and Co-Founder Joy K. Walker, PharmD Executive Director and Co-Founder Jessica L. Bost Executive Administrative Assistant The Op Foundation

The Op Foundation : 

ENT Practice Source of speech delay Parents seeking advice Physician’s trained response The Search for Treatment Options Evidence-based Solutions The Op Foundation

The Op Foundation : 

Dr. Vincent Carbone, BCBA Workshop #1 - Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities “Technology exists but the workers are few” The Op Foundation

The Op Foundation : 

Team Effort Obedience to our Calling “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” The Op Foundation

Developmental Delays and Disabilities : 

Developmental Delays and Disabilities Five Areas of Development: Cognitive Social and Emotional Speech and Language Fine Motor Skill Gross Motor Skill Developmental Delay1 An ongoing, major delay in the process of development Child does not meet developmental milestones during predictable time frame Developmental Milestones – Building blocks for development Babbling, Pointing, Reciprocity, etc. 1www.med.umich.edu

Developmental Delays and Disabilities : 

Developmental Delays and Disabilities Developmental Disabilities: Mental Retardation Visual Impairment Hearing Loss Cerebral Palsy Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Developmental Disability2 Severe chronic condition Due to mental and/or physical impairments Problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living Begins anytime during development up to 22 years of age Lasts throughout a person’s lifetime 2www.cdc.gov

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) : 

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorders: Autistic Disorder Asperger Syndrome Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Rett Syndrome Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS) 3www.firstsigns.org Signs can be subtle or obvious No known biological marker or medical test to help diagnose Cause unknown Complex neurological spectrum of disorders Begins very early in development Siblings of affected children are at greater risk No cure Studies suggest that children can reach cognitive potential with early intervention

Slide 9: 

“If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor.” -Albert Einstein

Increasing Prevalence of ASD5 : 

Increasing Prevalence of ASD5 5www.cdc.gov

Escalation of ASD in Northwest GA : 

Escalation of ASD in Northwest GA

Total Prevalence of ASD in NWGA : 

Total Prevalence of ASD in NWGA

ASD vs. Other Childhood Disorders4 : 

ASD vs. Other Childhood Disorders4 Cancer = 1.5:10,000 Down Syndrome = 1:800 Juvenile Diabetes = 1:400-500 ASD = 1:150 4www.cdc.gov

Lifetime Expenses of Developmental Disabilities : 

Lifetime Expenses of Developmental Disabilities

More Than Just Statistics : 

More Than Just Statistics 1994 to 2006 Number of 6 to17-yr-olds with an ASD receiving special education increased from 22,864 to 211,610

Community Impact : 

Community Impact Equal Opportunity Disorder Retention and Recruitment of Employees (Professionals) Financial Burden

Slide 17: 

“Desperate times do not require desperate measures. They require thoughtful deliberation on basic principles that can ultimately lead to low risk, high benefit solutions.”

Our Mission Statement : 

The Op Foundation exists to optimize the potential of children by serving as a resource and facilitating the education and collaboration of families, health providers and educators caring for children with developmental delays and disabilities Our Mission Statement

The Op Foundation Arms : 

The Op Foundation Arms

Slide 20: 

Awareness Partnerships Centers for Disease Control Campaign “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” American Academy of Pediatrics Awareness 2008 Initial Presentation to Pediatricians and Berry Administration Dessert Parties Civic groups and churches

Slide 21: 

Continuing Education Dr. Vincent Carbone, BCBA Workshop #1 – Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities October 22-24, 2008 Berry College Science Center Auditorium Target Audience: Health Professionals, Educators and Families of Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities Goals: Kickoff event for series of nationally renowned speakers Provide scholarships for educators and health professionals to attend workshops

Slide 22: 

Collaboration AAP ASHA Babies Can’t Wait Berry College CDC Community Foundation of Chattanooga Coosa Valley Tech Easter Seals Georgia Governor’s Council Sara Hightower Regional Library System Vanderbilt University/Bill Wilkerson Winshape Foundation Winston’s Wish Foundation Area Churches Area School Systems

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Collaboration American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)/ Center for Disease Control (CDC) Berry College – Host for Continuing Education Symposiums Community Foundation of Chattanooga Georgia Governor’s Council Vanderbilt University Medical Center Early Intervention BillWilkerson Sara Hightower Regional Library System Summer Day Camps Progress Report

Slide 24: 

Health Professional Educator Family Child Advocacy Advocacy “OPTIMIZE YOUR POTENTIAL”

Slide 25: 

Advocacy www.theopfoundation.com

The Op Foundation : 

The Op Foundation 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization Tax-deductible contributions Financial Advisory Board Mike Crego VP of Investments, Wachovia Securities Braden Burns, MBA VP, Northside Bank

2008 Volunteer Opportunities : 

2008 Volunteer Opportunities Administrative Assistance Carbone Conference Planning and Logistics "Date Night" Initiative (childcare for families with special needs children) Prayer for families with special needs Standing Committee Involvement Fundraising Grant Writing Publicity Library Liaison position Project Toy Box Committee

WAYS TO HELP : 

PRAY SPREAD THE WORD USE YOUR GIFTS Volunteer your time Give in-kind and monetary donations WAYS TO HELP

Slide 29: 

Our ability to meet the needs of our community is limited only by our collective vision and generosity.

Special thanks to… : 

Special thanks to… All of our volunteers who have helped to make this possible! Look, Sound & Feel Josh Moore Steven Tebo Bella Luna Lou Ella Hobgood Berry College Administration Boaz Printing Elizabeth Stewart Starbucks Honeymoon Bakery Boy Scouts of USA Shorter College Zeta Sorority The Season Holly D. Lynch