A Community-Based Program of the Autism Society of Delaware
For Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

"Treat people as if they were ought to be and you can help them to become what they are capable of becoming."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

POW&R Brochure (Printable PDF File)

     POW&R will use a support broker approach which is designed to assist people with autism spectrum disorders and their families to find and be successful at employment, volunteer activities and recreation. Using supports established through partnerships, we will assist you and your family to develop a customized plan and an individual budget that is based on your choices. Services that are aimed at supporting each individual's ability to live, learn, work, and play to their fullest potential. Services are provided wherever the person chooses to reside, socialize, recreate, or work.

   We see the world in a different way...

     Parents have been involved for more than three years to develop an alternative approach to services and supports.

     ASD Vision:  The Autism Society of Delaware envisions a world where all people live productive, fulfilling lives with dignity as integral members of their community.

     POW&R’s Mission: Our mission is to create networks that connect individuals to resources that support their choices of how they live, work, and play in the community.

    Guiding Principles

          Person-directed – The person with disabilities determines the nature and degree of support needed to lead a purposeful life.

          Promote independence – All services and supports directly result in each person’s achieving greater independence in areas of
          life important to him or her.

          Evolutionary across the life-span – Service and support networks recognize the changing nature of life and life events and the
          need for
service delivery to be responsive to these changes as the person matures (ages) and life goals change.

          Flexible – Supports will change across settings and circumstances.

          Accountability – Each individual and their family recognizes the need to be accountable to those around them, including the
          taxpayer, the circle of support, the community and the person.

          Proactive approach to networking.

          Strive for safety while supporting dignity of risk.

          Self-sustaining.

Services and Supports Offered

POW&R offers individualized vocational and recreational supports to adults funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. These include:

·         Vocational services, including assessment, placement, job development, job training, and follow along services

·         Supported employment

·         Self-Employment

·         Social and recreational opportunities

·         Volunteer experiences

·         Meaningful community activities

·         Family support

What is Different About POW&R?

     POW&R staff will work with the individual and family to develop a circle of support and create a plan.  The individual and family will also participate in choosing and supervising direct support staff.

     This approach will depend on a close working relationship with families, and their support in developing and implementing the plan as well as their support of the Autism Society of Delaware.

     For more information about POW&R, contact Katina Demetriou; email: katina.demetriou@delautism.org, phone: (302) 824-2252 (cell) or (302) 472-2638 (office).

Autism Society of Delaware
5572 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19808
(302) 472-2638
(302) 472-2640 (fax)

POW&R Advisory Council

Karen Bashkow, Parent
Peggy Lashbrook, Statewide Coordinator of  the Deaf Blind Program
Patti Scott, Neighbors, Inc.
Dr. George Tilson, TransCen
Dr. Gary Allison, University of Delaware
Dave Raymond, Heartwood Corporation
Dr. Peter Gerhardt, OAR
Michael Chapman, Chesapeake Management Consulting
Dominic Squittere, Delaware Autism Program
Dr. Susan Peterson, Delaware Autism Program

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