On November 28th, a group of our staff represented Behavioral Concepts (BCI) and attended the Annual Integration Initiative Legends Ball at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham, MA. The Ball is held every year to help fund the Hockomock YMCA’s Integration Initiative which creates inclusion opportunities for children with disabilities. This year’s ball featured over 500 attendee’s including members and their families, YMCA staff, and community sponsors.
“The Integration Initiative embraces, welcomes, and supports people with disabilities through a variety of programming at all four Hockomock Area YMCA locations. BCI provides services at the Hockomock YMCA locations to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, enabling them to access and make the most out of the YMCA’s fitness, health, and community programs.”
BCI became involved with The Integration Initiative four years ago as a result of a survey the YMCA conducted where many families were identified that were affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The BCI-YMCA partnership offers members affected by autism Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services in the home as well as the YMCA locations. “ABA therapies are one-to-one and teach social, communication, and group participation skills in community settings. The real-world experiences help children with autism learn how to live in and participate in community settings. BCI also facilitates the social skills groups and programs designed for children diagnosed with autism that are presented by the Hockomock YMCA locations.”
This year’s event featured legend athletes including Joe Andruzzi, Nate Ebner, Steve Grogan, and the evening’s Honoree, two-time super bowl champion, Matthew Slater. “This night is a special night for a lot of reasons,” Slater said. “Knowing what the integration Initiative does for these kids—it’s amazing to be a part of. We have to understand that everyone’s story has value to it.” He said. “These kids have faced so much aversion, and it’s a blessing to be able to be around them.” BCI’s very own clients walked along side the athletes as they made their way into the room. It was touching for all in attendance, both family members, staff and sponsors. It truly is a special gift when you can make the difference in the life of a child. Several BCI clients were honored throughout the night and praised for their success. BCI is proud to partner with the Integration Initiative help children with autism discover more, learn more, and be more.
For questions about programs offered by BCI, please visit www.bciaba.org or call 508-363-0200.
Sources:
“YMCA Integration Initiative.” Behavioral Concepts, BCI, 2017, bciaba.com/who-we-are/community-partnerships/ymca-integration-initiative/.
“Hockomock Area YMCA’s.” Behavioral Concepts, BCI, 2017, bciaba.com/how-we-can-help/home-community/hockomock-area-ymcas/.
Martinamartin@thesunchronicle.com, Audrey. “Hockomock Legends Ball Honors Patriot’s Player Matthew Slater.” The Sun Chronicle, 29 Nov. 2017, www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/hockomock-legends-ball-honors-patriot-s-player-matthew-slater/article_0ed99fde-9a74-5495-ae29-113d63af4643.html.
