June 12, 2008
First Of Its Kind Mobile Autism Family Clinic Community Unveiling At University Of Miami
Unveiling Event on Thursday June 19th, 2008, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the University of Miami BankUnited Center.
Coral Gables, FL (June 12, 2008) - The University of Miami – Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD), a South Florida non-profit organization committed to providing free family support, outreach, and educational support services to children and adults of all levels of intellectual functioning who have autism and autistic-like disabilities, will unveil the first of its kind Mobile Autism Family Clinic to the community on Thursday, June 19th, 2008 at the University of Miami BankUnited Center at 5:30pm. Attending the Mobile Family Clinic Unveiling is Florida State Surgeon General Ana Viamonte Ros as well as several other Miami-Dade County Representatives and Senators. UM-NSU CARD was recently awarded a $56,000. grant from the Unicorn Foundation to assist in the operation and outreach efforts of the Mobile Family Clinic, there will be a check presentation at 6:20 p.m., just prior to the ribbon cutting.
NOTE: MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO TOUR THE MOBILE CLINIC PRIOR TO THE UNVEILING. CONTACT NATALEE GEORGE AT (305) 284-5901 TO SCHEDULE.
The Mobile Autism Family Clinic will travel throughout South Florida in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties providing screenings, resources, and autism awareness to our community. The UM-NSU CARD Mobile Autism Family Clinic will allow families who may not be able to travel to a CARD center the ability to meet with CARD staff in their local communities.
The UM-NSU CARD Mobile Family Clinic is a 23 foot bus that is customized with a therapy / evaluation room in the back and a waiting room and work station in the front. The therapy / evaluation room is outfitted with video cameras which connect to recording equipment and a monitor in the waiting area. This will allow for effective interactive training opportunities for families.
UM-NSU CARD’s Executive Director, Dr. Michael Alessandri, stated “Research has found that early identification and intervention are vital to improving the developmental outcomes of children with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. The UM-NSU CARD Mobile Autism Family Clinic’s therapy room has sufficient space and is equipped with materials that will allow the clinician to evaluate the child in a variety of social, communication and behavioral contexts. We are proud to make this free service available to the South Florida community.”
Diane Adreon, Associate Director UM-NSU CARD, states, “Autism is now diagnosed in 1 of every 150 children. Having the ability to go into the community will allow us to reach more patients and families in need”
The Autism Mobile Family Clinic was funded by money raised at UM-NSU CARD’s Tropical Nights fundraising gala and through individual donors. Mobile Family Clinic sponsorship opportunities are available to individuals and corporations interested in helping maintain the clinic.
The wine to be enjoyed throughout the evening was generously donated by Cavia Reserve.
For more information on sponsorship or to schedule the UM-NSU CARD Mobile Autism Family Clinic to visit your school, health fair or awareness event, please contact Natalee George, Special Projects Coordinator UM-NSU CARD at 305-284-5901 or visit www.umcard.org
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The UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities is housed in the University of Miami Department of Psychology and Nova Southeastern University Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and related disabilities including deaf-blindness and pervasive developmental disorders.
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The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world.
www.miami.edu
Contact at UM-NSU CARD:
Natalee George
(305)284-5901or (305)984-1514
ngeorge@psy.miami.edu
Media Relations Contact:
Marie Guma-Diaz
(305) 284-5500
m.gumadiaz@umiami.edu
