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 At its March Annual Convention, the Maryland Speech-Language-Hearing Association presented its inaugural 2009 Caregiver Advocacy Award to Wil and Roxanne Gehnes. Well-known regional advocates on behalf of autistic children and, most importantly, the knowledgable parents of two austistic kids, the Gehnes's provide hope to parents of autistic kids through their programs with Parents of Autistic Children of Central Maryland (POAC).
MSHA has a long tradition of recognizing Members for volunteerism through annual awards presented each year at its Annual Convention. This year was the first for the Caregiver Award, in recognition of the tremendous effort put forth everyday by families and caregivers in the Maryland community, as well as their importance in effective treatment of disorders. Convention Chair Kelley Shaw had much to say about the contributions of Wil and Roxanne Gehnes to the Maryland Community: Wil and Roxanne are the proud parents of two very special children who happen to be on the autism spectrum. Since learning of each child's diagnosis, Wil and Roxanne have worked diligently to improve the lives of their children. Having been their neighbor, therapist, and friend, I have witnessed their determination not only to make sure that their own children receive the best services possible, but also their commitment to promote awareness of autism spectrum disorders and best practices for treatment. Beginning in 2006, Wil helped establish a chapter of Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) of Central Maryland, whose mission is to ensure that local education agencies provide teaching procedures based on research and to provide education and training to parents, educators, and other professionals regarding these interventions, specifically Verbal Behavior. POAC has worked on a national level to recommend priorities in autism research to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee of the NIH. They have also worked regionally to advocate to Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) to protect and expand the use of ABA in homes as part of early intervention. In response, BCPS has issued a written policy that includes the use of ABA in early intervention practices. Wil and Roxanne should be commended for their intense devotion to the field of autism and dedication to making sure that professionals are trained in research-based techniques. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to know and work with them each week. They have gone above and beyond their call of duty as parents, and are completely deserving of this award.
For more information about Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) of Central Maryland, please visit www.poacofcentralmd.org.To nominate a caregiver or parent for the 2010 award, please contact MSHA. |
