Fundraising (Donations Gifts- Wills -Sponsorship)

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1 Fundraising (Donations Gifts- Wills -Sponsorship) Active since 2004, granted «charitable status» on January 6, 2009 in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. What really matters is not to live like others but to be amongst them D Tammet, from Born on a Blue Day

2 Association Objectif Vaincre l Autisme Objective Maximize the potential of each child with autism by providing behavioural education programs based on scientifically validated principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis, ABA. Provide training to professionals : OVA provides on-going training for ABA professionals so that they can become efficient professionals, servicing families and children with autism & PDD. Family support : OVA supports families by providing information and strategies on efficient interventions for children with autism. OVA, also helps families facing financial difficulties in order to facilitate their access to ABA interventions. Organising intervention for children with autism : OVA has accredited and well trained professionals who supervise teams working in 1:1 sessions with the child, using a tailor made curriculum. Defeat What was first viewed as a tragic disability can be changed into an appreciation of what makes these children different, this is what we mean by defeat. Autism Autism is a neurobiological disorder that disrupts the way the brain processes information. Children with autism cannot learn in the same way as typically developing children. Children with autism cannot interact in typical ways with people, events, and objects in the environment. Setting up an early intensive intervention will enable the child to acquire the communication and living skills necessary for a more independent and brighter future. This is why OVA was created. 2

3 Message from the President Dear Madam/Sir, THANK YOU for taking some time to consider our cause and to assess the value that your help can add. Association Objectif Vaincre l Autisme (OVA) strives to provide an efficient intensive intervention to children with autism. Unfortunately, we are lacking sufficient means to reach all of our targeted objectives. This is the reason why we need your financial support. OVA is operational thanks to donations and charity events organised by volunteers. Parents, who are sometimes struggling financially, cover only 70% of the salaries of our staff (psychologists/educators) based at our center. Everything else, such as training, workshops, financial support to families and functioning costs; all have to be paid by the organisation. Our organisation, OVA, was granted charitable status on January 6, 2009 in both the Geneva and Vaud Cantons. This validates the solutions that we can offer, and demonstrates that an efficient intervention to children with autism is possible with ABA, Applied Behaviour Analysis. Almost half of the children with autism can go back to main stream schools. For others, ABA will provide a better quality of life and a higher degree of autonomy, much higher than that which is available elsewhere. Special need education facilities are scarce, there is no evaluation of the other alternative interventions being used; staff lack specialised training, there is limited or no training in behaviour management, with the sole alternative being drugs or integration in a psychiatric hospital Sadly, this is the reality of the situation today which generates a cost to society of approximately CHF per year per person. Faced with such an alarming situation, families and professionals joined together over the last 8 years, to provide help to parents facing the numerous challenges presented by the struggle of day to day life with a child with autism. Thanking you for your support. Bénédicte L. Eissa 3

4 What is Autism and the current situation According to the DSM-IV-TR, Autism falls under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Pervasive Developmental Disorders are characterized by severe pervasive impairment in several areas of development: reciprocal social interaction skills, communication skills, and the presence of stereotyped behaviour, interests, and/or activities. Children with autism show difficulties in the 3 following areas : 1. Social interactions : Difficulties with social nonverbal behaviour (face expressions, visual contact, etc.) Difficulties in relations with their peers Lack of spontaneity / sharing No sharing of emotions with others or social interaction 2. Communication : Delay or absence of language or communication Absence of communication and conversation with others Self-stimulatory or repetitive language No social imitation or pretend play 3. Restrictive, repetitive and self-stimulatory behaviours : Limited interests Rituals Self-stimulatory and repetitive movements American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4 th edition, Text Revision (DSM- IV-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing. In Switzerland, families of children with autism (currently 1 in 100 births as reported by Autisme Europe) are facing the following difficulties : Substantial delay in obtaining a diagnosis Lack of staff and specialised training in autism Lack of integration programs in regular schools Lack of specialised centers with intensive education intervention Families of children with autism struggle in many areas Human rights of individuals with autism are not respected Inadequate placement : a majority of individuals affected by autism end up in a psychiatric hospital that is not suitable for them 4

5 An efficient intervention : ABA / VB Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a science whose principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior (Cooper, Heron & Heward, 2007). This is achieved by : Dividing complex tasks into several small and easy steps that enable a personalized and intensive teaching. Identifying reinforcers (rewards) in order to create an enjoyable teaching environment and motivate the child to learn. Individualized and adapted programming according to the capacity of the learner. Increase success by providing sufficient help and support to the learner so they are successful when accomplishing difficult tasks. Provide multiple opportunities to practice and learn in order to facilitate the acquisition of skills. Ongoing systematic data collection and evaluation for measurement of progress and effective teaching. Parental involvement is highly recommended for skills to be generalized and to increase the positive impact of these skills on both the child and the family. Targeting the increase of socially appropriate behaviours. Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied behavior analysis (2 nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/ Prentice-Hall. Verbal Behaviour (VB) applies the principles of ABA to communication. In 1957, Skinner demonstrated that language could be taught as a function of various environmental variables, exactly as any other behaviour, for example walking. He specified different functional language units or verbal operants such as requesting (mand), labeling (tact), and conversing (intraverbal). For example, a child can say the word ice cream when he wants ice cream, because he sees a picture of ice cream in a book, or if a friend asks him for his favourite dessert. This analysis of the different verbal operants provides a better understanding of language and can be used to set up individualized teaching programs for our learners. * Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. 5

6 Our Organisation President Swiss Committee and Founding Members BCBA Supervisors ABA/BCBA Consultants Director of the Center External Consultants BCBA/BCaBA Leads ABA Instructors University Interns Volunteers 6

7 Advantages of our center ABA / VB Our center is open full time (35 hrs/week) and services children between 2 to 16 years old who reside in various Cantons in Switzerland. The teaching procedures used at the center are based on basic principles of behaviour analysis. Advantages for the children To benefit from an intensive and invidiualised program : The learner is followed by an educational team of 3 to 4 instructors who are overseen by the center s BCBA certified supervisors. The instructor s rotate throughout the day for teaching skills in various domains according to the capacities of the learner. Therefore the ratio is 1 instructor per each learner. To have a continuous and coherent coverage : The center s educational teams have daily opportunities to discuss each learner s programs and adjust according to the feedback of the supervisor. These opportunities are possible as a result of the presence of full time staff at the center. Regular communication with the family allows optimal coherence for the well-being and development of each learner. To improve the quality of life of a person affected by autism : Targeting objectives in various skills according to the individual s potential and using teaching procedures based on basic principles of behaviour analysis; using teaching principles scientifically proven effective. This favors a better quality of life in the future; the skills acquired allowing the individual to become functionally independent. They then have the opportunity to integrate into homes and placements adapted to their individual needs, avoiding an unsuitable placement in a psychiatric hospital. To have access to adapted educative materials : To be able to use educative material adapted to individual needs which is often too expensive for the parents. To reintegrate into less structured teaching environments: For certain learners, integration into a general education environment or a teaching environment less structured (thinned student/ teacher ratio) while capable of continued learning. Advantages for the staff/professionals Ongoing training, practical/theoretical and constant supervision of the staff is assured by the ABA/ BCBA psychologists. They work in an environment tailored to optimize the efficacy of ABA intervention. Access to various resources : Possibility to consult and research literature and scientific articles on various themes in behaviour analysis and autism. Information on specified topics often are published abroad specifically in English but nevertheless are indispensable to the theoretical training of the center s staff. Advantages for parents A resource center : To be able to exchange ideas and concerns with supervisors and educational team. Receive advice and feedback to accompany their child using the best possible conditions in everyday life. Discuss difficulties and work together to find solutions. Parents also have the possibility of enrolling in a course which allows them to learn to manage everyday life with their child by using the principles of behaviour analysis. To generalise acquired skills from the center to home : To see the progress made by their child generalised to its natural environment. For example, self-help skills can be first taught at OVA and then at home using the same teaching procedures to optimize progress. 7

8 Donations, Gifts, Wills and Life Insurance In order to develop and diversify its resources, our organisation is looking for the public s generosity. Here are a couple of possibilities and advantages for our donors. Simple donations : Manuals A manual donation can be done without the need of a notarial act; it can be facilitated by a bank transfer. The donation can be of varying natures: cash, cheque, furniture, etc. Individuals who make a donation or bank transfer to our organisation can benefit from a tax deduction. To this effect, our organisation can provide you with a receipt of donation for a tax rebate. Donations through a will A donation through a will is a donation free of charge; the donation is done during the lifetime of the donor; it can be done through an authentic act (at the notary s office). The donation can also be done through a simple letter of wishes (written will). Since we were granted charitable status, our organisation receives donations with full exoneration of inheritance rights. Therefore 100% of what you have given is dedicated to our activities. All you need to do is mention it in your will. Your wishes will only be executed during the inheritance procedure. Making a donation through a will is a way to transmit wealth and to create a heritage in keeping with a valued cause. Life insurance When granting OVA as primary beneficiary of your life insurance plan, the amount subscribed and the capitalised interests will be transferred to us after death. This does not prevent you from being able to use your savings at any time when needed. You can then stipulate that OVA is the primary beneficiary of a new life insurance contract. Alternatively, you can designate OVA as beneficiary of one of your existing life insurance policies. This is a way to enhance your generosity and enables OVA to benefit from funds that will have increased in value since the creation of the policy. Should you need, seek advice from your notary to help you to find the right solution for you. When you have decided to make a donation to OVA through a simple donation, a will or life insurance, you are participating in the building of a better outcome for our children and acknowledge the need for awareness of autism in our society. To develop and diversify its resources, our organisation appeals to the public generosity. 8

9 How to help? Our needs With your regular and/or one-time donations, you are supporting our needs : Financial support for families with the costs of ABA intervention and training Financing of ABA trainings for our instructors and psychologists Purchases of adapted educative material for each learner s needs Purchases of material for the daily necessities of the centre Renovation and building maintenance With your simple donation, or a donation through a will or through life insurance, you can support our developing projects : Expanding the facilities of our center Development of ABA specialised training at the center Financing of a Swiss research study in ABA With your generosity, you give children with autism and their families a better future. You are also supporting the specialised training in a growing field of research: autism. Finally it is a way to be compassionate and to fight discrimination Donate a little bit of your time : Volunteer at our center or during charity events/conferences/workshops Help with fundraising towards companies, foundations, etc. Networking to make our ideas progress and our needs be met By joining us, you will help directly on the ground and participate in the realization of numerous actions. Volunteering establishes a reciprocal engagement. (info@ovassociation.com) 9

10 Banking information and online payment Banque Cantonale de Genève Swiss francs Account number : T Clearing number : 788 IBAN : CH T SWIFT : BCGECHGGXXX Beneficiary : Association Objectif Vaincre l Autisme Euros Account number : H Clearing number : 788 IBAN : CH H SWIFT : BCGECHGGXXX Beneficiary : Association Objectif Vaincre l Autisme With PAYPAL via our website Our code of ethics is based on the principles of transparency, rigor and management verified by an external organization. These principles are absolutely required by our donors and partners. Association Objectif Vaincre l Autisme allocates funds according to the wishes of the donors. Our values are based on integrity, solidarity and professionalism. 10

11 Testimonials Témoignage de Natacha Koutchoumov, maman d un enfant pris en charge au centre OVA «Un diagnostic d autisme pour son enfant c est toujours un moment très douloureux. Les avis sont contradictoires sur comment prendre en charge ce handicap. Il faut réagir et vite, car plus l intervention est précoce et intensive plus l enfant à des chances de progresser dans la mesure de ses capacités. Le centre OVA de Gland est le seul centre de Suisse romande à pratiquer une intervention intensive en «one to one» (un enfant un éducateur). Mon fils y est heureux et progresse. Je remercie chaque jour d avoir eu la chance d avoir une place pour mon fils de 5 ans. L équipe est passionnée, et l enfant est encadré par un personnel qui connaît l autisme et ses spécificités. J ai l esprit tranquille, et je suis aussi encadrée en tant que parent par des formations régulières en ABA qui m aident à comprendre la différence de mon fils. Les parents font partie intégrante de la prise en charge, c est une vraie collaboration. A ceux qui disent que l ABA est du dressage, je réponds de venir voir le sourire de nos enfants pris en charge chez OVA. Motiver un enfant pour le rendre autonome, du dressage? J appelle cela des clefs pour progresser et vivre le plus dignement possible» Témoignage de Gersende et Francis Perrin, dont le fils, Louis est atteint d autisme et qui, grâce au traitement ABA, est devenu un petit garçon presque comme les autres. Extraits choisis de «Louis, Pas à Pas» Editions JC Lattès 2012 «Gersende et moi nous nous sommes parfaitement passés de tous ceux qui ont préféré prendre la tangente et nous laisser «assumer» l autisme de Louis. Notre seul but a toujours été que Louis s en sorte. Non pas de l autisme, on sait bien qu il ne pourra jamais s en débarrasser nous voulons simplement qu il sorte de cet enfermement, de cet envahissement incompréhensible C est grâce au travail quotidien, à l investissement sans relâche, à l apprentissage permanent que nous sommes arrivés à ce que Louis progresse et s épanouisse. Oui le traitement ABA* c est de la stimulation et de l éducation. Et alors? Eduquer cela vient du latin, ex-ducere qui signifie : guider, conduire, inciter, encourager : rien que des termes positifs. J avais rêvé de moments privilégiés avec Louis et ils sont devenus réalités. Donner un espoir, si ténu soit-il et qui ne relève pas uniquement de l utopie, est plus salutaire que de toujours «négativer», critiquer, salir. Il ne s agit pas de croire en l ABA mais de savoir le pratiquer de la bonne manière. C est à la fois mêler la foi en la science et la foi en l être humain dans son éternel combat d espérance NE ME PARLEZ QUE DE CE QUI EST GRAND! Louis me parle, Louis me regarde au fond des yeux, Louis me sourit, Louis m embrasse, Louis se blottit dans mes bras, Louis éclate de rire, Louis pleure, que ce soit d émotion quand un évènement le touche, ou de douleur quand il est malade, Louis vit, Louis existe» 11

12 For all additional information : Association Objectif Vaincre l Autisme Avenue du Mont Blanc CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Tel info@ovassociation.com 12