CARD-USF Honors HCSO Master Sergeant Massaro at Fiesta by the Bay for Autism

The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) annual fundraiser, Fiesta by the Bay for Autism, took place on Saturday, April 27th at USF’s Gibbons Alumni Center. The event drew in nearly 250 guests, who were treated to an amazing evening filled with dancing, dinner, and a silent auction all with the purpose of raising money for CARD’s Autism Services Fund.

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism serves as an opportunity to unite the community for an evening with fun, entertainment, and most importantly, support. This annual fundraiser is pivotal to funding programs and special initiatives that resonate with the core mission of CARD-USF – enriching the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the communities they live in.

This year’s event held a special moment of recognition as Master Sergeant Jeff Massaro from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was honored for his dedication to safeguarding residents of Hillsborough County affected by autism. Massaro’s pivotal role in enhancing the SafetyNet Tracking program at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has been instrumental in fostering the safety and welfare of individuals with autism within the community.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Massaro was named this year’s CARD Champion for Autism. He was presented with a piece of framed artwork created by Elena Bunn, a talented young artist and a constituent of CARD.

Master Sergeant Jeff Massaro with Elena Bunn, artist of the framed artwork given to Massaro. The artwork was inspired by this year’s Fiesta by the Bay theme highlighting the golden bull.
Photo by: Lisa Bunn

Master Sergeant Jeff Massaro with Dean Julie Serovich.
Photo by: Maya Watts, Ms. Smiley Co.

Master Sergeant Jeff Massaro was honored at Fiesta by the Bay for Autism on April 27th , 2024. He proudly accepted the framed artwork created by Elena Bunn.
Photo by: Maya Watts, Ms. Smiley Co.

𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tampa, FL- April 12, 2024

The Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida (USF) is proud to announce that Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Master Sergeant Jeff Massaro will be honored as their CARD Champion for Autism at the upcoming fundraiser, Fiesta by the Bay for Autism . The event is scheduled to take place on April 27th, 2024, at the University of South Florida’s Gibbons Alumni Center.

Master Sergeant Massaro is being recognized for his unwavering commitment to protecting residents of Hillsborough County with autism. His invaluable contributions to the effectiveness of the SafetyNet Tracking program at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) have significantly enhanced the safety and well-being of individuals with autism in the community.

Read full press release here: https://usf.box.com/s/chzdzkb4f30tta9vs46l7atd9ow0m0ov

Self-Advocate Sound Off

“As a young autistic adult, I yearn for everyone to recognize that individuals like me are just as capable as anyone else in this vast world. When I was a child, doctors painted a bleak picture to my parents, predicting that I would never speak, never pursue higher education, and never even drive a car. But here I am today, defying those expectations.

For years now, I’ve held down multiple jobs, thus demonstrating my ability to contribute meaningfully to society. And almost two years ago, I proudly received my bachelor’s degree from Purdue University Global, a testament to my perseverance and determination. Despite the challenges we face, autistic individuals possess an incredible resilience that enables us to conquer any obstacle that stands in our way.”

Self-Advocate Sound Off

In April we’re asking for adults and self-advocates to speak out or sound off. The idea of our campaign, “𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰…” will hopefully allow for self-advocates to share their perspectives and what they want the public to know about them and autism.

First up is Mark Fleming, our Constituency Board Chair and owner of Equally Fit.

Are you a self-advocate and want to join our campaign? Please submit your perspective and/or quote to Adrian at Adrianr2@usf.edu.

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism: A Spectacular Evening of Support and Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism: A Spectacular Evening of Support and Celebration

Tampa, FL — The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida (CARD-USF) is delighted to announce their upcoming event, Fiesta by the Bay for Autism, scheduled to take place on April 27th, 2024, at the USF Gibbons Alumni Center.

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism aims to bring together the community for an evening of fun, entertainment, and support, all while raising funds for vital programs and special projects that align with CARD-USF’s mission. The center is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the communities where they live.

The event promises a family-friendly atmosphere with an array of activities for all ages. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a silent disco, capture memories at a photo booth, participate in a silent auction, and indulge in a variety of delicious food and beverages. To ensure a sensory friendly experience, a dedicated sensory room will be available for guests with sensory sensitivities.

Event Details:

• Date: April 27th, 2024
• Time: 6-9PM
• Location: USF Gibbons Alumni Center

“We are thrilled to invite the community to join us for Fiesta by the Bay for Autism. This event not only provides a platform for us to celebrate the unique strengths and talents of individuals on the autism spectrum but also serves as a crucial fundraiser for our ongoing initiatives,” says Christine Rover, Assistant Director of Community Engagement at CARD-USF.

All funds raised from the event directly support CARD-USF’s mission providing resources, education, and programs to support individuals with autism and their families.

For ticket and sponsorship information and event details, please visit https://usf.to/fiestabythebay or contact Christine Rover at crover@usf.edu.

About CARD-USF: CARD USF is a community program that offers guidance, support, and resource referrals at no cost to people with ASD, their families, and the professionals who serve them. CARD provides support for individuals from the time of diagnosis and throughout their lives. CARD-USF covers 14 counties in the Southwest region of Florida.

Young Artist Finds Inspiration from a Special Gift from her Abuela

Lisa Bunn is a mother of a young autistic, and talented little girl named Elena.  When Lisa sought out extra-curricular activity ideas for her little girl, she knew that art was one of her daughter’s passions.  So she reached out to her daughter’s CARD Consultant for advice since she has valued and trusted their opinion over the years since her daughter’s diagnosis.  When Shyama’s Art Studio was highly recommended as being an autism friendly business, Lisa immediately reached out for a tour. 

Elena with Mrs. Shyama and her bookmark art submission.

After a successful tour and interview with Mrs. Shyama, Elena began attending the art studio in December of 2022.  Elena has grown to absolutely enjoy going to Mrs. Shyama’s Art Studio.  As soon as Elena walks into the art studio, she showers Mrs. Shyama with love and affection.  The bond and love they share has caused Elena to blossom into a beautiful artist.  Elena has even entered a few art contests since becoming a student and recently won first place for Hillsborough County’s contest to promote bicycle helmet safety.  Her most recent venture has her entering the Hillsborough County Library Hispanic Heritage bookmark art contest. 

Elena with her Abuela

This contest is dear to Elena’s mother due to their Spanish background.  Elena’s grandmother, Francisca Cordero and known to Elena as Abuela, was born and raised in Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain, which is just outside of the capital of Madrid.  Elena used several self-portraits of herself for inspiration for her contest submission. Specifically, a picture of her when she was two years old in a Flamenco dress that her Abuela purchased for her from Spain.  The irony of these photos consists of Elena in a red flamenco dress, which is her favorite color.  Elena then chose the yellow background to compliment her red dress to represent the Spanish flag and their heritage.  She amazes her family and many others with her amazing talent. 

Little Elena in her flamenco dress. The dress that was inspiration for her art submission.

¡Olé Elena!

• Written and submitted by Lisa Bunn, Elena’s mother

𝐘𝐚𝐳𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

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May is Water Safety Month

Water Safety Month is here.

The topic of water safety is extremely important to us here at CARD as individuals with autism are more susceptible to danger, particularly drowning. Drowning is one of the main causes of death for individuals with autism and the leading cause of death for all children ages 1-4 (CDC, 2019).

CARD-USF works year round on water safety education and provides resources and tools to families, schools, and organizations. CARD-USF partners with various agencies throughout our 14 counties, as well as, national organizations whose mission is to educate and empower caregivers. Thanks to donations to CARD’s Autism Services Fund, CARD has provided life jackets, swim lessons, and Josh the Otter materials to classrooms. CARD created Strategies for including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)and created a visual with  Water Safety Rules. These strategies are designed to be utilized in collaboration with the Josh the Baby Otter book and Josh the Otter Program/Presentation Guide.

Donations to CARD provides the opportunity to assist our community further by covering the cost of printing and distribution of our created materials like our Water Watcher Postcards and ASD and Water Safety brochure. Donations also provide Safety Kits to families which include items such as door alarms, stop signs, and various safety resources.

Here in Florida, water safety is extremely important throughout the year. However, having a designated month to really bring this topic into focus is a great way to prep for the summer ahead. Below we’ve created a quick video with some of our favorite tips to practice water safety. Stay safe everyone!

Adrian Brooks

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, February 6). Drowning Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/drowning/index.html

If Only I Knew Back Then…

For Autism Acceptance Month we wanted parents and individuals to share their perspectives and the knowledge they’ve learned along their journey with autism. The goal was to take a retrospective approach and to bolster parents or individuals who may have just received a diagnosis or those new to the autism community. The book, I will Die on This Hill, unites both perspectives of parents of autistic children and autistic individuals. Below is an excerpt from the first chapter.

“The clinician performing the assessment told me he didn’t feed the doll because he didn’t care about the doll’s feelings (that he lacked empathy). I knew it wasn’t true. But the assertions that some professionals make, no matter how wrong we know they are, have a way of seeping into our subconscious. They make us second guess all of the wonderful things we know about our children. They cause us to micromanage and scrutinize every move our children make, ultimately losing that time we could be spending on enjoying our kids and nourishing our relationships.

 It wasn’t until I found the autistic community that I began to unpack and unlearn the misinformation I was taught when I first started this journey with my children. It wasn’t until I found the autistic community that I began to start trusting myself as a parent and trust my children to navigate the world in their own unique ways.” (p. 31-32)

I Will Die on This Hill by Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards

The book can be purchased anywhere books are sold and copies are available on CARD’s e-library.

Happy Autism (insert here) Month!

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