Staatsburg, New York…The executive leadership team of Anderson Center for Autism today announced that colleagues have arrived from India for a month-long learning experience with Anderson experts.
During a visit that will extend through the end of June, Dr. Selvanayaki Venkatesan and Mr. Richard Rakesh Aaron will be consulting with Anderson’s team as they develop plans for a residential and vocational center for young adults with autism. Dr. Selvanayaki is Professor, Vinayaka missions Annapoorana College of Nursing – a unit of Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation (VMRF), and Mr. Rakesh Aaron is the Chief Consultant for Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation (VMRF). Among its other initiatives, VMRF is the organization behind their proposed program, which will be modeled after Anderson and located in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Mr. Rakesh Aaron initially developed a relationship with Anderson as an Anderson Center International (ACI) J-1 scholar from July 2017- July 2018. Along with dozens of individuals from various corners of the globe who have, over the years, engaged in ACI’s 12-18 month training program, Rakesh Aaron received certification as a Registered Behavior Technician during his hands-on experience as an ACI scholar. He recently finished his Board Certified Behavior Analyst coursework as well and is awaiting an examination to complete that certification.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “Like most of our scholars, when Mr. Rakesh Aaron returned home, he immediately got to work figuring out how to address the growing needs of people in his own country who are impacted by autism, specifically zoning in on his vision of opening an autism center for adults. While he was well-trained on service delivery after his time as an ACI scholar, he and Dr. Selvanayaki decided to return to Anderson to better understand the operational components of sustainable programs. It is our great privilege to spend time with them this month to shed light on how to clarify goals, structure services, craft policies and procedures, hire key personnel, educate the public, secure funding through grants and events, manage finances, and most importantly, ensure that they are ever mindful of their responsibility to protect the health, well-being, and dignity of autistic individuals.”
Added Dr. Tina Marie Covington, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism, “This visit from our colleagues in India represents Anderson’s commitment to building bridges worldwide, and we are so honored to have the opportunity to work with them. With over a century of experience under our belts, we want to be a resource for professionals, leaders, and organizations all over the globe who share our desire to enrich life for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. It is our hope that this will inspire others to engage with us when launching programs in previously underserved communities and countries. Autism knows no borders, and we envision furthering our mission well beyond our own.”
Mr. Richard Rakesh Aaron commented on the visit, stating: “It’s been very meaningful for me to be back at Anderson Center for Autism this month. I’m reminded that when learning starts, learning never ends. Anderson has helped me continue to discover ways to help autistic people enjoy higher quality of life, and has helped me take my own quality of life to the next level too. I’m excited to emulate Anderson’s organizational model as we get our own residential center for adults fully set up in India.”
In addition to its 12-18 month training program and ongoing consultation offerings available on an international basis, ACI recently gained designation from the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) as a Civil Society Organization within the UN DGC. This allows Anderson representatives to participate in various UN events, thus helping to further ACI’s mission, which is to “improve the quality of life for individuals with autism throughout the world in a systematic, sustainable, and culturally appropriate way.”
Noor Syed, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, Director of Anderson Center International, shared, “We are especially proud to be part of the UN 2030 ‘Leave No One Behind’ agenda at the UN – and look forward to doing our part to help improve the quality of life for people impacted by autism for generations to come, regardless of where they live.”
Anderson Center for Autism (ACA), founded in 1924, offers evidence-based educational, vocational, residential, and consulting/training programs, drawing students and residents from all over the United States to experience its school and residential offerings. The organization also has several affiliates, including Anderson Center International (ACI), Anderson Center Consulting and Training (ACCT), The Anderson Center Clinic (ACC), three Anderson Early Learning Academy (AELA) programs, and Anderson Foundation for Autism (AFA).
Paul remarked, “We plan to continue to take our expertise out into the field and do our part to help build support for our cause all over the world; there is much work to do, and we are just getting started.”
Learn more about Anderson Center International (ACI) at andersoncenterforautism.org/international.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Center International
At ACI, our mission is to facilitate the improvement of the quality of life for individuals with autism throughout the world in a systematic, sustainable, and culturally significant way.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.