Kieselstein Autism
Program
Program Elements, Staffing and Funding
Program Elements
Independent Living Skills
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shower, shaving and self-care
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meal prep
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household chores
Previous Volunteer Employment
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warehouse at food bank (2013-6)
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library mailing late notices (2013-6)
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junior usher at theater (2017)
Current Ideas for Entrepreneurial Ventures based on Customized Employment model pioneered by Griffin Hammis Associates
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EveryLastStraw.com eliminating plastic straws in Burlington
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SingByExample.com performance demos for kids with developmental disabilities
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participation in ItsMyBusiness.org entrepreneurial hub we are starting
Recreation and fitness
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downhill skiing with Vermont Adaptive Sports
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kayaking
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rockclimbing and hiking
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basketball
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recumbent cycling
Essential for Living Skills
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waiting for up to 20 minutes without complaint
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accepting the removal of items and activities, transitions, shares and takes turns without complaint
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readily accepts "no" and continues with ongoing activities
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follows all directions involving matters of health and safety
Other Preferred Activities
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acting, directing and singing
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video-editing
Supervision and Staffing
Overall supervisor, Jon Horn, BCBA, Upstate Caring Partners, Utica, NY.
Additional daily support, Steve Kieselstein, Aaron's dad, nearly a dozen courses completed in teaching individuals with autism, including advanced problem behavior and program management coursework with the former Carbone Clinic.
Aaron's program is currently staffed in his home, a three-bedroom condominium opposite the new Burlington High School, on the bike path, a few blocks from the beach, and five minutes from downtown Burlington. We are currently implementing a unique collaborative caregiving arrangement comprised of his dad, working from Sunday evening through Thursday morning, and two-to-three trained staff working, respectively, a Thursday/Friday daytime shift, a Thursday overnight shift, and a weekend shift from Friday evening through Sunday evening.
Over the next 12-18 moths, Aaron will be transitioning to a “reverse shared living” arrangement at the same location, with staff working five weekdays each week, and two shared living staff splitting coverage for the evenings and over the weekend.
Funding
Aaron's basic services were covered by his local school district in New York under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act until 2014, when he graduated with a special education diploma.
Aaron currently receives funding through his Medicaid Waiver, in a self-managed program here in Burlington, VT. Case management is through Benchmark Human Services, and service coordination is through the Howard Center.