Photo Gallery - Autism Benefit | Ascendigo Blue Aspen

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Creating a community that welcomes the diverse nee

Creating a community that welcomes the diverse needs and contributions of autistic individuals has always been a goal for us at Ascendigo. Thankfully, we have a community in the Roaring Fork Valley that genuinely cares about our mission to achieve just that.
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Founder & Board Chair, Sallie Bernard, gives excellent tips on how you can create a more inclusive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum in your very own community!
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(1) Find opportunities to hang out. Just being physically present at a party, cafe, a concert, the rodeo, etc. allows connections to form. Verbal conversation is often hard for those on the spectrum, so don't expect much chit-chat. Saying hi to people, eating food together, or listening to music together is often sufficient. Being there is what counts.
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(2) Be prepared to hear about special interests. While social chit-chat is not an autism strong suit, most people with autism have intense interests in certain topics or activities that they want to engage in. They love when others reciprocate. These interests could be about animals, Disney movies, technology, maps, classical music, etc. Relationships can start around these interests, then expand.
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(3) Be accepting of behaviors that might look different. Some of these behaviors are soothing to the person, like humming to themselves or rocking back and forth. Others might be due to not knowing the social rules, like arranging the chairs at a restaurant when you don't work there. Others might arise from difficulties in monitoring self-actions, such as speaking too loud, or not speaking loud enough, in a conversation. The person with autism usually doesn't worry about these actions, so no need for you to worry either.
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We hope these tips have taught you how you can create a more inclusive environment & avoid loneliness for individuals on the spectrum. You may find these social interactions just as rewarding for yourself too!
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#autismawarenessmonth #elevatethespectrum

JOIN OUR TEAM! Enjoy a rewarding position working

JOIN OUR TEAM! Enjoy a rewarding position working with individuals on the autism spectrum.
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Full time & part time positions available. Apply online by visiting the link in our bio.
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#elevatethespectrum #hiring #autismwork #autismjobs #asdwork #autismhiring #jobs #work #carbondalejobs #coloradojobs #rockymountainjobopportunity #rbt #registerednurse #summercampcoach #developmentassistant #marketingassistant #rewardingjobs #nonprofitjobs

Equality vs. Equity is a topic that is becoming mo

Equality vs. Equity is a topic that is becoming more commonly discussed. Awareness around this topic in the disability community is incredibly important. Removing the systemic barriers that address causes of inequity is a place every institution can begin working on.
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Our new ranch property at Whitecloud will be designed with equality & equity in mind, providing fair opportunities for all. To learn more about this project, click on the link in our bio.
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#autismawarenessmonth #autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

We invite you to come take a tour & learn about ou

We invite you to come take a tour & learn about our inspiring proposed project, White Cloud, the future home of Ascendigo!
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Please join us as we will be covering the facts of this project including the extensive due diligence that has been done in regards to proposed improvements, traffic concerns, water usage, and what this incredible project will offer.
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#elevatethespectrum

Scholarship opportunities are available for our Su

Scholarship opportunities are available for our Summer Adventures Camp 2021, for the week of August 9 - 13! Ascendigo is offering 2 full scholarships (plus stipend) to families of our local community who have a child with developmental differences. The deadline to send in your application is May 7th.
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Visit the link in our bio to send in your application today.
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#elevatethespectrum #autismawareness #lovelocal #roaringforkvalley #differentnotless #autism #asd #nonprofit #ascendigo #autismacceptance #carbondale #colorado

Did you participate in yesterday’s story questio

Did you participate in yesterday’s story questionnaire?! Advocacy is an element Ascendigo is pledging to throughout #AutismAwarenessMonth and beyond. Here is the answer to yesterday’s question!
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

"When communities and families work together, crea

"When communities and families work together, creativity and inclusion can abound and become something amazing!"

Today we are sharing a blog written by Shelley Hendrix, who shares her own personal story of her son’s employment experience and how we, as a community, can do better to make the world more inclusive for those with autism. Click the link in our bio to read more.

#autismawarenessmonth #elevatethespectrum

Make sure to participate in our Thursday story que

Make sure to participate in our Thursday story questionnaires throughout the duration of #AutismAwarenessMonth! Ever Friday the answers will be revealed. Here is the answer to yesterday’s question!
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

Faces of Ascendigo! Reflecting on the brightest sm

Faces of Ascendigo! Reflecting on the brightest smiles of current and past Ascendigo participants is one of our favorite ways to recognize #AutismAwarenessMonth.
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

Inclusion within a workplace recognizes the worth

Inclusion within a workplace recognizes the worth of all people. By promoting a fair sense of belonging employers focus on celebrating and elevating every employee.

Ascendigo’s Vocational Manager, Jeo Mendez, gives a few helpful tips on how you can create a more inclusive work environment for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Tip 1: Understand & accept that each individual learns differently. Individuals on the spectrum may need a support with them, so it is essential to educate employees about autism, and train members on how to embrace this.
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Tip 2: Giving information about changes to the workplace or tasks well in advance is important to autistic employees.
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Tip 3: Remain patient during the training process. Repetition, visuals, and hands-on learning are very helpful.
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Tip 4: Ask about sensory-friendly improvements and give autistic employees the flexibility to customize their working environment.
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Tip 5: Peer interaction is valuable. Be sure to focus on each individual’s strengths and divide tasks appropriately throughout the team.

Ascendigo is committed to overcome barriers and create an empowered equal work culture, striving towards inclusion.

#elevatethespectrum #autismawarenessmonth

"In a period of our history that is so focused on

"In a period of our history that is so focused on social equality and justice for those who have been marginalized, it is so critical that we do not leave any group behind."

Thank you, Sam Tober, for the well-written blog, which was featured in the Aspen Times on #autismawarenessday. It's so nice to hear from a sibling's perspective.

Click on the blogs link in our bio to read the full post.
#autismawarenessmonth #elevatethespectrum

Undermining the incredible skills and talents of a

Undermining the incredible skills and talents of autistic individuals is an occurrence that happens all too often. The New York Times’ article outlines exactly how these unique sets of skills and talents are overshadowed, even when inclusion and awareness is the main goal. Click the link in our bio to read the full article. #AutismAwarenessMonth
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#elevatethespectrum #autismawareness

TODAY IS #WORLDAUTISMAWARENESSDAY!💙
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Did you k

TODAY IS #WORLDAUTISMAWARENESSDAY!💙
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Did you know that 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism? The time is NOW, more than ever, to be an advocate for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for each individual on the spectrum and beyond.
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Throughout #AutismAwarenessMonth, stay tuned for incredible articles, parent blogs, resources, and questionnaires you can use to learn. Join us in being advocates.
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

The first #AutismAwarenessMonth was recognized in

The first #AutismAwarenessMonth was recognized in April of 1970 to promote the awareness of autism, so each autistic individual has the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
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‘Til this day, it is still incredibly important to recognize Autism Awareness Month. However, we must take it a step further to recognize the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion that still need to be addressed after so many years of celebrating autism awareness.
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Join Ascendigo throughout the month of April in the education on how we can achieve a more inclusive community and #elevatethespectrum for individuals with autism.
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

There is nothing better than a perfect day on the

There is nothing better than a perfect day on the mountain with our ski buddies! We never want the season to end.
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

Look at this ski buddy absolutely crushing it on t

Look at this ski buddy absolutely crushing it on the mountain! His mother told us, "His progress this season is off the chain!”⛷🗻
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

One of the sweetest moments captured💙 Can’t g

One of the sweetest moments captured💙 Can’t get any better than this!
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

The Carbondale Branch Library is one of the favori

The Carbondale Branch Library is one of the favorite stops for our Life Enrichment participants📚 You can even see the excitement from under the mask!
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

A Winter-Spring moment💙 Colorado is such a wond

A Winter-Spring moment💙 Colorado is such a wonderful place to be!
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal

#ThrowbackThursday to some of our favorites "High-

#ThrowbackThursday to some of our favorites "High-Five"
moments over the years!
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#autismawareness #elevatethespectrum #madeforme #ascendigo #autism #awareness #nonprofit #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #asd #autismspectrumdisorder #support #local #carbondale #colorado #roaringforkvalley #lovelocal