“Being autistic” vs “having autism” and why it even matters to me In this week's blog, we share the insights of late-diagnosed autistic writer Melanie Deziel who says, "I found this thing, and I thought it was pretty interesting. Maybe you will too." Have you ever contemplated the intricacies of language and its profound connection with identity, all while sipping your morning coffee? If …
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Part Two: “Meditation and Mindfulness: Practical Techniques for Kids with Speech Disorders”
Welcome back to Part Two of our exploration into the world of meditation and mindfulness for children with speech disorders. In this installment, we'll delve into the practical aspects of meditation and mindfulness and how to introduce these practices to children. You'll discover that meditation is not about sitting cross-legged on a mountaintop in silence but can be incorporated seamlessly into a …
Part One: “The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness for Children with Speech Disorders”
Welcome to Part One of our series on how meditation and mindfulness can make a profound difference in the lives of children with speech disorders. In this installment, we'll explore the impact of anxiety in children with speech and communication challenges and how meditation plays a vital role in reducing anxiety and promoting better communication. Join us on this journey to discover how these …
Ultrasound Speech Therapy
The Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center explains how Ultrasound could help school-aged children, aged 8 and older, who are still struggling with the 'r' and 's' sounds. Ultrasound Speech Therapy Tackles "R" and "S" Difficulties Does your child struggle with producing the “r” sound? Do they have a slushy “s” sound? If this is true for your child who is 8 years of age or older, they have what …
Artistic Expressions by Persons with Autism
As a university professor in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders, I conduct various research studies. For several years, I included the study of people with autism who are visual artists in my research agenda. Cleveland State University funded my research with a Faculty Scholarship Initiative grant, and I was able to travel to interview working artists and see exhibitions of artwork, …
Orange Effect Team Member Spotlight: Krissy Leskovec
We're thrilled to introduce Krissy Leskovec, the Program Director at Orange Effect Foundation. Krissy's strong commitment and deep passion for making a positive difference in the lives of kids with speech difficulties have played a crucial role in the foundation's achievements. Today, we're taking a break from our usual topics to let Krissy guide us through some fantastic places to explore and …
Keeping a New Year’s Resolution: Does it Count if You are Having Fun?
In 2022, I was looking for a way to become more involved in Cleveland’s arts and cultural scene, probably as a volunteer. I was also considering how to keep a New Year’s resolution that I had been recycling for a few years, that being to experience more live performances of classical music and to learn more about different styles of music. My good friend had been volunteering at the Maltz …
ORANGE EFFECT FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS FOR THIRD QUARTER 2023
The Orange Effect Foundation (OEF) recently awarded $42,270 to children and young adults across the United States with speech disorders. This quarter’s grants were awarded after a thorough review process by dedicated members of the Orange Effect Board of Directors. “OEF is thrilled to announce that we have just awarded $42,270 to children and young adults across the nation who are bravely …
Board Member Spotlight: Tom Leskovec
Welcome to our Board Member Spotlight, featuring Tom Leskovec. Tom is a valued member of the Orange Effect Foundation's board of directors, working hard to ensure informed and impactful grant-making decisions are made each quarter. Today, we take a break from our usual topics as Tom shares with us how embracing surprises can bring us closer to our loved ones and make a positive …
Have You Met Jessica Park?
Not quite 20 years ago, while visiting the Yale University Art Gallery, I happened upon a brightly colored, dazzlingly detailed painting of a house. Such a simple subject for a painting, but seen through the creative eyes of Jessica Park, whose fame as an artist with autism was growing internationally, the house almost pulsed with life. That is where I met Jessica Park. Jessica’s story is …
Board Member Spotlight: Dr. Monica Gordon Pershey
Meet Dr. Monica Gordon Pershey, a dedicated Orange Effect Foundation Board Member, as she lets us in on her fascination with British TV shows. She'll take you on a journey through her favorite shows, and she's got some great recommendations too! Confessions of a British TV Fan Don’t call me on Sunday evenings. Don’t bother me when I am reading the Ideastream Public Media Program Guide. Yes, …
Why a Night at the Races?
We’ve written before about fundraising. It’s tough. Many organizations have a staff person dedicated to it, because fundraising needs time and attention to be successful. For the past couple of years here at The Orange Effect Foundation, we’ve done an event called Silence for Speech. We asked people to go a day without talking to learn what it's like to be a person with a communication …
