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, …
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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 …
Eyes?
My oldest (who is autistic) just returned from a weeklong trip going to theme parks on the East Coast with the goal to ride as many roller coasters as possible! Not my idea of a great time but something they’ve been looking forward to for a long time. The trip made me a little sentimental. First off, my baby was covering over 1000 miles of driving on their own and second managing all the things …
What is the Orange Effect Foundation?
Empowering Voices, Transforming Lives: Discover the Orange Effect Foundation Welcome to our blog post dedicated to the Orange Effect Foundation. We are a non-profit foundation committed to empowering children and young adults with speech disorders. In this post, we will explore the incredible work done by the foundation, the impact it has made, introduce you to the dedicated board members …
Resources for Improving the Lives of Autistic Children and Their Families
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 36 U.S. children has some form of autism. Services and support for children and their families can have a profoundly positive impact on both. Here are some resources that may be helpful: www.allconnect.com/autism-online-safety -An informative guide that includes helpful information on the risks associated with internet use and ASD, including a …
Board Member Spotlight: Dana Gore
Get ready to explore the vibrant city of Cleveland through the eyes of Dana Gore, an enthusiastic member of the Orange Effect Foundation's board. In her engaging Board Member Spotlight, Dana shares her deep love for her hometown and offers valuable insights to make your visit or stay in Cleveland truly memorable. Let Me Tell You About Cleveland Are you new to Cleveland, visiting the city, …
