Asperger Manitoba Resource Centre Unveiled

For Immediate Release!

Asperger Manitoba Inc. (AMI) proudly announces the launch of Phase 1 of The Asperger Manitoba Resource Centre (AMRC). Part of a three phase plan, the AMRC will develop and deliver accessible, appropriate supports for both children and adults with Asperger Syndrome (AS) in Manitoba as well as their parents and caregivers.

With grant support from Investors Group and The Winnipeg Foundation, and in partnership with the School Psychology Program in the Psychology Department at the University of Manitoba, and the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD) Self-Help Clearinghouse, AMI has begun providing programming aimed at supporting adults with AS, an autism spectrum disorder, who are otherwise ineligible for support services in Manitoba. The services being provided in Phase 1 of the project include a skills-for-living program. Group participants work through curriculum addressing those areas with which they are experiencing the most challenges within their daily lives. These include social skill development, anger management, anxiety, peer relationships, and job readiness. Other services being offered in Phase 1 include a peer support group for adults with AS, a peer social group for adults with AS, a support group for caregivers of adults with AS and an online newsletter and networking opportunities.

On June 10, 2010, AMI will be celebrating the opening of the resource centre with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse. Representatives from Investors Group, The Winnipeg Foundation, University of Manitoba and the SMD Self-Help Clearinghouse will be on hand to bring greetings. The participants and facilitators of the first adult skills for living group will offer their insights into the value of this project and AMI’s future plans for the project will be presented. All are welcome to attend.

AMI hopes to expand the programming offered by the resource centre in Phases 2 and 3, to include more skills for living groups, available on a year round basis for adults with AS, as well as providing increased supports for families of children with AS, skills for living groups targeted to younger children and adolescents with AS and outreach activities throughout the province.

Future phases in the development of the resource centre will also include the creation of a resource library, and the hiring of a staff member to help with the daily inquiries from individuals and families throughout the province. It is hoped that the opening and continued development of the AMRC will fill a void in current programming and services that are available to both the families of and the individuals living with Asperger Syndrome in Manitoba.

To learn more about the development of the AMRC, or to donate towards its ongoing development, please contact AMI at info@asperger-manitoba.ca or call 204-975-3037.

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