ASK Autism conference unites Coshocton community

A dream became reality April 25 when Acceptance, Support, Knowledge Autism & More held its first conference for families, first responders, school staff and everyone interested in autism and other disabilities. The conference was held in the Coshocton Community Room.

Going to a conference together was something the group wanted to do, but when they couldn’t find one close enough, they hoped to hold one themselves. The cost was holding them back, until Andrew Taylor, with the Coshocton County Board of DD, applied for the Keeping Families Together Grant. With that, the group started dreaming and asking for ideas. The grant, community donations and the Coshocton Lady Redskins softball autism awareness game/fundraiser gave the group the financial support it needed.

Amanda DeLuca, with Jackson’s Journey, Jackson’s Voice, and Dennis Debbaudt, from Autism Risk and Safety Management, presented to almost 90 people. A parent panel of ASK organizers — Craig and Cherie Reveal and Jen Richcreek Jones — completed the day. Lunch was provided by the Real McCoy BBQ.

Several vendors also were set up to share information about the services they provide. Halley Jones was there with information about KOA and its sensory pool hours and pool lift.

“As a vendor I was really impressed by the speakers and feel like I walked away with so much more information than I walked in with,” Jones said. “Being able to talk to people on a personal level and let them know what we have to offer at Coshocton KOA was not only fun, but educational.”

Jones said the conversations she had with families and caregivers was so important.

“This provided so much direct connection and feedback that will truly help us moving forward to make our campground accessible to everyone,” she said. “Being able to see the community involvement and coordination of this event was also just as amazing.”

Jones also said seeing what other resources are available in the community was valuable information.

Keisha Cunningham was one of the attendees at the conference. Her son Brantlee has autism.

“The ASK conference was an amazing day and experience,” she said. “So much information and the personal stories from the speakers and parent panel touched my heart and made the whole day so memorable. I can’t say enough about the businesses and people who donated toward the conference to make the day possible, and I can’t wait for the next one.”

Attendee Emily Gephart said the speakers were very informative and knowledgeable.

“Being able to network and brainstorm with peers is always a plus. I wanted to attend the conference because you can never have too much information,” she said.

Pam Saxton has a grandson with autism. She said she wanted to attend the conference to get as much information as she could.

“I am very committed to helping him be successful and be the best version of himself,” she said.

Saxton said she enjoys learning and researching ways to help her grandson.

“Today was a tremendous opportunity to expand our knowledge and learn new tools. It is so refreshing sharing knowledge with others going through the same challenges,” she said.

The group thanked the Coshocton County Commissioners for donating the use of the community room for the training for agencies and first responders. It also appreciates donations made in memory of Margaret Reveal, Dick Shaw, Raylan Mack Brenly and Donnie Foster.

The group also would like to thank Adkins Speed Center, All Paws on Deck Grooming, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, B. Radiant Wellness, BEST Heating and Air, Bubbles and Barks Dog Grooming, Buckeye Forestry Services LLC, Buehler’s, Choose Coshocton/Roscoe Boutique Motel, Coshocton County Board of DD/Keeping Families Together Grant/DODD, Coshocton Lady Redskins softball, Dean’s Jewelry, Earl’s Dari Drive In, Genesis Healthcare System, Home Loan Savings Bank, Huck’s Tavern, Local UAW 3462, Luxe Hair Salon, Main Street Station, West Lafayette Fire Department, Wilson Carpet and Furniture, and many private donations.