By AMANDA ARNOLD
newsroom@newsandtribune.com
ELIZABETH — This year, Jeffersonville resident Jordan Blackwell, 11, plays on Parkview Elementary School’s basketball team, and he equally enjoys competing in the advanced track team.
At age 2, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
“They flat out told us not to expect much,” said Jen Blackwell, his mother. “We were told he was mentally retarded and that they were hopeful that someday he’d learn to communicate.”
Jordan’s older brother, Cameron, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when he was in the second grade, but now at age 18, he’s preparing to graduate from Jeffersonville High School and will attend the University of Louisville to study psychology.
The Blackwell family credits much of their success to a good therapist and Southern Indiana Autism Resource Center, which is affiliated with Goodwill BridgePointe Services Inc. and Rauch Inc.
“One of the things we find is that when parents first find out their child has spectrum disorder, it can be very overwhelming because there is a lot of information out there and so many different things to do that it can be very confusing,” Jen Blackwell said. “We were very blessed when they were first diagnosed that there were people who guided us through.”
Now, the Blackwell family of six gives presentations across the country speaking about their experience with spectrum disorders, and Jen and Cameron gave such a speech at the 10th annual 2010 Imagine Awards, sponsored by Rauch Inc. on Saturday night at Horseshoe Casino and Convention Center.
“The one thing I want to share — I show my children that they are not someone with a disability, or someone who is broken. They just have obstacles along the way,” Jen Blackwell said in front of about 350 people at the awards dinner. “We’re not looking to fix our kids, we’re looking for ways to help them through those obstacles.”
The family strives to inspire, and Cameron said that he has seen “a lot of growth in a lot of people.”
“We need to continue funding this branch of Rauch and what it does, because what it does is so vital,” he said. “One in every 100 kids will be diagnosed with some form of autism, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something that needs to be taken into consideration for our kids.”
AWARD WINNERS
The Imagine Awards are held as a way to honor those in the community who do so much to help those with a disability. The awards were divided in three categories — an individual with a disability who continues to help others, a community leader who volunteers and a company or employer who works with those who have disabilities.
Annie Guiterrez won the first award of the night because of her volunteer work with New Albany’s Interfaith Community Council Inc.
“Although this year’s award winner has lost all of her eyesight, she does not let that stop her. She continues to work as a volunteer and as an employee,” said Rose Wathen, former president of Rauch Inc.’s board of directors. “Annie has been known for her caring and compassionate demeanor, as well as helping families who are in need. Despite her disability and the challenges she has encountered, she is an inspiration to others who come into contact with her.”
Guiterrez began volunteering with Interfaith Council as a way to retrain after losing her vision because of diabetes.
“She began the path of retraining through helping others. She didn’t focus on herself alone, and was kind and respectful of our clients, other volunteers, staff and visitors to our building,” said Christine Harbeson, executive director for Interfaith Council.
She added that Guiterrez was instrumental in getting the National Federation of the Blind to donate money and food to the Interfaith Council.
For Guiterrez, vision loss is nothing more than an inconvenience and helping others is just part of opening her heart.
“I have life pretty good. Things changed with having the inconvenience of vision loss. I had a good rehab counselor who suggested that it wasn’t a handicap, but an inconvenience and that everyone is good at something,” she said. “It happens in the beginning — you sit down and feel sorry for yourself, but you get tired of that and get out there and realize you can do something.”
Terry Allen, manager of the New Albany Wal-Mart, was recognized for his efforts in hiring those in the community with disabilities and providing meaningful employment opportunities for all individuals with disabilities. Last year, Allen lobbied Congress to open more doors for those with disabilities.
“Ever since then, it’s been a whirlwind. I have 20 people [with disabilities]. I’m focusing on people with disabilities. It’s productivity, and it’s great. It’s a win-win situation and the right thing to do,” said Allen.
Bettye Dunham, CEO of Rauch Inc. agreed, and that it is indeed about opening your heart.
“I think when you are sensitive to those around you who have disabilities and think about how to help involve them in the community, and part of your life, that does open your heart,” she said.
Also, Jackie Madden won the award for the community leader who volunteers his or her time.
During the Imagine Awards, funding for Rauch Inc. was raised through silent and live auction with such items as spa packages, Colts memorabilia and a trip to the Indianapolis 500.
