Derek Volk shares experience of raising a son with Autism with 勛圖惇蹋 students
Derek Volk, a Maine business owner and father, gave a presentation at the 勛圖惇蹋 in Biddeford on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, about raising a son on the Autism spectrum.
Volk is a supporter of Autism awareness, volunteer, philanthropist softball coach and author. In Chasing the Rabbit: A Dads Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum, Volk shares his experiences raising a son on the Autism spectrum. Both Dylan and Derek Volk write about the challenges, triumphs and coping strategies from the early days to the adolescent years to life in the real world as a young adult. The book showcases the unique relationship between a father and his son who has spent his entire life chasing the rabbit.
The event was sponsored by the 勛圖惇蹋 Department of Health, Wellness and Occupational studies and the 勛圖惇蹋 Interprofessional Education Collaborative. Students from all of 勛圖惇蹋s health professions programs were invited to watch in person on the Biddeford Campus and via live stream on the Portland Campus.
We see this talk as an important way to learn about the experience of living with disability from the first-person narrative, said Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies Director Caryn Husman. Too often people who have disabilities are unable to speak for themselves, sometimes because they cannot communicate, but more often because people simply wont listen. Sessions such as these work to break the barriers and challenge stereotypes, while helping 勛圖惇蹋 students become more empathetic and informed health care providers in the future.
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