Dear Ms. Thomas and 6abc Digital Staff,
We are responding to your September 6th column on the damage caused by Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania. Thank you for highlighting the many ways that changing weather patterns have led to historic levels of flooding on the Brandywine River. This has impacted the lives of many people living in communities such as Downington, PA. Under such difficult circumstances it is indeed heartening to see communities come together to dig out and rebuild, as you spotlighted so wonderfully in your story.
We at the Association for Science in Autism Treatment were saddened to read of the temporary closing of Preparing Adolescents and Adults for Life (PAAL) as they were overcome by floodwaters. PAAL is a school dedicated to teaching individuals on the autism spectrum critical life skills that increase their level of independence in the community. The school’s unique secondary educational program links members of the community with its students during recreation, life-skills training, job training, and education. The school is in the business district of Downingtown which suffered major damage from flooding. Floodwaters submerged the school’s first floor and gymnasium, damaging computers and much of the specialized equipment the school uses with their students.
The pandemic has already disrupted programming for so many individuals with autism, and this recent crisis creates even more of a burden for programs such as PAAL. Those interested in supporting PAAL in clean up and reopening efforts can visit the school’s GoFundMe page.
Thank you for sharing this story and drawing attention to an organization doing much needed work for the autism community.
Sincerely,
Kate McKenna, MEd, MSEd, BCBA and David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
