ASP Project Gourm-A celebrates an Autism-OK Pancake House

The Autism Society Philippines invites all to a Project Gourm-A [gur-'may] Autism-OK Dining Experience on 21 September 2019, Saturday, at the Pancake House along Tomas Morato in Quezon City (Map).

This ASP Autism Works x Project Gourm-A event aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry. These encounters inspire acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism through delivery of an autism-inclusive dining experience, development of employability skills of persons with autism in the food industry, development of autism-inclusive workplaces, and exposure of professionals in the food and hospitality industries to neurodiverse individuals.

Project GourmA Digital Poster

"This Project GourmA event is unlike the others we have done before," shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "We are celebrating an Autism-OK Pancake House that has genuinely embraced inclusive employment; by hiring workers on the autism spectrum for permanent roles across various disciplines and locations within the company."

The Autism Society Philippines and Pancake House have recently inked a partnership towards the employment and support of workers on the autism spectrum; as well as providing the company training and tools for performance management, employee coaching and resource development. "I have seen the organization's commitment firsthand; and we are excited to work with them towards designing best-in-class practices in disability-inclusive employment, specific to the service and food industry."

"The Max's Group genuinely believes in the potentials of persons with disabilities," explains Pancake House Chief Operating Officer John Amante. "Our brands Teriyaki Boy and Sizzlin' Steak have been recognized with Franchise Excellence Awards for PWD Hiring -- the culmination of an initiative with the Benilde School for Deaf Studies. As leaders, we are eager to learn more about the how to bring out the best in our future employees on the autism spectrum."

Funds raised from this event will help support the ASP Autism Works program that help persons on the autism spectrum access jobs in compassionate workplaces, as well as employability training, counselling and life coaching necessary for sustainable and successful employment -- for some of the more than 200 workers on the autism spectrum receiving workplace support, across 9 provinces.

Join us! Sign up below to reserve your seats for either the 3:00pm or the 4:30pm merienda sena service. You will receive a confirmation email for your reservation.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its Autism-OK Philippines campaign, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working proactively with the public and private sectors to create institutional mechanisms that inspire responsive policies and programs, autism-inclusive education, autism-friendly public spaces, compassionate workplaces, more transitions specialists, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families. #AutismOKPH #TRENTAgether

(As of 19 September 2019, all seats are sold out)

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Posted in: autism-friendly spaces,autism-works,autismokph,food,fundraising,gourm-a

ASP Project Gourm-A showcases an Autism-OK dining experience

As we anticipate the global commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Autism Society Philippines invites all to a Project Gourm-A [gur-'may] Autism-OK dinner on 30 March 2019, Saturday, at the Vatel Restaurant Manila on the roof deck of the Hotel Benilde in Manila City (Map: https://goo.gl/maps/3ydyiJDoh3v).

This ASP Autism Works x Project Gourm-A event aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry. These encounters inspire acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism through delivery of an autism-inclusive dining experience, development of employability skills of persons with autism in the food industry, development of autism-inclusive workplaces, and exposure of professionals in the food and hospitality industries to neurodiverse individuals.

"A Project GourmA event, as always, promises to be an intimate, sumptuous dinner. We dine. We have fun. We celebrate diversity and inclusion." shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "This project, which is among Autism Works pillars, allows the general public to experience how many young adults on the autism spectrum are ready for employment in the food and restaurant industry."

Project Gourm-A Digital poster at Vatel Restaurant Manila

This year's event is done in partnership with the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde family -- the Center for Inclusive Education, the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, and Vatel Restaurant Manila; with the participation of student organizations Chefs in Progress and World Hoteliers in Progress. Young adults with autism will work as kitchen staff, bartenders, waiters and hosts, alongside neurotypical students to provide a unique dining experience.

"Benilde has always believed in the importance of inclusion. In providing our students with opportunities for learning, along with the necessary support and accommodations, we open doors for them to become contributing members of society" declared Ms. Nicky Templo-Perez, Director for the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Inclusive Education. "We are so excited to be supporting ASP’s Project Gourm-A and have our students from the SHRIM organizations work with persons with autism! I’m sure it will be a powerful experience for everyone."

Dean Angelo Lacson of De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde SHRIM is among the project's enthusiastic supporters. "Embracing inclusion as School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management is not about just following the mandate of the College but rather our championing of equal opportunity and equal representation. This dinner involving young adults on the autism spectrum is our school’s initial step in providing them with hospitality and culinary enrichment options.”

The four-course French Mediterranean set-menu dinner will be overseen by the Vatel Restaurant Manila Executive Chef Pierre Cornelis.

SOUP

Curried Cauliflower with roast cashew

Or

Zucchini, garlic with crouton and mozzarella

APPETIZER

Asparagus pomelo salad with andalusia dressing

MAIN ENTRE

Beef Bourguignon

Slow braised beef in red wine, demi-glace,

onion, carrots, with potato gratin

Or

Salmon fillet with tian vegetables

Served with jasmine pilaf rice

DESSERT

Cerveza Negra and chocolate ice cream

Or

Mango crème brulee

Your minimum donation of P1,000 per head will help support ASP's programs and services for families who live with autism. Sign up below to reserve your seats for either the 6pm or the 8pm dinner service. An electronic ticket will be sent to your email to confirm your reservation.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its Autism-OK Philippines campaign, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working proactively with the public and private sectors to create institutional mechanisms that inspire responsive policies and programs, autism-inclusive education, autism-friendly public spaces, compassionate workplaces, more transitions specialists, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families. #AutismOKPH #TRENTAgether

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Posted in: autism-works,employment,food,fundraising,gourm-a,partners,university

ASP's Project Gourm-A showcases PWAs skills

"Food is not about nutrients and calories. It is about sharing. It is about honesty. It is about identity." -Louise Fresco

Autism Society Philippines' Project Gourm-A [pronounced gur-'may] aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry -- from cooks, to waiters, from back office staff to entertainers. Open Hands School of Applied Arts and Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe are, once again, helping ASP to bring the public an autism-inclusive dining experience.

Project Gourm-A Poster

Join the Project Gourm-A dinner May 21, Sunday, 7PM at the Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe, 25 Roces Avenue in Quezon City.

"A Project GourmA event, as always, promises to be an intimate, sumptuous dinner. We dine. We have fun. We celebrate diversity." shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz.

"Adults on the spectrum who chose to work in this environment are very passionate about food -- it's very inspiring. And many PWAs, trained in institutions like Open Hand School of Applied Arts, are ready for competitive or accommodated employment in the food and restaurant industry," she adds. "The only way we can prove this is for the public to experience it!"

Limited tickets are available for P1,000. Sign up below to reserve your seats. Upon payment, an electronic ticket will be sent to your email to confirm your reservation. Donations to support ASPs programs and services for families who live with autism are also welcome on-site.

The three-course dinner, designed by Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, features:

A duo of appetizers

Saffron Arancini and Mushroom Cappuccino Shot

Orange, Peach and Spiced Pili Nut Salad

A choice of main course

Ballontine of Chicken with Chorizo, Olives and Figs

Hanger steak with Shiitake Red Wine Reduction

Served with

Asparagus risotto

Trio of desserts

Tablea Panna Cotta

Mini Pavlova

Lemon Poppyseed Cake

Refreshing drink

Ternate Lemonade

The Autism Society Philippines, through its A-OK Philippines program, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working with government, businesses and schools to create institutional mechanism that inspire autism-friendly spaces, compassionate workplaces, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families.

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Posted in: autism-works,food,gourm-a

Barista Training for Adults with Autism

The Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation, Inc has developed a barista program for adults with autism, that aims to build the necessary skills for successful employment in the hospitality and food industries, offering a certification issued by Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA). They have partnered with the Autism Society Philippines to offer the program to its members. The tuition fee for twenty (20) full-day sessions is eleven thousand two hundred pesos (P11,200) -- computed at P14,000 less 20 percent PWD discount.

Coffee

If the trainee is interested in a full scholarship, the following terms and criteria apply.

1) Trainee (not the parents) must be an ASP member in good standing. He/She must have been formally diagnosed with autism by a competent professional, must have a PWD ID which attests to his/her disability and is at least 18 years old.

2) Trainee must be able to work independently in the classroom and in the kitchen (without parent or caregiver); and must be able to understand and execute based on verbal instruction. Any incidence of verbal or physical aggression shall be grounds for expulsion from the program.

3) Trainee must commit to attending twenty-five (25) full-day sessions at the Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation, Inc. – Sucat Campus at 8001 Del Carmen Street, Inside St. Rita Village, BF Homes, Sucat, Parañaque City. Tardiness and absence will mean expulsion from the program.

4) Trainee shall pay for the full cost of the program to Stepping Stone – in the event that he/she is expelled from the program for any reason. The payable amount is eleven thousand two hundred pesos (P11,200) -- computed at P14,000 less 20 percent PWD discount.

5) Trainee shall be responsible for miscellaneous costs such as, but not limited to, uniform, lunch and snacks, and transportation.

6) Trainee shall participate in interviews, tests and surveys, as required by Stepping Stone, the ASP or a potential employer.

7) Trainees and their families shall grant permission for the photos and videos taken during the conduct of the training to be used by Stepping Stone or the ASP for educational, promotional or advocacy purposes.

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Those interested in enrolling in the program, but do not qualify for the scholarship criteria, may contact Stepping Stones directly via email: dayal@steppingstone.ph.

This who are interested and qualify for the scholarship may email their resumes to autismphils@gmail.com with the email subject "BARISTA TRAINING: Name of Trainee." Adults with autism applying for the program and his/her parent will be screened and interviewed after Holy Week.

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Posted in: 4pwas,barista,food,training

ASP PweDay on June 22: Pancake Making

"You think I am paying attention to what you are saying but really I am just staring at you and thinking about pancakes" -- Someone very smart

The Autism Society Philippines Wednesday "PweDay" aims to provide enrichment for teens and adults with autism who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PweDays will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun.

PweDay Pancake Making

On June 22, Wednesday, from 2pm to 5pm, we will be conducting a class on Pancake Making. This informal class will also teach the PWAs on proper food hygiene, simple pancake preparation, and presentation. Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, and closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please).

We would like to foster independence among our participants during the class. But if needed, a maximum of one (1) companion per PWA will be allowed in the training room.

"Adults with autism who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where a individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum. By keeping PWAs active and engaged outside the home, we are also training the society to be more aware of what autism is, to be more appreciative of their gifts and to be more accommodating of their deficits."

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Posted in: 4pwas,cooking,food,self-advocates

ASP PweDay on June 8: Sandwich Making

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” --Herman Cain

The Autism Society Philippines launches Wednesday "PweDay" --pronounced [pwe'-dey] this June 2016. The weekly activities aim to provide enrichment for teens and adults with autism who are not currently enrolled in schools. ASP PweDays will offer opportunities to learn new skills, to socialize with non-family members and to have fun.

Sandwich Photo

On June 8, Wednesday, from 2pm to 5pm, we will be conducting a class on Sandwich Making.

Open Hand School of Applied Arts has partnered with ASP in the conduct of the class which would cover food hygiene, simple sandwich preparation, presentation and packaging. This hands-on class will be making Chicken Sandwich Spread, Monte Cristo Sandwiches and Burger Sliders.

Participants must bring their own hair net, apron, and closed shoes (no slippers or sandals please).

We would like to foster independence among our participants during the class. But if needed, a maximum of one (1) companion per PWA will be allowed in the training room.

"Adults with autism who are no longer in school end up in the fringes of society." Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President shares, "ASP is deeply invested in building a society where a individuals with autism be the best of their potentials -- self-reliant, independent, productive and socially-accepted members of the community -- no matter where they are on the spectrum. By keeping PWAs active and engaged outside the home, we are also training the society to be more aware of what autism is, to be more appreciative of their gifts and to be more accommodating of their deficits."

Read more »

Posted in: 4pwas,cooking,food,self-advocates