Open the Floodgates to More Autism Services! Mary Ogle of A New Leaf in Oklahoma

This interview will blow your mind. You will have just one thought: "We need a thousand more Mary Ogles!" Mary is a force of nature and CEO of A New Leaf near Tulsa, Oklahoma, which serves 500 clients with I/DD in vocational, transition and residential programs. When Mary sees a need she goes for it and has vastly expanded their operations, including development of a residential village serving adults of all functional levels. She and Jill Escher discuss:
-How she entered this field
-How the campus-based housing did not get subjected to HCBS "heightened scrutiny"
-The vision and mission to serve adults with severe and profound autism
-The need for a huge amount of private fundraising to cover actual costs
-How they raised millions to build their village
-The 2-year Transition Academy serving students with mid-functioning autism and I/DD
-The horticulture work the clients do, and their retail operations
-Staff development and retention
We must "open the floodgates" to vastly more services and housing to serve the need. Amen!
Link:
www.anewleaf.org

[@kathyt.2601]

Mary Ogle is extraordinary because she takes responsibility for the clients she takes on. When her clients face challenges, she and her staff understand that it is on them to figure out how their actions or inactions have impacted clients and how best to meet their clients’ needs. This is rare in the provider world. At present, for most, it’s like breaking your leg, going to a provider who claims to be an orthopedist, and then getting yelled at for not being able to walk and blamed for breaking a leg in the first place! It will be interesting to learn more about her experiences with those with severe autism and severe ID. These folks need sophisticated, 24/7 supervision and engagement, and access to quality health and mental health care. Clearly Mary Ogle is up to the task. She views her work as a blessing, and we should view her in the same light.

[@LisaKlessens]

I was so hopeful in listening to what Mary said regarding the need to help all individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, when I reached out to case manager she indicated that in most cases we are not equipped to support severe behaviors.😢