Unleash the Power of The Press

Inc.

Apollo Safety Reminds Massachusetts Residents of Carbon Monoxide Risks During Fire Prevention Month

October is Fire Prevention Month and Apollo Safety, Inc., providers of gas detection products and services for hospitals, universities, government operations and other organizations throughout New England, reminds residents that now is the perfect time to update aging smoke alarms to Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors, as well as replace the batteries and test existing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors.

According to Apollo Safety founder John V. Carvalho, III, “You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, and it can be lethal. Heating equipment, automobiles and generators are a few examples of potential sources of carbon monoxide, a toxic gas which is as significant a safety risk as fire.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), carbon monoxide is created when fuels such as wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, kerosene, methane, and gasoline burn incompletely. And, the number of carbon monoxide incidents continues to rise. In 2003 there were 40,900 incidents, to which that number nearly doubled in 2010.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors should be situated on every level of the home, and also near sleeping areas in the home.

“Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm that is sounding in your home,” continued Carvalho. “Even though these alarms are incredibly sensitive and built to alert you as early as possible, high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness in minutes. Time is of the essence. Everyone must leave the premises immediately and call the fire department from outside your home.”

Blocked Vents a Risk 

The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting that the Northeast will have “closer to normal temperatures”, but a very snowy winter. This means outdoor vents (such as dryer, stove, and furnace vents) may become blocked with snow, causing carbon monoxide to back up into the home. Be sure to monitor all vents and keep them clear.

Secondary heat or fuel sources, such as generators and kerosene heaters, often relied upon by homeowners, apartment dwellers and some businesses during storm power outages, pose significant risk for carbon monoxide. For example, when using kerosene heaters, adequate ventilation should be a priority. Keeps doors open, a window open at least a crack and perhaps even the fireplace flue open. Generators should never be used indoors, and should be situated outdoors far from the home’s windows, doors and vents. Additionally, automobiles should never be left running (for example, to “warm up” on cold mornings) in the garage.

Gas detection systems are just as necessary as fire alarm systems. They alarm at the first sign of trouble, but maintenance is key to ensure they are always in working order. Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every five years.

Carvalho noted, “Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, but is highly preventable. Detection is key and saves lives. Protect your loved ones by installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home.”

For more information, visit ApolloSafety.com or call Apollo Safety at 800-813-5408.

About Apollo Safety

Founded in 1995, Apollo Safety, Inc. has grown to become the leading safety and technical services equipment provider in New England. As experts in gas/toxic leak prevention and detection, Apollo Safety goes beyond simply installing gas detection systems, to provide regular maintenance and monitoring (testing) of the systems to ensure they are continually in optimal working order.

Apollo Safety provides portable, stationary and wireless gas detection systems, sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers, as well as service in their “state of the art” in-house service center. The company also provides on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) and is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, government operations and others throughout the region.

A small veteran-owned business (SVOB), Apollo Safety is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more information, call 800-813-5408 or visit http://www.ApolloSafety.com.

Apollo Safety Reminds Massachusetts Residents of Carbon Monoxide Risks During Fire Prevention MonthRead More

HMEA’s Autism Resource Central Celebrates 20 Groundbreaking Years – Gala to be held October 20th

BCIBehavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, encourages the community to join them in celebration and support of HMEA’s Autism Resource Central’s 20th Anniversary.

Autism Resource Central is considered “The Center of the Autism Community” providing information and referral services as well as support and family activities to more than 3500 families in Central Massachusetts over the last 20 years. BCI is proud to sponsor Autism Resource Central’s 20th Anniversary Gala, which will be held at Cyprian Keyes in Boylston, MA on October 20, 2017 from 6 to 11 p.m.

The 20th Anniversary Gala will be an exciting red carpet event featuring dinner, dancing, silent auction, raffles and the “Guiding Star” awards ceremony.

Since 2002, Autism Resource Central has been presenting Guiding Star Awards honoring those in the autism community who go the extra mile for individuals and families challenged by autism spectrum disorders. This year, there are 15 nominees ranging from educators and ABA professionals to coaches and doctors, as the center believes that those who work to improve access to the community and acceptance of autism deserve to be commended for their efforts. Scott Morin, an ABA Therapist at BCI has been nominated by a family for a Guiding Star Award.

Among those being recognized are Janet George Ph.D., Assistant Commissioner, Policy, Planning, and Children’s Services for Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and Jeff Robinson, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of BCI.

“We are delighted to be a part of this very special event that celebrates Autism Resource Central and their positive impact on the community over the last two decades,” explained Dr. Robinson. “Autism Resource Central has always been at the forefront – creating awareness, educating families and the community and providing essential information and resources. For the past 15 years, BCI has proudly worked alongside Autism Resource Central, serving children and families throughout Central Massachusetts and providing services that increase their independence and enhance their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community.”

Over the years, BCI’s dedicated team members have volunteered countless hours at Autism Resource Central. BCI proudly supported many of the organization’s signature events in 2017: the 5K Run & Walk for Autism Acceptance held in April; Tee Up For Autism held in August; Autism Acceptance Day at Great Wolf Lodge held in September; and the 20th Anniversary Gala in October.

Dr. Robinson continued, “HMEA’s Autism Resource Central and BCI’s missions are similar. It is that synergy; our mission of family-first, which makes this a special partnership.”

“The autism community is made up of families, providers and state agencies all working together,” said Susan Loring, Director of Autism Resource Central. “BCI and HMEA have been working together for a long time, building that community and making the connections. We’ve come a long way and have made groundbreaking advances – such as getting legislation passed to ensure that services for children with ASD are covered by insurance.”

As one of seven autism centers in the state supported by DDS, Autism Resource Central supports thousands of children, adults and their families in the Central Massachusetts area. The center provides support, information, referral, family activities and events, activities for adults on the spectrum, educational programs for parents, and therapeutic programs for children with autism as well as siblings, school vacation events and community partnerships to area businesses. Membership is free, and all of the programs and events are free or low cost, with all fees collected going right back into supporting the center’s mission.

Loring continued, “The 20th Anniversary Gala is a ‘feel good’ night. We’re celebrating those who go above and beyond the parameters of the job to touch the lives of people with ASD and make their lives better. It’s not just a job, it’s a passion.”

Tickets to Autism Resource Central’s 20th Anniversary Gala are $75 per person and available on their website at http://www.autismresourcecentral.org/event-registration/

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism and their families in central Massachusetts.  BCI identifies and facilitates effective personalized instruction that allows children to discover more, learn more, and be more – increasing their independence and enhancing their quality of life at home, in school, and in the community. As a Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved provider of specialty ABA services for early intervention, BCI provides center, home-based, and after-school services through private and public health insurance. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jeffrey R. Robinson. Further information on BCI is available at http://bciaba.com

HMEA’s Autism Resource Central Celebrates 20 Groundbreaking Years – Gala to be held October 20thRead More

BCI of Central Massachusetts Addresses Inclusion in the Workforce

BCIBehavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, is striving to create greater awareness and inclusion of adults with autism in the workforce.

Trends in Hiring

A growing number of companies, including human services organizations as well as companies with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) job openings, are recognizing the unique skills and attributes of individuals with ASD.

“Adults with ASD are extremely valuable employees,” explained Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s founder and CEO. “Many possess unique skill sets that may include an elevated attention to detail, and the ability to perform specialized jobs and tasks consistently and accurately.”

Working to their strengths, BCI employs three individuals with ASD.

Dr. Robinson continued, “As behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of persons with ASD, we are a company that truly understands the unique challenges that occur during the interview (of an adult with ASD) and within the workplace. We provide a supportive environment to enable our employees to succeed. BCI is changing the hiring landscape on a local level in Central Massachusetts and is proud to hire individuals with ASD.”

The company recently hired Ryan Litchfield, speaker and autism advocate, as an Administrative Assistant. Litchfield is a resident of Rutland, MA.

Litchfield, who was diagnosed with autism at two years of age and believed to never be able to speak or function, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Assumption College in Worcester, where he majored in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. Litchfield has also earned a Certificate in Aging Services through career and continuing education and is certified in Gerontology Studies.

Litchfield, an ASD advocate, strives to educate audiences and the general public on acceptance of people with disabilities and help them access resources associated to activities of daily living for those with ASD. For more than five years, Litchfield has been a speaker for ASD, sharing his personal experiences speaking at the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative in Worcester and to schools in Wachusett Regional School District, as well as Light It Up Blue events for the Assumption Disability Awareness Promotion Team (ADAPT) in Worcester.

Previous to joining BCI, Litchfield was an administrative assistant at Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging in West Boylston, and also at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education at Assumption College. He served an intern at HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in West Boylston, MA.

“Ryan’s knowledge, positive attitude, and advocacy make him a wonderful addition to our team,” said Dr. Robinson.

Another staff member and speaker, Intake Coordinator Christian Tsetsos, recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary with BCI. Tsetsos oversees insurance authorizations and intakes and also maintains the client database among a number of other directed, highly detailed tasks. For the last seven years, Tsetsos has been a guest speaker on Asperger’s at the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) Summer Institute for Educators as well as at other AANE conferences and panels. Tsetsos has also addressed educators at Dover-Sherborn Middle School and the Newton School District Faculty and Administrators. He is a 2014 graduate of Worcester State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies.

“Christian has assumed increasing responsibility during his employment with BCI. As our Intake Coordinator, Christian is the first voice that parents hear when they inquire about BCI services. He is our ever-important liaison with insurance companies. He welcomes visitors and new employees as part of his receptionist duties. Christian has truly become the BCI good-will ambassador,” said Dr. Robinson.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit  http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.

BCI of Central Massachusetts Addresses Inclusion in the WorkforceRead More

New service offers insurance insights for parents of children with autism.

WORCESTER, MA…

For most parents, preparing your child to go back to school means a trip to the mall for school supplies, a new outfit or two and maybe some new shoes. For parents of children with autism, back to school means all that plus deciphering what programs and assistance is available for their child through the school and what’s available through insurance. A new service offered by Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of children with autism, is helping parents in Central Massachusetts solve that riddle.

“When the school year begins, many parents utilize the programs available through the school but are unaware that home support and services are available through their private health insurance,” said BCI Founder and Director Dr. Jeff Robinson. “We provide home and community services that meet the individual needs of the child and their family. In short, BCI helps students and their families navigate the system.”

Based in Worcester, Mass and with offices Mansfield and West Boylston, Mass., BCI provides much needed services to children with autism and their parents. The process begins with an assessment by qualified and certified behavior analyst. Once an assessment has been made, BCI clinicians develop a treatment plan that remediates behavioral challenges and teaches new skills and replacement behaviors.

Said Robinson, “Since we have experience collaborating with public schools and providing health insurance based services, we can tailor a program for children with autism that fits the child’s unique needs and family’s schedule—while optimizing the full benefits offered by both the schools and the health care provider.”

BCI instructional programs are delivered using discrete trial, task analysis, and systematic prompting procedures implemented by ABA therapists who have successfully completed pre-service training, on-site, and quarterly evaluations by their clinical supervisors. Instruction is provided in: Activities of daily living, functional and augmentative communication, functional academics (children over the age of 7) / academics (under the age of 7), social and play skills, leisure skills, toileting, and food tolerance.

BCI accepts Harvard-Pilgrim, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Behavioral Health, Tufts, Aetna and coverage from other major health care providers.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to the unique needs of the individuals BHC works with. It’s BCI’s goal to maximize student potential, increase independence and enhance our clients’ quality of live within their home, school and community.

BCI’s main treatment center is located at 170 Goddard Memorial Drive, in Worcester, Massachusetts. BCI operates its BASICS services at 100 Hartwell Street in West Boylston, Mass. The BASICS program is a sub-contract arrangement between Behavioral Concepts, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative. BASICS provides services to children aged 7-22 with autism and maladaptive behaviors. BCI’s Corporate Offices are located in Mansfield, Mass.

For complete information, visit http://bciaba.org or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, please call (508) 363-0200

New service offers insurance insights for parents of children with autism.Read More