Kolainu Magazine_March 2018
Our publication covers topics on Autism as well as the most recent events and community news from Shema Kolainu, Hear Our Voices, a school and center for children with Autism. Kolainu magazine was created to hear the voices of children and families as they strive to achieve their full potential for independence, productivity, and inclusion in their community.
Our publication covers topics on Autism as well as the most recent events and community news from Shema Kolainu, Hear Our Voices, a school and center for children with Autism. Kolainu magazine was created to hear the voices of children and families as they strive to achieve their full potential for independence, productivity, and inclusion in their community.
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orees were bestowed with awards, individual pieces of<br />
students’ framed artwork, which serve as commemorative<br />
milestones of the Shema <strong>Kolainu</strong> students’ accomplishments.<br />
The four honorees next delivered inspiring<br />
addresses pledging and reaffirming their support and<br />
commitment to Shema <strong>Kolainu</strong> and the Special Needs<br />
Community.<br />
The first honoree, Saima Wazed Hossain, Chairperson<br />
for the Bangladesh National Advisory Committee for<br />
Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, was the<br />
recipient of the International Champion Award whose<br />
made valuable contributions to the Autism Community.<br />
The award was accepted on her behalf by His Excellency<br />
Masud Bin Momen, the Bangladeshi Ambassador to<br />
the U.N. Saima’s advocacy and commitment to autism<br />
rights has resulted in Bangladesh revolutionizing their<br />
approach to advocating for autism rights and has become<br />
a role model for the international community.<br />
The second set of honorees, Brad Lander and Mark<br />
Levine, New York City Council members, were the recipients<br />
of the City Leadership Award. Their commitment<br />
to the Autism Initiative, funded by the New York<br />
City Council, greatly enhances Shema <strong>Kolainu</strong>’s ability<br />
to provide parent training workshops for families with<br />
autistic children. Their ongoing advocacy has allowed<br />
us to fund our parent training and workshops for caregivers,<br />
advocates, parents, and families.<br />
The final honoree, Jennie Berger, Community Liaison<br />
for the Office of New York City Council Speaker Melissa<br />
Mark-Viverito, was the recipient of the Hakoras<br />
Hatov Award. Jennie’s has tirelessly championed the<br />
autism initiative and has also been an advocate for<br />
children and families with autism. Jennie’s efforts have<br />
furthered Shema <strong>Kolainu</strong>’s mission and preserved the<br />
existence of its educational programs across the city.<br />
As the 2017 Legislative breakfast came to a close,<br />
Dr. Joshua Weinstein reflected on the many blessings<br />
and miracles that have contributed to Shema <strong>Kolainu</strong>’s<br />
success and its students’ achievements. Dr. Weinstein<br />
also thanked the school’s many community supporters<br />
and commented on how <strong>2018</strong> will be a monumental<br />
year for Shema <strong>Kolainu</strong> with the onset of its 20th anniversary<br />
and the commencement of the school’s $2.1<br />
million grant awarded expansion project for the 3rd<br />
floor to the existing building.<br />
www.Shema<strong>Kolainu</strong>.org | <strong>Kolainu</strong> - Our Voice | <strong>March</strong> <strong>2018</strong> 13
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