Dr. Mark H. Yeager is from Smith County, Mississippi. He is often referred to as the "Father of the Mississippi Autism Movement." Viewed as the top authority on autism in the State of Mississippi, Mark Yeager has provided services to people with autism since 1975. "His experiences range from being a classroom teacher to program developer creating new and innovative based programs (Source)." Dr. Mark Yeager is an Autism Light for the dedication he has had for over 35 years to improving the quality of life for people with autism in Mississippi. The effectiveness of his work is an example to the autism field across the United States and world.
The following is a video of Dr. Mark Yeager speaking on "The Hidden Part of Autism" on May 5, 2010 at The Institute for Disability Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Autism Light asked Dr. Mark Yeager how he felt we could best help improve the quality of life for those with autism. He shared the following:
I think that one of the most misinterpreted issues within the ASD community is that people with ASD prefer not to do many things. This often leads to them being left out of so many opportunities. My years of experience has taught me that it is not the lack of interest or desire but the lack of opportunity that keeps autistic people away from so much. It is our collective responsibility to provide as many opportunities as possible for our autistic friends and family members so that they can enjoy participating in life with everyone else --Dr. Mark Yeager.Adjunct Professor: Dr. Mark Yeager is a 1998 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his Ph.D. in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Mark Yeager serves as an adjunct professor at both the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. Dr. Mark Yeager created and taught the first classes in the state of Mississippi exclusively dedicated to autism (Source). He has also delivered autism lectures to the Minister of Education in India.
Autism Bill of Rights: One of the ways in which Dr. Mark Yeager's autism work has been felt outside of Mississippi is related to the Autism Bill of Rights. He created the Autism Bill of Rights and the document can be viewed at this link.
Autism Camps: Mark Yeager also serves as the Camp Director for Autism Camps in Mississippi known as TEAAM'S Adventure Based Programs. The programs allow people with autism inclusive opportunities to experience a camp program. In this past year 190 campers and 140 volunteers were involved in the Kamp Kaleidoscope and Camp Walapei at their Center Ridge Outpost. The Center Ridge Outpost is about 6 miles south of Raleigh, Mississippi. The website for more information on these Autism Camps is at www.autismcamps.org.
Yeager Group: Dr. Mark H. Yeager is co-founder of the Yeager Group. The Yeager Group provides "assessments, quality training, assistance in the classroom, teacher and family support, IEP recommendations, behavior programs, student counseling and more (Source)." If you are interested in their services contact them at The Yeager Group, PO Box 37, Mize, MS 39116 or through other channels listed on their website.
Social Media: You can follow Dr. Mark Yeager at the following social media areas.
For more information on Dr. Mark Yeager vist his biography at this Website. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Yeager for shining your light for over 35 years to improve the life of people with autism in Mississippi.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo in this post is used with permission of Dr. Mark Yeager.
0 comments:
Post a Comment