It's time to get in the WABAC machine and return to the beginning. To know more about Kelly Autism Program means it's time to get to know The Kellys. Having spent some time with John and Linda, I'm almost certain that they would prefer we focus on others and that they would tell you that the start and growth of this program was not only something that they wanted to do and felt compelled to do, it was something that they simply couldn't not do. And when we stop to consider the amount of time, money, effort, compassion, and love that they've put into the program that bears their name, well, we simply couldn't not put the spotlight on them for a moment, right?
Therefore, it is with great delight that I get to share with you a bit about The Kellys, a couple that has done more for and given more to the program than I can adequately present and than most people will ever know....and they continue to do so. They are an extremely active, available, and caring force behind KAP of unwavering commitment and grand vision.
Q: Will you share some things about you with us?
John: I was born in Toronto, Ontario...attended The University of Toronto...thought I would be a teacher but got into business...joined DESA Industries of Canada in 1972...transferred to the head office in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1983 as VP of Sales/Marketing...ultimately retired in 2000 as COO. In 2003, my partner from DESA and I joined Pan Oston, Ltd., a store fixture company majority owned by Houchens Industries, in a turn-around effort...after leading the company back to stability and profitability I retired again in 2011.
Linda grew up in Wisconsin and we met through business...her company sold construction equipment to DESA Canada for the Canadian market. We married in 1981. We have two children, Victoria (age 26) and Michael (age 22).
Currently, I am on the CEC Board of Directors, member of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Board of Advisors, member of the Board of Advisors for the College of Health and Human Services, member of the WKU President's Board of Advisors, and member of the recently completed WKU Capital Campaign....and former board member of Kids on the Block and New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding.
Q: What led to your involvement in starting and growing KAP? And in what ways has WKU and the Bowling Green community supported KAP and how important has that been for the success of the program?
John: We watched Victoria attending middle and high school and not having teachers with comprehensive training in autism. We were concerned that we were not maximizing her capabilities - and worried about others in the same condition who have the capability to do more and were being contained and restrained. We worked with Dr. Frank Kersting - WKU Speech faculty and who also provided private services to our family - and Mary Lloyd Moore, Sam Evans, and others at WKU to provide a working "umbrella" to create the program and include groups and individuals from school systems and the community in the program. We have had excellent cooperation and participation from the community.
Q: Are there plans to extend this program beyond WKU?
John: We have already expanded KAP into Owensboro, at Wendell Foster (MADKAP note: a campus for developmental disabilities formed in 1947), providing many of the services that we provide in Bowling Green and we believe that there is an opportunity to take our "applied" program to other communities around the country.
Q: What are the main ways that parents/guardians of autistic children become aware of KAP?
John: Most are hearing of us through word of mouth, referrals, and the web site. Some are getting involved - particularly the college program - through seminars and other media/presentations by KAP staff.
Q: What are the biggest challenges to continue growing/enhancing the program and fulfilling the mission?
John: The biggest challenge is to support the high level of services that we provide while, at the same time, enabling productive growth of the programs. We need resources to train staff while improving and expanding facilities in order to provide our individuals and families with the best in services and practices.
Q: What things would you most like supporters of KAP to know about the program that might not be well-publicized?
John: That we have created a support infrastructure that will be with KAP members throughout their entire lives. KAP does not stop at 16, or 21, or after graduating from college, or when getting a job, or living on their own...support, at various levels, is likely to be needed for their entire lives.
Q: What do you like to do when you're not working and being involved with KAP and what are some of your favorite things?
John: I try to work my personal life in thirds....try to look at my life as made up of Family, Philanthropy, and Business interests. Vacations with the family are one of my favorite things. And I am a poor golfer but love the "bar cart".
Q: What does additional financial support and scholarship funding enable for KAP?
John: Additional funding is required for KAP to maintain its current high level of performance and support, and to provide for growth and expansion of our programs. With the incidence of autism now almost 1 in 50 children, we have a national epidemic that is not getting the financial support and recognition that is necessary. We need more effectively-trained teachers, speech therapists, and counselors...and to make these services more available to communities around the country.
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