By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-960918.mp3
Albany, NY – Five Friday evenings a semester a college campus in the region becomes a getaway for autistic children and their parents. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Friday Knights starts at 5 p.m. on the College of St. Rose Campus in Albany. The children come from all over the greater Capital Region - Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Columbia counties, even from as far away as western Massachusetts.
There's no shortage of Volunteers: graduate and undergraduate students from the college vie for any available openings to serve as counselors and activity leaders. The young volunteers give up their Friday nights to work with autistic children and teens.
Dr. Susan DeLuke, associate professor of special education, founded Friday Knights. Today, 200 volunteers care for 205 kids... the youngest children take art, movement, music, dance, games and yoga. Teens pick from a menu that also includes world history, science, videography and art. Parents either join their children, head out for a breather or gather in a room where the coffee is ready. At the parents meeting they exchange anecdotes and advice. Program founder Dr. DeLuke says everyone involved in the Friday Knights experience - has come away with a more positive outlook - herself included. Children participating in Friday Knights are matched by age in groups of 6-10 per group.