MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — Kelcie was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.
Today, he’s 35 years old and likes reading with his mother at the Madison Public Library in the Next Chapter Book Club reading program. It’s one of only a few social outings for adults on the autism spectrum in North Alabama.
“He had all of the classic symptoms of autism, but after that, we discovered that they had a lot of programs when he was younger, but as he got older, the system just stopped,” his mother, Rosalyn Roper, explained.
The lack of programs prompted Roper to use her voice to raise awareness and advocate for resources and education.
Roper created Kelcie’s Place Inc., a nonprofit that offers a more inclusive space for autistic individuals to learn and to share experiences.
“They cannot stop learning at any age,” said Roper. “It is good to have an environment that fosters that education system, and that is what we want to continue.”
In noting the shortage of specialized programs that support the state’s special needs population, the Madison Public Library is collaborating with Kelcie’s Place to inspire a collective action within the autism community.
“It is vitally important to have programs for everyone that include everyone in our programming, and I wish that we could do more,” said Carolyn Regan of Madison Public Library.
Roper is bringing the program to Madison County from Montgomery, where she has operated for 18 years.
“When I first started, I found that some parents were afraid to bring their autistic child out of the house,” explained Roper. “Now they have a choice to do things with their child and to know people will not look at them funny, and also that they can go and do things, no matter who’s looking. Let them know that they are there.”
Kelcie’s Place will host an event for special needs adults at the Madison Public Library starting on Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m.
You can find more information by clicking this link.
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