For Amanda Brooks, fostering a culture of belonging and preparing young adults diagnosed with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) such as autism, are her focus — not just for National Autism Month, but every day.
Recognized throughout April — with April 2 being World Autism Day — Autism Awareness Month was started in 1970 to create understanding and support for people diagnosed with autism.
Brooks, recreation supervisor at Franklin Recreation, has been assisting with the planning and execution of activities hosted by The Villages’ Special Talented Adult Resident (S.T.A.R.) program for several years. The program helps ensure everyone in The Villages feels included in the fun.
“S.T.A.R. allows participants to come and socialize with each other,” she said. “They can make new friends and be creative or active. I’ve been doing this so long that I’ve gotten to know the participants by names. I don’t need to check their Villages ID. They are honestly some of my favorite people.”
From S.T.A.R.S. to the Lady Lake Aktions Club, there are several local clubs and groups that gather in or near The Villages that provide support, resources and activities for individuals with autism, as well as other IDDs.
S.T.A.R.
More than 10 families participated in the S.T.A.R. program’s Easter Hat event on March 26 at Everglades Recreation. Residents spent the afternoon decorating white sun hats with colorful markers. They cut out bunny ears and attached 3D elements such as plastic grass, small chicks and Easter eggs to the hat.
Pegi and Bill Chamberlain, of the Village Mira Mesa, helped their daughter, Emily, put on the hat she decorated toward the end of the event. The couple said since moving to The Villages in December 2024, Emily, who was diagnosed with autism and Down syndrome around the age of 10, has participated in several S.T.A.R. activities.
“We’ve always been proponents of inclusion,” Pegi said. “We know that every individual person may respond to an activity like this differently because autistic people are unique. What Emily might enjoy, someone else may say, ‘There’s too many people in here,’ and be overwhelmed. This program respects that participants are all different individuals with different likes and dislikes.”
Many autistic individuals have heightened or lowered sensitivity across their five senses. Which is why, Brooks said during the planning stages of the activity, they considered how participants would react to the various textures like the plastic grass or heat of the hot glue gun.
S.T.A.R.’s other socials held in March were Hula Hooping on March 5 at Ezell Recreation, Ceramic Painting on March 13 at Chula Vista Recreation and Craft Birdhouses on March 20 at Bacall Recreation.
“We do simple things and make small rearrangements to where it’s more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone,” Brooks said.
Brooks said interested and accepted candidates can volunteer to assist during social events and activities hosted by S.T.A.R.
“We are always looking for volunteers,” she said. “You do have to apply and be pre-approved before volunteering. Come learn how and contribute to the inclusion in The Villages.”
Lady Lake Aktion Club
Corey Gold plans community service and social events for adults with IDD through the Lady Lake Aktion Club.
Gold, president of the Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake, said the Aktion Club encourages members to be “competent, capable and caring leaders” by getting involved in the community and accepting various responsibilities within the club.
“The Aktion Club members participate with our Reading Is Fundamental program, or what we call RIF,” Gold said. “That’s where we go into classrooms at local elementary schools with some of our Kiwanis members to read to the kids. The Aktion Club members will hand out books and maybe participate in an activity.”
The Aktion Club, an extension of Kiwanis International, is a service club for adults with IDD.
“They’re getting the social skills and getting leadership experience,” Gold said. “Our Aktion Club has a president, a vice president, a secretary and a treasurer. We alternate those people so even those with special needs learn how to become leaders.”
Lady Lake Aktion Club adviser Ann Hensley said it’s important for members to feel they are apart of the community.
Hensley, whose daughter has special needs and is a member of the club, said the group fosters inclusion by doing activities that are then donated to local organizations or supporting community events like the Lady Lake Easter Egg Hunt.
“At our closing circle, we have a motto we use. I think it’s very important. ‘We serve others. We accept all. We are kind. We have fun. We are Aktion Club.’”
The next Lady Lake Aktion Club meeting falls on Thursday, World Autism Day, when supporters wear blue and participate in activities designed to increase inclusion and understanding of people who are diagnosed with autism. Aktion Club members plan to wear their club shirts, which are blue, that day.
To learn more about Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake or the Aktion Club, visit ladylakekiwanis.org.
For more information about S.T.A.R. and its April activities, visit thevillages.com/recreation/star-program.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
