By: Patricia Menendez/Contributing Writer
The Disability Resource Center group, Blue Panthers, is looking to build a community, where students with autistic spectrum disorder can develop social and academic skills that will be valuable for any given environment.
“The fact that the main challenge [people on the spectrum] faced had to do with communication and socialization made me reflect on how many times someone like me or anybody else have said the wrong thing or done the wrong thing and felt the repercussions,” said Stephen Loynaz, associate director of the DRC and Founder of Blue Panthers. “Well, these kids feel that a lot more often, and I didn’t think that was something that should prevent somebody from being successful.”
Since its pilot in 2014, Blue Panthers has consisted of a group of five to 10 students, who learn how to explore relationships, create social events and search for jobs.
The name was created by the students as a group project. “Panthers” came from FIU’s mascot and “Blue” was chosen because of its association with autism.
Loynaz explained that the group is a “labor out of love” from the DRC staff, because, unlike other types of programs, they do not receive extra funding.
The efforts of the Blue Panthers has given them a greater exposure to important conferences, like the Association on Higher Education And Disability National Conference. Loynaz, who presented in 2016, considers this to be one of the greatest accomplishments of the group.
Blue Panthers is an “open group,” meaning that anyone who is registered in the DRC with Autistic Spectrum Disorder can join on a volunteer basis. There is no set curriculum and the main focus is on the students.
“Anything I do with the program, anything I do with the DRC, or anything I’m going to do, period, has to do with FIU. I always ask myself what are the benefits for the students? If I can’t answer that question, then I’ve got a problem, ” said Loynaz.
Miguel Chavez, a junior majoring in psychology said that he seeks test preparation help from the group; whereas Kate Gilson, a junior majoring in early childhood education, hopes to make new friends.
An initiative for the group this year is to expand and advertise to other disabilities, such as ADHD. Loynaz also wants to see members bring someone else to the group because it is a symbol of appreciation for their work.
In addition, the DRC and Loynaz want the students to be comfortable in public events so that one day they can lead or sponsor a student group.
“At the end of the day, the students are in the driver’s seat for these kinds of things,” said Loynaz.
His ultimate goal would be to hire somebody full-time to run Blue Panthers.
Blue Panthers meets every Wednesday at 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the DRC, located in GC 190. Their goal is to meet at least 10 times this semester and to reach a group of 15 to 20 students.
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