An Autism & Jon Petership Scholarship School
- Specializing in students identified as twice exceptional
- - Grades K-12
- - Monday - Thursday (Year-round)
- - A stage-not-age learning program
- - Meets all state standards
- - Diploma accepted by universities
- - Small class sizes
- - A 2-to-1 student to teacher ratio
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Owner and director of IDEA House, Angi Shumate, wins the Temple Grandin award
Our very own Angi Shumate won the Temple Grandin Award for her contribution to the Autism community. Temple Grandin is an adult on the Autism Spectrum and is well known as a teacher and advocate for those on the spectrum. She is most known for her contributions to animal behavior, especially with cows. She has paved the way for many on the spectrum. Mrs. Shumate left the public schools to make run her own school for those on the spectrum. She is a licensed behavioral interventionist and has helped many on the spectrum to thrive. She has taken her own money, time, and energy to make IDEA House a reality. Now, her dream has literally changed lives. Here is a link to the winners of the Temple Grandin Award.
Our Building and our Open House pictures! Click here to see where our students learn and grow.
Click on the audio link and listen to Angi's recognition as one of Aultcare's Top 30.
| aultcare_30_7-6-15.mp3 |
Interactive, Hands-on Learning
Connection and Autism
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Connection is so important. Our kids thrive with the connection in our program. Kids learn best where they feel loved, secure, and accepted for who they are. Disabilities are embraced and their strengths are developed at IDEA House. These beautiful pictures show connection with kids who have Autism. Environment is everything. |
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Celebrations
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The IDEA House family celebrates life together. We celebrate holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, Christmas, Easter, etc. Enjoy our pictures of many of our celebrations.
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Faces of IDEA House slide show...Enjoy the faces we see every day
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Akron Beacon Journal recognizes IDEA House
Jewell Cardwell: Autism school founder gets national award
By Jewell Cardwell
Beacon Journal columnis
Big, beautiful bouquets to Angi Shumate, who has been tapped to receive the national Temple Grandin Award, named for the author, professor, motivational speaker and inventor who’s been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Shumate is one of 13 recipients this year, but the only one who isn’t herself on the autism spectrum. She is founder of IDEA House, a North Canton school for children on the autism spectrum, including Asperger’s syndrome. She was nominated by her assistant, Ann Kagarise. Kagarise is accomplished in several fields and is herself on the autism spectrum and identifies very well with their students, who range in age from 7 to almost 16. “Temple Grandin is probably the most well-known and famous adult with autism,” Shumate said. “There’s even been a movie about her. She is the epitome of what individuals with autism spectrum disorder can achieve and how far one can go given the right support and drive.” Shumate, formerly a special education teacher in the public school system, said it was always her dream to provide educational services and new opportunities for children with autism. “I’m fascinated the way their minds work and excited to create methods to engage the students to help break down the barriers or stumbling blocks and allow them to stretch their comfort zone. … We’ve seen students do so many things that astound their parents.” Children from Stark and Summit counties whose parents desire more of a one-on-one educational experience attend IDEA House on Ohio Autism Scholarships.
Autism is no laughing matter. If you are going to a normal school, they treat you like an idiot, like an outcast. No one wanted to play with me at my old school. They didn't want anything to do with me. I like it here because I'm not treated different.
James Gaul--student at IDEA House
James Gaul--student at IDEA House
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My child did not want to go to school, but not he can't wait for school. He is upset when there is no school. Samantha--IDEA House parent
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I am amazed at how far he has come in the last two years there. I give lots of credit to IDEA House for helping him with the social skills he needs. Their goal is not for a child to be 'good' at something, but be amazing in whatever they decide to do in their future.
Sue Hewitt, IDEA House parent |
IDEA House is known for its hands-on/interactive learning. We ensure that every student receives the attention and support needed with our 2-to-1 student to teacher ration. Each lesson plan is individualized according to that student's specific needs. We believe in teaching the whole child. They learn how to socialize and feel loved and accepted. Bullying can be a child's biggest obstacle, especially if they are on the spectrum. IDEA House has a very strict no bullying policy. Acceptance and encouragement starts at the top and filters through each and every one of our children. Students are quick to come alongside another to help, to offer applause or a high-five. "You can do it" is all you will hear in our walls when a child is risking or stepping out in areas they are not comfortable with. Trying new things is what our kids are encouraged to do each and every day.
IDEA House...
A place...
To learn
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To have fun |
To be yourself
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To find your voice
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To celebrate
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To be understood
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