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Thanks to our Sponsors, our remaining tickets are now free. Please enter the discount code "FREE" when prompted.
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Bucks County Community College, Newtown
Zlock Performing Arts Center
Doors Open at 6 p.m.
Screening at 6:30 p.m.
Panel discussion to follow the film
As a friend of Potential, you are invited to be among the first to see an extraordinary film based on the New York Times bestseller, and Pulitzer Prize finalist, “In A Different Key: The Story of Autism.” The film is not yet available to the general public.
The film follows the journey of one mother’s quest to ensure her son’s future happiness and safety in a world that doesn't always welcome or understand people who are “different.” That journey took her to a small town in rural Mississippi to meet the first person diagnosed with autism, an endearing elderly man living a rich, full life.
This riveting story is told through the eyes of journalist Caren Zucker, a Peabody Award-winning 25-year veteran of ABC News, and producer and co-writer of the six-part PBS series “Autism Now,” whose own son has autism.
We encourage you to bring a friend or loved one, someone who is outside the autism community, to share the evening with you. “Sometimes it’s hard to understand what autism is,” explains motivational speaker and autism advocate Ben Hartranft, who will be part of our special panel to lead a discussion after the film.
Please join us as we come together as a community to support those on the spectrum. We encourage you to bring a friend, a “plus one,” to share the evening with you and learn how we can all embrace the values of acceptance and respect we hold so dear at Potential.
Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase. These include treats from Bake Ability of Buckingham, all baked by individuals with different abilities, as well as gourmet popcorn from Popcorn for the People, a nonprofit that proudly employs individuals with autism.
Meet Our Panelists
Ben Hartranft
CEO, President and Chairman at Benergy1 Presentations
Ben is a national motivational speaker whose life mission is to advocate for autism awareness.
The North Penn High School graduate from Lansdale, Pa., was diagnosed with autism at age 2. He knew only 20 words. “I have gone beyond all expectations and am strengthened continually by my faith in God,” Ben exclaims today.
His journey began when he started raising money for the Eagles Autism Challenge. After a few years of fundraising, he was invited to be a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to promote autism awareness and raise funds for research. “From that moment on, I knew my dream was to be an advocate for autism awareness, taking awareness into action,” he says. “I am now living that dream by speaking at schools, businesses, and organizations. Sharing my story. How inclusion and kindness shaped my life with autism. I want everyone to know that one kind person can change the world. Go out and Be The One!”
Amy S.F. Lutz
Mother, Author and Founding Board Member of the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA)
Amy S.F. Lutz's writing about severe autism has been featured on many platforms, including Psychology Today, The Atlantic, Slate, and Spectrum. Her first book, Each Day I Like It Better: Autism, ECT, and the Treatment of Our Most Impaired Children, was published in 2014, and her second book, a collection of essays called We Walk: Life with Severe Autism, will be published in October by Cornell University Press. She is a founding board member of the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA) and is currently pursuing her doctorate in the history of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She lives outside Philadelphia with her husband and five children.
Nina Wall
Director, Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services
Nina was a founding member and past president of the Pennsylvania Action Coalition for Autism Services (PACAS), a statewide board of autism advocacy chairs and directors whose mission was to advocate for services for Pennsylvanians diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition, she served as a board member of Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy (PP&A), as Information and Referral Director for the Autism Society of Greater Philadelphia, and as one of three Managing Co-Chairs of the Pennsylvania Autism Task Force.
She completed her graduate studies at the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Her clinical pursuits have focused on assisting families, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and youth with learning and behavioral health challenges.
Ernest Dianastasis
CEO, The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI)
The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI), is a national company focused on creating 10,000 jobs for people with disabilities by the year 2025, by providing industry best practices for delivering administrative and technology services performed through teams which include individuals with disabilities. Learn more at www.theprecisionists.com.
Jeff Selman, PsyD, BCBA-D
Chief Operating Officer, First Children Services
Dr. Selman specializes in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents who present with a range of psychological and behavioral health concerns, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder, anxiety, and other developmental, social-emotional and behavioral difficulties. In addition to his direct clinical work, Dr. Selman has spent the majority of his career working with families, schools and communities creating positive, sustainable change across systems, and ensuring the delivery of evidence-based interventions for individuals with developmental and behavioral health needs. Prior to coming to First Children Services, he was the co-founder and director of clinical services at a large multidisciplinary psychological, counseling and applied behavior analysis (ABA) practice in Charleston and Bluffton, South Carolina. The practice was recognized by insurance programs and local media as a “top provider” because of its commitment to evidence-based interventions, parent and family involvement, and the range of outreach and consultative services provided to communities and schools. Most recently, Dr. Selman served as the director for school psychology and therapeutic services at a private school for gifted and twice-exceptional students in Manhattan.
Jules Ferraro
Newtown Township Police Officer
Officer Jules Ferraro is a veteran police officer with 40-years’ experience. He started his police career with the Philadelphia Police Department and is currently employed by the Newtown Township Police Department. Since 2010, he has been a certified member of the Bucks County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Task Force, as well as the Bucks County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team. He serves as a Crisis Negotiator for the South Central Emergency Response Team (SCERT) and is also an A.L.I.C.E. instructor. Jules has also proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.
Potential Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) Corporation. The official registration and financial information of Potential, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Mission: Potential engages children and adults with autism in personalized programs that help them realize their full potential.
Vision: Potential envisions a world where every person with autism can lead a successful life of value.
Values: At Potential, we have respect for people and show compassion through teamwork and integrity.