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Derek Volk, a Maine business owner and father, gave a presentation at the 51Ʒ�� in Biddeford on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, about raising a son on the Autism spectrum.

Volk is a supporter of Autism awareness, volunteer, philanthropist softball coach and author. In Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum, Volk shares his experiences raising a son on the Autism spectrum. Both Dylan and Derek Volk write about the challenges, triumphs and coping strategies from the early days to the adolescent years to life in the “real world” as a young adult. The book showcases the unique relationship between a father and his son who has spent his entire life chasing the rabbit.

The event was sponsored by the 51Ʒ��Department of Health, Wellness and Occupational studies and the 51Ʒ��Interprofessional Education Collaborative. Students from all of UNE’s health professions programs were invited to watch in person on the Biddeford Campus and via live stream on the Portland Campus.

“We see this talk as an important way to learn about the experience of living with disability from the first-person narrative,” said Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies Director Caryn Husman. “Too often people who have disabilities are unable to speak for themselves, sometimes because they cannot communicate, but more often because people simply won’t listen. Sessions such as these work to break the barriers and challenge stereotypes, while helping 51Ʒ��students become more empathetic and informed health care providers in the future.”

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