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For the Behura family, this meant taking on a lot to make sure their autistic son Maximillian was well equipped even when away from home and bringing various things like special utensils, his medication, an iPad/tablet, toys, and a special stroller. Despite all of these extra items they need to bring with them being a little bit of a hassle, theyโve refused to let this stop them from making memories together and going on vacations.
Alexander Behura, 17, had seen and helped with a lot of the hard work that was necessary for planning their vacations, and on a particular trip they had together as a family in Palo Alto, they ran into a problem- Max ran out of diapers, and the family didnโt know where they could get some.
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He quickly began to write letters with an extensive business plan to various corporations, upon the suggestion of his parents.
โYou could tell, itโs something he was already thinking about it,โ said Alexanderโs dad, Nathaniel, said about the campaign that ensues. โWe encouraged him to write letters.
His plan didnโt work at first. A congressman turned him down, and another organization said the cause was too bold. He decided to restructure his letter to be simpler, and hone in on places close to Disneyland in Anaheim instead, a place popular for kids with disabilities.
Ian Gee, general manager of the Sheraton Park Hotel in Anaheim received one such letter, and was inspired to make a change at his hotel.
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Gee invited Alexander and his family to the hotel and make a presentation for his proposed business plan. The meeting went swimmingly and over the next six months, they decided to put a plan in action.
The hotel then spent about $8,000 to begin accommodating for autistic children. They brought a behavioral therapist in to train the staff, and they brought on various dietary options that better accommodate the health needs of autistic children, as well as special utensils as well. They also have extra over-sized stroller rentals and a sitting service for parents that want a break as well.
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โThese families face so many barriers, either staff not understanding autism or (viewing it as) a stigma. Some donโt go out at all,โ Nguyen said of the families. โThis is really a big project, and we are hoping this program can allow many of these families to go out into the community and be in a comfortable area and enjoy life and make memories.โ
โThese families face so many barriers, either staff not understanding autism or (viewing it as) a stigma. Some donโt go out at all,โ Nguyen said about the way people with autistic family members interact with the idea of vacations. โThis is really a big project, and we are hoping this program can allow many of these families to go out into the community and be in a comfortable area and enjoy life and make memories.โ
The program, dubbed the Max Program (after ts longer name, Member of Autism Care Services), is being considered by Sheratonโs parent company, Marriott, to see if this could be a nationwide program.
Alexanderโs incredible work ethic and dedication to helping his family is truly beautiful. With so many people that need help, we canโt help but hope that more hotels implement plans to help all the different families out there enjoy their vacation time.
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