YSU $100,000 gift aids autism program

The donation is one of the Commercial Intertech Foundation's final gifts.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A $100,000 gift will enable the Paula and Anthony Rich Center for the Study and Treatment of Autism at Youngstown State University to link three therapy disciplines into a new state-of-the-art program.
The money comes from the Commercial Intertech Foundation and is one of the last philanthropic donations from the foundation, which is going out of business at the end of the year.
John Gilchrist, representing the foundation, handed an oversized check to Phyllis Ricchiuti, chairwoman of the Rich Center's trustee board, at a Friday ceremony at the center.
The foundation, in planning for its final gifts, was looking for "a few worthwhile causes where we could make a difference," Gilchrist said. Representatives toured the center and saw where help was needed, he said, calling those working to help improve the lives of others, "the true heroes in life."
Plans to use gift
J. Georgia Backus, center executive director, said the $100,000 will enable the center to buy equipment for a program that will link speech, physical and occupational therapy in a collaborative therapeutic session.
For example, children will be able to simultaneously work toward both a speech and physical therapy goal in a type of program that doesn't exist in the region, she said.
The new program will be called the "Commercial Intertech/Cushwa Speech, Physical/Occupational Therapy Program and Facility" and will occupy its own room in the center, she said.
The money also will help fund research, Backus said, referring to an ongoing study being done by Dr. Jennifer Pintar, associate professor of exercise physiology at YSU, that is examining the importance and level of exercise for autistic children.
Pintar said her study has shown that exercise helps the children control repetitive behaviors, such as swaying, and improves their ability to focus and pay attention to a teacher.
Her study expanded this year to look at the proper intensity of physical exercise for autistic children and improving balance through balance training.
History
The Rich Center for Autism was created as a nonprofit organization in 1995 after the deaths of local residents Paula and Anthony Rich in a plane crash near Pittsburgh.
It provides full educational, social and therapeutic services for about 40 autistic children between ages 3 and 12 during the school year and also runs a summer program for 12- to 16-year-olds.
The Commercial Intertech Foundation was created in 1952 by Charles B. Cushwa II, son of the founder of Commercial Shearing and Stamping Co., later Commercial Intertech.
The foundation has given $5 million to charitable agencies and an additional nearly $3 million to the local United Way during its history.
When Commercial Intertech was sold to Parker Hannifin of Cleveland in 2000, a decision was made that the foundation would be funded only for another five years.
Dr. David C. Sweet, YSU president, stressed the importance of philanthropy in creating and supporting agencies such as the center, located in Fedor Hall. The Youngstown Early College and Early Day Care programs, also located in Fedor Hall, are likewise beneficiaries of the community's generosity, he said.
"We are fortunate to live in a community with such generous giving," Backus said, praising the Cushwa family and the foundation for their efforts.
gwin@vindy.com