Monday, July 27, 2009

Moving along with Social Media

The Social Media Project is finally off the ground. The plan called for creating profiles for the various networks and micro blogging sites as well as establishing a blog specific to adults with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays. We have created a facebook and twitter account, and updated linked-in information.

Once the profiles were created, cultivating followers and Friends began. The learning curve here was steady and fast. Conversations were initiated with those interested in the topic of autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays. This was accomplished by using the search tools provided in each social medium and also visiting sites and posting. Amazing how each day, folks seem to find and comment on the topics posted to the social networks.

The most challenging piece so far is identifying the key topics to write about on the blog and setting the time aside to post. An editorial calendar was established to direct the movement towards providing topics to support families and professionals. Once the topics are established and published, the messaging and blogging will be used to pass the information along. Critical is the participation of visitor, hearing and listening to their voice and then researching and posting information, resources and tools to support them.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Research Focus Group

The Research Department at Spurwink began working on a focus group study to get feedback about our residential treatment services. Before we decided to buy a recorder, we thought to ask Sonia if we could borrow the digital recorder that she uses for podcasts. Luckily, she was not using it during the focus groups and we now have it on loan. It has proven more than adequate for our recording needs of the focus group study. I’m glad this grant is helping the Research Department. Thanks Sonia!