Idea House Takes the Spook out of Halloween

Did you know that there is place in North Canton that aims to work in partnership with parents and school systems to support the academic and social goals of students?

It's also a place that celebrates each and every student and embraces uniqueness.

About Idea House

“Idea House is the realization of a life-long dream of mine,” said Angi Shumate, founder of Idea House. “All children have the same needs to succeed, be accepted and to be embraced for their uniqueness.” 

While Idea House is a comprehensive service provider for all students, with or without identified disabilities, the focus is on providing services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

Shumate believes that students with disabilities are just students, she said. She doesn’t focus on their struggles or difficulties.

“I strive to create opportunities for all students to participate in meaningful activities that the students will learn from and enjoy,” Shumate said.

She has been working with individuals with disabilities since 1989, and she is passionate about providing an environment where children can learn and thrive.

Services offered through Idea House include nightly tutoring and homework assistance four evenings a week and a social skills class held every Friday from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

In addition to the on-site services, Idea House services can be brought to the location of need as well. Qualified representatives will conduct in-home consultations, assist parents in designing home academic and behavioral plans and are also available for personalized phone consultations.

Idea House recently created the Idea House Scholarship Fund (IHSF) to assist families in obtaining needed materials and services that are unattainable.

Taking the Scary Out of Halloween

The upcoming event, , is dedicated to raising the awareness of ASD. The proceeds from this event will go to IHSF.

Taking place on from noon-4 p.m. Sunday at Boettler Park, 5300 Massillon Road in Green, the event is specifically designed to allow children to participate in a fun-filled day of fall and Halloween events, Shumate said.

While the event is structured to enhance the comfort level of children with ASD, it will provide all children the chance to interact and have fun.

Children can expect carnival-style games, face painting, a visit from local safety services, pumpkin painting and much more.

A daylight trick or treat is planned for $5 or a large bag of candy per family. Admission to the event is free.

Food and drink will be available for purchase, and a variety of vendors will set up for the opportunity to get some early Christmas shopping done, with each vendor donating proceeds to the Idea House Scholarship Fund.

There will also be items for purchase that are specifically designed to meet the sensory and safety needs of students with ASD.

Tammy Spencer, director of business development for , is involved in helping out with fundraising for Idea House. She will have a booth for Premier Jewelry at the event on Sunday.

“I am excited to help raise funds that will directly help a child obtain the one-on-one education they desperately need,” Spencer said.

Shumate believes the best way to raise awareness is through meaningful interaction.

“The experience of getting to know a child with ASD through typical community experiences will teach the world more about Autism than any other report, commercial or public service announcement ever could.”

For anyone who can’t make the event but is interested in learning more about Idea House and the IHSF, contact Angela Shumate or visit the Idea House website.