30 Responses for "United Autism Foundation Apology from Olaf Hampel"

1. Maddy February 19th, 2008 at 6:01 pm 1

   My that is good news, and the first I’ve heard of a positive result too.

   Best wishes
   [newbie]

2. Melissa February 19th, 2008 at 6:18 pm 2

   Yes it is definitely a start.

3. James R February 19th, 2008 at 8:16 pm 3

   This is a good start indeed, but I’ve got to wonder why Mr. Hampel is not listed anywhere on the organization’s website.

   There’s this other United Autism Foundation website that’s just popped up on Google searches over the past few days (I have been keeping tabs on the organization ever since Adam uttered that deeply offensive slur).

   http://www.unitedautismfoundation.org/

   Unfortunately, none of the links appear to work and the front page (at present) actually advertises for “content management systems” (which I never realized were so closely related to autism).

   On the bright side, their “donate now” button appears to be working just fine and links to a Paypal page registered to the “American Caring Hearts Association”. This was also the association whose Paypal page popped up when one accessed the donation link at http://www.uniaf.org.

   This is all rather strange. I wish Mr. Hampel would clarify and tell us more about this organization.

4. Casdok February 20th, 2008 at 1:46 am 4

   I look forward to the answers to the other questions raised.
   As Melissa says - its a start.

5. Melissa February 20th, 2008 at 7:37 am 5

   James - I made those points in a blog entry I did on 2/15. Amazing that the only parts of the site developed were the homepage, about us, and the perfectly working “donate now” button. Incredulous.

6. Dawn February 20th, 2008 at 8:20 am 6

   One thing that comes to mind is houseguests are completely sheltered from outside goings-on. They have no access to any press so Adam Jasinski might not have a clue what is going on out here in the “real world”.

   ***Those shows are taped well ahead of time. I’m sure the gentleman is no longer being sheltered.

7. Melissa February 20th, 2008 at 9:51 am 7

   Actually Dawn only part of the shows are taped in advance. Big Brother has live nightly feeds viewable on Showtime as well as 24×7 live feeds available through Realplayer on CBS.

8. Sally February 20th, 2008 at 1:00 pm 8

   Dawn,

   The house guests on the show are intentionally kept from any outside influence during the ENTIRE course of the show. Chances are, he won’t be aware of the negative publicity until later this Spring.

9. Lulla_ok February 28th, 2008 at 7:03 am 9

   The issue is not Adam and his poor choice of words…. the issue is RESPECT AND VALUE for those with developmental disabilities. The “r” word is just one of the ways to de-value this population of valuable people. Families who have children, siblings or even loved ones, go day in and day out defending the VALUE of their loved ones. This is wrong. Using the “r” word is only the evidence of the prejudice. When people start giving value where it is due, to ALL INDIVIDUALS, the “r” word will disappear.
   Now is the time to respect ALL PEOPLE!

   CBS is a part of the problem of continueing to bring prejudice to people with disabilities.

10. Roberta Smith March 1st, 2008 at 8:13 am 10

    As the mother of a handicapped young adult who has Down’s Syndrome, I am often repelled at the use of the word “retard”. Thank you so much for taking the action you have. We have worked very hard to make our daughter’s life filled with love, respect, and a feeling that she is a valid contributor to society. In fact, she is the happiest person I have ever known. Sincerely, Roberta Smith

11. Joanne Williams April 26th, 2008 at 3:46 pm 11

    God will bless Adam with $500,00 and with the way the you have quickly judged him, I sincerely hope that he doesn’t give your organization $1.00

    Adam’s life after he leaves the BB house will be filled with many opportunities… Hello, so he’s not going to need you job!

    A mutual apology is in order… but YOUR orgainzation deserves NO money for Adam’s fame or fortune!

    Shame on you… Karma will deliver goodness to Adam’s kind heart! He will be rewarded with $500K and he will deliver goodness!

    Thank you CBS for ignoring all of the nasty uncalled for e-mails. There are real problems in this world! “Retarded” is a medical term… get your head out of the clouds.

12. Sharon Smith April 27th, 2008 at 6:04 pm 12

    I must agree with Joanne Williams. God has indeed blessed adam with a $500,000 win. He is willing to donate $100,000 to the United Autism Foundation. The way in which the Foundation has handled everything in dealing with Adam…I wouldn’t blame Adam if he didn’t dontate one penny of that money. So Sad. Joanne said it best.

13. Joanne Williams April 27th, 2008 at 6:21 pm 13

    So, United Autism FOundation… make sure that you don’t accept Adam’s fame or fortune!

    We’ll be watching you to ensure that you don’t speak out of both side so you mouth!!!! Because of your lack of intergrity your organization (?) DESERVES NOTHING!

    I have wrote to Adam and have encouraged him to find a more worthy, appreciative, understanding and companssionate cause….. REMEMBER WE’RE WATCHING!

    Karma… thank you GOD for blessing Adam with this opportunity so that he can make goodness to an organinzation that worthy…and remind others to not to jump to conclusions! Perhaps, one that afford an updated website….perhaps you should close your doors… better yet maybe Adam will establish his own foundation… AND IT WILL MONEY…. AND ADAM’S FAME WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE IT’S PROSPEROUS!

    DON’T FORGET ALL THE WHINNERS… THEY DON’T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH ADAM… WILL THAT MEAN HIS MONEY????? LOL

14. Melissa April 27th, 2008 at 6:38 pm 14

    Thank you Sharon and Joanne for sharing your feelings. I don’t believe in censorship so have approved your posts even though I slightly disagree. I think that disagreements are good to use as jumping points for conversation.

    I do not feel that those that were offended by Adam’s very insensitive remark have to worry about karma nor do I think that they care about his money. $500,000, even if donated completely to a charity, will not make any difference in the lives of people that live with autism every…single…day.

    What will make a difference is the public outcry that happened after Adam made his regrettable statement. Sure, he may be a great guy who made a rude comment. It isn’t the first time someone has done so and it won’t certainly be the last.

    I also have to point out that Adam did not say “retarded” which is a description of a level of intelligence, instead he said “retards”. The word “retards”, when used to describe a person, is derogatory. There is no way that a medical professional, anywhere, will tell a client “your child is a retard.” The professional will say that your child has mental retardation. Yes it is a matter of semantics but it is an important difference.

    Whether Adam wins or not means nothing to me. I am in no way affiliated with the United Autism Foundation and am merely the mom of two children on the autism spectrum, neither of whom happen to have mental retardation (this is directed at those that read that assume autism = mental retardation).

    I am thankful that his statement has created a lot of buzz and perhaps more people will think before making a statement in a derogatory manner as Adam did.

    Thank you,

    Melissa the Mindless Mommy

15. Adam Jasinski Supporters Sharing Their Opinions - Mutterings Of A Mindless Mommy April 27th, 2008 at 6:48 pm 15

    […] is my response to the supporters that posted in the United Autism Foundation Apology from Olaf Hampel, be sure to read the comments of the post to find out what the supporters have to say and chime in […]

16. Adam Jasinski Wins Big Brother and Controversy Brews April 27th, 2008 at 7:04 pm 16

    […] was Mutterings of a Mindless Mommy. Adam Jasinski supporters have made their way to her blog post United Autism Foundation Apology from Olaf Hampel to share their opinions of the man who was just crowned as the winner of Big Brother season […]

17. melissa g. April 27th, 2008 at 8:26 pm 17

    What I find so ironic is that after the first show that I saw Adam on Big Brother, I suspected that he was autistic. After hearing his family talk about him (when they showed that segment about his home life), and finally when he announced that he would donate the money toward helping autistic people, it confirmed my suspicion. Melissa, do you not realize that he is an autistic adult, probably with Asperger’s? Maybe you do not know very much about people with high functioning autism. One common characteristic of this group of people is that they have difficulty censoring what they say. While I don’t condone any person calling any other person a retard, give the a man a break! There is so much pressure on that show. He was so stressed out. I am so happy that he won. I am not proud of that particular comment. But, I am so proud that an autistic man won such a difficult competition — one in which it took so much understanding of social complexities. It gives me hope for my son that he can one day can function in society and be successful.

18. Melissa April 27th, 2008 at 8:36 pm 18

    Hi Melissa G.,

    I didn’t watch this season of Big Brother, Big Brother 8 kind of turned me off of the show (after being a faithful fan for the first seven seasons). I have heard some discussion of the possibility of Adam being on the spectrum in subsequent news stories. However, everything that I have read is just that, speculation. Since I did not watch the show, I cannot speak for any of his mannerisms that may point to being on the spectrum hisself.

    If you took the time to read more of my blog, not just the posts relating to Adam Jasinski, you would come to know that I am very aware of Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism. My husband has Asperger’s Syndrome, my son has Asperger’s Syndrome and my daughter is a high-functioning autistic. That makes me the only NT person in the house.

    I wish you and your son the best of luck in life. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post.

    Warmly,

    Melissa the Mindless Mommy

19. melissa g. April 27th, 2008 at 8:51 pm 19

    Melissa,

    Yes, it’s a bit embarrassing that I even watched the program… But that aside, I have not been up with any of the media buzz about any of this. Adam being autistic was just an observation that I made. He might not even be ready to acknowledge it — goodness knows, my husband isn’t! (I realized my husband was on the spectrum after my son was diagnosed.)

    I apologize for implying that you do not know about high functioning autism — if anyone would know about it, I would imagine it would be you.

    I was a bit impulsive in my response — Perhaps I’m on the spectrum as well! I haven’t checked out your blog — I spend a lot of time reading blogs posted on the Autism Hub. I will certainly check out your blog now.

    Thanks for responding so kindly.

    Sincerely,
    Melissa

20. Melissa April 27th, 2008 at 9:00 pm 20

    Isn’t it funny (or odd) how once your child was diagnosed you started to see it in your spouse and even yourself. I am likely teetering on the edge of the spectrum myself. It is just a really quirky world that we live in. *wink*

    No reason to apologize, I wasn’t trying to be snide in my reply - just sharing that the majority of my blog isn’t about Jasinski but about how I embrace the challenges of my autistic household. I know that intent is sometimes difficult to read in text hence the “warmly” with my response. I’m a pretty even-keeled momma though.

    The Autism Hub is one of my favorite autism sites - the information presented from its members is such a wonderful resource for everyone, not just those who deal with autism (either personally or through a friend/family).

    Okay, I think it is time for me to get a bit of sleep. It is 10:00 pm and my oldest is usually awake between 3 and 4 am. *yawn*

    Melissa

21. richard April 28th, 2008 at 3:31 pm 21

    I think this is way blow out. I agree the must not take his money if he gets fired,,,shame on them!!!

22. richard April 28th, 2008 at 3:35 pm 22

    An one more thing .This site an the United Autism Foundation has got so much attention,in directly they got 100% more hits to there site .So he helped in my opinion.Big brother is a show of lie’s an dishonesty.People do an say what it takes to win.If you dont like what he said I got one thing to say to you people.Watch another show!!!

23. Dawn O April 29th, 2008 at 2:51 pm 23

    I agree with the others that it would be very hypocritical of the Autism Foundation to take the funds from him since they have disassociated themselves from him. I also find it interesting that it was said the $100,000 would make no difference or if he donated the entire $500,000. I believe the web page says that the web site is so minimal because of lack of funds. It cost less tham $100,000 to build a good foundation site. That alone would make a difference. It is words like that, that make people who have less take there donations somewhere else. I work for a charitable organization and we welcome all donations. They add up together and keep us open and available to house homeless children.

    Dawn O.

24. Dawn O April 29th, 2008 at 2:55 pm 24

    I have to ask also, are you saying that the funds donated to the Autism foundation are not used for the children who live with autism every single day? Since Adam’s $100,000 or $500,000 would have no affect on any of there lives ever. Do you have any idea what the foundation does with the funds they get?

    Dawn O.

25. Melissa April 29th, 2008 at 3:21 pm 25

    Hi Dawn,

    I think you’re misunderstanding my statement. I don’t work for the UNIAF or for any autism organization. I am saying that if Adam were to donate the money it wouldn’t affect *my* life so it doesn’t make a difference to *me*.

    I know nothing of the UNIAF, I merely posted the apology.

    I, too, work for a charitable organization and donate approximately 20 hours per week right now (it was about 30 hours per week up until last week) so I agree that any donation is welcomed with open arms.

    I was responding to a few comments made on the blog that felt as though they were directed to me and was not speaking on behalf of UNIAF, Olaf Hampel, etc.

    Thank you for your comment.

    Melissa

26. Dawn O April 29th, 2008 at 4:19 pm 26

    Melissa,

    You said that you did not think anyone who was offended by the comment cares about his money not just yourself.

    I do not feel that those that were offended by Adam’s very insensitive remark have to worry about karma nor do I think that they care about his money. $500,000, even if donated completely to a charity, will not make any difference in the lives of people that live with autism every…single…day

    That is your opinion and I respect that. However, I think you are wrong. Without knowing what the Foundation would do with the money and of the millions of people who have been affected what they might need to help them deal with whatever realtionship they have with an individual with autism I find it hard to believe that amount of money could not help someone. You sound very fortunate in that no foundation could help you with your individual situation and God Bless you and your Family for being as fortunate but there are alot of others who cry out for the awareness to be increased and for funds to go into research to see if they can determine a cause and yes that would not help you but it could help others to prevent another child from being diagnosed with and living with day by day … autism. I was affected by the comment and I so care what that money would do, even if it does not affect me personally and I think ( it is my opinion) that many others that were affected do care about half a million dollars or a $1 if it could help stop Autisim. Sometimes it might be hard for some to see that although they feel this money could not help them it could help in the future and although that is not a concern of yours, it is of others who were offended by the comment, like me.

    Just my opinion

    Dawn O

27. Melissa April 29th, 2008 at 5:07 pm 27

    Here’s a couple of websites that might give you a better idea of where I’m coming from. It has nothing to do with God blessing my family nor being fortunate. I merely look at autism through a different set of glasses than most.

    The Autism Acceptance Project

    The Autism Hub.

28. Dawn O May 1st, 2008 at 9:34 am 28

    Melisa,

    I totally undersatnd looking at it differently. I really do. What I can’t understand is when you make a comment on what others who live with Autism in their lives day to day would think of a donation of a half of million dollars. That being said I think that individuals like you might be able to see what good the funding could do for existing Autisim children and adults in their day to day lives. I think discussion is good, because it rattles the cages and only good things can come from that.

    Dawn O

29. Steve Smith May 3rd, 2008 at 9:25 am 29

    I ran across this on the Big Brother site. I don’t know if anyone else has read this. I have no knowledge to confirm what is posted there…just thought it looked interesting, because it was stuff I had not read before.

    The first part was what UNIAF had posted on their site prior to Adam’s comment. Second part (after the ***) is the comment from the person who posted this on Big Brother.

    ———————————–

    Prior to Adam’s ugly comment, UNIAF had this posted on their site:

    Adam Jasinski (Big Brother Adam/ BB Adam) is
    supporting special needs children and their
    families. Please support Adam and the United
    Autism Foundation today. Thank you.

    ******
    A senior member on Autism Speaks community board posts:
    “OK, I have some info that may clear things up. I received emails from 4 of the United Autism Foundation’s Board of Advisors. They inform me that #1 Adam no longer works for UNIAF and that he didn’t for quite some time prior to his entering the Big Broether house. So, he lied to CBS about his job, etc. #2 He was not a Public Relations manager. He was a sales person working in their call center making cold calls to solicit donations-a glorified telemarketer. He did, however “help out” with some of the foundation’s events. But he never worked WITH autistic kids-Thank God! #3 After an email from me and a phone call from another parent, Florida State Senator, Jeremy Ring has stepped down as part of their Board of Advisors. (don’t underestimate the power of a PO’d parent!)

    Luckily I was advised about this as well…aparantly this is a start-up foundation (less than a year old). Those who have been on the front lines of autism advocacy know what it is like to start a non-profit and know that it is difficult and time consuming. This foundation (who I have confirmed is registered with the state of Florida as an official non-profit complete with 501(3)(c) tax exemption) has jumped in with both feet to take on a huge project of building a dental facility for special needs individuals. This project, unfortunately, has taken most of their paid employees and volunteers time so they turned the website (their official site is http://www.unitedautismfoundation.org) over to their in-house IT guy who is friends with Adam. This IT guy thought it would be a good fundraiser for the foundation to sell things with Adam’s picture on them. I guess he assumed Adam would be more popular than he has turned out to be. So he used the foundation’s web server (without the permission of the foundation) to set up a BB9/Adam site. I’ve been told that they are in the process of taking this site down. As for their official site, I’m told that it is not yet complete as it is taking a back seat to their dental facility project. I did confirm with Senator Ring that the dental facility is an actual project that is in the works and not just a farce as so many on different message boards have suspected. And for the record, no one has made any donations via the UNIAF.org site…go figure! LOL!

    I don’t know if this helps, but UAF originally went under the name “Trees Are Beings, Inc.” and was formed back in November of 2001. They filed for, and was granted a name change in May of 2007 to United Autism Foundation, Inc.

30. Hermine May 15th, 2008 at 8:31 am 30

    Dear community,
    out of the blue I ran into this blog on this nasty story with the big brother guy and Olaf Hampel.

    If you ever would do some research on Olaf´s bio, there is a certain probability, that an impressive list of business activities might shrink.
    He has tried this and that and since FL is far away from home, temptations come with opportunities……;-)

    I am living in Germany and I do believe, there is not one single excuse to fool around with people in need, people who need support and empathy.
    Life is a challenge, ethic and moral standards need to be defended. Aren´t these the real values which finally enrich our lifes?
    God bless you all.
    Hermine