Throughout February, we are casting spotlights on community members who face disability in their lives. Today, we shine our light on the Ollendorf family, among the newer members of Jewish Buffalo. 

Joan and Jon Ollendorf and their 36-year-old son Jeffrey recently relocated to Buffalo from Albany to be closer to their daughter, Dr. Jennifer Finney, owner of Springbrook Family Dentistry in Elma, and her family.  Jeffrey has Asperger’s Syndrome (now commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorder, level 1), a high-functioning form of autism and considered to be a developmental disability. “He graduated with honors from Marist College in Poughkeepsie and went back to school again to receive a certificate in web administration and design,” shares Joan. “We are immensely proud of him.” In Buffalo, Jeffrey lives independently, currently works at Wegmans on Sheridan Drive in Williamsville, and helps care for his two nephews every week.  Joan is retired from medical transcription and Jon is a retired engineer.  Both enjoy volunteer work, have become active members in the community, and love to travel.  In addition, they watch their two grandsons one day a week, a highlight in their life. 

In 2009, Jeffrey was one of three young people with Asperger’s who were featured in a documentary called The Asperger’s Difference. The 31-minute educational film provides insight into both the challenges as well as the overlooked strengths, poise, and self-awareness, which gives a fuller picture of what it means to live with Asperger’s.  From the time he was very young, Jeffrey’s parents were strong advocates for him, helping ensure his needs educationally and otherwise were met.  He made this film to “give back” to the community, in hopes that it would help others.  “As parents, we’ve come to experience that not all disabilities are immediately visible, especially among people like Jeffrey, who are high functioning but still need some level of support” explains Joan.  Additionally, once that person enters adulthood there is an even greater need to plan, to ensure that supports are in place for that person long term.  We are always striving to accomplish this for our family.” 

Soon after arriving in Buffalo, the Ollendorfs joined Congregation Shir Shalom where Joan and Jon serve on the Tikkun Olam Committee. “We love CSS and Rabbi Lazarus-Klein,” shares Joan. “Jon and I were delighted to have a marriage vow renewal ceremony in the CSS Sanctuary and to celebrate with our entire family, including Jeffrey, Jennifer and her husband Matt, and our grandsons, Lincoln and Damon.  Buffalo is such a friendly, welcoming place – both in and out of the Jewish community – and we’re so glad that our family is here and finally all together.”