Another Round of Family Service Grants from Autism Speaks: Share Your Visions and Ideas
These grants are an opportunity for families and therapists to step up to the plate and actually take action. The grants are NOT for individual families or adults with autism: they are intended to support well-designed programs in the areas of education, recreation, equipment/supportive technology, young adult and adult services.
How can you, as a parent, therapist or adult with autism, take advantage of these grants?
A few years ago, we had no summer camp options for our son with autism. So we approached the local YMCA, and they agreed to start up an inclusive program that would offer a smaller camper:counselor ratio, a specially equipped "bunk" space, and extra support to smooth transitions throughout the day. The program has done very well - and even expanded. We won quite a few grants to purchase equipment, pay for transportation, and underwrite the extra cost of the program so that parents could afford it. (See page six of this newsletter for more information about Camp Outlook.)
With funding from an organization like Autism Speaks, the YMCA might be able to continue the program throughout the school year, or bring in a physical therapist to help the kids with autism build their skills in basic sports. Or, funding could allow our YMCA to bring the camp model to other Y's across the US and Canada at conferences and events.
As concerned parents, teachers and adults on the spectrum, About.com readers can also take action. Perhaps you're involved with a university, a little league, a community theater or a private school. How could you connect with those non-profits, or perhaps even create a local collaboration to serve the needs of people with autism in your community?
Judith is right: "Someone, somewhere, has got to do something." If you were to apply for a family services grant, how would you use the money? Share your thoughts!
Comments
If Autism Speaks was giving out grants, I would ask for $90,000.00 and give it to the 14 year-old autistic kid that set up the NTSpeaks website. That way, the next time Autism Speaks threatens to sue that same autistic child for $90,000 as they have already done, the child would have the money to fight them and keep the site up.
I would also ask for some additional money to send all the people who run Autism Speaks to cultural sensitivity classes.
If I could keep the money I would use it to supplement the education of an autistic child I know.
I have been thinking alot about creating a special place for young children with autism. A safe place for
respite for the family. So many families are stressed and need help. I
really want to make a difference because you’re right,it is a mess.Please respond with feedback. I am a parent of a 4 year old autistic boy. Thank you for hearing my voice. Kim
Well I do a lot of grant research for clients but I am intriguied by the first comment about the young boy actually getting sued?
I would definitely like to know more about this.
I think there should be SIBSHOPS set up in local areas for the siblings of children with Autism. Sibling support is so curcial and there is no where for them to go. I am a mother of a 4yr. old
boy with autism and his sister struggles with this disorder everyday.
I think that is where some money could go.
Leslie
I agree with the sibling related post. this past yar we offered sibling support groups using creative arts
it was amazing! they had so much to say, so many underlying fears, questions and issues. We just skimmed the surface in our 8 weekpilot. this year we wish to get funding for a sleepaway 5 day retreat for siblings , where the can focus on self esteem , team building, as well as foster freindships with others who may become lifelong friends during this journey of having a brother or sister with autism. It is very exciting!
stay informed, send me your email .. or help write a letter of support of such a program
send to nicle@elija.org
Thank you for mentioning it