Autism Empowerment is a neurodivergent-led nonprofit devoted to helping youth and adults  worldwide lead awesome meaningful lives!

**Autism Empowerment** is a passionate nonprofit organization led by individuals with lived experience. We are devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of autistic and neurodivergent youth, adults, and their families. We promote a culture of Autism Acceptance and believe every one of us has gifts and strengths to share with the world.

Through our enriching and empowering service-oriented programs like [Spectrum Life Magazine](https://www.spectrumlife.org), Autism Serves: Helping Hands, Autism Empowerment Cares and AWEtism We Embrace, we promote Autism Acceptance, Inclusion, and Advocacy for today's world and the future.

Come join us as an Ambassador for Acceptance of All Abilities! Be a meaningful part of helping create a world where people of all abilities are embraced! Your donations directly support programs that inspire and uplift our community members.

Thank you for your generosity and for being a part of positively changing our world!

Autism Empowerment

The Arya Foundation provides need-based adaptive equipment to children with special needs in the Greater St. Louis Region. 

The Arya Foundation serves to provide need-based adaptive equipment that support the functional needs of children with differing abilities. The Arya Foundation believes these adaptive adaptive equipment are the lifeline for children with special needs and provide the necessary support so that all can learn and perform to the best of their ability.

The Arya Foundation

CCHI facilitates housing and community engagement to include people with disabilities.

The **Collaborative Community Housing Initiative (CCHI)** is addressing one of the most urgent and overlooked challenges facing families today: what happens when adults with disabilities age out of the school system and the supports they rely on disappear.  Unfortunately, families are left without coordinated services, meaningful life-skills training, strong support networks, or safe, affordable housing options.

CCHI believes that every person—regardless of disability—deserves the right to live where they choose, with the people they choose. Yet inclusive housing options for adults with disabilities in Illinois remain extremely limited. In response, CCHI has taken a bold and transformative step by acquiring a building for **$5 million** and undertaking a **$3 million renovation** to create a fully accessible, cooperative living community that will support **47 adults with disabilities**.

This investment goes beyond bricks and mortar. CCHI’s model pairs accessible, affordable housing with social, educational, and community-building opportunities that foster independence, connection, and long-term stability. Residents are able to live, work, and remain rooted in the communities where they were raised—while enriching those communities through inclusion and shared purpose.

CCHI also empowers families by bringing them together through education, volunteerism, and peer support, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to plan for adult life.

CCHI is proud to be the **first family-owned and family-managed cooperative living community model in the United States**.

**Your support can make this vision a reality.** Every gift brings us closer to creating a thriving, inclusive community for adults with disabilities and the families who love them. Join us today in building a place where independence, belonging, and opportunity are possible for everyone. **Donate now and help shape the future of CCHI Commons.**

Collaborative Community Housing Initiative(CCHI)

E N C Inc is a 501c3 nonprofit organization since 2019, based in Marsfield, WI focused on older adults and adults with autism.

Adults with autism need society to understand what autism is for each individual.  The education system, in much of the US, has gained a great deal of expertise in meeting individual needs and reliably creating a environment for individuals to be successful.  Unfortunately after high school there is a cliff rather than a bridge to more productive opportunities.

Our older adults in America are very often isolated by circumstances of where they live and how their lives have changed.  Children have grown up and moved away.  The social activities that the children obligated them to attend are gone so many have no social contact for weeks.  Isolation leads to boredom, loneliness and depression.  Loneliness has been shown to be as hard on health as 15 cigarettes a day.  

The Pandemic has taught us how all of us NEED social engagement.   It is not a luxury it is a need and each person needs social engagement differently.   The model for aging in America right now is to stay in one’s home as long as possible, move to assisted living if it is feasible, and ultimately to a nursing home as independence deteriorates.

The people who live the longest active lives on the planet are engaged in family and community and are needed members of the community.  In assisted living and nursing home models our older Americans often feel meaningless and crave a more meaningful life.

What if we could create a multigenerational community that understands autism and cultivates volunteer activities that support one another?  What if we could create a pedestrian community where one could walk down to the community center to meet for coffee and conversation?  What if we had close working relationships with property management, social services and our coordinating staff?  We could create successful long-term places to live for families, older Americans and autistic people in a vibrant connected community.

It has been estimated before the pandemic that up to 40 % of homeless people had intellectual or developmental disabilities.  We don’t really know what percentage have autism, but I can tell you a story about a young man near me.

Tim, not his real name, was 28 years old, with a job and living in his own apartment for three years in a complex for people with disabilities when he was arrested for cutting the cords on the vacuum cleaners for the second time.  For those of us who live with loved ones who are autistic we ask, “Why did it happen a second time?”  Autistic people have a variety of sensory hypersensitivities that may be sounds, sights, tastes, smells, and touch, basically any sensation that can be felt.  The manager could have told Tim when he was going to vacuum so that Tim could put on a headset, or the manager could have vacuumed when Tim was not home.  Likely the vacuum sound was torture for Tim.

Instead of working out a solution Tim was arrested and could have ended up in jail.  Fortunately Tim’s parents were still in the picture, and just as fortunate, the judge recognized that Tim was not competent and as such had not committed a crime.  Unfortunately, Tim was evicted from his housing, and would have been homeless except that his parents found him a place to live.

Many people with autism will never be able to self-advocate.  This is an inherent part of autism.  Navigating the social world is confusing at best and one of the biggest challenges for autistics to navigate the social world of the neurotypicals.

My autistic son has taught me a lot about how different autism perception of the world is from mine.  I like to say that living with him “Everyday is Opposite Day.”

What do we mean by opposite?
 
An autistic person may run back into a burning building after being rescued, seeking their place of comfort.  Unfortunately people have died, both the autistic person and would be rescuer when this has happened.  The person with autism may seek comfort when stressed and want to return to a bedroom.
 
A person with autism is likely to be unable to look at you and listen at the same time.  Most people assume if someone is not looking at them they are also not listening.  This is not only untrue but can also lead to worse issues.  Law enforcement is often trained that avoiding eye contact is a “guilty look.”
 
“Time out” may not be an effective strategy for discipline, as many autistic minds prefer isolation.  The isolation with “Time out” is often exactly what the person with autism likes; it is quieter, much less confusing and overwhelming and can be a situation that they want to experience over and over.

Services are not enough for our older Americans, our autistic loved ones, or any of our isolated people.  What is missing from our choices of assisted living and nursing homes?  A meaningful life.  People need opportunities to do meaningful things on their own terms.

We are interpreting an award-winning model, “Treehouse Community” in Easthampton, MA, that brought together older Americans with families adopting children who have experienced foster care.  They have a high school graduation rate near 100% for those children with near 90% who go on for higher learning.  The community is all about building long term relationships.  The older Americans we met there voiced, "I never imagined I could have a life like this."  The older Americans support one another, the kids, the parents and love what they are doing.

In the model they have a three-way cooperation between Treehouse staff, property management, and social services.  They are able to match peoples’ needs to available services, leveraging what is available already.  It is a neighborhood community that considers itself trauma informed and encourages 6 hours or more a week of volunteering in the community for seniors.  This might be giving rides, teaching a skill like cooking, or taking a walk.

We have spoken to church groups, employee groups and clubs and the most common question is, “Why doesn’t this exist already?”  This kind of community is not for everyone.  Grouches need not apply.  For people who want to build a new social life where they are needed it is a new choice.

Imagine a community where people appreciate one another, where we grow understanding of one another’s’ unique qualities.  I imagine a community where my autistic son can greet everyone enthusiastically and the people get a charge out of it.  I call him “My Tigger” for the way he bounds and bounces from person to person greeting them repeatedly with his big smile.  He seems to understand that greeting people makes them happy so I imagine his repeated greetings as him multiplying the happiness he is spreading.  Who wouldn’t want someone who is happy to see them?

We will be nurturing understanding of one another, not just the autistic individuals.  We will be fostering volunteer activities of all kinds that can introduce people to one another and create teamwork in efforts desired by the community members.   We see many of the needs and abilities that may dovetail, like our older folks needing house cleaning and a few of our autistic people who love to clean.  We see working with local agencies and creating new opportunities to expose our special people to new activities but with agencies that know how to do it.

As a parent I worry about what will happen to my son when I can no longer advocate for him?   Family is not enough.  He needs a community.  We need to grow advocacy both for our aging population and our adults with disabilities.

Autism is very challenging because each person is so different.  The saying in the autism community is, “If you know a person with autism you know ONE person with autism.”  In a neighborhood community it is our aim for people to know one another and look out for one another.  

We are partnering with Wisconsin Housing Preservation Corporation (WHPC), a nonprofit developer to create the rental properties that will include a portion of affordable rental units and a community center.  We would also like to have a home ownership option immediately adjacent to the rental community.

We aim to have an outreach activity that includes the general public and those with autism in the greater community who wish to engage.

We don't have a committed timeline yet, but an estimate is three years.  We don't have a final budget yet but our estimate is $1,000,000 for our part of the capital fund and $500,000 for start up costs and staffing.  The Treehouse model has  a Community Facilitator, an education officer, coordinators for volunteers and outreach coordinators.

We believe our town is the right place for the first community like this.  We have many retired teachers and healthcare personnel who have the passion for helping one another.  A small town has its challenges in fundraising and we are grateful for the opportunity on Every.org.  We believe that this community model will be replicated and will promote a better healthy aging option for our growing population of older Americans.

I imagine a community where people understand and value one another.  I imagine a community where "My Tigger" can greet and spread happiness to all he meets there.  One need only understand that he will not likely be a conversationalist but he has a great smile and enthusiasm that is contagious.

I imagine a community where my son and others like him are safe in the world when parents are gone.


E N C Inc

 We are dedicated to enhancing our community through emergency financial aid, scholarships, and humanitarian initiatives.

Madison Alfano, an effervescent 18-year-old, met a tragic fate when she succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on the Garden State Parkway, just 12 minutes from her Staten Island home. Returning from her job at Monmouth University, Madison was known for her compassionate spirit and dedication to community service. Throughout high school, she actively volunteered her time, at beach clean-ups and clothing drives, etc. showcasing her unwavering commitment to helping others. Her aspirations extended to volunteering at pet shelters, reflecting her deep empathy for animals. In honor of Madison’s legacy and her selfless desire to make a difference, this Foundation was established to continue her altruistic endeavors and positively impact the lives of others, embodying the kindness and generosity she exemplified.

Madison Rochelle Alfano Foundation Inc

Whistler Adaptive Sports offers a full range of adaptive sports programs and a dynamic learning centre in Whistler, BC. Canada. 

For over 20 years, the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society has been removing barriers to adventure for people with disabilities and neurodiversity, offering a full range of adaptive sports programs and a dynamic learning centre in Whistler, BC. Canada. We currently operate in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and Mount Currie. We also serve locals from across B.C. and visitors from Canada and around the world. 
 
Whistler Adaptive is committed to introducing individuals with a disability to sport, recreation and therapeutic sport programming. Whistler Adaptive supports sport for life by breaking down the financial, physical and social barriers as well as creating skills that will lead to future employment within sport and beyond. Whistler Adaptive empowers individuals through access to one of the world's best mountain resorts, providing them with the environment, support and opportunity to become physically active and focus on their abilities rather than disabilities. Programs are accessible to both children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. 

Whistler Adaptive serves locals in its community and visitors from across Canada and around the globe. All activities are run in a safe and supportive environment, allowing athletes to learn at their own pace. We pride ourselves on being able to change lives through the innovative sports programs we offer and the help we provide. Whistler Adaptive paves the way by increasing knowledge of adaptive sports through training and coaching clinics and values the consistent support that we receive from our volunteers. We seek to remove barriers to adventure and learning by training athletes with a real sense of passion. OVER 20 YEARS, 18 SPORTS PROGRAMS AND GROWING… The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society has been in operation for over 20 years with a record 3,000+ lessons taught in 18 adaptive sports. Through generous donations, we allocate resources for equipment and volunteer training to work with a range of individuals and athletes. Alpine skiing and racing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, hiking and trail riders, hand-cycling, biking, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, swimming, triathlons, running, yoga and gymnastics are all part of Whistler Adaptive programming and our philosophies on "Grassroots to the Podium" and "Sport for Life". How we do it...The people here at Whistler Adaptive feel that sport builds socialization, leadership skills, healthy growth and development for everyone, whether they have just acquired a disability or have been active all their lives. By providing access to a vast number of sports across the winter and summer seasons, we are opening doors to endless opportunities and creating new levels of independence for individuals with disabilities. 

Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society

Headquartered in New York City, Aspies For Social Success, AFSS is a peer-run organization that provides support and social groups, as well as cultural events, to adults 18...

Headquartered in New York City, Aspies For Social Success, AFSS is a peer-run organization that provides support and social groups, as well as cultural events, to adults 18 and over who have either been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), believe they might be on the Autism Spectrum, or who for other reason have difficulty with social communication, sensory processing, or executive functioning. AFSS is working to build a more inclusive community for individuals who otherwise may not have many opportunities or be able to find others with whom to socialize. We do not charge our members any fees, and our income comes exclusively from fundraising.

**The Problem**

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1 in 68 individuals in the U.S. is somewhere on the autism spectrum. Because adulthood constitutes most of the human lifespan, the majority of these individuals are adults. In New York City, where AFSS is based, this corresponds to a population of nearly 100,000, with closer to 200,000 in the Greater New York area, most of which have not yet been identified. A common misconception is that individuals with autism prefer to be isolated and are not interested in either friendships or romantic relationships; in fact, for most adults, nothing could be farther from the truth. Consequently, there is a need for venues where adults on the spectrum can meet others who live with the same challenges, discuss and share the difficulties that they face in various aspects of their lives in a supportive environment, and be able to simply socialize with people who perceive and interact with the world in a manner similar to their own. Also, even though unemployment statistics for autistic adults are greatly overestimated (roughly half of AFSS group members are employed at some level), they are still higher than for any other disability. As such, many will not be able to afford the kinds of group and cultural activities that AFSS is working to provide. These costs can only be met through outside contributions and donations.
 
**Our Approach**

AFSS support groups, currently held in rented venues, allow members to discuss issues of concern to them in a group setting among other adults living with similar challenges. Each meeting starts with a specific theme chosen by the group. Past themes have included community, relationships, dating, isolation, and employment-related difficulties. For example, we have had discussions on what it means to be part of a community and on what an ideal community would be like. We then allow the conversation to evolve during the session, allowing members to relate their own personal stories to the group.
  
AFSS social groups encourage members to go out in public with others like them and to feel more a part of and accepted in a community, and meet at different restaurants and locations throughout the New York City area. This also provides an opportunity for the greater community to see that we are no different from anyone else and fully capable of participating in society in spite of our minor differences. These groups provide a sense of community for individuals who otherwise may not have many suitable opportunities to socialize, as well as somewhere to go, on a regular basis, with a relaxed, comfortable, judgment-free atmosphere where people can be themselves amongst others sharing similar difficulties and interests. 
  
AFSS cultural events provide opportunities for our groups to attend a variety of artistic, scientific, and cultural events. These take place in museums, galleries, exhibitions, theaters, and other venues throughout the NYC area.
 
**Our team**

**AFSS Leadership**
  
**Stephen Katz**, Program Director AFSS
  
*Stephen Katz facilitates a variety of support, social and cultural groups for adults with Asperger’s syndrome, along with those who are on the autism spectrum. In the past, this has included the GRASP Manhattan support group in New York City. He has also worked on a variety of projects for GRASP; including, “Persons on the Autism Spectrum in Their Communities of Faith”, a ground breaking seminar, moderated by GRASP founder, Michael John Carley.*
  
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
  
**AFSS Advisory Board**
  
 

- Karl Wittig, P.E. 
- Irma Jacqueline Ozer, Ph.D./ J.D. 
- Brian R. C. Kinghorn, M. Phil. 
- Jonas, Arnaldo, Founder of AFSS 
- Tim Itschner
 
**Contact information** 

Stephen Katz
[aspiesforsocialsuccess@gmail.com](mailto:aspiesforsocialsuccess@gmail.com) 
(917) 842-4984

Aspies For Social Success, AFSS

We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

The Autism Society of Indiana is a leading organization dedicated to creating connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. For years, we have been making a significant impact in the Autism community by providing direct care, resources, and training for those with Autism, their loved ones and caregivers, and businesses and corporations. We also work to increase access for families and individuals affected by Autism by hosting support groups and sensory-friendly events around the State of Indiana. Our unwavering commitment to empowering ALL of the Autism community has garnered widespread recognition and support from individuals, corporations, and community partners alike. And it is because of that support that we are able to have the impact we do!

Autism Society of Indiana

We create and support exceptional programs in order to affect fundamental shifts in current approaches to autism services.

NEXT for AUTISM transforms the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative programs. We believe that individuals with autism deserve to live fulfilling, productive lives, supported by excellent services and connected to their communities. We continually ask, what’s next for people on the autism spectrum?

NEXT for AUTISM

Autism Grown Up is an online nonprofit organization creating educational resources to support Autistic people across the lifespan.

Autism Grown Up, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is entirely online, which means that all of our resources are available online so we are able to reach the autism community globally.

We create and provide resources for autistic people and all members of an autistic person’s support network, including family members, teachers, clinicians, therapists, professionals, peers, employers, and other important stakeholders. This is the crew that surrounds an autistic person as they grow up and navigate adulthood. We all don’t do it alone!

We primarily make low-cost resources for professionals and caregivers. This funding gets re-invested into make more resources like these and free resources for autistic adults (like the Lifespan Toolbox).

Autism Grown Up Inc

To help adults with special needs live, work and spend their free time together with the people who care for them.

To provide partial or full financial aid to special needs residents, whose families cannot afford the boarding/living fees 
 
 Since its creation in 1992, Estia Agios Nikolaos has been recognized by the Greek State as a 'Charitable Foundation'. We also hold the special State Certification as a Charitable Provider of Social Services. Finally, in 2011, the Greek Secretariat of Youth awarded us the right to host volunteers as part of the European Volunteer Service, which finances the stay of volunteers from Europe.

Estia Agios Nikolaos

**Every child deserves the chance to thrive.**
In Malawi, 1 in 18 children has a disability — yet most never receive the care or support they need. At Fount for Nations, we believe every child is whole, worthy, and full of potential.

Your gift helps us:

- **Screen children early** so delays are caught and treated.
- **Provide therapy & care** through our Family Centre and community programs.
- **Empower families & champions** to advocate for inclusion.

Together, we’re building a Malawi where every child is seen, supported, and included.

*Your donation doesn’t just fund programs — it changes a child’s story.*

Fount for Nations (FFN)

Harmony Theater is an organization focused on performing arts for people with disabilities based in southeastern PA. 

Harmony Theater

An organization focused on advocating or providing services for animals. It received its nonprofit status in 2021.

Spreading animal awareness and companionship through education and rescue.
Founded in 2021, Unforgettable Paws Animal Rescue is a registered Animal Rescue Service run by and for its members. Based in central Florida, we strive to be the voice of the lost paws everywhere. Our team and volunteers work tirelessly to save lives and promote animal welfare.

Our goal is to find forever homes for our fur companions who have have a rough go at life. We aim to achieve this goal through animal rescue, adoption, foster programs, and volunteer activities. We put forth a great focus towards educating the communication on overpopulation and the importance of animal rescue on lowering the euthanasia rate in the country. 
​
Although we are an animal rescue, Unforgettable Paws also aims to aid our two legged friends too. We have a special place in our hearts for war veterans and individuals with autism and would love for members of those communities to be paired with an animal that will change their life. 
​
Our adoptions are a life-long companionship agreement. Our rescue is a life-long family. 

Paws that were once lost will join our rescue and never be forgotten again. 

Unforgettable Paws

Interested in participating as a vendor or sponsor

Attending as youth with disability, family, community member:

https://f2fn.org

Annual Conference

Constellations builds and supports day centers and residential care homes for people with intellectual disabilities in Brelgium.

Supporting Constellations means giving a dignified and fulfilling future to people with intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, dual diagnoses\*, and multiple disabilities.

For over 20 years, Constellations ASBL has been financing and building **day and night care homes** across Belgium.

Our mission: to **create new inclusive accommodation places** and respond to the urgent need for inclusion and family support.

Constellations 

Celebrate with a cake is bakes and delivers personalized cakes to foster care kids and to kids with disabilities.  

**Celebrate with a cake is powered with a group of volunteers that bakes and delivers personalized cakes to foster care kids and to kids with disabilities.  We try to reach kids and their care givers to create a memory that is personalized to the likes of the child which can make a huge difference in a child's self-esteem and confidence level.**  



 **For Some kids Birthdays are overlooked!!**

[](https://www.celebratewithacake.org/#h.3f4tphhd9pn8) **Our Mission** 

***Our mission is to create a world that everyone is celebrated.***




**Celebrate with a cake wants to empower youth and their caregivers to make their lifestyle situations more encouraging to help aid in youth success while building a healthier community.  Providing a celebratory cake made for them gives them confidence an optimism about the socioeconomic situations that they face.** 



**Our mission focuses on creating custom cakes for children that will provide a temporary escape from worry for their caregiver and themself which will create positive memories. Creating memories lingers for the child and the caregiver.** 

Celebrate With A Cake

As a National US Based Neuro-Affirming Non-Profit 501(c)3 organization, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity.

The Color of Autism Foundation is committed to raising public awareness about autism spectrum disorders and devoted to empowering families and lessening their isolation. We are dedicated to ensuring that all people with autism receive appropriate, effective services to maximize their growth potential and to enhance the general public's awareness of autism.

The Color of Autism Foundation

A nonprofit agency that supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Essex County was established more than 75 years ago by concerned parents who banded together in 1948 with a desire to ensure a better future for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Today, our wide variety of supports and services enables us to deliver individualized care, tailored to everyone’s unique needs while providing support to families and loved ones throughout Essex County and beyond.

Our programs span the lifetime of those with IDD, starting with our Early Intervention Program for babies and toddlers, through our Stepping Stones School that serves children with Down syndrome and other disabilities, and including respite and recreation activities. When children transition into adulthood, our services expand to include 27 residential group homes as well as supportive living environments throughout the county, day programs that focus on creating dynamic and engaging experiences, recreational trips and activities, and more. And every summer for more than 70 years, The Arc of Essex County welcomes hundreds of children and adults with IDD to Camp Hope, where individuals of all ages enjoy a summer camp experience with peers.

Our newest program is Studio Arc, a vibrant gathering space where individuals with IDD can participate in activities that feature visual and creative arts, movement, and technology.

Overall, The Arc of Essex County works to empower individuals with IDD and their families to realize a lifetime of personal achievement and full partnership in the community. Your contribution makes a difference in achieving that mission.

The Arc of Essex County

Our mission is to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing.  

On the surface our contribution seems simple: in a typical year, our volunteer-staffed camps give over 6,000 children with autism and their families a fun, engaging day at the beach.  But go deeper, and you’ll see that a quiet revolution is taking place.  Through the simple act of riding waves together, we’re defying the status quo.  When we help kids get on a board, we’re challenging preconceived notions of capability.  When we encourage participants to dive in, we’re empowering them to engage with the world.  And, when we ride the waves together, we’re affirming that every person is a gift.

Though we serve thousands, our mission exists because of one child.  Israel and Danielle Paskowitz founded Surfers Healing because of their son, Isaiah.  Isaiah has autism, and when he struggled with meltdowns and sensory overload, riding the waves with his father calmed him like nothing else.  Not everyone has a champion surfer for a dad like Isaiah does, so the Paskowitz family invited others to join them at the beach.  Their idea caught on, and now Surfers Healing is a nationwide (international), grassroots non-profit organization.  We’re the original surf camp for children with autism, and we offer all our events free of charge.

Even though we typically have over 6,000 participants attend our surf camps annually – we don’t think in thousands.  We think in ones, because that’s where we can effect change.  One child.  One family.  One perfect day at the beach.  Since 1996 we've been taking kids out on the water, we’re still amazed by the transformative power of the experience.  Many children with autism struggle with sensory overload; in other words, simple sensations can overwhelm them.  The weightlessness and rhythms of the ocean offer a therapeutic experience, a respite from the constant assault of their senses.

Surfers Healing is the original surf camp for children with autism, and we’ve been serving the community since 1996.  What we offer isn’t a “cure”, or even “traditional” therapy.  It’s a completely different sensation and environment for our participants.  We give individuals a chance to encounter the waves, to challenge themselves, to try something new!  And, since approximately 1 in every 36 children is diagnosed with ASD ([Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder | CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html)), our work is more vital than ever.

Our biggest challenge?  Getting kids to come out of the water!  Once they ride with us, they don’t want to stop.  Attending our camps positively impacts children with autism; the experience helps instill confidence and clam.  Yet, over the years we’ve seen that Surfers Healing also has a profound impact on the parents.  Autism parents are always hearing about what their children cannot do.  But, at a Surfers Healing camp, it’s all about what their kids **can** do.  In the words of one volunteer, “For parents to see their kid up on a surfboard… sometimes, it’s nothing less than a miracle.”

Surfers Healing Foundation

Empowering individuals to THRIVE in Silicon Vallley

We empower individuals facing economic hardship to achieve employment, financial independence, and renewed self-worth. Through workforce development, career and technical training, and environmental initiatives, we help people gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. Our holistic approach addresses each participant’s unique challenges through personalized case management and strong community partnerships.

Goodwill of Silicon Valley

Best Buddies Philippines uplifts the quality of life of persons with intellectual and developmental diversities. 

Best Buddies Philippines is part of a global movement centered on friendship and inclusion. It began in Manila in 2014, inspired by the broader vision of Best Buddies International—to end the isolation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). What started as a few friendship programs and two ambassadors leading the cause in Metro Manila has grown into a dynamic network of chapters in schools, universities, and communities across the country.

The core of the programs focus on matching individuals with and without IDD in one-to-one friendships. Matching a person with a without disabilities is built on shared interests, mutual respect, and genuine connection. The goal is to ensure people with IDD feel seen, heard, and included—not just in schools, but in society at large.

Best Buddies Philippines runs programs that help young adults with IDD prepare for the workforce. Through Leadership Trainings and the Pre-Employment Training Program (PEP), participants build essential skills in communication, time management, teamwork, and other workplace basics to find meaningful employment.

At its core, Best Buddies Philippines believes in building a world where everyone belongs. Through friendships, leadership development, inclusive events, and integrated employment opportunities, the organization continues to shape a more compassionate and connected future—one buddy at a time.

Best Buddies Philippines Foundation Inc.

We are a grass roots 501(c)3 family ministry.

Our hearts are to partner with the Lord to restore hope to the heartbroken and show His love to the world through our various outreaches.

Love That Surpasses

We support families touched by autism and fund autism research - autismsciencefoundation.org

Our organization adheres to rigorous scientific standards and values. We believe that outstanding research is the greatest gift we can offer our families. Every research dollar needs to count.

Autism Science Foundation

Mission: To prepare individuals with and without developmental disabilities for life success within their family and community.

Crossroads is a non-profit, ABA organization serving students 2-10 years old, with and without disabilities, specializing in teaching students with autism.
Our center-based school consists of 11 classrooms. 7 are for preschool students and 4 are for school-aged students. Our ABA Clinic serves students on site or in their own communities. 
Children are provided with highly individualized programming to meet unique needs and ABA/Applied Behavior Analysis is our approach to all learning and therapy. 

Crossroads Center for Children

Transforming the lives of people with autism and those who care for them through lifetime services and collaborative partnerships

Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Liezl and Ernie Els. The Els’ son, Ben, is impacted by the disorder which affects 1 in 44 children in the U.S. The world-class pro golfer and his wife have devoted their efforts to a game-changing, philanthropic undertaking – The Els Center of Excellence® Center. The Center is a world-class, 26-acre campus that is home to three distinct nonprofit organizations: Els for Autism Foundation, The Learning Center, a tuition-free, nonprofit, Palm Beach County public charter school serving students ages 3 – 14, and The Learning Academy, a tuition-free, nonprofit, Palm Beach County public charter school serving students ages 14 – 21. 

The Foundation offers innovative, evidence-based programs for families and individuals across the lifespan in three areas of focus: Early Intervention & Education Services, Recreation Services, and Adult Services. Els for Autism Foundation serves families around the world, offering programs and services both virtually and in person at The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, Florida. 

Your generous donation will help provide services to individuals with autism and their families.  Our staff uses evidence-based practices to guide the development of new and effective ways to provide services and support to individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum.  - Where possibilities are endless - 

Els for Autism Foundation

Answering the dreams of children ages 3-18 who are chronically ill, physically challenged and/or abused throughout US since 1976.

MISSION STATEMENT
Sunshine Foundation answers the dreams of children, ages three through eighteen, who have severe or profound physical/developmental/intellectual challenges or trauma from physical/sexual abuse, and whose families cannot fulfill their requests due to financial strain that the child's illness may cause. Sunshine Foundation answers dreams to children from all 50 states and Puerto Rico with life-long chronic conditions; ones that are turned away from the other national wish granting organizations that require a life-threatening or critical diagnosis.

HISTORY
In the 1960’s and 70's, Philadelphia police officer, Bill Sample, was assigned on protective duty to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. He encountered critically ill and chronically ill children, and saw firsthand how these children’s families were burdened, not only by mounting medical bills, but also by the frustration of not being able to provide their child a special dream.

In 1976, Bill took out a $4,000 personal loan and, with the help of volunteers, started the Sunshine Foundation and began making dreams come true for chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children. The first child helped was Bobby, a five-year-old boy diagnosed with Leukemia. Bobby’s nurse told Bill that the boy had a dream to go to the mountains to see snow. Bill brought Bobby, his parents, and siblings to the Pocono mountains in PA for a week of playing in the snow, sledding, and snowmobiling. Not long after, Bobby passed from his battle with Leukemia. Bobby’s mom told us years later that she did not realize at the time how important that dream would be to their family. She said that trip with Bobby, laughing and playing in the snow, was the happiest moment of their lives, and those memories created have lasted a lifetime.

Under Bill’s leadership, the Sunshine Foundation grew into the first national wish-granting organization. In 1990, the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village in Florida opened with nine fairy-tale themed cottages, specially equipped to handle the needs of the children who dreamed of visiting the Central Florida theme parks. Bill also established an annual Dreamlift to bring children with severe special needs on a chartered jet to the Magic Kingdom for a day; and for twenty-seven years, Bill hosted a gathering of children from across the globe who lived with the unique challenges of Progeria (Hutchinson-Guilford Syndrome).

More than 41,500 children have benefited from programs and services of the Sunshine Foundation over the past 45 years. Sunshine Foundation is proud to continuously be ranked as the Top-Rated wish-granting organization serving the terminally ill or chronically ill according to www.charitywatch.org. 

PROGRAM
The most popular dream request is for a family trip to Orlando to visit LEGOLAND Florida, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, Kennedy Space Center, and the Florida coast beaches. Families stay at the Foundation’s 22-acre Dream Village in Davenport, FL, an enchanted accommodation less than 15 miles from Disney World. Since opening in 1990, more than 21,000 children have enjoyed the Dream Village which includes 9 fairy-tale themed cottages, a heated zero-entry swimming pool, handicap accessible playground and a miniature golf course. The Sunshine Foundation provides everything for the entire family including airfare, transportation, lodging, tickets to the attractions and spending money. These Magical Dreams cost approximately $6,600 per family.

We also answer Special Dreams: shopping sprees, computers, iPads, gaming systems, bedroom makeovers, outdoor playsets, above ground swimming pools, family trips, and many more. These Special Dreams cost approximately $2,200 per family.

TARGET
The Sunshine Foundation strives to bring joy to children who need us most, including children from income-limited families who suffer from chronic illnesses, often which has a devastating life-long impact. These are the children who are forgotten and ignored because the initial outcome of their diagnosis is not immediately life-threatening. However, they suffer incredible pain from many incurable diseases that will significantly shorten and hinder the quality of their lives.

The children we serve suffer from several illnesses and conditions including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, spastic quadriplegia, low functioning autism, brain & spinal injuries, Type 1 diabetes, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental illness, injury from abuse and numerous other syndromes due to mutated chromosomes and rare genetic circumstances. We do not limit our support to one specific illness and address each child’s request with the dignity that is deserved. 

IMPACT
Granting a dream or a wish for a child with an illness is not a part of traditional medicine. However, it often becomes an integral part of a child’s path towards wellness, independence, stability, or recovery. The Sunshine Foundation has many accounts on record from parents and children who attest to the power of a few days away from doctors, hospitals, and treatments. It can make all the difference in the world and the staff proudly pursues its work on behalf of children every single day.

Examples of Special Dreams answered over the last year:

Robert, age 12, Holoprosencephaly, Cerebral Palsy
Special Dream - Wheelchair Swing
“Bobby was so excited to try out his wheelchair swing for the first time today. He kept saying, "Really? I can't even believe it that I can have my own swing at my own house!" Bobby loves to swing and having an accessible swing in his own yard will provide countless hours of fun, relaxation, and smiles. We cannot adequately express our deep appreciation for this wonderful gift!”- Bobby’s Mom

Miracle, age 8, Down Syndrome
Shopping Spree (Birthday Party and Presents)
“In a year full of difficulties, and after losing her dad in 2020, we are thankful that Miracle was able to celebrate her 8th birthday with lots of fun and presents that we would not have been able to do for her without the support of the Sunshine Foundation. We are forever grateful for her special gift!” – Miracle’s mom

Jon, age 18, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury
Special Dream - Massage Chair
“Thank you very much for this opportunity to get our son, Jon, a heated message chair. Jon has had such a difficult time during covid with medical decline. This heated message chair brings comfort and joy to his aching body. This is truly a miracle at this stage of his life.” - Jon’s dad

MEASURABLE OUTCOMES
We will measure the outcomes using exit surveys and letters of thanks from the families we serve and expect at least 80% of the children will see either a temporary or permanent improvement in their outlook and at least 80% of the families will also experience some relief from the stress of their child’s or sibling’s illness.

Sunshine Foundation

REEL raises awareness and understanding of practical, research-based strategies to address 2e children's needs successfully.

Do you know a bright child who struggles to show it in an
academic setting?  Twice-exceptional (2e) learners have both high
ability and potential as well as complex challenges such as autism,
dyslexia, and ADHD, among others.

2e students are the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed students in today’s classrooms.

REEL strives to ensure Silicon Valley twice-exceptional students thrive in school by raising parent and educator awareness and understanding of practical, research-based strategies to address their needs successfully. REEL provides resources, events, tools, workshops, and services. 

Your gift elevates awareness & understanding of their needs, giving them the opportunity to thrive.

Reel2e d.b.a. REEL

Every year for over 50 years, we've volunteered to provide a week full of life-changing experiences for people with disabilities

Our mission at **Access Granted, Camp for All** is to raise funds to support individuals with disabilities in participating in recreational and camping experiences that enrich their quality of life. We believe that everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, deserves the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, connect with nature, and engage in social interactions that foster personal growth and happiness.

Our fundraising efforts aim to provide the necessary resources and accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in these enriching experiences. This includes, but is not limited to, adapting camping equipment, providing specialized staff training, and ensuring camp facilities are accessible to all.

We are a **fully volunteer run non-profit**, so the funds we raise are used to make payments directly to or fund grants for individuals with disabilities or organizations that provide services or infrastructure that help provide recreational, camping, or other experiences that foster personal growth and happiness for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, funds will also be used for operational expenses and additional fundraising efforts.



Access Granted, Camp for All

Nonprofit organization dedicated to inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the Muslim community of Houston

Dar-us-Sakina is a safe space for people of all abilities and their caregivers.  We inspire the community to abandon stigmas and embrace individuals with disabilities with empathy and respect.  Together, we are better!

We are dedicated to providing inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities, while empowering the affected and their caregivers with social support and access to local resources.  We envision a Muslim community where individuals with disabilities are fully accepted and included, and both they and their caregivers have adequate access to support.

Dar-us-Sakina offers its services to all special needs individuals and their caregivers within the Houston community, but reserves its Zakat fund for Muslim families who are in financial need or crisis. Our mission is achieved through three key service areas: Education, Support, and Community Awareness.

Education:

Special Needs Weekend Islamic School Programs: At four locations across Houston, children with special needs come weekly to the masjid to learn about their faith using an adapted curriculum and to be included in the community.

Teen Adult Program (TAP): This program helps individuals with special needs take the first step to adulthood by teaching them independent life skills in a supportive social environment.

Support:

Caregiver Support Groups: This allows mothers, fathers, and siblings of individuals with special needs to connect with others with similar life circumstances.

Events: From inclusive family events that make all accommodations to caregiver training events, Dar-us-Sakina engages the local special needs population on a monthly basis.

Zakat Services: For special needs families in crisis, we are committed to providing comprehensive support through our Zakat Fund, including funding of emergency respite care, counseling, necessary evaluations, advocacy and durable medical equipment.

Community Awareness:

Youth Inclusion Training: We visit local Islamic schools, masaajid, and Scouts to train typical youth on accepting and including their brothers and sisters with disabilities.

Community Education: We conduct awareness events and workshops to educate the general community on disability awareness and early childhood intervention.

Sakina Internship: This is a one year commitment for college age students who dedicate one day of the week serving individuals with special needs while learning about related topics.

Volunteer Enrichment Program: This is a volunteer buddy program for High School students.

Dar-us-Sakina

Mannam Christian Church belongs to Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). YOUR place to shine is an expression of the MCC. 

The core ministry of the MCC is expressing what the church is. 

The first dimension of the church lies on brand new messages: HEART (Hold the memory. Embrace voices. Address the now. Rewrite the story. Tell the truth.) - www.heart2life.org

The second one is along with communites: ECO (Everyone is welcome. Come to the table. Open today's heaven.) - www.mannamcc.org

Finally, YOUR place to shine, a non-profit, is an expression of what the church is in the midst of the world today. YOUR place to shine is dedicated to spreading the transformative view, neurodiversity: YOUR (YOU belong! Outspoken openness. United uniqueness. Reciprocal resilience.) - www.yourplace2shine.org

YOUR place to shine: 
GROW uniquely (learning mutually). 
CONNECT minds (networking each other). 
LIVE united (supporting one another).

Grant will go for the youth leadership training, together we shine event, community book circle, and so on. Also, we are preparing the future fund: scholarship, job creating, and start-ups for neurodivergent friends.

We will passionately follow the identity of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): 
We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. 

Mannam Christian Church (YOUR place to shine)

Making communities accessible, inclusive for 1 BN+ disabled people. Join us for 21st century social transformation opportunity.

Focused on advocacy efforts, promoting accessibility, inclusion of 1 BN+ Specially Abled People, worldwide with help of VOSAP advoacy tools, VOSAP mass movement, Individual Enablement with Assistive Devices to learn and earn!. Join 11,000 like minded people, changemakers around the world by taking VOSAP pledge to volunteer.

Let us Empower The Specially Abled People with Accessibility, Education and Employment.

Visit us at www.voiceofsap.org to choose opportuntiies to volunteer as high school student or college students or corporate emaployees or as an individual per your role in the society. 

Voice of Specially Abled People

Creating a world for kids with intellectual disabilities in Lusaka, Zambia.

Studies in low income, middle income countries in Sub-Sharan Africa have shown that many parents perceive severe disability as worse than death, and ironically, some families might even view premature death as a welcome relief because of the substantial lifetime costs of supporting disabled children without any social welfare benefits, especially in rural settings.  Special Hope Network has stepped in the Zambian community where the government has not.  We are currently working with 325 children and their care givers in 5 Community Care Centers around Lusaka, Zambia.

We believe every child with an intellectual disability has a God-given right to the following: 1. Home - A space where they are loved, nurtured, cared for and challenged. 2. Health - Resources that allow them to be cared for body, soul and mind. 3. Education - An environment where they are encouraged to grow, learn and progress to their next developmental level.

Special Hope Network

At SoléAna Stables our mission is to inspire positive change and empower those we serve through the healing power of horses.

SoléAna Stables

Promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment of vulnerable communities in Honduras.

History: Honduras Social was founded by Karen Madrid, a social entrepreneur who has made an impact at a national and international level for her social leadership and her fight for rights and the generation of opportunities for vulnerable communities in Honduras. It all began when her son Isaac was diagnosed with autism in his school years. She and her family experienced the exclusion and discrimination that children with disabilities experience in Honduras. Through her experience as a mother, she was able to learn about the difficulties and lack of opportunities that exist in terms of inclusion in Honduras. This is how she decided to dedicate her life to the search for inclusion and equal opportunities for all through her own foundation with innovative programs to promote equality and open spaces to generate opportunities in a more tolerant and inclusive society.

Objectives: To be the leading foundation in Honduras that provides new social and economic opportunities through international connections and alliances implementing the Sustainable Development Goals to strengthen and replicate more inclusive and innovative programs that promote education, volunteering and entrepreneurship on equal terms for all with the aim of reducing the high rates of inequality, poverty and migration.

Vision: To provide and implement new strategies to socially include and economically empower our beneficiary populations in Honduras through different national and international programs, activities and strategic alliances.

Past activities: There have been many activities and programs: to mention the most relevant: technical assistance in entrepreneurship for people with disabilities, mentoring for women and rural entrepreneurs, incubation and delivery of seed capital for entrepreneurships, training, national and international events to empower entrepreneurship, being the volunteer bridge for disability care in rural centers with international volunteers from Europe.

Current activities: Entrepreneurship programs, volunteer programs, Economic Empowerment program for Leaders and Agents of Change in business, climate, political and social change together with organizations in the USA, Europe and Central America.

Fundación Honduras Social

On a mission to provide social, vocational and residential opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.

“Looking forward, we are gaining momentum with what we can offer. We know the needs will continue because this problem is not going away. We know mentally/physically our members are healthier when they are socialized, feel good about themselves, working and that impacts their entire family. That has always been our True North since our founding, and no matter the growth or needs that increase, that will remain our focus for the future.”

— Cheri Weaver, Executive Director

Wings Special Needs Adult Community

Forging pathways of equity for children with disabilities

Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration is dedicated to creating play, dignity, and social equity for children with disabilities through inclusive playgrounds and education programs that unite children of all abilities. We have created 80 inclusive playgrounds on 5 continents. Our education program has served over 55,000 students in Los Angeles and has been ordered in 67 countries. We have Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, which allows us to contribute to UN goals and objectives, raise awareness, and provide expert analysis regarding disabilities. We are committed to five of the UN Sustainable Goals. Learn more at: [https://inclusionmatters.org/our-partners-un/.](https://inclusionmatters.org/our-partners-un/)

Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration

Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies & MCT provide specialized pediatric and family healthcare. Awarded nonprofit status in 2008.

**About Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies**

A source of shared community and healing since 1985, "Neuro" is a place where everyone belongs. We are ***the only nonprofit outpatient clinic group in Oregon that provides pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapy. For both pediatric clients and adults, we also offer mental health and naturopathic care***. Neuro programs are designed to honor the whole person, celebrate their victories, and seek growth in challenge. By using Nature-based therapy, Play therapy, Feeding therapy, and much much more, we incorporate the most effective and innovative treatments and techniques to empower our young clients with new skills and understanding about themselves and the world. Most of our clients are living with multiple diagnoses and many require long-term or even lifelong therapies. We provide supports for parents, foster parents, and guardians to help them help their children to live their best lives. Annually, more than 1500 families are supported by our 50 specialty providers and 25 dedicated staff.

As a majority of our clients receive Medicaid, the removal of financial barriers to therapy is vital to ensuring our families can thrive. Neuro is a trusted resource in each of our seven communities.  We're also the first organization of our kind designated as a Culturally Specific Services provider by the Oregon Health Authority--as we primarily serve neurodiverse people living with disabilities. 

Your support of Neuro will help us to continue to deliver on our commitment to reduce barriers to care and to hire and train the best providers to work with our amazing young clients and their families.

As a donor partner, your dollars directly assist families through session scholarships and our sliding fee scale; supporting our internship program; the hiring, training, and retention of exceptional pediatric specialty providers; and are vitally important as we grow our programs further. We are committed to reducing the many months-long waitlists we carry for those who wish to begin their healing journey with us.

Neuro has always relied on the collaborative strength, wisdom, generosity, and joy of all our communities.  We hope you'll join our journey today with a generous and/or recurring gift.

If you feel inclined, we do hope you will include a little information about yourself along with your donation! How you heard about us. If you have any questions for us. We'd love to have the opportunity to engage with you and thank you directly for being our partner. THANK YOU!!

Neurotherapeutic Pediatric Therapies, & our Dba, Medford Children's Therapy 

ARI works to advance the health of autistic people through biomedical research and free education.

Established in 1967 by psychologist and renowned father of modern autism research Dr. Bernard Rimland, ARI continues to pioneer in research, outreach, and cooperative efforts with other organizations worldwide. ARI advocates for the rights of autistic people and operates without funding from special-interest groups.

Connecting investigators, professionals, parents, and autistic people worldwide is essential for effective advocacy. Our continued work focuses on education while funding and supporting research on genetics, neurology, co-occurring medical conditions, nutrition, sensory processing, severe and challenging behaviors, and adult and senior issues. ARI is committed to pushing the boundaries of autism understanding, providing practitioners with current research, creating accessible resources for everyone, and advocating for the best possible care for autistic individuals and their loved ones.

- In January of 2023, the Autism Research Institute’s [National Autism History Museum](https://autism.org/visiting-aris-national-autism-history-museum/) officially opened its doors. The museum offers an engaging and comprehensive look at the prolific history of autism research and discovery. Its interactive exhibits highlight prominent autistic figures and underscore critical moments in the evolution of autism research. Leading researchers from many areas are collaborating with ARI to curate a collection of historical artifacts. The museum promises to be a valuable resource in increasing autism acceptance and understanding.

Research

- ARI awarded more than $400,000 in grants to scientists whose work will have a direct impact on the lives of those on the autism spectrum. The funds supported research in immune, gastrointestinal, metabolic, neurologic, and sensory issues. [View ARI’s 2023 Research Grant Recipients](https://autism.org/ari-funded-research-studies-2023/)
- **Robert L. Hendren Research Grant Award**
*Inaugural Recipients – 2023*
Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, MD
Ed Levin, PhDIn honor of his many years of support for our work, serving as a member of ARI’s Scientific Advisory Board and Board of Directors, the top-scoring research grant proposals funded each year are now recognized as Robert L. Hendren Research Grant Award recipients.
- [ARI’s annual in-person Think Tanks](https://autism.org/ari-scientific-think-tanks/) occurred during Autism Awareness Month last April, convening researchers
and clinicians to discuss emerging findings about autism.
- ARI held its annual online scientific meeting in October 2023. This international conference featured live presentations and discussions to provide researchers with updates on metabolic issues, co-occurring gastrointestinal conditions, and genetics.
- ARI continues to develop a [global research network](https://autism.org/aris-global-networks/) to keep researchers up to date with the latest news in the scientific community; this includes sharing articles on conducting research, informing them of various funding sources, and notifying them of the latest studies published in peer-reviewed journals
- ARI co-sponosored “Autism and/or Intellectual Disability and Older Adults: A Think Tank Promoting Quality of Life and Health” convening autistic seniors, clinicians, researchers, and caregivers to build on previous work to advance priorities related to the quality of life and health of older adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Publications

- ARI continues to publish its quarterly science newsletter, *[Autism Research Review International (ARRI)](https://autism.org/subscribe/),* summarizing current medical, sensory, and educational research.
- [ARI’s monthly e-newsletter](https://autism.org/ari-monthly-e-newsletter/) keeps more than 145,000 subscribers up to date on new resources and the latest research.
- ARI publishes a bimonthly e-newsletter, *[Clinical Research in Autism](https://autism.org/clinical-research-e-newsletter/)*, for obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses who want to keep up to date with research relevant to their practice.

Continuing Medical Information

- ARI filmed a new series of[ continuing education](https://autism.org/cme/) talks during the fall of 2023 offering updates on co-occurring metabolic conditions frequently associated with autism.Connecting physicians to improved standards of care is crucial to amplifying understanding of the health needs of autistic people.

Online Learning

- ARI continues to host [live webinars](https://autism.org/webinars/) multiple times each month featuring top researchers and treatment professionals. In 2023, thousands of viewers registered to watch live presentations on various topics, including research updates, nutrition, behavioral support, assessment, educational therapies, adult issues, and more. One webinar each quarter (four per year) is offered in joint providership with the World Autism Organization.ARI webinars, both live and recorded, offer real-time, captioned translation support in more than 20 languages.
- Clinical webinars, aimed at guiding healthcare providers worldwide, are offered with live Q&A and simultaneous language interpretation.
- [ARI’s YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewrICyE_Pl9LiyCHp6GnRQ) offers free access to experts with up-to-date webcasts on medical support and educational videos, social stories, and selected talks from past conferences. Users have tuned in for more than 1 million viewings.

Outreach in the U.S.

- ARI offers a hotline for parents and professionals, who can reach a live person for information and support. [Contact Us](https://autism.org/contact/)

International Outreach

- ARI embraces a global autism community, networking with parent support groups worldwide. The network aims to improve communication among support groups and inform the international community of the current state of the science regarding the underlying biology of ASD and evidence-based treatments. To date, 230 groups have joined the network spanning 77 countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Israel, Moldova, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
- ARI is an NGO (non-governmental organization) registered with the United Nations.
- ARI continues to translate many key articles, as well as our[Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)](https://autism.org/autism-treatment-evaluation-checklist/), into diﬀerent languages—the ATEC is now available in 25 languages online. On average, more than 150 users per day complete ARI’s ATEC.

Autism Research Institute

Providing community-based rehabilitation, wheelchairs & inclusive education for children with disabilities living in Uganda
 


Kyaninga Child Development Centre (KCDC) was founded in 2014 to provide much needed, high quality, specialized and affordable therapy and rehabilitation to children with disabilities and their families and carers in western Uganda in order to enable them to lead more independent lives.  The Inclusive Education Hub provides professional development for teachers in Inclusive, child-led teaching practices and the Mobility workshop designs, develops and manufactures wheelchairs using locally available materials, suitable for the local terrain.

In addition to this, KCDC acts as a platform for education and support in the field of disability, offering training as well as guidance on best-practice methods to both individuals and healthcare professionals as well as communities and other institutions requiring assistance.

Kyaninga Child Development Centre 

Help us foster unwavering belief in children with disabilities and pave the way for a more inclusive and thriving future.

Every child, regardless of abilities, possesses unique qualities that enrich our communities. 

Family to Family Network creates success for children with disabilities by empowering their families with information, training, referrals and support as try to get help for their children from the complex education, health care and social service systems.

Family to Family Network believes that ALL children should be included and supported in our schools and community in order to ensure the future success of children with disabilities.

F2FN transforms lives by helping people discover possibilities, see potential when others see barriers, and advocate for what their children need to achieve their dreams.  By changing attitudes and mindsets about disabilities, our organization changes lives to make sure every individual gets to live THEIR best life.

By 2031, Our Goal is to Help 25,000 Families See Possibilities in their children with disabilities!
You can help us reach our goal by:
1) Supporting the development of a bilingual learning platform where families can access training at their own pace;
2) Providing intensive case management to families in underserved communities, especially our communities of color and those that are non-english speaking;
3) Updating & maintaining our bilingual website that provides accurate & consistent information on the special education process;
4) Subsidizing our annual conference for 500 family members & youth with disabilities.

Through these services, families and individuals with disabilities have an opportunity to network and learn from one another.

By working together, we can create communities where ALL children belong and excel!
Help create success for children & youth with disabilities!

OTHER INFORMATION:
There are over 127,000 students with disabilities receiving special education services in the greater Houston Region 4 Education Service Center area.  This does not include those receiving accommodations only through 504 plans or children who are home schooled or in private school placements.

Last year, Family to Family served families with the primary disability labels of:
59% Autism Spectrum Disorder
16% Intellectual Disability
10% Other Health Impairment
7%   Orthopedic Impairment
6 %  Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind Visual Disability, Deaf Blind
2%   Learning Disability

The age ranges of the children in the families that we serve are:
2%      Age 0-3
10%    Age 3-5
22%    Age 5-11 (elementary)
12%    Age 12-15 (junior high/middle school)
19%    Age 16 – 18  (High School)
8%      Age 18+  (18+ High School)
27%    Adults (Out of School)

The ethnic diversity of the families served are 19% Black, 31%White, 33% Hispanic/Latinx, 15% Asian and 2%  identified as Two or More.

29% Request help with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) special education process. 28% Request help finding resources in the community.  39% Needed help navigating Adult Service systems, Medicaid Managed Care or Social Security.

Family to Family helps families understand their rights & responsibilities, while also aiding them in understanding the right words to use, right place to look, right person to connect with when trying to find services & supports for their children with disabilities.

Education is the only FREE service available to children with disabilities.  Adult services are not free, and there are over 150,000 Texans with disabilities waiting over 10 years for long term services & supports.  That is why it is imperative for children with disabilities to receive the necessary supports and services at school so that they can become contributing members of our community and live meaningful lives after high school.

Family To Family Network

Hood Medicine is a nonprofit public health collective dedicated to protecting black and brown lives during the pandemic & beyond.

We focus on health equity, public health communications, and combating health-related dis/misinformation in BIPOC communities to serve our primary mission of using science and technology to improve health outcomes for historically marginalized communities, empower families to make healthy choices & help them find trusted healthcare & vital resources. 

We have research collaborators across industry and academia working with us to understand how health misinformation affects intersectional patient populations and evaluate interventional strategies for public health advocacy at the grassroots level.

We provide vaccine education and promotion to various civic & health organizations using our culturally tailored public health communications framework to develop equity-focused messaging targeting intersectional BIPOC communities.

Hood Medicine Initiative Inc

The Dojo of Exceptional Wellness (DEWINC®) is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Doral, FL. It received its nonprofit status in 2018.

The Dojo of Exceptional Wellness, Inc. (DEWINC.org), a duly designated 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and registered Charitable Organization with the State of Florida, improves the quality of life of the Special Needs and General Population communities with our Wellness & Martial Arts (W&MA) programs. 

DEWINC®’s Mission is to empower our youth, adult and senior participants promoting a safe, peaceful and welcoming environment for self-expression, inner strength, self empowerment and self-confidence development through the instruction of traditional martial arts. We believe, as we teach martial arts and its benefits become evident first hand, these benefits shall transcend to participants' routines, their family and community relationships, improving their quality of life.

We have serviced dozens of participants in our W&MA Programs, carried under provider agreements, partnering with Miami-Dade County Municipalities already tasked to service these communities and with the ADA compliant spaces that belong to the communities we aim to serve.

DEWINC®’s goal is to offer the W&MA Program for the Special Needs and General Population Communities throughout Miami-Dade County and beyond, in time. The Special Needs population in our area comprises nearly 10% of the total population, according to the Department of Labor and Statistics (dol.gov). The foundation is governed by a three member Executive Board of Directors.

We believe and understand that a great number of individuals with special needs already receive therapies on a weekly basis. Adding a traditional martial arts, non-fighting, program to their existing regimen of therapies can only assist them in reaching their goals faster. Think about it; when an instructor focuses on YOUR child, sibling, parent or relative’s needs there is no doubt the results are immediate. Focus, concentration, balance, muscle tone, spatial and self awareness, self regulation, core strength, reduced anxiety are just a few of the benefits your child, adult or senior will receive at the right martial arts school, or dojo. Providing repetition of same location, same faces, same class agenda (explore our YouTube video library) and knowing what to expect are all part of the recipe. With continuous structure, discipline and fun exercises, even the individual with multi-sensory issues almost immediately rises to the occasion, peeks to see the other side of the veil.

DEWINC®’s STEP AHEAD W&MA Team courageously participated and proudly brought home ELEVEN (11) GOLD MEDALS from the 2019 Miami Karate Open that took place in Miami, FL on May 25th. Also during Q2 2019, the foundation began operations of a second W&MA Program for the Community at the Legacy Park Community Center in the City of Doral. The Wellness & Martial Arts (W&MA) Program, however, is NOT just a Martial Arts class. We integrate an appropriate number of trained mental health professionals (FL Certified ESE Teachers, Board Certified Behavioral Technicians) in accordance to the applicable ratio of students:teacher (1:6, 1:8, etc.). Our goal is to ensure the proper monitoring, safety and management of the participants’ special needs conditions as they may manifest themselves during the course of the W&MA Program sessions. 

During in-person instructions, metrics are developed on each participant to monitor their progress objectively, based on data metrics for Duration, Frequency and Transition. Karate specifically, and martial arts in general, assists kids on the autism spectrum, for instance, with the ability to concentrate and focus their attention in a consistent and highly structured environment. Budo is a philosophy and a way of life that utilizes Martial Arts as a means for continuous self-improvement; a lifelong tool.  

Briefly recall Q2 2020. In April 2020, all of our programs were asked to stop activities due to COVID-19. DEWINC® along with the rest of the world was challenged to reassess, realign for an uncertain immediate future. Few were more exposed under these circumstances than those in the Special Needs communities, where services were curtailed, interrupted or abolished. 

Our foundation reassessed, realigned and went online, figured out a way to effectively deliver W&MA services to our population. The W&MA Online Program successfully launched during Summer 2020 and provided tools for resiliency, coping, entertainment, exercise, fitness, wellness and overall quality of life improvement for dozens of participants, while the planet was dealing with a kind of crisis not experienced in 100 years. In May 2021, more than a year after mandatory lockdowns and isolation from groups and services, the absence of the expected social dynamics and so much more, seven very courageous participants braved attending the 2021 Miami Open International Karate-do Championship held in Hialeah, FL. This was a USA Karate Federation and World Karate Federation sanctioned event. This was no small challenge to overcome, it was monumental. During the most contentious day of competition, organizers stopped the tournament to allow for the members of DEWINC®’s W&MA Program to demonstrate to the arena. They resoundingly succeeded, garnering seven (7) Gold Medals and positively impressing the more than 430 competitors and additional family members, coaches, referees and judges in attendance at the event. 

Today, subject to the latest Government and Health officials guidelines, we are operating all programs in-person and offer online instruction, upon request. DEWINC® counts and depends on the financial support from donations, grants and financial participation from sponsorship or scholarship programs to ensure the access to and the viability of this quality of life improving program for the Special Needs and General Population communities everywhere.

DEWINC  -  YOUTUBE  -  INSTAGRAM  -  TWITTER  -  LINKEDIN  -  FACEBOOK

Have a healthy day! I hope to speak with you in the near future. You are encouraged to visit our social media outlets and website or our in-person activities, to discover more about our mission, our enterprise and our programs.

Dojo of Exceptional Wellness Inc.- DEWINC®

We empower & promote the health & independence of people with special challenges through the therapeutic power of horses.

Horses of Hope / Caballos de Esperanza Inc., is a therapeutic riding center, located in beautiful Isabela, Puerto Rico. We are both a 501c3 nonprofit and a Puerto Rico certified charity (EIN # 66-0907166; PR caso # 2019-1101.01-6.

Our mission is to engage the therapeutic power of our horses to nurture the special abilities of people with disabilities, help heal those suffering from trauma, and empower our clients to improve the quality of their lives, their families' lives, and their community. We provide life-changing therapeutic riding, equine education, and equine-assisted activities and have programs suitable for children (4 years and up) to adults of all ages. 

Our therapeutic riding instructors are certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Int'l). We follow their standards of safety, which are the highest in the world, for clients, volunteers, horses, and staff.

Our equine-assisted services are based on current research and outcomes in the industry.

Horses Of Hope-Caballos De Esperanza Inc

KOSHISH supports GBV survivors with critical mental health needs, helping them heal, regain strength, and rebuild their lives.

KOSHISH, meaning “to try” in Nepali, was founded in 2008 by individuals with firsthand experience of mental health issues. We are dedicated to supporting women who have faced gender-based violence (GBV) and are struggling with critical mental health issues as a result.

Through a rights-based, person-centered approach, we provide care, advocacy, and community support to help these women heal and regain their dignity. Guided by the belief in “Nothing About Us Without Us,” KOSHISH works to break the silence around mental health and create lasting change, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and find hope for the future.

KOSHISH

We are driven by a single goal to do our part to make the world better. Community Resource Hub for the Community  and Nonprofits 

Provide Community Resources & Awareness for Seniors, Children, Veterans, Homeless Outreach, Disaster Relief, Donation Hub. Help Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Families and juveniles with support services for Restoring their lives. International partnerships in sports and schools and supplies

Currently rehabbing shopping center into Resilience hub of nonprofits and need sponsors and donors of 100000 sq ft building

Collaborating Voices Foundation

Through our various programs, we aim to provide a solid foundation of assistance to kids who have lost a parent or caregiver. 

Through our various programs and initiatives, we aim to provide a solid foundation of emotional and financial assistance to childen who have lost a parent or caregiver. We understand that these children and young adults not only require support during their toughest times but also need guidance as they work towards building a brighter future. We firmly believe in the power of resilience and empowerment, and we are dedicated to empowering these children to emerge stronger and better equipped to face life's hurdles.

Kimmyz Kidz

Provide relief & rehabilitation to uplift deprived, vulnerable groups for socio-economic equality & mainstream participation.

**Introduction:**

Protibandhi Shishu Shiekkha O Paricharja Samity (PROSHIPS) is a non-profit and non-governmental voluntary organization operating in the Jamalpur district, Bangladesh. PROSHIPS is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities through community-based development programs. These initiatives aim to bolster economic security, broaden access to cultural opportunities, and foster independence. Priorities include education, knowledge dissemination, and prevention efforts related to teenage family life, reproductive health, and the restoration of child and human rights. Recognized by the Government of Bangladesh, PROSHIPS is registered with both the Directorate of Social Services (DSS) and the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB).



**Objectives of PROSHIPS:**

The primary objective of PROSHIPS is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the entire community. This is achieved through the empowerment of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. By ensuring equal rights and facilitating participation in mainstream development, PROSHIPS seeks to create a more inclusive society.



**Community Engagement:**

Since its inception in 1999, PROSHIPS has been actively engaged in community development. Through targeted programs, PROSHIPS endeavors to dismantle social barriers and empower individuals and communities. Health services, education, socialization, social justice, empowerment, livelihood programs, and advocacy efforts are among the organization's key focus areas. Particularly in rural areas, persons with disabilities often face neglect and limited access to development opportunities. PROSHIPS strives to address these challenges through tailored interventions.



**Planned Programs:**

PROSHIPS has outlined comprehensive programs to address various aspects of community development. These include:



1. **Health Care Program:** Focuses on disability prevention, hygiene awareness, primary rehabilitation therapy, mental health screening, and the distribution of assistive devices.

  

2. **Education Program:** Establishes schools and learning centers for children with disabilities, integrates disabled children into mainstream schools, and provides inclusive educational support.

   

3. **Poverty Alleviation Program:** Offers training in income-generating activities and facilitates access to livelihood opportunities through group formation and collaboration with local government units.

   

4. **Climate Change Impact Recovery Program:** Provides rehabilitation support, food assistance, relief materials, and mental health services to communities affected by climate change-induced disasters.

   

5. **Socialization and Social Justice Program:** Forms protection watch groups, conducts community awareness campaigns, and advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities through various initiatives.



**Long-Term Impact:**

The initiatives undertaken by PROSHIPS are expected to have a significant long-term impact on the community. These include improvements in education, health, economic stability, and social inclusion. By empowering disabled individuals and their families, PROSHIPS aims to reduce poverty, enhance quality of life, and promote sustainable development.



**Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):**

Aligned with the SDGs, PROSHIPS' initiatives focus on accessibility, equality, and social justice. By addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, especially in rural areas, the organization contributes to the overarching goal of leaving no one behind and fostering inclusive development.



**Conclusion:**

PROSHIPS is committed to empowering individuals and communities affected by disability and social injustice. Through its targeted interventions and collaborative approach, the organization seeks to create a more equitable and just society. By addressing the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities, PROSHIPS aims to promote sustainable development and ensure that all members of the community can lead dignified and fulfilling lives.



In light of the prevailing circumstances and the urgent need for proper facilities for disabled persons in the community, PROSHIPS seeks grants and partnerships to expand its charitable projects in its operational areas. By leaving no one behind, especially the most vulnerable persons with disabilities, PROSHIPS endeavors to fulfill the vision of the SDGs and contribute to building a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Protibandhi Shishu Shiekkha O Paricharja Samity (PROSHIPS)

Theatre starring people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Actors gain confidence, social skills, friends.

Mission: Through collaborative performance and lifelong learning opportunities, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain the skills and confidence to engage with the world.

ArtStream fuels students' imagination, creativity, and focus. We offer over 850 classes and workshops each year for 1,617 participants, six Theatre Companies totaling 90 participants and four Cabaret Companies totaling 30-40 participants, all of whom create and perform original theater works.

WHY ARTSTREAM?
People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - including Autism - frequently face isolation or marginalization, and are excluded from activities and spaces where community, friendships, and connections are made. Creative opportunities are even fewer and farther between. In ArtStream’s drama and performing arts classes, workshops, and theatre companies, participants learn skills that apply to all aspects of life, including how to be present, pay attention, listen to instructions, participate in the activities that the class is doing that day, and perhaps most important of all, build friendships. 

Performance is transformative for every actor. This is also true for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including Autism. Whether in classes, workshops, or rehearsals, ArtStreamers play theatrical games that require them to listen, to engage, to communicate, and to collaborate with each other; and improvisational games that teach them how to make eye contact, think on their feet, make connections, synthesize information, and solve problems. ArtStream’s demanding and very entertaining process encourages ArtStreamers to discover their creativity and strengths, and perform with confidence! What’s more, at ArtStream, our participants create their own scenes, dances, and songs for their performances, whereas most other theaters and non-profits serve people with disabilities by enacting or adapting plays or scenes written by professional playwrights. This is the “ArtStream difference.” 

A 55-year-old, 15-year ArtStream veteran expressed it better than we could ourselves: “I don’t get nervous on stage because I feel such happiness. I like to perform 24 hours a day! I love this place! ArtStream is making me happy!” 

ArtStream’s collaborative programming gives people with interest, talent, drive, and creativity – but few opportunities – a unique chance to build skills they will carry with them throughout their lifetimes. Our retention rate is 90%, attesting to the effectiveness of our organization in carrying out our mission. 



ArtStream, Inc.

ALMA provides educational and therapeutic-training services to autistic children and adults and/with mental disability.


ALMA was created in 1996 by a team of scientists of various specialties, who dreamed of an equal opportunities’ society for people with disabilities.  

The Association provides educational and therapeutic services to autistic children and adults and/with mental disability, along with various daily sports programs (such as swimming, horseback riding, bowling, athletics, cycling), and cultural programs (theatrical play, yoga, painting, traditional dance etc.) ALMA also organizes outings, visits to cultural and sports events, excursions and camping trips.  

Additionally, the Association regularly educates people about autism (schools, organizations etc.), to increase awareness in the community.  In fact, all our efforts at ALMA, build on one or more of the following three pillars: 

- the education and socialization of people with disabilities, 
- the support of their family and 
- the awareness of the community. 

Since 1996, ALMA has served more than 2.500 children and adults with disabilities, while during the last academic year, about 230 children and adults aged 2.5 and over participated in our programs.  

We start with the early intervention program and follow the child's path at all stages of his/her life as a parallel family, inspiring both the child and the family to discover the power of diversity and the opportunities it creates. We are close to the family from the difficult time of accepting the diagnosis until the lifelong settlement of the young person with disability in a Supported Living Home (which promotes their autonomous and dignified living). We also, provide him/her with professional support through Prevocational Training and Supported Employment programs. 

The main Structures we currently operate in, are: 

(1) The Day Care Center for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, which supports children aged 2.5 - 5 years and operates as a family support center (around 300 sq.m.) 

(2) The Care Center for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, aged 14 and over 

(3) Two Houses of Supported Living, in which seven young people with disabilities live permanently with the care of well-trained scientific staff.  

(4) One House of Short-term Living, which mainly works as an intermediate step for the adults who will move in the House of Supporting Living 

(5) Our offices, where our administrative services take place 

(6) Sports and cultural programs are offered in public places, such as the Ag. Skepi Playground, in Palaio Faliro. 

The Pan-Hellenic Association of Adapted Activities "ALMA" is a non-governmental non-profit association, registered in the Greek National Registry of non-profit Institutions of Private Sector character, and a certified provider of primary and secondary care. 

"ALMA" Pan-Hellenic Association of Adapted Activities

148788709

1578280819

1873740264

188270313

2052641908

2088874155

We are a nonprofit, so we rely on the generosity of donors like you.