Each year, funds raised by the Race for Autism help to support autism programs and new initiatives in our community. Together, we have supported over 102 major initiatives, increasing the learning, social, training and employment opportunities for those with autism in San Diego.
NFAR is pleased to announce our Community Project awards for 2019. Check out these projects and the dedicated organizations behind these:*Banyan Tree Foundations Academy - "Adaptive Fitness Playground Upgrade”
Banyan Tree Foundations Academy is a certified nonpublic school, that combines small-group work and 1-1 specialized training for intensive educational and therapeutic interventions.
Project would serve 40 students this year and potential for more in subsequent years by enhancing the outdoor space at Banyan Tree’s special education school campus (Foundations Academy) with adaptive recreational and exercise equipment to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of their students with autism and sensory issues. Students will experience a range of tactile, muscle, and body movement activities with equipment suited to varied developmental needs. Banyan Tree's aim is to strike a balance between developmentally appropriate physical challenges and a fun, supportive environment that allows for personal control of these experiences.
*Beacon’s, Inc. - “Informed Person Driven Workforce Planning”
Unemployment for persons on the autism spectrum with intellectual disabilities is at approximately 86% per data (SCDD). Beacons, Inc. seeks to improve employment outcomes of persons aged 22 - 28 on the spectrum with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities by providing structured postsecondary vocational planning courses using small 5:1 instructional ratio to teach skills needed for specific community jobs and to develop tools to build better bridges to the workforce.
Founded in 2018, Beacons, Inc. is working to equip participants with a heightened awareness of their interests, needs, skills, tools and employment options so that they can lead their person directed workplace planning through this program in a more informed manner. NFAR funding will help support this program, and allow Beacon's, Inc. to serve 20 participants annually.
*Intricate Mind Institute - “Developing Training Program for Schools to Implement Command & Control Cognitive Training”
Executive functioning (EF) is a term used to describe the many different cognitive processes that individuals use to control their behavior and to respond to different situations. The Command & Control Program uses both compensatory and rehabilitative strategies to help individuals form new habits in thinking, learning, and problem-solving as a potential route to improving cognitive efficiency in everyday functioning, and has been proven effective at teaching EF strategies.
With NFAR funding, IMI will develop a training model and corresponding training materials (written) and (videos – working with MadeIt films) to deliver the Command & Control to high school campuses across San Diego.
*Mainly Mozart - “Mozart & the Mind: Empowering the "Mozart" in Us All”
Mainly Mozart is dedicated to empowering everyone to fearlessly uncover interests, focus on strengths, and celebrate the “Mozart” within. In that spirit, Mozart & the Mind (MATM) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary celebration focused on autism spectrum where practical solutions are explored, and the stage is set for every mind to find its “Mozart.” MATM is committed to normalizing the conversation about autism, ASD, and neurodiversity in hopes of fostering a gentler, more respectful society where all beings are valued for the “Mozart” they bring to the world.
The MATM begins with an intense two-day symposium featuring such renowned speakers as Temple Grandin and Christine Barnett, and including a free-to-the-public expo, with displays and exhibits by autism-focused non-profits, and food prepared by chefs with ASD. The Symposium ends with a round table of speakers, audience, and artists addressing solutions to challenges faced by those with ASD and avenues to nurture their passions and talents. With NFAR funding, program seeks to serve 50 individuals (artists and speakers) on the autism spectrum directly as well as provide benefit to the greater San Diego population through community awareness.
*New Village Arts - “The Harmony Troupe”
New Village Arts has created programs for young adults with autism; Monday Night Live! introduces students to the techniques of acting, improvisation and sketch comedy emphasizing cooperation and creativity. The Harmony Troupe helps individuals expand upon these skills. NFAR helped NVA to develop The Harmony Troupe program last year.
NFAR funding will help to support the further development of the Harmony Troupe and it's theatre production program. The Harmony Troupe theatre production program developed to give young adults with autism access to the tools of performing arts in order to expand communication skills, socialization skills and team building skills, and instill the participants with confidence and agency. Capitalizing on these skills, participants will develop an original theatre piece under the guidance of professional teaching artists and alongside neurotypical peer mentors. This original theatre piece will incorporate music, movement, puppetry, storytelling and play writing and finalizing with a public performance in Carlsbad, CA
*Positive Action Community Theatre (PACT) - “Performing Arts for Autism”
Performing Arts for Autism’ is a multi-faceted approach to empowering people with autism to live their best lives, and offers many opportunities through their workshops, on-the-job training, and community building activities.
PACT provides four 8-week cycles of improv theatre workshops and performing arts (singing and dance) workshops on Saturday afternoons. The objective of their workshops is to provide a supportive, highly motivating environment where skills such as group collaboration, turn taking, cognitive flexibility, listening and responding within context, perspective taking, problem solving, critical thinking skills, self-advocacy skills, and defining personal space can be learned and successfully applied. The PACTHOUSE PLAYERS theatre troupe provides on-the-job training as ensemble actors, with theatre events such as their anti-bullying theatre production– Beyond Bullying. Currently they are working to create their next show.
PACT is a small organization that seeks to make life-changing differences for those they serve through on-going workshops and a long term place to belong. With NFAR funding, PACT seeks to serve 28 teens and young adults with autism.
*San Diego Center for Children - “Summer Camp for Youth with Autism”
The Center’s Camp is offered as six one-week camps during the summer months and serves children ages 6-14 who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Camp utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis, social thinking and other evidence-based curriculum; provides trained staff; and low child/adult ratios, and includes fun, skill-building activities, such as structured sports and recess games that are sensory friendly.
Many children who access the Camp have been denied or removed from other camps due to behaviors and/or sensory processing disorders and the difficulty these pose at “typical” camps. Parents are challenged to find an appropriate place for their child to receive a fun, enriching camp experience important for a healthy childhood, and develop the skills they need to thrive in social situations.There is incredible hardship for working parents to identify opportunities for their child during certain school breaks, many of which for low-income families, can be cost-prohibitive.
NFAR funding will be used to build and implement a scholarship program to provide the financial resources necessary to low-income families.
*Unscripted Learning - “Connections”
CONNECTIONS, an improvised theatre program designed to help teenagers and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) improve their creative thinking, listening and social awareness and develop a variety of social and communication skills in a safe environment.
Through CONNECTIONS, teenagers and young adults with ASD participate in weekly workshops through which they explore a variety of emotions, listening skills, social skills and pragmatic language while building relationships with their peers through play. These skills are taught through various games and improvised scenarios that help individuals explore and laugh together. With NFAR funding, Unscripted Learning hopes to serve 120 students annually.