We take a moment on this #ThankfulThursday to show gratitude to Autism Speaks for their recent support of Variety’s mission.
The Autism Speaks Local Impact Grant program focuses on presenting grants to services that improve the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Their goals include expanding the capacity of organizations to effectively serve the ASD community and increasing the field of national service providers. Since 2013, Autism Speaks has awarded more than $3 million to more than 500 organizations through this program, serving a countless number of people with autism, as well as their families, teachers, therapists, and caregivers.
We are excited to announce that Variety has been awarded an Autism Speaks Local Impact Grant to help provide supportive technology and sensory equipment to St. Louis-area children with autism spectrum disorders. Access to adaptive equipment continues to be one of the greatest challenges for families, and Variety’s equipment program removes barriers by providing children with the tools they need to participate and engage with their world. Children with autism spectrum disorders represent a significant portion of Variety Kids in our programming, underlining the importance of this funding.
Thank you to Autism Speaks and to Area Executive Director Dr. Michael Quinn and Field Development Manager Staci Gerchen, for visiting our office to present this award to Variety’s Executive Director Brian Roy and Health Services Manager Julie Thompkins! We are grateful for the support in expanding our adaptive equipment program.
To learn more about the Autism Speaks Local Impact Grant program, click here. If you’d like to make an impact on Variety Kids right here in the St. Louis community, visit HelpAVarietyKid.org.