Feature Stories

Autism Speaks grants Heartspring $18,000 for communication library

Wichita, Kan. – An $18,000 Autism Speaks Family Services Community Grant will build the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) Library at Heartspring, providing resources and supports to children with autism and other disabilities to improve communication.

AAC devices are designed to help people with severe speech or language problems express themselves. Because most children with autism have difficulties communicating, they often need tools to help them effectively interact with others. The AAC Library at Heartspring will serve as a resource center for educators and parents as a trial site for new devices. The Heartspring School currently has 54 students from across the nation, and 90% of students have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

"Heartspring is grateful for the support we have received from Autism Speaks. The AAC Library is an exciting project that will help expedite the process of matching special needs children with the communication devices they need to interact with the world," said Miah Schneider, development associate at Heartspring.

Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism advocacy organization, has approved more than $565,000 in funding for 29 family services community grants. The grants will help community organizations across the country expand existing programs and create new ones that show true innovation in providing services to improve and enrich the lives of individuals with ASD.

In September 2007, Autism Speaks invited autism service providers to submit grant applications that promote services which enhance the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Grant proposals were solicited that addressed one or more of the following areas of need: education, recreation/community activities, equipment/supportive technology and young adult services. Autism Speaks received 355 applications from organizations in 41 states and Canada in this initial family services grant cycle.

“These initial community grants focus on building the field of services for individuals with autism and expanding the capacity to effectively serve this growing community and its range of needs,” said Autism Speaks President Mark Roithmayr. “There are many organizations out there doing remarkable and innovative work, and Autism Speaks is committed to helping them take their programs to the next level.”

ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and to advocating for the needs of affected families. Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism, founded it in February 2005. Bob Wright is Vice Chairman, General Electric, and served as chief executive officer of NBC for more than twenty years. Autism Speaks has merged with both the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), bringing together the nation's three leading autism advocacy organizations. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

The mission of Heartspring, in partnership with parents, professionals, and the community, is to help children with disabilities grow and learn on a path to a more independent life. Heartspring is one of the world’s top facilities serving children with special needs. Originating in Wichita, Kansas in 1934, Heartspring is growing to help children across the nation and around the world. Heartspring experts serve students here at home, and travel to Europe and Asia, providing training to organizations that need our help. Teachers from other countries look to Heartspring for education as they strive to better the lives of children everywhere – truly making Heartspring a worldwide center for children with special needs. Heartspring provides greater independence for children with disabilities through the Heartspring School, Heartspring Pediatric Services, the Heartspring Hearing Center, Heartspring CARE Program and Heartspring World Reach. For more information please call Katie Bishop at 316-634-8821 or email at kbishop@heartspring.org.