On January 12th, I will be participating in the 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in support of a charity called the Organization for Autism Research.

As a teacher that has always taken great pride in providing an inclusive environment where all students can attain a comprehensive learning experience, I was drawn to the Organization for Autism Research for a several reasons:

1. Kit for Kids Program: The OAR designed a "kit" for elementary and middle school students to build awareness about their autistic peers. This "kit" features several resources such as a class set of "What's up with Nick?" booklets, a lesson plan and how to guide, and a classroom poster. The purpose of the kit is to teach students that their autistic peers should be treated with kindness and respect even though they may think differently or have accommodations at school. Bringing this awareness to students helps foster a more inclusive community within schools.
https://researchautism.org/educators/kit-for-kids/#whats-in-the-kit

2. Hire Autism Program: This is a free program that offers employment support. The program features an active job board as well as resources for employers as well as autistic individuals seeking employment.
https://www.hireautism.org/

3. Guidebooks for Families: The guidebooks are expert written research based; designed to support families as they transition through life after an autism diagnoses. Topics range from safety concerns at home to navigating the special education system in schools.
https://researchautism.org/families/guidebook-series/

Please help me support Organization for Autism Research by making a contribution to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your family and friends. Every dollar I raise will advance Organization for Autism Research's great cause! 


WHY RUN FOR AUTISM?
1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM team, you’re supporting OAR’s mission to fund research and resources that help people with autism and their families today.


Here are some of the ways that OAR uses the funds raised by the RUN FOR AUTISM team:

$10 provides a Curriculum in a Box professional development set to general education teachers.
$25 provides 15 copies of A Guide to Safety to families and first responders.
$100 provides the Kit for Kids peer education resource to an entire elementary or middle school.
$150 provides 100 copies of a Life Journey through Autism guidebook sent to a community support group or military installation.
$1,000 provides a research grant for a graduate student studying autism.
$3,000 provides a scholarship for a student with autism to attend college.
$50,000 fully underwrites an applied research pilot study.