Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is proud to announce that it has received a $5,000 Autism Speaks Chapter Grant to better serve children with autism at Easterseals Camp Fairlee. Children with autism are able to enjoy a typical camp experience, including swimming, canoeing, and campfires, with one-to-one counselor support. Easterseals has been offering autism sessions for the past six years, and this grant will help ensure children continue to receive the highest level of care.
The award was one of 54 grants nationwide totaling $250,000 awarded by Autism Speaks to promote and increase the field of local service providers in the 11 Autism Speaks Chapter markets and help improve the lives of those affected by autism. Now in its second year, this most recent round of Autism Speaks Chapter Grants were made available through a contribution by Autism Speaks partner Toys“R”Us®.
Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore is honored to receive this funding from Autism Speaks,” Ken Sklenar, President/CEO of Easterseals, said. “Camp Fairlee makes it possible for children with autism to enjoy a residential camp among their peers. This grant will allow the staff to better understand the campers and their needs.”
Easterseals will use the grant to train staff in cutting-edge behavioral interventions for children with autism and to support a consultant with over 15 years of experience with children with autism spectrum disorder to be onsite during the summer sessions offered in 2014. This expertise will help staff develop strategies to make sure every camper is getting the most out of this unique experience, while parents can be confident their child is understood and safe.
“With the successful launch of last year’s Chapter Grants, we were pleased to expand the opportunity this year for local service providers to help fund unique and resourceful programs that will benefit our chapter communities and add to existing services for individuals with autism,” said Cathy Kanefsky, Autism Speaks vice president of Chapter Development.
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
