Oak Hill Receives Allison Keller Education Technology Grant From Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation For Autism
Oak Hill is pleased to announce it has received a $4,000 grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. These funds will provide funding for a series of webinars on healthy relationship and sexuality education for people with autism.
Oak Hill’s Center for Relationship and Sexuality Education (CRSE) and Assistive Technology will partner to host a series of free webinars on healthy relationships and safe sexuality to provide people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, families, and human services professionals with insight, strategies, and resources to prevent and respond to this critical issue. Oak Hill will bring specific awareness to the critical role that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) plays in supporting this population of individuals who are more vulnerable to abuse. With the right support, adolescents with ASD can feel more comfortable building relationships and exploring their developing sexuality.
Through this funding, Oak Hill will be able fund and host healthy relationship and sexuality webinars that are critical in helping people with autism. People with disabilities have a right to know about their bodies and how to have healthy relationships. The only way to face this problem is head on, and Oak Hill’s focus is on educating and empowering as many people as possible, providing the skills and tools they need to protect themselves and take charge of their bodies. Through this series of free webinars, attendees will gain a better understanding of the barriers to healthy relationships and safe sexuality for people with ASD and the ways that communication challenges often reinforce these barriers.
“We are sincerely grateful to have been awarded the Allison Keller Education Technology Grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. Oak Hill is able to continue our essential work for two reasons, the tireless commitment from our incredible staff, and the vital funding from organizations such as the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism,” said Barry Simon, President and CEO of Oak Hill. “Our Center for Relationship and Sexuality Education program allows us to provide vital educational resources globally. There is a critical need for these services and with this grant we will be able to grow the capacity of our curriculum to enhance awareness and provide access to materials.”
“The Flutie Foundation’s Allison Keller Education Technology Grants help our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community, especially in light of coronavirus repercussions,” says Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like Oak Hill are helping people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.” The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, based in Framingham, MA, awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. The Allison Keller Technology Education grants that the Flutie Foundation distributed this year fill the financial gap in meeting technology needs of schools and organizations to help people and families with autism live life to the fullest.
To learn more about this program and the upcoming webinars, please visit https://relationshipandsexuality.oakhillct.org/
About Oak Hill: Oak Hill is Connecticut’s largest private provider for people with disabilities, working to break down barriers to independence for over 125 years. Oak Hill’s mission is to set the standard, partnering with people with disabilities, to provide services and solutions promoting independence, education, health and dignity. Oak Hill programs support people of all ages, for all levels of need. For up-to-date information about Oak Hill, please visit OakHillCT.org, www.facebook.com/CIBOakHill, and on Twitter at @OakHillCT. Oak Hill is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) organization.
About the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism (DFJFA) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation helping families affected by autism live life to the fullest. Through programs and partnerships, DFJF helps people with autism get access to care; lead more active lifestyles; and grow toward adult independence. NFL Quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie, whose personal experience raising a son on the autism spectrum inspired their passion to help other families, established the Foundation in 1998. DFJFA primarily serves families throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, and Central Florida. For more information on The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, visit www.flutiefoundation.org