Hillsborough County, FL (April 10, 2024) – In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, Easterseals Florida is proud to lead the charge in promoting inclusion and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum in the Tampa Bay area and across the state. While traditional initiatives have often centered around “Autism Awareness,” the nonprofit organization believes it is time to shift the narrative toward education, acceptance, understanding, and action.
“Autism Acceptance Month goes beyond mere awareness-raising. It’s about fostering environments where autistic individuals can thrive, where their unique strengths are celebrated, and where they are fully integrated members of society,” said Sue Ventura, Easterseals Florida President and CEO. “By emphasizing acceptance, we aim to create communities that are more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive of neurodiversity.”
Easterseals is proud to be the nation’s leading provider of services for people with autism. In observance of Autism Acceptance Month, Easterseals Florida invites the Tampa Bay community to join their efforts and take action by contributing to the Limitless PossAbilities Scholarship Fund at https://bit.ly/limitlesspossabilities, which gives neurodiverse children access to early education at the new Easterseals School for Limitless Learning.
Currently under construction, the Easterseals School for Limitless Learning will address the increasing demand for specialized early education programs for children with neurodiverse conditions including autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and dyslexia. Anticipated to open for the 2024-25 school year, the new campus in Valrico’s BayCare HealthHub will feature a 10-month lower elementary program (serving children from preschool to second grade) and a year-round early childhood program (for infants to age three). The curriculum for both school programs will be based on the play-based DIRFloortime® model (Development, Individual differences, and Relationships). Interested families are encouraged to visit the Easterseals School for Limitless Learning’s website at https://www.easterseals.com/florida/programs-and-services/children–families/school-for-limitless-learning.html for more program details and registration information.
In addition to the school, Easterseals’ PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project offers educational resources to Hillsborough County families. This is an evidence-based, in-home, intensive play-based early intervention program for children on the autism spectrum. With parent training, families are empowered to work on intervention skills, improving language, development, and social skills through PLAY. Autistic children between the ages of two and six years old are eligible for this 10-month intervention program. Also available in Spanish. Visit https://www.easterseals.com/florida/programs-and-services/children–families/the-play-project.html online for application information.
In Hillsborough County and across the state, Easterseals Florida offers a diverse range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting autism understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.