Understanding Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
In any relationship you have, there will be agreements and disagreements. That is normal. As you get to know an acquaintance, for example, you may disagree on the best pizza place in town. Or a friend may accidentally forget what time you were going to meet to play video games. Disagreements and mistakes happen in…
How Gamification Can Support Autistic Learners
As a growing number of educators are discovering, gamification can have a profound impact on autistic learners. By leveraging the principles of game-based learning, teachers can create an engaging, dynamic environment for their students with learning disabilities. Through meaningful rewards, clear instruction and safe exploration, gamification not only helps to improve academic performance, but also…
OAR Awards New Peer Education Grants
OAR’s Peer Education Grants, launched in 2020, support projects that promote autism awareness and acceptance among K-12 public schools, nonprofits, communities, and libraries using OAR’s Kit for Kids peer education resources. This spring, OAR awarded $17,547 to support five projects. With these grants, OAR has helped educate more than 184,000 children through the Kit for Kids since…
Reflecting on the Life of a Disability Rights Trailblazer
Judith Heumann, the “mother of the disability rights movement,” and an influential figure throughout the disability community, passed away on March 4, 2023. Renowned on a global scale as a fierce activist and advocate for the disabled community, she will be remembered for breaking barriers in both her personal and professional life. Breaking Barriers from…
Congratulations to the 2023 Youth Art Contest Winners
OAR thanks the 74 young artists who submitted their creative artwork to the 2023 Youth Art Contest. We received artwork from young people in 17 states and six countries. Every entry demonstrated the theme of “community” in a unique and inspiring way. Congratulations to the winners of OAR’s 2023 Youth Art Contest! Autistic Youth Category …
OAR Announces Recipient of 2022 Synchrony Tech Scholarship
Congratulations to Jade Brown, the recipient of OAR’s Fall 2022 Synchrony Tech Scholarship. The Synchrony Tech Scholarship supports autistic adults interested in pursuing or advancing their career in the tech sector by obtaining a technology-related certification. Scholarship award amounts depend on the technology-related certification program and range from $500 to $5,000. Brown will use her…
Introducing OAR’s Scholars’ Society
We are excited to announce the creation of our Scholars’ Society and hope to increase the ways in which we can network and connect our scholars with meaningful employment and vocational-oriented opportunities. OAR’s Scholars’ Society for recipients of OAR’s scholarships provides opportunities for personal and professional growth through: Increasing communication between OAR and the scholars,…
Let’s Celebrate National Autism Acceptance Month!
At OAR, we support local communities with valuable resources, assist autistic individuals preparing for employment, and raise funds to support autism research studies. Below are some ways you can join our mission and help make a difference. Goal 1: Support the autism community with information resources for autistics, families, educators, and professionals. OAR’s Life Journey…
Rewatch OAR’s Webinars that Promote Neurodiversity Inclusion
Since 2018, OAR has been pleased to offer free webinars for parents, autistics, educators, and professionals from the autism community. These archived webinars are an excellent way to gain expert information and get answers to your topical questions, with the flexibility to fit your demanding schedule. Check out these webinars discussing neurodiversity inclusion. Business Practices…
