OAR welcomed Sally Tran as business manager in April. Tran has more than 10 years of experience managing operations for small businesses and startups. Her goals are to increase OAR awareness by engaging with other organizations and companies to develop partnerships. “There are opportunities for fundraising that will ultimately help the autism community.” She also…
OAR welcomed six autistic students, including five rising seniors, from the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) to learn about OAR’s programs and resources in March. The AIM program, founded in 2008, supports autistic students and helps them thrive in five domains: academic, social, emotional, vocational, and independent living. AIM’s support includes: A yearly summer college…
Ten navigators and two regional ambassadors joined the Hire Autism team in April. By helping to refine resumes, cover letters, and interview skills, navigators play a vital role in equipping job seekers with the tools necessary to prepare them for the job search and meet their employment goals. Ambassadors use their personal experience and talents…
If you are working on or interested in creating a project that promotes autism awareness and acceptance in grades K-8 using the Kit for Kids program materials, then apply now for OAR’s Peer Education Grant. Grant awards range from $500 to $5,000. OAR has helped educate more than 184,000 children through the Peer Education program…
While Autism Acceptance Month has now come and gone, we know many of you wish to remain active, do more for the cause, or start something new. Here are some ways to do just that. Volunteer your time Are you a parent, educator, or autistic individual who: Wants to share your unique advice or story…
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…
OAR is pleased to announce that Sean Flynn has been promoted to fundraising and special events director, and Sarah Culver has been promoted to RUN FOR AUTISM director. Flynn, who took on his new position in January, was the RUN FOR AUTISM director for six years. His new role, he says, is a great opportunity…
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 …
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…
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,…
