When Whitney* reached out to Assiya Ashraf-Miller, a Hire Autism navigator, it had been several years since she had looked for a new job. Whitney was happy to find the experience insightful and aligned with the current expectations of the job market. When Ashraf-Miller heard from Whitney about her professional achievements and her published writing,…
This fall, we launched an outreach campaign to continue OAR’s goal of supporting the autism community using our Kit for Kids peer education program. We initially set out to teach 30,000 students, and we are pleased to share that we surpassed that target, reaching a total of 41,643 students in grades K-8. Through the Kit…
In 2024, RUN team members from around the world represented OAR at 30 events, including ultramarathons, triathlons, and our own Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash. Together, OAR’s 2024 team of 945 runners, walkers, cyclists, and triathletes joined forces to raise nearly $1 million. That money will help fulfill OAR’s mission in 2025 which…
The members of OAR’s Board of Directors bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, family relationships, and expertise to our organization. OAR recently welcomed two new members to this leadership group and asked them to describe why being a part of OAR’s mission is important to them. Christopher DeMay, CPA Tax Partner Aprio LLP Walnut Creek, California “I’ve…
OAR’s new Self-Advocate Advisory Council (SAAC) will help OAR identify specific needs and quality-of-life factors for the autistic community that OAR can address. This addition of lived experiences is critical to supporting the autistic community. “OAR’s challenge, and that of the autism community as a whole, is learning how best to engage and support autistic…
As we approach the end of another impactful year and OAR’s 23rd anniversary, we want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together and share some exciting plans for next year. Your support continues to drive OAR’s mission to tackle the real challenges autistic individuals face every day. Whether you’re a donor,…
OAR’s Hire Autism Program is ending the year on a high note, onboarding a new navigator cohort. Please join us in welcoming our latest volunteers, who will help autistic job seekers build their job search materials, skills, and confidence. The eight new navigators are Tricia O’Brien, Thomas Goodrich, Cody Keenan, Cali Clarke, Marcus Leef, Meret…
OAR’s new Operation Autism Grant Program supports military families with autistic children by providing grants to establish or enhance family support groups. OAR will award three to six grants on a rolling basis through February 21, 2025. At least 50% of the group’s participants must have autism-specific needs, and sessions must be free for military…
“We’re running for autism for everyone with autism, but especially for my son, Duke,” OAR runner Jen Fellmann said as she took on the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon alongside her friends, Sarah Dixon and Lyndsey Benharris. Their team, Duke’s Darlings, raised over $11,600 for the RUN FOR AUTISM program. After training together over the summer,…
The 2025 OAR Scholarship Program opens for applications on Monday, December 9, 2024, and remains open until Monday, April 21, 2025. Applicants may apply to only one of OAR’s scholarships, which include the Schwallie Family Scholarship, the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship, and the Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color. Each program offers $3,000 scholarships…
