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, a program participant, or someone who utilizes our resources, your engagement has helped us sustain our mission and make a lasting difference in the autism community. This year, we were proud to launch several new initiatives that expand access to resources and support.
One of the highlights is the Libby lending library through OverDrive, which offers the autism community free access to clinical texts, children’s literature, fiction and nonfiction, and guides by or about autistic individuals. We also released the first resources resulting from our community grant program, which supports local and community groups in creating materials to meet the needs of the autism community. Be sure to visit the new resource store to explore these and all of OAR’s resources!
While innovation is at the heart of what we do, we remain deeply committed to our established programs. This year, thanks to the generous support of Jewelers for Children, we expanded the Kit for Kids peer education program, increasing the maximum Peer Education Grant amount for eligible schools from $5,000 to $10,000. This growth allows us to further promote autism acceptance and reduce bullying in classrooms across the country. As one parent shared, “One of the things I appreciate most about OAR is its focus on promoting understanding and acceptance, particularly through its Kit for Kids program…to help ensure future generations learn about acceptance and appreciation from a young age. It’s amazing to think that this kind of resource will shape how [my daughter] and her classmates understand and engage with their autistic peers.”
Stories like these inspire us to reach even higher. Looking ahead, we’re excited to further expand Kit for Kids with resources tailored to different reading levels, ensuring greater inclusivity and accessibility for all students. Alongside this program, we remain committed to advancing research, providing scholarships, updating our guidebooks, and creating relevant tools and resources that empower autistic individuals and their families.
Together, we can continue making meaningful progress in the autism community. Please consider supporting OAR by making a donation today, sharing our resources with your network, or getting involved in one of our programs. Every action you take helps us advance understanding, foster acceptance, and create a brighter future for autistic individuals and their families.
Thank you for being part of this important work—let’s keep making a difference together.
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