NEW YORK, NY (January 28, 2010) – Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, today announced the establishment of the Autism Speaks Baker Summer Camp Scholarship Program, which will provide eligible camps with funding to offer scholarships to campers with autism. The program, funded by Norma and Malcolm Baker, began in Southern California and will now expand to the national level.
Camps providing a qualified summer camp program to individuals with autism are encouraged to apply for a Camp Scholarship Fund through the Autism Speaks Baker Summer Camp Scholarship Program. Applications will be accepted from now through March 1, 2010. Eligible camps will identify qualified campers who can demonstrate financial need and offer up to $5,000 in scholarship funds.
“Camp is a valuable therapeutic and recreational experience for children and young adults with autism, while providing respite for parents and siblings,” said Lisa Goring, Autism Speaks director of Family Services. “By removing a significant financial barrier for families, the Autism Speaks Baker Summer Camp Scholarship Programwill allow more young people with autism to grow and develop through camp participation.”
Autism Speaks encourages families to contact their local camp organizations and ask them to submit an application. Camps should have a successful history of supporting individuals with autism. Preference will be given to camps that provide opportunities for inclusion with typically developing peers, as well as those located in underserved communities.
“We are very excited to partner with Autism Speaks to bring this program to a national level,” said Norma and Malcolm Baker. “The scholarship will provide financially disadvantaged families an opportunity for respite, while their children with autism enjoy a summer camp experience.”
To apply, please CLICK HERE.
About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
About the Co-Founders
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. He also serves on the boards of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, RAND Corporation and the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Suzanne Wright has an extensive history of active involvement in community and philanthropic endeavors, mostly directed toward helping children. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is a Trustee Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater. In 2008, the Wrights were named to the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world for their commitment to global autism advocacy.
