Sooner Works Receives Autism Speaks Grant
Autism Speaks announced in April that Sooner Works Fit was one of 123 providers from 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, awarded a Norma and Malcolm Baker Recreation grant. With a focus on reaching historically underserved populations, these organizations are doing important work across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan. The $5,000 grant will go toward recreational options for Sooner Works students.
Funding supports recreational programs demonstrating the ability to:
- Reach a wide age range of individuals on the spectrum
- Have true, measurable impact on the lives of those who participate and their loved ones
- Grow and replicate best practices with other partners in their community, state or region within the following categories of service delivery:
- Adult Services – recreation/respite specifically for adults focusing on life, health and community
- Employment – finding and maintaining meaningful employment with skills to succeed in the workplace
- Physical Fitness and Sports – athletics and team sports, health and wellness programs
- Summer Camps– day/overnight programs offering therapeutic activities, sports, arts and technology
- Swimming and Water Safety – swimming and water safety specifically for individuals with autism
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. They do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
The University of Oklahoma’s Sooner Works is a comprehensive integrated program for students with an intellectual or developmental disability who desire a postsecondary experience on a college campus. Sooner Works started in the fall of 2019. The program is a four-year certificate program offering a college experience to prepare participants for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of coursework and career exploration. For more information, click here.