Q&A with Sree Bala, HS Student and Creator of Code For All Minds
Sreenidi (Sree) Bala is a high school junior who has already made a big impact on the lives of neurodivergent individuals in her community and across the country. Her drive to make a difference includes the creation of Code for All Minds, a comprehensive curriculum designed to teach neurodivergent individuals how to code, as well as raising funds and awareness for NEXT for AUTISM.
Note: The students pictured above right are part of Oakland University's OUCARES summer program.
What Motivates You to Create Opportunities for Others?
Growing up with my childhood best friend who has autism deeply shaped my understanding of how important it is to create opportunities for others. I saw firsthand the challenges he faced and realized that small actions can make a significant impact on someone's life.
How Did You Choose to Support Neurodivergent Children and Young Adults?
In fifth grade, I was placed in a class with special needs students. I naturally became part of their classroom and community, whether it was doing group projects, hosting holiday events, or sitting with them at lunch. Because of my friendship with my best friend, I never saw them as different, and I enjoyed reciprocating the same love and kindness they showed me. My friendships led to me advocating for further integration in traditional class settings in my middle school and working with teachers to develop adaptive projects and activities so they could be fully engaged.
What Inspired Your Program, "Code for All Minds"?
It all started during COVID when I noticed that while neurotypical individuals quickly transitioned to using email and Google Hangouts, my neurodivergent friends weren’t equipped with those skills. I began creating personalized video lessons to help them stay connected. When I saw how quickly they could learn smaller actions and piece them together, I realized the issue wasn’t what they were learning but how the information was presented.
Wanting to do something more concrete, I worked closely with paraprofessionals and special education teachers in my district to develop ASPIRE Adaptive STEM, part of a three-year piloting program. It became the first STEM-based elective for special needs students in Farmington in 2023, focusing on the practical application of science and technology in real-world scenarios.
Seeing the significant improvement in students over the course of a year, I sought to help more students beyond my local community and founded Code for All Minds (CFAM), the first freely accessible online platform offering a comprehensive computer science curriculum for special needs students and their families. Each lesson plan was tested by over 50 special education students nationwide, and I consulted with leading experts in special education and technology to ensure the curriculum writing process was collaborative and served all students.
CFAM covers topics like building motor skills needed for drag-and-drop tasks, breaking down coding concepts, and essential daily skills like digital citizenship. Most recently, CFAM has developed new lesson plans on Microsoft Office skills and leveraging ChatGPT to communicate thoughts. The platform supplies animated videos created by experts in autism media, ensuring that every part of CFAM, including visuals, is tailored to the student population. CFAM has also distributed 100+ personalized adaptive STEM kits to special needs students across the country and hosts various community events for students and their families.
Why Do You Think It's Important for Teens and Young Adults to Get Involved and Make a Difference?
We all have a responsibility to improve the world around us. As teens and young adults, we are the next generation of leaders, and by getting involved now, we can start addressing the issues we care about. It’s not about doing extra things but about bringing people along with us on the journey. Each of us has the power to create change using the platform we already have. By realizing that, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and the impact we make will continue to grow.
Do You Plan to Continue This Work in the Future?
I am dedicated to empowering special needs students for the rest of my life. I plan to grow Code for All Minds by exposing students to digital skills at a younger age and developing more curriculum that helps them navigate technology. I aim to work with organizations and companies to reform their hiring processes, recognize the talent of special needs students, and develop pathway programs, whether through internships or fellowships. I will continue advocating for systemic changes to make platforms more accessible and adaptive, ensuring that technology—from Google Calendar to ChatGPT—is designed for everyone. By unlocking the potential of those who have been historically overlooked, we can reach higher heights as a society.
Why Did You Choose NEXT for AUTISM as the Nonprofit You Want to Work With?
I chose NEXT for AUTISM because it’s an organization I deeply admire for its incredible impact on the autistic community. Their mission aligns with my own commitment to supporting neurodivergent individuals, and it’s an honor to work with an organization that’s doing so much to help. NEXT for AUTISM focuses on practical, meaningful change, which mirrors my own goals with Code for All Minds. I’m excited to support an incredible organization that shares my vision of inclusivity and empowerment and to contribute to their efforts to create a more inclusive world for autistic individuals.
At NEXT, Our Vision is That "Everyone Deserves to Live a Productive and Fulfilling Life." What is Your Vision for the Future of Autistic Adults?
My vision is one where autistic individuals are equipped with the fundamental digital skills they need to pursue any job and live independently. I want to see a world where they can chase any career, have a seat at any table, and be fully recognized for their skills and contributions. Neurodiverse people should not only be included but celebrated for their unique perspectives and talents. By fostering environments that embrace differences, we can ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a productive, fulfilling life, contributing to society in meaningful ways.
Feeling Inspired?
Please consider making a gift in honor of Sree to support what's next for autism. Be sure to select "In honor of" during your checkout!
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