A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight
2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: University of Central Florida--Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
Organization Type: Community-based
Grant Categorie(s): Home
WHO THEY ARE
The University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UCF-CARD) is a key player in a statewide network that supports individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Since its founding in 1998, UCF-CARD has grown from serving 237 individuals annually to more than 23,000. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to empower individuals with ASD and their families, aiming to enrich lives through personalized and consultative services. UCF-CARD’s offerings are diverse, ranging from technical assistance to professional training, making a tangible impact on the Central Florida community.
“NEXT is an amazing partner with great vision to take risks associated with innovation! This grant allowed us to develop and test a concept that we had long been dreaming of tackling, and the results will allow us to refine and reconceptualize, based on the data and analysis we were able to make over the course of the year.”
Teresa (Terri) Daly, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Director of UCF-CARD
Thanks to NEXT for AUTISM grant funding, UCF-CARD was able to expand their Transitional Living Cohorts (TLC) program curriculum, which is designed to teach essential life skills for independent living. Participants engaged in lessons on everything from navigating leases and managing roommate dynamics to practicing cleanliness and mastering financial literacy, such as budgeting and paying rent on time. Throughout the grant period, UCF-CARD demonstrated remarkable adaptability, reshaping materials and strategies to meet the varying needs of participants based on housing situations, individual abilities, and resource availability. These adjustments not only improved the program but also made it more scalable for future growth.
THE RESULTS
- 143 autistic adults received tailored educational services
- 3 rounds of the eight (8) week "Adulting" course were completed
- 123 community and social outings for autistic adults fostered meaningful interpersonal connections
- A scalable curriculum was developed, ensuring future participants will benefit from the program's refined approach
BE PART OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR AUTISM
- Support funding for NEXT for AUTISM's grants program, including organizations like UCF-CARD. Make a gift today
- Learn more about NEXT's grants program, and share our work and grant opportunities in the community.
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