Meet this week's guest editor, Ann Flippin, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV)! Ann leads a team of motivated staff members who are creating unique and inclusive programs and events all over the region for individuals and loved ones impacted by Autism–the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. Along the way, she’s creating a movement we can all be part of. Ann’s been recognized by Style Weekly as a 2023 Top 40 Under 40 honoree, and in 2022 the Autism Society of America named the Central Virginia organization Affiliate of the Year.
This week, Ann serves up her recommendations for upcoming events and ways to celebrate inclusivity in this place we love to call home.
Take it away, Ann...
On the James
with Beyond Boundaries
My 32-year-old brother Jamie has autism, and we’ve participated in many ASCV programs together throughout our life. Recently, we enjoyed a pontoon boat ride on the James with fellow ASCV members. Jamie is never one to sit still, but as soon as the boat left the dock his demeanor shifted dramatically to calm and happy. It was the longest amount of time my brother and I have sat and enjoyed an activity together in years!
We are grateful to organizations like Beyond Boundaries and King Fish Boat Rentals who partner with us to make adventures like this possible for individuals with disabilities like my brother. You can see more inclusive programs here.
Vitals:
On the James / James River / Next Up: Rafting, July 28th, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
RVA Duck Race
& Festival of Inclusion
We’re hard at work getting our ducks in a row to create another memorable RVA Duck Race & Festival of Inclusion, Presented by CoStar Group, on August 5.
We were driven to take this longtime beloved Richmond event and add important elements to embrace neurodiversity and create accommodations so everyone in our local autism community can enjoy the festival - thus creating our “Festival of Inclusion.” We’ll feature community partners with activities, sensory zones & sensory rating scales, sign language interpreters, the quiet zone, and more. In addition, we have food trucks, beer, live music, entertainment, and of course, the iconic duck drop and race. Someone goes home with a $10,000 grand prize sponsored by fas mart®, among other unique local prizes. We invite all to come out and join us for a day of fun and inspiration on Brown's Island on August 5!
My kids and I recently attended one of the Children’s Museum’s Special Nights and got to experience the space exhibit “Moon to Mars.” They tried on space suits then build and launch their own rockets! The exhibit will be in town until August 13, so be sure not to miss it! The museum hosts its free “Special Nights” for families with children with disabilities on the third Friday evening of each month.
We are proud to include the Children’s Museum as one of our first partners in our newest program Autism Friendly Communities, made possible with a “Boost” Investment from the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond. Our staff collaborates with business partners to evaluate, adapt, and expand aspects of their business to make it more accessible to our local autism community. Next week, all four KidMed Pediatric Urgent Care centers will officially become designated “Autism Friendly Communities.” Saxon Shoes and The Children's Museum will complete the program and earn their designations next!
We envision an inclusive community where high-quality autism services and support are accessible to all. Our team aims to support, empower, and build connections to improve the lives of all in our local autism community.
Want to get involved? We are always seeking volunteers! You can make a tremendous impact in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. Whether individually or as part of a group, volunteers play a vital role in our mission.
Many volunteer opportunities involve working directly with the youth and families we serve, including mentoring and providing childcare monthly support groups. We also have volunteer opportunities for administrative office support and event support.
