Published: August 15, 2018
Categories: Press Release
Bridgewell Receives Grant from The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
Peabody, Mass. – Bridgewell, a nonprofit providing social and human services that empower people with disabilities and other life challenges to live safe, self-directed and productive lives, is pleased to announce that it has received a $4,488 grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism’s Allison Keller Education Technology Program. The funds were used to purchase six 10.5-inch iPads for Bridgewell’s Rosewood III Day Program in Billerica.
Bridgewell’s Rosewood III Day Program, a day center for young adults with autism who are aging out of the public-school system, offers a hands-on learning experience that focuses on skills building, physical fitness and nutrition, community engagement, employment opportunities and technology. iPads have proven to be a beneficial tool for those on the Autism spectrum, lessening the symptoms of the disorder and contributing to an increase in social skills, communication and independence. With the addition of the iPads provided by the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Bridgewell will be able to further assist people attending their Rosewood III Day Program in growing the abilities they need to confidently, successfully and independently navigate life.
“The grant we received from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism has provided us with additional tools to help participants of our Rosewood III Day Program reach critical milestones,” said Laura McNamara, Director of Program Operations. “Providing people on the Autism spectrum with controlled access to modern technology can help in a variety of ways, including making them less prone to sensory overload, and we are grateful to the foundation for the opportunity to bring the new iPads into our classrooms.”
The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. The Allison Keller Education Technology Program grants that the Flutie Foundation distribute each year help to provide technology tools and training that improve learning outcomes and performance for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
About Bridgewell
Bridgewell is a leader on the cutting edge of autism services. We specialize in helping young adults that are transitioning from the educational system to adult services through specialized day programs, community housing, outpatient treatment and supports, education and employment training, as well as services through our autism Family Support Resource Center.
Bridgewell is a nonprofit social and human services organization dedicated to strengthening communities. Headquartered in Peabody, Mass., Bridgewell empowers people with disabilities and other life challenges to live safe, self-directed and productive lives. Bridgewell delivers support through community housing, day programs, outpatient treatment, recovery services, education and employment training. Bridgewell’s staff of more than 1,400 professionals serves approximately 6,300 people and their families. Bridgewell is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and fully licensed by the state. For more information, visit bridgewell.org.
About the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism (DFJF) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation helping families affected by autism live life to the fullest. Through programs and partnerships, DFJF helps people with autism get access to care; lead more active lifestyles; and grow toward adult independence. NFL Quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie, whose personal experience raising a son on the autism spectrum inspired their passion to help other families, established the Foundation in 1998. DFJF serves families throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, Southern California, Central Florida and Canada. For more information on The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, visit www.flutiefoundation.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ryan Levasseur
Greenough, on behalf of Bridgewell
rlevasseur@greenough.biz
(617) 275-6522