Provide Scholarships for Adults with Disabilities

Tommy, a 23 year old, began attending SPARC two years ago. He presented with behaviors and was completely non-verbal, but could communicate using American sign language (asl). We accepted him on a trial basis.

To date, there is no shared definition of minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder. The heterogeneity in intellectual functioning and in linguistic abilities among these individuals suggests there is no single mechanism underlying their difficulties in learning to speak. The reasons why these children do not speak and the biological markers that can identify them are still unknown. Language impairment in these children can lead to several unfavorable consequences, including behavior problems (such as self-aggression, hetero-aggression, and property destruction), poorer daily living and social skills. Psychiatric comorbidities (including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, specific phobias, and compulsions) consist in a serious problem related to the lack of verbal language in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. An underlying contributing factor to the lack of verbal language can be social isolation.

For the first year, Tommy often left the club and would walk around the center with his PSA. At SPARC we are patient and understand that engagement in activities can take a great deal of time. The staff at SPARC  started communicating with him using asl used speech therapy exercises. This year he spoke his first word… “Hi!” As 2023 progressed, he has added the words “eat”, “chip”, “si” and “shoe”. He waits at the door and has taken on the role of official greeter as SPARC friends arrive.

To some, the word “Hi!” might not be a big deal. But for someone who has been verbally silent for over twenty years, it is miraculous.

One can be socially isolated even when amid lots of people. Although Tommy attended school, nothing in his environment prompted speech before this year.

At SPARC we celebrate Tommy’s progress!

Your gift ensures that young adults with severe and multiple disabilities have every opportunity to live their best life.

Meet Kaitlin.  Kaitlin has been a member of SPARC since 2014 and loves attending four days a week!

Kaitlin is 35 and cannot walk or use her hands due to quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

She has low vision and her voice is slow and difficult for some to understand.

Kaitlin is also a member of SPARC's Advocates Advisory Council.  She meets with SPARC's Executive Director weekly and joins in on advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities before local, state and one day soon national legislators.  Kaitlin is smart, kind, witty and a terrific writer.  Her talents are extraoradinary!

At SPARC, Kaitlin has friends and invovement in the community and she enjoys the adapted activities.

Kaitlin says of SPARC, "I love it.  No other day program offers opportunities that truly include me."

21% of SPARC's attendees particpate on a full schoalrship and 100% receive reduced fees since their medical and living expenses take all of their reduced income.

You can make SPARC available to adults with multiple and severe disabilities.