A GLOBAL VOICE FOR AUTISM INC
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Mission Statement
A Global Voice for Autism exists to equip refugee and conflict-affected communities with the tools to support and include children on the autism spectrum and children with developmental disabilities in their classrooms, homes and communities.
About This Cause
Since 2012, A Global Voice for Autism has been working in partnership with local community members, schools, and organizations to equip refugee and conflict-affected communitieis with the training, knowledge, and tools to support children on the autism spectrum and children with developmental disabilities in their classrooms, homes and communities. Our Board of Directors, global staff team, and expert clinical volunteers ensure that our holistic, community-centered, and inclusive approach builds ecosystems where all children can realize their right to education, participate equitably in their communities, and thrive. *We are Community Centered* We understand the importance of community engagement. For this reason, every A Global Voice for Autism program is launched at the invitation of a local grassroots organization. When organizations reach out to us, we assess whether we are equipped to meet their needs, and confirm that our activities would not displace local evidence-based service providers. We then work with local stakeholders at every stage of the design and implementation process to ensure the relevance, impact, and sustainability of all activities. *We are Data Driven* Data shows us where we are succeeding and how we can improve. We collect baseline and follow-up data at every program site and measure changes in mindset, knowledge acquisition and skills development for participants in every aspect of our programs. We use this data to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, to rapidly develop innovative solutions, to measure the impact of our work, and to continuously improve our programming. *We are Inclusive* Everyone benefits from living in an inclusive community and, as such, we focus on fostering inclusive classrooms and communities for all community members rather than exclusive spaces for children with disabilities. Through training, education, and inclusive events, we bring communities together to support children with disabilities. *We are Technology Powered* We recognize the power of technology to democratize access to information and support. From virtual trainings and consultation sessions to our inclusive education mobile application, we leverage technology to supplement in-person services and to make information and support accessible to families in high-conflict and remote areas. *We are Individualized* Every child, family and community is unique, and we understand the importance of a tailored approach that accounts for context, culture and family needs. We work with every family and teacher to understand their needs, challenges, and strengths, as well as their learning goals, and engage families and teachers in the development of their training plans to ensure the content matches their specific needs and priorities. *We are recognized for our Impact* We have trained more than 18,000 teachers, parents, community advocates, siblings, and children with disabilities. Through our catalytic model, these individuals have gone on to train an additional 14,987 teachers, parents and students in their communities about autism and inclusive education. -92% of participating parents have reported decreases in parenting stress over the course of our three-month training programs and 76% have maintained those decreases six months after the end of the program. -96% of siblings in our Sibling Support and Self-Development programs report improved relationships with their siblings on the autism spectrum. -100% of community inclusion activity participants reported overcoming at least one misconception about autism during their participation. The most common misconception was, "Children on the autism spectrum cannot learn." We don't stop there. Inclusive education is a global need, so in addition to our direct service delivery, our staff and volunteers have delivered speeches about autism and inclusion to over 275,000 individuals in 53 countries, including at the United Nations in New York, the First Global Congress on Conflict Medicine in Beirut, Lebanon, and the One Young World summit in Manchester, England to influence greater investment in inclusive education. *From a Parent* "I used to think my son's autism was my fault. I thought it happened because I let him watch too much TV as a baby. A Global Voice for Autism taught me that his autism isn't my fault. It isn't a punishment, or even a bad thing. My son is different, but that's what makes him special. He learns differently, but he still learns. Most importantly, I learned how to teach him. He spoke his first words in this program, and I can't wait to see what he will learn in the future." -Haya, Mother of Sami, age 6, Syrian refugee in Turkey *From a Teacher* "I think about teaching differently now. I always wanted my classroom to be inclusive, but didn't know how to support students with disabilities. A Global Voice for Autism taught me strategies that help all children learn. My students are all doing better now that we're learning together." -Rana, Primary School Teacher, Turkey