Studer Community Institute

Autism Pensacola praises YMCA for inclusion

May 8, 2015
/ Louis Cooper
/ community-dashboard

Autism Pensacola wants to thank the YMCA of Northwest Florida for work it has done to help autistic children fit into its programs better and let others know about the value of inclusion. “Autism Pensacola has invited key community leaders to a recognition breakfast … as we celebrate the YMCA of Northwest Florida and its ongoing efforts in inclusion as our partners through a grant from the National Inclusion Project,” said Jessica Lapen, program director for Autism Pensacola. The breakfast is set for 7:45 a.m. at Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church today. Aron Hall, from the National Inclusion Project’s “Let’s All Play” program, will speak briefly about the philosophy of his organization and the opportunity to partner with them directly. “In addition to recognizing the YMCA of Northwest Florida for its inclusion success and leadership, Autism Pensacola will take the opportunity to share with these leaders the benefits of inclusion, as well as the local and national resources available to support an inclusive model,” Lapen said. Besides YMCA officials, leaders from local branches of the Boys & Girls Club, the Boy Scouts, Campfire USA and various parks and recreation departments have been invited to the breakfast. Recreation programs such as those offered at the YMCA are sometimes challenging to autistic children because of their special needs, especially social communications deficits, Lapen said. “Children on the spectrum may have a hard time engaging in a group situation due to language barriers. They may also struggle with staying on task and understanding directions,” she said. “Many recreational programs, like the YMCA, tend to include a lot of big group activities, which can be overwhelming for someone on the spectrum.” Autism Pensacola has worked since 2013 with, first, the Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA in Navarre, and then the Northeast Branch YMCA in Pensacola to implement the “Let’s All Play” inclusion model established by the National Inclusion Project. Jenny Darden, childcare director for the Pullum YMCA, said becoming attentive to the needs of autistic children goes right along with the Y’s mission to include children of all abilities. “Our programs have changed by adding more staff, by increasing training and by raising awareness about the importance both for the autistic child and the neuro-typical child,” Darden said. “We also participate in a bully prevention program that educates the children about acceptance.” Through the “Let’s All Play” program, Autism Pensacola was awarded $10,000 for the first year; $7,000 the second year and $5,000 the third. The money is divided among Autism Pensacola for things such as training, and the agencies it is helping. Based in Raleigh, N.C., the National Inclusion Project has with more than 100 recreational programs in 35 states, including YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, 4H Clubs and other youth and recreation programs.

Back to Blogs

Autism Pensacola praises YMCA for inclusion

Recent Posts