Award Amount – $50 to $500
Organization Description– AutismOklahoma had grassroots beginnings in 2002 when families began meeting together to problem solve family challenges. Our BIG DREAM is quality of life, for life, for every individual in Oklahoma who has autism. Quality of life depends on a sense of belonging. Belonging in a community, in a family and with friends are important components to quality of life. Our hope is to support programs that help communities accept and embrace people who have autism, help families thrive, and help individuals with autism to reach their potentials, have friends, and lead a meaningful life. We believe everyone with autism is unique and has something important to offer our community.
Why – AutismOklahoma believes that Life Is Your Dream, AutismOklahoma Helps Make It Come True. Those on the autism spectrum often have very narrow interests and limited friendships. Few opportunities exist to allow them to explore those interests, which may, when nurtured, lead to a higher quality of life and perhaps a career. Many families with a child on the autism spectrum have created a career for their child by following their lead and creating the avenue by which they can be successful. Additionally, it is through interests that friendships are formed and strengthened, reducing the isolation often felt by both those diagnosed with autism and their loved ones.
Dreamcatcher Eligibility- Individuals with autism, their loved ones and/or partners who are passionate about creating opportunities for persons with autism are welcome to apply.
Requirements of the program/project:
- Free or nearly free for the participants.
- Must align with the Mission of AutismOklahoma “Investing together to grow, learn and serve the families of Oklahoma impacted by autism. Through a holistic approach, we create opportunities for families, children, teens and adults to have more happiness, joy and a higher quality of life, for life.”
- Program or project creates natural opportunities and supports the philosophy “Life is Your Dream.” Projects which include a treatment or intervention approaches will not be funded.
- Projects/Programs need to be completed within three months after monies are awarded.
Planning and Implementation Process
Identify the purpose of the participant experience (Must relate to one or more of the following AO objectives).
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- Discover new talents
- Develop new friendships
- Connect individuals through interests (e.g. nature club, jewelry making)
- Engages participants in fun ways (e.g holiday party)
- Provides a safe place to practice new things (e.g. job interview)
Identify hopeful outcomes of the experience
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- Building friendships and social connections
- Engaging in new leisure activities
- Enjoying life
- Health promoting
Logistics planning: Once the purpose and outcomes are solidified, the next step is to determine who will be needed to assist. We reach out to those with shared interests and passion (local business, college students studying occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathology, psychology, social work, and education majors, and church groups, high school clubs, etc). We have found that Oklahomans are eager and happy to help! Determine – Where, When, Who and How you will communicate the experience to others (e.g. AO Facebook Page, registration form, emails, etc…)
Following funding, each recipient of a DreamCatcher award will need to evaluate the the experience for: What went well? Did you accomplish your goal? What would you do differently next time? How can AO move this concept forward?
Grant deadline: May 1, 2022.
Evaluation: A committee, consisting of AutismOklahoma staff and Tulsa community members will assess, award, and monitor the Dreamcatcher grants, and maintain communication with the recipients through the process and follow-up reporting.
Evaluation criteria for grant committee
- Clear plan presented
- Realistic outcome statements
- Furthers the Mission of AutismOklahoma
- High likelihood for success
- (built on an interest, committed leader, reasonable number to participate, either starting small or building on a past accomplishment)
- Justified budget expenses
- Project is convincing and has a high likelihood for success
Applicants will be notified by the Statewide Program Director, Beth DeGrace, PhD, OTR/L by May 15, 2022.
