The vision for a building to support the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is finally being realized on The Els Center of Excellence campus, with plans to break ground this Summer.
The building will be a place where adults can find guidance and direction as they navigate their future. It will be a space where they can continue to develop friendships and receive specialized support, while pursuing their dreams and aspirations.
Els for Autism currently offers services across a person’s life-span, setting it apart from other organizations that do not serve adults who have exited the school system. With the rising rates of children receiving autism diagnoses, it is more important than ever that The Els Center of Excellence campus provide the facilities necessary to accommodate the growing population of adults with ASD.
“The Adult Services building will allow us to help even more adults on the spectrum,” Liezl Els, Els for Autism Co-Founder said. “It will be a place where they can explore different careers, make friends and engage with the community.”
The building will offer programming for over 175 adults with ASD through the Adult Day Training, Employment Services, Recreation, and much more.
Individuals with ASD will be able to develop life and job skills in the building’s training labs, which simulate a variety of real-word environments, such as a grocery store, golf shop, and business office. A gift shop and a vending area offer the opportunity for job training in the retail sector, as well as the ability to build social skills by interacting with members of the community.
Plans include an industrial kitchen and drive-thru window—perfect for food service industry training. Classrooms, as well as flexible, open space areas, provide ample room for meeting, support groups, learning, recreation, socialization and relaxation. Private rooms will accommodate family and individual therapy. A dedicated fitness studio is designed for health and wellness, and a two-bedroom suite will facilitate independent living skills training.
Els for Autism continues its capital campaign for the Adult Services building, and offers naming opportunities starting at $25,000. Won’t you consider making a gift to build a place for these adults on The Els Center of Excellence campus?
