March 1 deadline for Autism Delaware scholarship, stipend, and grant applications

Autism Delaware announces Saturday, March 1, is the deadline to apply for the agency’s scholarships, stipends, and community grants. The applications are available at www.autismdelaware.org/GroupsEvents/SupportEducation/ScholarshipsGrantsandStipends.aspx.

The scholarships and stipends include the Daniel and Lois Gray Memorial Scholarship, which is available to an eligible University of Delaware undergraduate or graduate student working toward a professional position in the autism community; the Autism Delaware Adult with Autism Scholarship, which supports an adult with autism spectrum disorder who wants to attend college or some other postsecondary educational program; and the Autism Delaware Para-to-Educator Stipend, which is available to an eligible paraprofessional who in the past year completed his or her education to become a teacher of children with ASD.

“These scholarships and stipends support deserving individuals who are developing and honing their skills in the autism field,” said Teresa Avery, executive director at Autism Delaware.

The grants are awarded annually to community organizations that are aligned with Autism Delaware’s mission to help people and families affected with ASD. A grant can be worth as much as $2,000.

“We provide financial support to programs that impact the autism community in unique and positive ways," says Avery. "In particular, we look to support innovative programs with the potential to improve the lives of children and adults with ASD across their lifespans.”

Last year’s grant recipients included Easter Seals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, for respite care vouchers for families caring for people with ASD; Practice Without Pressure, to expand its Oral Health in the Home training program to Kent County; Ocean Front Counseling LLC, to create an exercise program for people and families affected by ASD in southern Delaware; Georgetown Elementary School, to set up and organize a series of meetings with parents in conjunction with Project SPEAK (an ongoing program designed to help children with ASD acquire social skills through community outings); and the Organization for Autism Research, for research studies and to publish community-friendly resource guides.

Autism Delaware is a nonprofit organization made up of individuals with ASD, their family members, the professionals who serve them, and friends of people with ASD. The organization’s mission is to help people and families affected by ASD. With offices in Newark, Dover, and Lewes, Autism Delaware serves the entire state.

For more information, visit autismdelaware.org.