ASDF Financially Sponsors Haugland Learning Center’s Summer Acceleration Camp, Vocational Skills Program, and Holiday Gift Card Program to Enrich the Lives of Ohio Children With Autism
Schererville, IN – June 17, 2012 – ASDF, a national organization that provides direct support for families living with autism, partners with Haugland Learning Center (HLC) to help fund its summer camp, vocational skills program, and holiday gift card program. HLC serves the educational needs of over 200 children and young adults with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and other developmental disabilities in the state of Ohio.
Over the past three years, ASDF has provided full scholarships for 20 students to attend HLC’s Summer Acceleration Camp. The camp provides academic and social skills instruction for children on the autism spectrum to improve upon the skills learned during the school year, and helps prevent the regression that often occurs during summer break.
“ASDF is a close friend and supporter of Haugland Learning Center,” said Morten Haugland, Ph.D., president and CEO of HLC. “The foundation provides scholarships to students who would otherwise be unable to attend summer camp.”
ASDF also supports the Orientation to Trade and Apprenticeship Program (OTAP), a joint vocational skills program offered by HLC and Columbus State Community College. Students in the OTAP program meet twice per week for two months on the main campus to receive vocational training and a basic introduction to all of the skilled building trades, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. ASDF financially sponsors OTAP so parents do not have to pay the extra tuition for their student to participate.
“This year was the first time such a program was offered to students with an autism spectrum disorder,” said Haugland. “Due to the cost of the program, it would not have been possible to have students participate without the generous support of the ASDF.”
As one of five partners who participate in ASDF’s holiday gift card program, ten of HLC’s families each received a $500 gift card to help buy presents and supplies for the holidays. “This gift made it possible for some struggling families to have a much better Christmas and many happy tears were shed by the recipients,” said Haugland.
ASDF looks forward to providing additional support this year and beyond to help HLC continue to do such important work in the lives of children and families living with autism. Haugland added, “We look at ASDF as our guardian angel and we wish that more people knew of all the joy this foundation has spread among families of children with autism. We cannot thank the foundation enough and wish them the best of luck in raising funds for future gifts to the autism community.”
About ASDF: ASDF is a charity that supports children with autism spectrum disorders by providing education, information, and financial assistance to their families and relevant community service organizations. Funds donated to ASDF are used to address any and all kinds of issues in assisting children with autism and their families. Visit www.myasdf.com, email info@myasdf.org, or call 877.806.0635 for more information and to see how you can help.