Andrews Gift

Inspiration from Andrew Ward Jr., was the motivation for the creation of Andrew’s Gift. Andrew’s Gift was established for charitable and education purposes made possible through the generosity of local founding donors and non-profit organizations. Andrew’s Gift seeks to assist families touched by autistic spectrum disorders in Central Pennsylvania; focusing primarily within Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties.Andrew’s Gift Foundation strives to raise awareness of the potential opportunities for families impacted by autism, by granting financial aid. Such provisions include but are not limited to: education, therapies, respite, special events, skills development, home visits, and/or technology equipment with support. Additionally, Andrew’s Gift provides public schools with specialized instrumental material, which is used to create the educational environment necessary to promote autistic development through alternative learning technologies. At the request of the family there are resources available to disseminate information, engage appropriate human service organizations, and give directional insight.Andrew’s Gift is designed to promote current and long-term development of the autism community by providing by way of example:• Grants to individuals, organizations, and schools for the purpose of developing programs (social skills groups, leisure opportunities, respite care…)• Technology equipment and appropriate training to assist learning in the classroom to be prolonged at home (iPads, tablets, smartphones…)• Learning tools to enhance experiences (sensory aids, visual supports, communication aids…)• Information (website, phone consults, referrals…)• Grants to individuals and families upon applicationVision: Developing the skills of the autistic family member by making opportunities available to them to supplement their learning in the classroom.