Programs

  • Program 1 [2018]

    Because of the innovative, groundbreaking nature of the Spectrum Innovates Transition Program, specific validating research was unavailable. Building on the findings and success of the initial NFP Nexus Spectrum Innovates Transition Program anecdotal study, an expanded, more complex maker workshop was planned and executed to further inform refinements in the program. In consultation with our Advisory Council, the LOGO Foundation and multiple experts in the field, several months of planning and design went into the development and implementation of the second program in the autisMakes Workshop Series. This groundbreaking 4-day immersion allowed 7 random ASD participants to invent, design, build and present prototypes of interactive rides and games that might be found in an amusement park. Drawing on personal passion to tap into creativity, our "Makers" used servos, micro-controllers, programming and building materials to bring their ideas to life. The extended workshop reinforced observations made in the first anecdotal study and validated key elements derived from the Spectrum Innovates transition program on passion, creativity and empathy. The results further informed refinements in the program to provide the optimum experience for participants. A multiplicative impact was achieved in the collective knowledge of the professional educators and peer mentors as well as Autism Speaks and other influential members of the broader community. A result of observing the workshop, Education Update publication featured the Spectrum Innovates Initiative in their Sept/Oct 2017 issue. This workshop ran at the beginning of the fiscal year and included a wide range of higher and lower support autistic teens. Funding for the workshops and general expenses were provided by board member fundraising efforts. NFP Nexus does not charge for participation in its workshops.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jul 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2018
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $13.5K

  • Program 2 [2018]

    nfpNexus' Spectrum Innovates collaborated with Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology to participate in STEMconnector's Inaugural National Day of DesignTM Challenge with a team featuring autistic members. Spectrum Innovates created a Challenge based on a timely issue: design and rapid-prototype a device that can be used to safely & effectively assist in pet evacuation during a life-threatening event/natural disaster. This Challenge, the third installment in the autisMakes Workshop series, required participants to employ the Stanford Design Thinking process to achieve their goals over the course of a single 8-hour day. The Challenge had no accommodation for autistic participants and pushed the skills and creativity of the entire team. The Challenge outcomes impressed the independent evaluation panel, which was comprised of the Deputy Chief of Manhattan EMS, FDNY and two Professors of Engineering and Mathematics. A multiplicative impact was achieved in the collective knowledge of the professional educators, peer mentors and the evaluation panel as well as STEMconnector and other influential members of the broader community. STEMconnector recognized Spectrum Innovates Day of Design Challenge participation as a highlight of 2017 in STEMdaily Year in Review special edition. NFP Nexus does not charge for participation in its workshops.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jul 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2018
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $2.1K

  • Program 3 [2018]

    NFP Nexus participated in the Autism at Work Roundtable Summit at Microsoft, Redmond, a highly collegial gathering of autistic and neurotypical service providers, academics, medical professionals, corporate leaders, NGO's, and government. Nexus engaged personally in a collaborative environment with this wide range of individuals singularly committed to achieving our same goals. We disseminated information about our pedagogy/approach to transitioning autistics into the talent pipeline, receiving affirmation and constructive feedback.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jul 1, 2017 – Jun 30, 2018
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $2.3K