FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: AUTISM SOCIETY of Texas
Suzanne Potts
512-479-4199
Suzanne@texasautismsociety.org
Funding awarded to adults with autism through the Hunter Hinze Adult Transition Grants
Austin, TX May 3, 2017, the Autism Society of Texas was pleased to award four (4) young adults with autism with Hunter Hinze Adult Transition Grants. These individuals were from areas around the state and had requests for Post-Secondary Education, Life Skills, and Vocational skills interests.
Interested candidates submitted short applications and were asked to identify how the funds would be used, how they would impact their transition into adulthood and were reviewed by a team of internal and external reviewers. Our next grant cycle will open up August 1, 2017.
“The Autism Society of Texas is so pleased to help young adults with autism who are seeking to broaden their options and transition into adulthood successfully. We are so proud of the great work that each of them are doing and look forward to hearing updates about their progress as a result of these funds. We could not provide this support without the generosity of Texas donors who helped make this fund a reality.” Suzanne Potts, Executive Director.
The Hunter Hinze Transition Grant was launched by Dr. J.D. and Kathy Hinze, in conjunction with the Autism Society of Texas to honor the memory of their son, Hunter, who died at the age of 18 in May of 2015. Today, the Hunter Hinze Transition Grant helps adults with autism live their dreams and maximize their potential as they transition to adulthood.
The Autism Society is the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. Founded in 1965, the Autism Society and its national network of local affiliates is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with autism, supporting families and communities, and ensuring that individuals lead lives that include acceptance, dignity, and independence to the greatest extent possible.
Additional Facts:
- Approximately one in four young adults with autism is socially isolated.
- Four in every 10 young adults on the autism spectrum never worked for pay between high school and their early 20s. Those who got jobs tended to work part-time in low-wage jobs.
- Approximately 26% of young adults on the autism spectrum received no services – services which could help them become employed, continue their education, or live more independently.
- Over half of young adults with autism received no vocational or life skills services during their early 20s.
- Nearly 37% of young adults with autism were disconnected from both work and education after high school
As one of over 90 local affiliates, the Autism Society of Texas has supported families and individuals with autism for over 27 years here in Texas and is dedicated to improving lives in our community through a series of services and supports. The Autism Society of Texas includes three area Chapters in El Paso, Houston and San Antonio, and is proud of our programs and initiatives and the contributions we make to our community:
- Information and Referrals
- Support
- Education and Training
- Advocacy
- Awareness
- Community inclusion
For more information about autism and the Autism Society, please visit: www.texasautismsociety.org.