Our Crowdfunding Groups
Do you know or love someone with autism? If yes, please consider donating to this special program which works to positively affect the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Support SAFE (Supporting Autism Friendly Environments)!
SAFE (Supporting Autism Friendly Environments) is an outreach program partnering with organizations, local businesses, venues, and others to implement low or no cost interventions designed to increase community access for individuals with autism and their families and friends. The SAFE program began a few years ago with the support of the Virginia Tech Center for Autism Research (VTCAR) to serve local families. SAFE has two primary goals: to provide everyday access to venues and community events for individuals with autism; and to encourage a culture of awareness and acceptance in our community.
SAFE has built community partnerships resulting in autism friendly movies at The Lyric, SAFE bowling, a SAFE Santa, and SAFE campus events - such as an autism friendly Hokie BugFest and VT Science Festival where we had trained volunteers and vendors as well as quiet spaces for children and families. We have made a lot of progress in the last few years, but the SAFE project relies solely on volunteers and has been operating without a budget. We know we can do so much more with your help!
Let's make Virginia Tech and its surrounding area the most inclusive community in the country!
Watch a TEDxVirginiaTech talk to learn more about autism, VTCAR, and SAFE.