One in six children in the United States, or about 15%, have one or more developmental disabilities. The challenges of developing awareness are that not all disabilities are noticeable. Many disabilities are not obvious just by looking at the person. However, autism, dyslexia, and Down’s Syndrome are just some of the disabilities that are sometimes not apparent.
“There is one way to look at things until someone shows us how to look at them with different eyes.”
– Pablo Picasso
Awareness, education, and sensitivity are essential. Much progress has been made toward the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, including education, employment, and community living. However, much work still lies ahead.
One of the more significant problems special needs students face is bullying. Reports indicate that 85% of students with disabilities have experienced bullying. And this is not limited to children. Stereotypes about people with disabilities remain, contributing to the continued high unemployment rate among people with disabilities.
Felton Institute, Felton Early Autism Program (FEAP)
Felton Institute’s Family Developmental Center believes in the power of inclusion through many of their programs such as The Infant Development/Early Intervention Program (GGRC), the Medically Fragile Infant/Toddler/Preschool Program (MOLERA) and the Felton Early Autism Program (FEAP).
Felton Early Autism Program (FEAP) brings together an evidence-based intervention model specifically designed for children on the autism spectrum, and the child’s natural learning environment. FEAP is the first inclusive center-based program in San Francisco with a curriculum designed specifically for children with autism.
Witness how the FEAP Program changes lives, through the eyes of Tammi and Josh.
Felton Institute works to assist families who suspect their child may have autism and to improve the lives of children already diagnosed with autism. We are working to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people living with autism. As an advocate for appropriate services for those within the autism spectrum, Felton helps to provide the latest information regarding diagnosis, treatment, education, and research. Felton Institute aims to assist families who suspect their child may have autism and to improve the lives of children already diagnosed with autism. We are working to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people living with autism. As an advocate for appropriate services for those within the autism spectrum, Felton helps to provide the latest information regarding diagnosis, treatment, education, and research.
How You Can Help
If you want a better life for people with developmental disabilities, there are plenty of things that you can do:
- Refrain from making assumptions about anyone’s abilities or feelings.
- Don’t shy away from making friends with someone with a disability.
- Give them equal job opportunities to someone with a disability.
- Treat all people as equals.
- Correct your peers when they make assumptions or treat someone poorly.
- If you would like to support these programs benefitting individuals with disabilities or any of Felton’s programs, we ask that you consider giving a gift to the Felton Institute.
During these challenging and unprecedented times due to COVID-19, Felton Institute continues to provide many essential services, just as the agency did during the 1918 “Spanish Flu” pandemic.
1918 Red Cross Volunteers in Oakland sew gauze masks to help deter the spread of the deadly Spanish Influenza. Masks were made mandatory in San Francisco under penalty of a $100 fine and 10 days in jail, Photo: Oakland Public Library 1918
Through 131 years of uninterrupted service, it is the support of those who believe in Felton’s mission that has made it possible to continue to provide services. To donate, visit felton.org/donate, it’s quick and easy.
FELTON INSTITUTE ON AMAZON SMILE
We’d also like to remind everyone who shops on Amazon to please shop through AmazonSmile – Amazon’s charitable foundation. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the same shopping experience as Amazon, with the added benefit that Amazon will donate 0.5% of the cost of your purchases to Felton Institute. We know that some of you already take advantage of this Amazon fundraising option (thank you!), and hope that everyone will consider doing the same. All donations help!
How to shop on AmazonSmile and donate to Felton
- Log onto smile.amazon.com. Your existing Amazon account is the same for AmazonSmile.
- Select Felton Institute as your designated charity of choice.
- Shop as you normally would, and instantly raise money for Felton; 0.5% of your purchase price.
About Felton Institute: Founded in 1889, Felton Institute responds to human needs by providing cutting edge, evidence-based mental health and social services that transform lives. Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.
Offering more than 50 acclaimed and honored programs that address homelessness, mental health, prenatal, adolescent, adult and senior needs, Felton Institute provides services in San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Marin, and Monterey counties.
Felton is named for its social services pioneer and executive director Dr. Katharine “Kitty” Felton who was called the ”conscience of San Francisco” and was committed to ensuring that children and families in crisis have access to social services and resources in order to help them build upon their inherent strengths and develop self-sufficiency. www.felton.org