Help me to help families with high needs incredible autistic individuals have an actual vacation, that they would regularly not be able to have without the assistance of professional like myself and the accommodations through the non-profit organization Autism on the Seas. Every day individuals and families live with the direct effects of autism. The challenges can be great and a vacation without assistance would unlikely not be relaxing and attainable without accommodation. This is where I come in as a trained volunteer for Autism on the Seas.
As a volunteer with Autism on the Seas I will provide support to families with boarding and disembarking the ship, every single meal, pool time, trying new experiences like water slides, bumper cars, and zip lining, and numerous group activities. These individuals have sensory regulation opportunities in Autism of the Seas created areas for high and low sensory input, such as trampolines, ball pits, or relaxing dark tents.
We provide 2-4 hours of daily respite for the families, as well as off the ship excursion assistance. As volunteers, we start the day working each day at 8am and end at 10pm.
I have a background in caring for those with developmental disabilities in working with them as a trained behavior tech for 3 and 1/2 years at an inpatient hospital, and I can't wait to help these individuals and families have an incredible time on their trip.
This volunteer effort is mainly funded by Autism on the Seas, but we have some expenses that are out-of-pocket. We have to arrive at the port the day before the sailing, buy a hotel for the night and meals, as well as some on board expenses and travel home, not to mention loss of work hours.
Any help with my out of pocket expenses would be greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductible.
Autism on the Seas (AotS) is an organization that allows families to experience a vacation, that at one time would have been impossible to imagine. AotS arranges specific special needs accommodations with the cruise lines including assisting with expedited port check-in, meal assistance, pool time supervision, beach excursions, respite for guests with special needs to be well cared for (while the rest of the family can do other things and get a very deserving break), as well as many other perks and assistance. You can learn more here: www.AutismontheSeas.com
