Share A Vision FAQs
Please contact us if you have additional questions
What are Developmental Disabilities?
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help and independent living skills. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person's lifetime.
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary - from gifted to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls.
ASDs include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS including atypical autism), and Asperger Syndrome. These conditions all have some of the same symptoms, but they differ in terms of when the symptoms start, how severe they are, and the exact nature of the symptoms. The three conditions, along with Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder, make up the broad diagnosis category of pervasive developmental disorders.
Did You Know?
- 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
- 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
- 67 children are diagnosed per day
- A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
- More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined
- Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
- Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure greater than many less prevalent childhood diseases
- Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
- There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Why is Share A Vision concentrating on social, leisure, recreational and vacation activities for children and adults with austism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities?
The president of our board, Christy LaPaglia, has spent her career teaching children with autism spectrum disorder. She has used a saying common to those providing services to people with autism that is summed up by the following; "Play is work, and work is play". The more organized, predictable, structured and consistent environment promotes learning, growing and changing in a comfortable, safe surrounding.
Our mission is to enrich the lives of persons with autism and other developmental disabilities by providing professionally planned and supervised recreational and leisure opportunities. Not only will our mission create a full range of community options for these individuals, but in doing so inform and educate the general population on how to include these individuals in everyday activities.
How does Share A Vision fund these opportunities for people with autism and developmental disabilities?
We are a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that is committed to providing recreational activities for individuals on the autism spectrum and other disabilities through grants, fundraising events and community support.
Donations can be sent to:
Share A Vision, Inc., 9182 Sugarbush Drive, Mentor, Ohio 44060
What percentage of the funds raised by Share A Vision goes directly to provide these types of opportunities?
Share A Vision is made up of an all volunteer staff. 95% of all donations and net profits from any fundraising events go to fund these types of activities. Share A Vision has funded:
- Trips to Walt Disney World, Florida
- Trips to Discovery Cove, Florida
- Theraputic Horseback riding at Fieldstone Farms
Does Share A Vision fund other agencies and individuals seeking to provide similar activities?
In addition, grant applications will be available to organizations and individuals seeking to provide similar opportunities for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities on an annual basis. This is through our grant application found under the tab Applications. Grant applications will be accepted between October 1 and November 10th. Share A Vision board of trustees will read proposals and grants will be given based on the merits of the requests by November 30.
Share A Vision board of trustees will read proposals and grants will be given based on the merits of the requests by March 1st of said year.
On our website you will find an RFP (request for proposal) listed under the pull down tab called: Applications
