Non-Profit Organization Make Waves Donates up to 50,000 Masks to Direct Support Professionals through Autism Society Partnership

Autism Society of Los Angeles Receives 3,000 Masks to Distribute to Residential Settings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON, MA & LOS ANGELES, CA – May 21, 2020 – The Autism Society of America received a donation pledge from Make Waves, a non-profit that supports organizations focused on employment & community living for autistic adults, to distribute up to 50,000 masks to Direct Support Professionals (DSP) in high-risk areas. During the COVID-19 crisis, the shortage of Proper Protective Equipment (PPE) has left DSP and residents at-risk in congregate settings like group homes, and residential programs.  Autism Society of Los Angeles will receive 3,000 masks to distribute to Residential Settings to better protect staff and residents.

The Autism Society of America has 78 affiliates across 37 states, and is in a unique position to facilitate mask distribution to congregate settings in an effort to keep these close-quartered communities safe, and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

“The autism community is an at-risk population, made even more vulnerable in group homes and congregate settings,where it is difficult to implement social distancing guidelines” says Kim Musheno, VP of Public Policy at Autism Society of America. “Direct Support Professionals and residents need access to masks and other personal protection equipment to keep themselves and people with autism safe.”

The masks will be distributed to the Autism Society Affiliates in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., Maryland, Colorado, Louisiana, Florida, Arizona, California, and Washington. Each affiliate will distribute the masks to high-risk group home and community living settings where autistic individuals reside.

“Make Waves is committed to donating 50,000 masks to Direct Support Professionals and residents at group homes and congregate settings,” said Donna Roth, Co-Founder of Make Waves. “We are dedicated to doing our part to keep the autism community safe during these unprecedented times.”

Additionally, Make Waves matched all donations received in April, to double the impact and better support COVID-19 relief efforts during this time of crisis.

The Autism Society of America was the first national autism organization to provide immediate, and ongoing, support resources for the autism community during the COVID-19 crisis; the organization has reached 100,000 individuals through it’s COVID-19 toolkit, Coronavirus Information Series, and National Helpline. Additionally, the organization has played an integral role in the federal advocacy efforts related to the Coronavirus relief packages, and has urged policymakers to include DSP as essential workers needing PPE.

“The Autism Society of Los Angeles is thrilled to be the recipient of this generous donation from Make Waves,  and participate in their efforts to protect the autism community in its most vulnerable settings” states Kim Sinclair, Executive Director, of the Autism Society of Los Angeles.

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Make Waves is part of the Roth Family Foundation and through community engagement, advocacy empowerment, and fundraising campaigns, strives  to break the barriers against youth and adults with neurological disabilities. Make Waves supports organizations focused on equal employment opportunities, replicable housing models, and social engagement programs to allow autistic individuals to achieve a happy, quality lifestyle. We believe that everybody has the ability to create a ripple effect, and together we can Make Waves. For more information, go towww.MakeWaves.blue, or follow on Facebook.

The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization and exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. Annually, the Autism Society and it’s 80+ local affiliates served over 620,000 individuals impacted by autism through education, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, information and referral services, support, and providing community inclusion and acceptance at the national, state and local levels. For more information, go to www.autism-society.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

The Autism Society of Los Angeles empowers individuals with autism, their families, and professionals through advocacy, education, support and community collaboration. ASLA improves the quality of lives and provides support throughout the individual’s lifespan. ASLA believes in options and choices in interventions, services, supports, and programs with dignity, equality, and access for people.  We are committed to maximizing the abilities of all persons.  

For more information, go to www.AutismLA.org, Facebook