Defiance College receives $20,000 grant from Autism Speaks

February 23, 2016

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College has received a $20,000 grant from Autism Speaks to support the ASD Affinity Program.

The grant is part of Autism Speaks’ Brian and Patricia Kelly Postsecondary Scholarship Fund, and will be available to award as financial aid to new students participating in Defiance’s ASD Affinity Program.

“This award will further support a strong, unique program so that students qualified for the ASD Affinity Program will be able to participate,” said DC president Dr. Richanne C. Mankey. “We at Defiance College appreciate the dedication and financial commitment of the Kelly family that supports students to reach for and realize their potential.”

The ASD Affinity Program is part of the Hench Autism Studies Program at Defiance College. Funded by a gift from the Hench family, the Hench Autism Studies Program is designed to serve individuals and families trying to turn the challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder into opportunities through an emphasis on both academic preparation and direct service.

The ASD Affinity Program is an innovative program that assists college students with ASD as they pursue a college education. The program offers varying levels of academic, social and residential support to aid students in meeting their personal and professional goals.

This comprehensive living and learning environment provides professional support services needed to overcome barriers and provide for avenues of academic success in the traditional college setting.

“We are looking forward to distributing the scholarships made possible by this award,” said Dr. Clarissa Barnes, director of the Hench Autism Studies Program. “Much like the Kelly family, the ASD Affinity Program strives to eliminate barriers to post-secondary education for students with ASD. These funds will help to make the investment of the ASD Affinity Program financially attractive for a number of families.”

Brian and Patricia Kelly joined with Autism Speaks in 2013 to help create the Brian and Patricia Kelly Postsecondary Scholarship Fund. It provides funding to a select number of eligible two- and four-year colleges, vocational/technical schools and transition programs within the U.S.

Brian and Patricia Kelly, parents of a teenage son with autism, have been dedicated to raising awareness of autism, advancing research and advocating for families and individuals on the spectrum through their support of Autism Speaks. Brian Kelly is a founding executive committee member of the Autism Speaks board of directors and is its chairman.

More information about the ASD Affinity Program at Defiance College can be found on the Hench Autism Studies Program website.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.