As we embark into a new season, Rug-Ed Products is excited to celebrate World Autism Month. Throughout the month, we will focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding, awareness, and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support!
This year, we are supporting two nonprofits in the Autism community with a 10% sitewide sale and a portion of our sale proceeds to support these two organizations.
To start this month’s Autism Awareness celebration, we are shining light to Jasmynn’s Voice, an organization that was introduced to us by a member of our team. From the start, our team sought to be more than a technology startup. We strived to inspire our community to integrate technology to enrich learning and build the minds of tomorrow. In that regard, our partnership with Jasmynn’s Voice was deeply connected. The birth of iPads and technology was a source to help Jasmynn and countless people with autism find their voice and navigate the world around them.
It is with immense joy that we share a few highlights from Melissa Archer, President of Jasmynn’s Voice on their story and nonprofit organization.
What does Autism Awareness mean to you?
Autism Awareness is more than just hoping people might “take notice” of our kids. Being AWARE a first step towards understanding and acceptance… the ultimate goal. Our darlings want to be included in every aspect of life. Those diagnosed with ASD have stood on the periphery, outside watching in, while the world spins. I know my Jazz wants to be on the carousel of life with everyone; living to her fullest potential and being celebrated with every unique aspect she displays.
Why did you start your nonprofit? Why did you name it Jasmynn's Voice?
Autism Awareness is more than just hoping people might “take notice” of our kids. Being AWARE a first step towards understanding and acceptance… the ultimate goal. Our darlings want to be included in every aspect of life. Those diagnosed with ASD have stood on the periphery, outside watching in, while the world spins. I know my Jazz wants to be on the carousel of life with everyone; living to her fullest potential and being celebrated with every unique aspect she displays.
What do you want the world to know about Autism?
Our nonprofit is named for our daughter, Jazz, whose language did not begin until age 5. She had a mind full of knowledge and needed the tools to access it. We began her mission of “helping others find their voices one device at a time” because it was the right thing to do. It was the only thing to do- to help others who were struggling realize that behind the silence our children were full of gifts to be shared.
What is the significance of having AAC devices to those with Autism?
Autism is one of the most baffling journeys, a see-saw ride of highs and lows, of celebrations and struggles where the effort put in with patience & kindness can bridge that connection so that we might SEE the person beyond the diagnosis.
How does it feel to provide families with these devices to better communicate with their children?
First and foremost, using an iPad for communication promotes independence & choice in a guessing-game-world. Secondly, giving a voice to one with language deficits/delays helps in behavior struggles- it puts the child in control when for so long they have not been able to have “their wishes & wants” met.
Our entire board, and especially Jasmynn, feel such pride and joy at being able to assist other families. We celebrate every move forward that her “new friends” make as our girl wraps hope & inspiration around the people she meets. The world is filled with lots of dark in so many regards, but our Jazz has become a shining star for many.
Join us this April as we continue to bring more awareness and support to the Autism community. You can learn more about Jasmynn’s Voice by visiting their website.
To shop our new products and accessories, please click here. Use UniquelyYou at checkout to receive your 10% discount. A portion of every purchase in April will be donated to Jasmynn’s Voice and Lily’s Voice.
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