Every April, there is an enhanced focus on awareness and acceptance of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Last week, the CDC announced that autism rates continue to rise, with one in 36 eight-year-olds in the U.S. diagnosed with autism – a 26% increase between 2018 and 2020.
Early diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment, interventions and supports can change the trajectory of lives. Critically, there are simply not enough resources, and access to them is a challenge for many.
Bancroft’s mission – to profoundly impact children and adults living with disabilities and empower them to realize their best life – is achieved when people can access the services, supports and spaces they require. Access is what’s needed most of all.
That’s why expansion of our services and the addition of new ones is a key component to our strategic plan – Changing Lives. Opening new programs for both children and adults living with autism, developing and offering new treatment services and recruiting and training expert and compassionate team members will contribute to closing the gap between need and accessibility.
But if there is one thing I have learned in my over 18 years at the helm of Bancroft it’s this: we can’t do it alone.
Our strategic plan invites everyone to join us in opening doors and closing the gap for the growing number of people who need us – now and into the future. Bancroft’s commitment to expanded access through significant growth represents a bold vision where hope is realized and lives are changed.