By Wendi Glass, Director, RISE Autism
When the RISE Autism Program at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) launched, it marked the beginning of a transformative journey with a bold vision promising to redefine early childhood education for some of the most underserved populations in the state. The program set its sights on creating an inclusive and nurturing preschool environment tailored to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Today, five years later, that vision has come to life, offering these children a brighter and more promising future.
At the core of the RISE Autism program lies an unwavering commitment to inclusion. From its inception, the program leader, Wendi Glass, has been motivated by a mission to establish educational and learning environments that meet the unique needs of children with autism and sensory loss while fostering growth across academic, social, emotional, and communication domains. This mission has guided the program’s evolution and shaped its innovative approach to education.
In just five years, the RISE Autism Program has launched the RISE Together Preschool on AIDB-North Campus. This inclusive preschool creates an enriching educational environment where learning happens through play in a safe, nurturing, and positive setting. By implementing differentiated teaching strategies and designing experiences that inspire growth, the preschool supports development across all areas for children ages 3 to 5.
The preschool embraces an inclusive classroom model, welcoming children with autism and sensory loss alongside their typically developing peers. In this setting, children with autism benefit from diverse social interactions, gaining vital communication and social skills through peer modeling. Meanwhile, typically developing children grow in their appreciation for diversity, fostering a sense of understanding and community.
“The launch of this inclusive preschool program is a significant milestone for AIDB,” says Kimberly Baker, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Accreditation. “By integrating children with autism alongside their peers, we’re creating learning environments that inspire empathy, compassion and respect from the very start of their educational journey and will benefit them throughout their lives.”
In our pursuit of providing the best support for children and families in our communities, we recognize the importance of creating a strong connection and well-defined bridge between early intervention programs and the K-12 educational system. This connection is essential for ensuring a smooth transition for children as they progress through different stages of their educational journey. The RISE Together Preschool employs key personnel to collaborate and create individualized learning plans that address challenges and capitalize on each child’s strengths using evidence-based practices.
The impact of the RISE Together Preschool extends far beyond the classroom. There is also an emphasis on facilitating a seamless transition for children and families within our communities. We believe it is important to establish a strong connection between early intervention services and the K-12 educational system. At the RISE Together Preschool, our approach includes offering families individualized resources and support to empower them to make informed decisions about their child’s educational path. Additionally, we prioritize collaboration with families and maintain close partnerships with local school districts to ensure that students transition effortlessly into their K-12 educational environments.
Today, the RISE Autism Program stands as a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and collaboration. “What began with one staff member at E. H. Gentry Facility addressing the needs of adult programs has expanded into a statewide initiative, serving as a vital resource for children, families and educators across Alabama”, says Josh Sharpton, Executive Director of E. H. Gentry Facility. “Since its inception, it has grown exponentially, becoming a cornerstone for statewide support and innovation.”
The RISE Autism Program at AIDB is more than just a supportive educational program. It is a beacon of hope, demonstrating what is possible when we commit to creating opportunities for every child to RISE to their fullest potential. At RISE Together Preschool, children play, learn, and grow in an environment that celebrates inclusive beginnings and limitless possibilities.
