Break·through, noun. An important discovery or development. Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide services that enable adults with autism to lead purposeful lives. Founded by parents of children with Autism, Breakthrough Corporation is a non-profit agency that is changing the way Autism services are provided for Tennesseeans. They provide a variety of services tailored to adults with autism including residential, therapeutic, and employment services.
As a person-centered organization, as recognized by the Tennessee Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, we go beyond using person-centered practices to ensure the highest quality of life for persons served. Part of what we do in our efforts to improve the lives of adults with autism is promoting acceptance.
For us, the key to acceptance is education. We strive to educate the Knoxville community about autism, dispel myths and misconceptions, and create inclusive environments for all to enjoy. Promoting acceptance leads to a more embracing society that values diversity and recognizes the unique talents and abilities of people with autism.
This has led us to create an impressive slate of events for Autism Acceptance Month. Among these events are an Autism Acceptance Family Fun Day, an Autism Acceptance Breakfast, and a private screening of the movie SPELLERS.
Our Autism Acceptance Family Fun Day, held in partnership with the Autism Society of America – East Tennessee Chapter, is a free event held in World’s Fair Park on April 15th. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities including bounce houses, food trucks, games and more!
The Autism Acceptance Breakfast is a ticketed event that features keynote speaker Raun Kaufman. Kaufman is an international speaker, author, and autism expert. He is the former CEO of the Autism Treatment Center of America and has been featured on numerous television programs and documentaries.
The Breakfast will be taking place on April 25th at Crowne Plaza in Downtown Knoxville. At the event, we will be presenting the Autism Acceptance Award to Bruce Fox and the Trailblazer Award to Elizabeth Ritchie. Both individuals have made significant contributions to Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville and their communities!
Finally, coinciding with the launch of our new Spelling to Communicate program, Breakthrough, along with our community partners, Adroit Therapy Services, and the Peyton Project, are hosting a private screening of the movie SPELLERS. The movie documents the stories of eight nonspeakers “who all found their voice” through using Spelling to Communicate methods to relay their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. The private screening will be April 30th at Regal Pinnacle in Turkey Creek.
For more information about our Family Fun Day or Breakfast, please email Dylan Slemp at dslemp@breakthroughknoxville.org. For more information on the private screening of the movie SPELLERS, please email Olivia Price at oprice@breakthroughknoxville.org.