Firefly Autism is partnering with Denver Urban Gardens to build the Earl Lee Evans Sensory and Community Garden, an inclusive outdoor space that will promote therapeutic and experiential education, vocational training, employment pathways, and foster awareness for autism.
DENVER, May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Firefly Autism is excited to announce its partnership with Denver Urban Gardens to create the Earl Lee Evans Sensory and Community Garden, with the build set to begin on June 10, 2023.
Before the build begins, Firefly Autism is hosting an Acknowledgement Ceremony on June 9, 2023 to honor and respect the rich history of Native American ownership and care of the land where the garden is being planted. This special recognition will highlight the significance of this land and its remarkable heritage. Firefly Autism, alongside its Board of Directors, are taking important steps to show their gratitude and appreciation for this unique piece of history.
Dedicated to celebrating the lives of individuals on the spectrum, nonprofit organization Firefly Autism’s goal is to provide a calm, natural environment for various activities. Made possible by the generous support from The Beacon Fund, the sensory garden will be a space that will enhance skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, and responsibility. It will encourage exploration of nature through sensory activities and most of all, it will provide a space for our community to come together in awareness and understanding.
This outdoor space will provide a unique learning experience that further promotes Firefly’s mission of therapeutic and experiential education, vocational training, employment pathways, fostering awareness for autism and associated disorders, as well as building community.
Since purchasing their new facility in 2019, Firefly has been developing the concept of an outdoor sensory garden in consultation with experts from Denver Urban Gardens and their own staff. This project will complete two age-specific playgrounds that have already been built on the grounds, creating a safe and engaging environment for people of all ages. This project is part of Firefly Autism’s larger mission to create inclusive learning environments that promote acceptance of autism by providing resources, knowledge, and support where needed.
“This garden has been years in the making, and we can’t wait to see it come to fruition. Firefly is so thankful for the wonderful support of The Beacon Fund, and for the amazing partnership with Denver Urban Gardens and their Landscape specialists, Skyscape Landscapes,” states Dr. Amanda Kelly, President and CEO of Firefly Autism. “We are proud and honored to build this state-of-the art Sensory Community Garden, where learners can thrive and come together with the broader community.”
Denver Urban Gardens is committed to creating green spaces throughout the city where people can learn about gardening. By working together with Firefly Autism on this project, they are making sure everyone can benefit from these interactive experiences.
Inclusive in its design, the Earl Lee Evans Sensory and Community Garden is a space where principles of Universal Design for Learning and Applied Behavioral Analysis are applied to an outdoor learning environment. This includes edible gardens, fruiting trees, pollinator spaces, and sensory pathways specially to address the unique needs of persons with autism.
Firefly’s learners’ individualized education plans can leverage the design of the physical space for learning, which now also includes design evidence-based curriculum, interventions, and therapies specifically for outdoor environments.
For more information about Firefly Autism, please visit http://www.fireflyautism.org or contact Nicole Abunassar at nicole@nkgroupe.com.
Media Contact
Nicole Abunassar, Firefly Autism, 1 4435427466, nicole@nkgroupe.com
SOURCE Firefly Autism
