Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Dantzler.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our nonprofit started 23 years ago providing early intervention for children with autism. Eventually we added adolescent and young adult services. As more direct service programs have opened and the rates of autism have dramatically increased, we have partnered with them to provide direct services and our nonprofit is now focusing on providing community education and engagement. Creating a truly inclusive community takes everyone truly understanding how to support our individuals and families.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Struggles along the way have always included the limited funding available for parents of children with special needs as well as the limited number of quality programs out there to provide services. The challenge with autism is that it is a wide spectrum of needs so creating a “one size fits all” program does not align with the individualized needs of people with autism.
We’ve been impressed with Inspire ND, Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Inspire ND provides training and consultation in a variety of areas to support businesses, daycares, schools, churches, first responders, community organizations in an effort to provide increased awareness and knowledge on how to support individuals with autism and other neurodiversities within their environments. We also provide community events for families with autism so they have a safe judgement free place to have fun experiences together. Examples include our Halloween Boo Bash and our autism friendly bingo nights.
In addition, we have a podcast- Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism that has self advocates, parents and professionals share insights and lessons learned, as well as resources for our families and the community at large.
Over the last 23 years we have adjusted our services based on the needs of the community. With the rate of autism now being 1 in 31, it is imperative that the community creates opportunity for our individuals and our services help make that happen. We are extremely proud of our podcast: Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t say luck has had a lot to do with it. Most everything we have done has been intentional and strategic. We have definitely been blessed over the years with generous donors or amazing doors opened but I believe it’s because we have never lost sight of our mission and have stayed true to our core values and beliefs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inspireND.org
- Instagram: inspire_nd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspirend.org
- LinkedIn: Inspire ND
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shining-through-inspiring-voices-of-autism
