Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) received a $2,000 grant from funds generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. The grant will provide a sensory toolkit for individuals with developmental disabilities at LARC.

The Autism Services Grants Council awarded a total of $124,160 in grants to 19 Florida-based nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities. The funds available through grant opportunities offered by the Autism Services Grants Council are generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates.

“We’re so pleased to receive this grant, which will allow us to provide a sensory toolkit to individuals at LARC,” said Angela Katz, LARC Executive Director. “COVID-19 has had a ripple effect. The physical and mental regression we have seen resulting from sheltering in place for so long has been significant. The sensory toolkit is essential to supporting individuals with autism and other disabilities while they work toward regaining their skills and navigate a new world where COVID-19 exists.”

“The Sensory Toolkit will benefit all we serve regardless of their specific diagnosis and will be accessible across programs,” said Katz. “Evidence indicates that every individual has a unique sensory profile, and the most effective treatment and coping strategies are those that seek to maximize each individual’s participation in everyday life by accommodating their sensory differences and enabling self-regulation by the individual.”

The sensory toolkit includes large busy boards, liquid motion bubblers, sensory pillows and blankets, visual picture schedule charts and timers, and an ocean wave projector.

Florida nonprofits were invited to submit grant proposals and 63 nonprofits from across the state applied for funding. Priority was given to creative and innovative approaches to serving individuals with autism and their families.

In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council. The Council oversees a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state. It’s easier than ever to purchase a plate. Go online or call the Indian River Tax Collectors office directly to purchase your plate from anywhere in the state.

For more information on the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate, please visit www.autismlicenseplate.com. To learn more about LARC, visit www.larcleecounty.org or call 239-334-6285.

About LARC

Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.

LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers. LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.larcleecounty.org.

About the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC)

In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty autism license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council (“ASGC”) to oversee a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state. All funds raised by the ASGC are generated by the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. For more information, visit www.autismlicenseplate.com and “Like” us at facebook.com/AutismLicensePlate.

Arc Broward, a nationally accredited, Florida not-for-profit, Sect. 501(c)3 exempt organization, is responsible for marketing the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate and administration of the Autism Services Grants Council.