STARS of the Spectrum
W e A r e A l l S t a r s
About Us
The Samson Family
OUR MISSION
Helping people and families with autism live life to the fullest.
OUR VISION
Creating a world where people with autism are included, respected and engaged in their communities.
OUR HISTORY
The Flutie Foundation was established in 1998 by former National Football League quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, whose personal experience of raising a son on the autism spectrum inspired their passion to help other families Autism is a neurological disorder that impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills Autism prevalence figures are growing - it affects 1 in 44 children An autism diagnosis can cost a family $60,000 a year on average
About STARS of the Spectrum
We are dedicated to elevating the voices and stories of people affected by autism
Through STARS (Spectrum Talent; Agency, Resources and Support) of the Spectrum, we work with autistic teens and adults to help them grow in their life passions and career goals.
This includes:
Flutie Fellows
STARS of the Spectrum Golf Spectrum of Sound Choir
STARS (Kodi Lee, Ali Keller, Armani) Give Back Grants
STARS of The Spectrum events: We Are All Stars
Click on the links in the bulleted list to learn more about each unique platform for autistic ambassadors to shine their light and share their story.
Read on to meet some of our STARS who are passionate about giving back and collaborating in collaborative community events.
STARS of the Spectrum
EMCEE: JAMIE PIRO
An autism self-advocate from Mansfield, MA and a member of Spectrum of Sound. Jamie introduces guest speakers and keep the flow of program on track during run of show switches.
Meet Jamie
Sam Kanji
Autism self-advocate interactively shares his personal story about living with autism and building a safe relationship with law enforcement.
Watch Part of His Speech
MUSICAL EMCEE: STEFANO MICALI
A member of Spectrum of Sound and our new musical emcee for Flutie events Stefano provides musical intros on keyboard for speakers
See Stefano Perform
W e A r e A l l S t a r s
STARS of the Spectrum
GABRIELLE ZWI
Educator, musician and community organizer, Gabrielle has been creating music for the past decade that resonates with the autism community
*Participation via Zoom or request travel pricing
Watch Gabrielle Perform
TYLER LAGASSE
Flutie Fellow, motivational speaker, and author. Tyler shares his journey of finding a job at the PGA Tour Superstore in Natick, MA, becoming a gold medalist in golf at the Special Olympics USA Games, and more.
Watch Clip of Speech
C-QUIG
Autistic rapper from St Louis, MO, and Flutie Fellow C-Quig's original rap songs bring hype and energy to any type of event in an impactful way
*Participation via Zoom or request travel pricing
Meet C-Quig
W e A r e A l l S t a r s
STARS of the Spectrum
JOHN MILLER
Artist, writer, inspirational speaker and autism extraordinaire, John speaks about his book series that he wrote and illustrated, "Land of Handom "
See John's Work
SAM THE SENTIENT
Autistic rapper from Chicago and Flutie Fellow. Sam the Sentient will perform an original rap with amazing stage presence that is a hit at all types of events.
*Participation via Zoom or request travel pricing
Watch Sam Perform
JONATHAN GARDNER
Jonathan Gardner is an autism selfadvocate with a vision of helping others anyway he can Jonathan is passionate about advocacy and has been using his advocacy to testify on Supportive Decision Making and Operation House Call
Meet Jonathan
W e A r e A l l S t a r s
STARS of the Spectrum
MIKE PALMER
Mike is an autism self-advocate who believes that everyone who has autism should be treated fairly and given the same opportunity to succeed as those who don’t have autism He is a prolific public speaker and marathoner
Meet Mike
DATTA BAPATLA
Datta is an autism self-advocate who has a passion for music and volunteering. He is a member of Spectrum of Sound and loves to sing and speak at Flutie events.
Meet Datta
JEFFREY SNYDER
Jeffrey, an autism self-advocate, enjoys public speaking and panel engagements Some of the topics he is passionate about are employment possibilities, independent living, and finding what you love
Meet Jeffrey
W e A r e A l l S t a r s
STARS of the Spectrum
JAKE N' SKY VELAZQUEZ
A talented sibling duo composed of musicians on the spectrum. They bring life to any party with their stage presence and passion.
*Participation via Zoom or request travel pricing
CIERRA JUNE
Cierra June is an autistic singer and selfadvocate. She has been performing in vocal competitions since she was six, and believes autism can be awesome-tism if you believe it!
*Participation via Zoom or request travel pricing
Meet Cierra
SPECTRUM OF SOUND
Spectrum of Sound is our inclusive choir of autism self-advocates that performs at events all across the country Their mashups are fan favorites
Listen Here
See Jake n' Sky Perform
W e A r e A l l S t a r s
MONROE, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING EMONROE@FLUTIEFOUNDATION.ORG WWW.FLUTIEFOUNDATION.ORG
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CONTACT: LIZ
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