Smith MEET THE Family-Sharon’s Web Autism Foundation

Photos by Heather Gregg – 21 Vines Photography

Q: What is Sharonsweb Autism Foundation?

A: Sharonsweb Autism Foundation (SAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated toward helping special needs individuals with communication and inclusion.

Q: How was Sharonsweb Foundation started?

A: Sharon Smith started the foundation in 2011 after years of attending health fairs and autism events. Having 3 children on the autism spectrum, Quinn (25) with Asperger’s Syndrome along with Noah (23) and Adriana (21) who are both non-verbal. In 2016 Noah and Adriana began communicating using facilitated communication.

Q: What is the focus of Sharonsweb Foundation?

A: The foundation is not limited to autism but our main focus is adults with limited or no conversational speech. But more so it is about what our autism community CAN do. It’s about creating opportunities and giving a voice. Noah is chapter 4 in The Ancestors Within - released on Amazon May 4, 2021. This chapter explains more of what we do.

Q: What is facilitated communication?

A: Sharon Smith is a facilitator and demonstrates with the person needing communication assistance. Training is for the parents and caregivers.

Q: How can others get involved in the organization, either as a volunteer or a place to find support for their special needs children?

A: If you feel so inclined to donate your time, the foundation will be extremely grateful. Those who have participated in Best Buddies or Unified Track and related programs may be interested in participating in events for inclusion in the community.

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See www.sharonsweb. com to check our calendar for events and get our contact information.

Q: What does your family do in their free time?

A: We like to spend our time at Force Barbell in Fishers where both Noah and Adriana participate in powerlifting! No special Olympics powerlifting this year but EVERYONE is included in training and optional competitions! This is a great opportunity of teens and adults of all abilities to workout with a caregiver, peer helper and make new friends at the gym.

If you would like to share your personal or family story, or to nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living? Email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

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