Canon Continues Support for University of Miami’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
Canon U.S.A. continues to support the University of Miami’s Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD), which recently surpassed its annual fundraising goal in support of its mission to provide lifelong services to individuals with autism and related disabilities across South Florida. CARD and the University of Miami hosted the 21st annual Tropical Nights Gala on April 5 in Miami, with the event bringing together more than 600 guests and nearly 100 sponsors in total. Canon, a long-time supporter, was part of the successful event that will support CARD’s continued expansion, including growing staff capacity, increasing outreach to underserved communities, and establishing new service locations.
Canon’s involvement with CARD will also continue with the Job SEEKers Program, a one-week employment readiness initiative focused on preparing adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for employment. Since 2016, Canon has supported this initiative that utilizes volunteers to participate as mock interviewers to help participants develop the skills required to land jobs.
Upcoming dates for the program include a July 11 date at the CARD Coral Gables office and a program at the Miramar branch offices on August 1.
“CARD is deeply honored to have the support of Canon as we work collaboratively to prepare job seekers with autism for the workforce," said Dr. Michael Alessandri, CARD Executive Director.
Peter P. Kowalczuk, Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s executive vice president and Client Services Group president, said Canon is proud to continue its support of CARD.
“Canon congratulates all those who contributed to the success of CARD and the tremendous impact they’ve had in the community,” Kowalczuk said. “The record-breaking success of the Tropical Nights gala was a testament to that hard work and dedication. We are also excited for the upcoming SEEKers programs that will continue to benefit so many people looking to improve their interviewing skills.”
About the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)
CARD stands for the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University. CARD’s mission is to provide support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.
CARD offers support at no cost to families within the natural contexts of settings including the home, childcare programs and schools, businesses, and the larger community, and provides this support across the entire lifespan, from early childhood to adulthood. CARD also supports adults on their journey to find meaningful employment and works with South Florida companies to create these opportunities. CARD empowers the community with training and resources to make their places and spaces more inclusive through its Autism Friendly Initiative. CARD serves families and individuals in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. To learn more, visit www.card.miami.edu.
CARD is part of a statewide network of seven CARD centers at leading universities throughout Florida including the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in South Florida.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Printing Impressions.
