Stomp Out the Silence of Autism & Disabilities,Inc-Serving the Denver Metro Area

Brian Hall and Gregg Whelen	Why We Stomp - About Us Gregg Whelen-Co-Founder/President. Owner of a State Licensed Assisted Living Facility for 4 years, specializing in working with the mentally ill population. Gregg has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Metro State College of Denver, majoring in Speech Communication, with a minor in Marketing. Gregg has over 25 years in sales and marketing in various fields. Brian Hall-Co-Founder/Executive Director. Grandson is afflicted with Autism. Is knowledgeable about the disease and impacts it has on the family, due to personal experience. Brian retired from Qwest Communications after 30 years of service working in a highly detailed oriented environment. Board of Directors
The Problem: Due to lack of funding, people with autism and their families are on waiting lists for services, including basic living services and family support services. Many children and adults with autism require 24/7 line of sight care. Without access to the proper resources, these vulnerable individuals and their families are in crisis, resulting in extraordinary stress, bankruptcies and high rates of divorce. People with autism benefit from therapeutic interventions and job opportunities, however, the lack of funding reduces their hopes of potential recovery and value in their lives. Currently there are 8,700 people in Colorado with autism on the wait list for services due to the lack of funding and respite/resource centers. The Solution: SOS-AD Inc. will raise funds through charitable donations from fundraisers, private donations and grants to open and staff Day Care, Respite and Resource Centers with highly qualified and trained professionals in the Front Range and Rural Colorado. Other goals include sponsoring Scholarship and summer camp opportunities for Autistic children as well as support existing programs developed by the Autism Society of Colorado and other collaborative partners for people with Autism and their families.
Facts & Statistics Fastest-growing developmental disability Growth comparison during the 1990s¹: U.S. population increase: 13% Disabilities increase: 16% Autism increase: 172% 10 - 17 % annual growth 1 to 1.5 million Americans² 1 in 150 births³ $90 billion annual cost⁴ 90% of costs are in adult services⁴ Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention⁴ In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion⁵ 1. U.S. Department of Education's "Twenty-First Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (1999). 2. Based on the autism prevalence rate of 2 to 6 per 1,000 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001) and 2000 U.S. Census figure of 280 million Americans. 3 . Based on prevalence statistics from the National Institutes of Health (2004) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001). Update! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released new data which indicates the Autism rate is higher than previously calculated! Read the CNN.com article. 4. Jarbrink K, Knapp M, 2001, London School of Economics study: "The economic impact on autism in Britain," 5 (1): 7-22. 5. ASA calculates that the annual cost of autism will increase to $200-400 billion in 10 years. February 2003
Board of Directors Gregg Whelen - Co-Founder/President Brian Hall - Co-Founder/Executive Director Ted Griffin - Public Relations Director Paul Shelffo - Fundraising Director Monica Rae - Treasurer Chris Fonseca - Special Events Coordinator Wayne McGinnis - Honorary Board Member Karen Cuthbertson - Honorary Board Member Executive Chef William Kelsey - Honorary Board Member
Comprehensive Who's Who of SOS-AD, Inc.