The Importance of Mind the Gap to our Community

Aug. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- The International Coalition for Autism and All Abilities (ICAA) is holding its annual school supply drive until August 25th.
The School Supply Drive is part of the ICAA educational project, “Mind the Gap”, which also provides educator appreciation awards, annual autism awareness card campaigns,  provides services, supports, and consults to schools (pre-K to college level)throughout the year.

On August 18th from 10 AM to 12 Noon,  St. Louis’ infamous Dave Glover Show stars,  and others will descend on the Dierbergs Deer Creek parking lot in Dardenne Prairie to help the ICAA efforts this year.  ICAA President Emily Malabey says the goal this year is to fully supply and support two area schools for the year.

“Our goal this year is to fully serve two schools in the St. Charles  County, and the St. Louis Metro area, for the entire school year.  We are in need of special and basic school supplies. Our school supply drive helps children and schools in need, but also helps ensure all children spend more time in classrooms with their peers, with many of the requested school supplies, children with special needs will be able to access increased classroom time.”

The ICAA stresses the importance of Mind the Gap by saying that teachers often spend hundreds of dollars out of pocket for their students each year, and that in this economy, more and more children may be entering school without even the basics.  

To be eligible schools must be accredited private or public schools (k-12 grades can be served), and must serve students with disabilities, including autism.

“The one requirement is that the school cannot turn away students based on a diagnosis of autism, or other disability”, said Malabey.  

Malabey also said there are many schools on a wait list for the ICAA supplies and services.  

“Many schools need our help. And we’re unique because we have this school supply drive, but we also provide supports throughout the year, which are sorely needed.”

The ICAA Board will determine which schools receive the donations each year and distribution occurs after August 25th.  

Donation bins are located throughout the community, and ICAA reps say they hope more area businesses say “yes” to the ICAA school supply donation bins, and/or ICAA donation money boxes next year.  

“It costs the business nothing, and all the donations are put right back into our local schools. ICAA even provides the bins and the donation boxes” said Malabey.

For more information, please see the ICAA website at www.icaaonline.org

ICAA reps are available for interviews: info@icaaonline.org