Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately one in every 36 children and one in every 45 adults in the United States today. To help make the journey a little easier, there are many local and national nonprofit organizations that offer resources, services, support, and education for individuals, their families, and their caregivers.
These nonprofits can provide things like autism advocacy, access to resources and support services, community-building activities, education, and more.
When it comes to autism, each person’s needs are different. When it comes to the nonprofits that support the autism community, each one has different needs from their insurance.
So, what do these Autism nonprofits need most from their insurance?
We talked with several NIA-insured autism-focused nonprofits about their missions — and what they need most from their insurance coverage to ensure that those missions can keep going.
In their own words…
Autism Advocates in Action Support Group (Carson, CA)
“Our mission is to provide community support for different abilities by providing educational workshops, community events and quality referrals. We provide access to autism support services that help families implement change, which leads to success.
We provide the following programs: Webinars and support group meetings, social engagement and community events and quality referrals to help families navigate the systems towards supported living services.”
– Renita Verner, Executive Director, Autism Advocates in Action Support Group
One Child Center for Autism (Williamsburg, VA)
“One Child’s mission is to provide services and support to children and families affected by autism and other developmental differences. We provide both therapeutic and recreational programs aimed at helping not only the child, but also the family.
We provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational programs like teen social clubs, sibling club, and kids’ night — which is a night of fun for the kids and a break for the caregivers.”
– Julie Cullifer, Executive Director, One Child Center for Autism
Good Dog! Service Canines (Fallbrook, CA)
“Good Dog! Service Canines provides service dogs to children with autism and their families. We commit wholeheartedly and compassionately to each being that we serve through our organization. It’s in this spirit the conditions for healing and transformation can best occur. We use only positive training methods for our dogs and our people.”
– Laura Sylvester, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Good Dog! Service Canines
BroadFutures (Washington, DC)
“BroadFutures empowers neurodivergent young people to achieve professional success, while helping employers create inclusive, accessible workplaces.
Through innovative internship programs, combining meaningful work with comprehensive training and support for both participants and employers, BroadFutures is revolutionizing the workplace to benefit everyone.
We offer internships programs that combine mentoring, and professional training for interns, along with comprehensive support and neurodiversity training for employers.”
– Carolyn K. Jeppsen, Co-Founder/CEO/President, BroadFutures
What did these autism support organizations need most from their insurer?
An insurer that’s there for their customers.
“The most important thing our organization needed was cost, stability, insurance customization, and customer service.”
– Renita Verner, Autism Advocates in Action Support Group
Affordable and substantial coverage.
“As we grew, we need more substantial coverage that was affordable.”
– Julie Cullifer, One Child Center for Autism
Nonprofit-focused coverage.
“Our nonprofit needed Directors & Officers insurance and Liability coverage to keep our board members and organization safe.”
– Laura Sylvester, Good Dog! Service Canines
“We needed Directors & Officers coverage as well as General Liability insurance for our nonprofit.”– Carolyn K. Jeppsen, BroadFutures
How did these autism support nonprofits hear about NIA?
Referral from other nonprofits.
“We were referred to NIA by Pools of Hope in Long Beach, California.”
– Renita Verner, Autism Advocates in Action Support Group
“Our nonprofit first heard about NIA through the nonprofit networks in Washington, DC.”– Carolyn K. Jeppsen, BroadFutures
Broker’s recommendation.
“Our organization first learned of NIA through our insurance broker.”
– Julie Cullifer, One Child Center for Autism
Since becoming NIA members, how has that relationship helped these autism support organizations?
Timely and responsive service.
“I like how responsive NIA is when we need answers to questions. If we need to add a name to our insurance certificate to accommodate our community partners, NIA’s response and the documents are completed in a timely manner. Also, NIA’s webinars on state and federal regulations were very informative and useful.”
– Renita Verner, Autism Advocates in Action Support Group
One provider for all coverage needs.
“NIA understood the needs of us as a nonprofit and as a business. We appreciated being able to get all types of coverage through one provider.”
– Julie Cullifer, One Child Center for Autism
More than just insurance.
“NIA is nonprofit-focused, and provides helpful tips and information just for nonprofits, as well as things like free and timely liability waivers.”
– Laura Sylvester, Good Dog! Service Canines
Ready for an emergency.
“NIA is very, very supportive. Prior to starting my own nonprofit, I was a lawyer specializing in civil litigation, representing major insurance companies in insurance defense. I understood the importance of good insurance. When our organization faced potential liability, I was particularly sensitive due to my background. NIA handled our situation with respect, patience, and excellence.”
– Carolyn K. Jeppsen, BroadFutures
A partner who’s in it for the long haul.
Why do autism support organizations prefer NIA as their insurer?
It’s simple: We’re here when you need us.
Nonprofits have enough on their plate trying to keep their doors open and serving the autism community. When they need their insurer, they can’t afford to be kept waiting.
NIA’s team works diligently to provide the coverage autism support nonprofits need, at a price they can afford, and timely communications, providing a reliable partner and much-needed peace of mind.
