April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the accomplishments of our neurodiverse community. At Pacific Autism Center for Education, we are committed to empowering individuals with autism and their families and strive to break down barriers that individuals with autism often face through education, advocacy, and support.
Each year, we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with a theme decided by our Youth Leadership Committee. This year’s theme is #SeeBeyondtheLabel, a reminder to recognize the unique strengths and voices of every individual. Throughout this month and beyond, we encourage acts of kindness, both big and small. Whether lending a listening ear, offering a helping hand, or simply spreading awareness, every gesture of kindness creates ripple effects of positivity and acceptance. Join us in spreading the message by participating in our campaign below!
Roma Ybera has been an Occupational Therapist at PACE for nearly 10 years, helping students build the skills they need to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Through her work, students gain confidence in everyday activities, from classroom engagement to essential life skills.
“I enjoy working at PACE because of all the opportunities our students can access with the support of our entire team,” Roma shares. “We collaborate closely across disciplines to help each student reach their full potential.”
One of Roma’s most meaningful success stories highlights the power of that support. A student she worked with struggled with limited food choices due to sensory aversions. After years of patient, consistent work, that student is now exploring new foods with curiosity and confidence. Today, he is trying fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and has even discovered new favorites.
Stories like this are made possible because of the dedicated staff at PACE and the generosity of our community.
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we invite you to support PACE’s Annual Fund. Your gift directly fuels life-changing programs, including education, residential services, early intervention, and therapies for children and adults with moderate-to-severe autism.
Donations also make it possible to provide enriching experiences such as music therapy and ongoing professional development for staff like Roma, resources that are not covered by state funding but are essential to student growth.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps create more moments of progress, confidence, and joy. Thank you for helping our students thrive.
Ways to participate:
- Make sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook @pacificautismce and use the hashtag #PACESeeBeyondtheLabel
- Donate toward our fundraising goal of $20,000! In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, please consider donating toward our goal of $20,000 to support PACE’s Annual Fund. The Annual Fund supports PACE’s school, residential, early intervention, and therapy programs for children and adults impacted by moderate-to-severe autism.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn all month long for special interviews, stories, autism resources, and more.
PACE Youth Leadership Committee’s Online Fundraiser
Throughout April, the PACE Youth Leadership Committee aims to increase autism acceptance, spread kindness, and raise important funds for PACE.
Archita has been volunteering with the PACE Youth Leadership Committee for two years and is the sister of a PACE student. She volunteers at events throughout the year, helps organize fundraisers, and campaigns to support the PACE mission.
“My twin brother is a current student at PACE, and it has helped him so much. He learns something new every day and seems extremely happy there because of the kind, welcoming environment!,” says Archita.
“Autism Acceptance Month is important because it shifts the focus from just awareness to inclusivity for those with autism.”