VARIETY OF CENTRAL IOWA GRANT SUPPORTS NEW OT GYM

Balance Autism is grateful to receive a generous grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa to support the development of a new occupational therapy gym at our Clive clinic.

The new OT gym will provide a dedicated space where children can build important skills through movement, play and individualized occupational therapy. The space will allow our team to incorporate equipment and activities designed to support areas such as fine and gross motor development, coordination, sensory regulation, strength, balance and everyday functional skills.

For the children and families we serve, having this resource available within the Balance Autism Clive clinic means greater access to comprehensive, coordinated services in one familiar setting. It also gives our occupational therapists additional opportunities to create engaging, individualized treatment experiences that help each child work toward greater independence and success in daily life.

We are incredibly thankful to Variety of Central Iowa for investing in children and families in our community and for helping Balance Autism continue to expand the resources available to those we serve. Their support is helping us create a space where children can learn, grow and build skills that extend far beyond the therapy room.We look forward to sharing more as the new OT gym comes to life!

The below image offers a preview of the vision for the future OT gym at our Clive clinic.

Health & Safety Tips

As flu season approaches, we encourage everyone to take steps to protect themselves and those around them. Getting an annual flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and help prevent the spread of influenza.

At Balance Autism, we offer flu vaccinations to all employees and individuals receiving residential services as part of our commitment to promoting health and wellness.These are offered and highly recommended, but not required.

We also encourage our families, friends, and the greater community to get their annual flu shots. By taking this simple preventive step, we can help protect not only ourselves but also those who may be more vulnerable to complications from the flu.

Let's work together to keep our Balance Autism community healthy this flu season!

 

CELEBRATING OUR FRONTLINE HEROES DURING DSP WEEK!

September 13–19 was Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the incredible individuals who provide hands-on support, encouragement, and care to people with disabilities every day. At Balance Autism, our DSPs are at the heart of our mission, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

This year, we celebrated with a carnival-themed week filled with appreciation, friendly competitions, prizes, and special activities across our locations. One of the highlights was seeing team members recognize one another for the unique ways they make a difference. Staff were asked to describe their coworkers as circus or carnival performers, and their responses reminded us just how special our teams are.

One employee recognized Emma as a clown, sharing, "She always lifts my spirits when I'm having a bad day or she makes a good day even better by playing off my good energy and keeping everyone laughing and smiling." Another described Elizabeth from our Quad Cities team as an acrobat, recognizing her for "going ABOVE and BEYOND for her coworkers!" and always being willing to lend a hand and find solutions.

These heartfelt shout-outs reflect the teamwork, compassion, and dedication we see throughout Balance Autism every day. While DSP Week lasts just seven days, our appreciation for these incredible frontline professionals extends all year long. Enjoy a a sampling of the celebrations across the organization and the people who make our mission possible in the photo collage below!