JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville School for Autism is celebrating significant state support regarded by parents as transformative. The $300,000 grant, presented by Florida Senator Clay Yarborough on Wednesday, will be utilized to broaden the school’s curriculum that equips students with autism for self-reliance and employment opportunities.

For Rachel Tison, a mother of three, the funding means an opportunity for her 18-year-old son Ben, who is on the autism spectrum.

“For our family, this funding is truly transformative,” shared Tison. “There is hope that he will someday lead a purposeful life and make a valuable long-term contribution to our family.”

Ben participates in the school’s STEP program, which stands for Supportive Transition & Employment Program. The program emphasizes job-readiness skills and life strategies such as time management, endurance, problem-solving, and the ability to accept feedback.

“These are all skills that come naturally to a lot of us,” Tison explained. “But they don’t necessarily come naturally for kids with autism.”

Senator Yarborough said he advocated for this funding. 

“Their efforts clearly address the critical needs of these families and students, making support for them an obvious choice,” stated Yarborough.

The CDC reports that autism is identified in one out of every 31 children in the United States by the age of 8. Tison highlights the increased importance of initiatives like these in today’s context.

“You’re going to encounter people with autism every single day of your life,” she said.

The Jacksonville School for Autism has been serving families for 20 years. Founder Michelle Dunham started the school after her own son’s diagnosis.

“That funding is paramount so that we can continue to support students and build programs,” Dunham said. 

For Benjamin, the investment is already paying off.

“I always do my best to get the job done well,” he said. “I like working in the community.”

Parents said the new funding goes far beyond numbers on a check; it’s about preparing students for the future and giving families hope.