Dear Friends and Partners,
The last quarter has been a time of meaningful progress at JoyDew, and we are grateful to the supporters and partners who make this imperative work possible.
We continue to create more opportunities for autistic adults through developing strengths, teaching relevant skills, pursuing employment, continuing education, and building connections within their own communities.
Here are some highlights:
Employment Pathways
Members gained access to four medical-grade mammography workstations, secure PACS servers, and DICOM-compliant imaging software, allowing us to create a sensory-friendly, professional training environment. Seven members are currently training with the radiology equipment with the goal of launching a formal study in 2027.
We are also developing new employment pathways in Accessibility Quality Assurance, with two pilot engagements completed and five more in progress. Our goal is to turn these experiences into recurring paid work.
Putting Skills to Work in the Community
Through our partnership with Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS), JoyDew members are applying their Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Our members document Beech Leaf Disease symptoms and canopy health, then analyze data and create tools that prioritize conservation efforts and evaluate treatment strategies. Working in conjunction with FOPOS, members are gaining hands-on experience in GIS data collection, mapping, quality assurance, spatial analysis, and visualization.
The data collected by our members layers into a live network, allowing conservation workers worldwide to collaborate on this important research.
Expanding Access to Higher Education
JoyDew’s “AI Foundations” pilot program in partnership with Santa Fe College in Florida has just completed, with six members earning their certificates (including three non-speaking members). The online college-level course explored Artificial Intelligence (AI), giving them exposure to emerging technologies and developing valuable STEM knowledge.
JoyDew staff adapted the material for different learning styles with individualized accommodations, dedicated instructional support, a variety of teaching methods, and a learning environment built around their strengths. The experience provides valuable insight into how college-level education can be made more accessible to adults with autism.
Creating Spaces for Community and Belonging
In addition to our regular trips and activities, JoyDew sponsored an autism-friendly screening of Pointing Fingers at The Clairidge Theatre in Montclair, bringing together young adults from the non-speaking community for an afternoon focused on connection and inclusion. The event included a conversation with Heidi Rome, founder of Moms Spectrum Oasis, a screening of the film, and a live Q&A with autistic non-speaking filmmaker Dan Bergmann.
Looking Ahead
Our efforts to provide housing continue after a meeting with DHS in September. We look forward to being able to provide a safe, intentionally designed home for autistic adults. Each milestone is a step towards our Whole Life Solution™, where adults with autism can learn, work, connect, and pursue their goals throughout adulthood. Thank you for being part of the JoyDew community and for believing in what is possible.
With gratitude,
The JoyDew Foundation Team
