The Els for Autism Foundation® is intensifying its efforts to combat drowning, the leading cause of death for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent findings by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County reveal that Palm Beach County has the highest rate of drownings involving autistic children in Florida, which leads the nation to these tragic incidents.
Water safety and drowning prevention have become central to the Els for Autism® mission. The foundation is actively expanding The Els Center of Excellence® campus and its program’s offerings to address these alarming statistics. “The time is now for us as a community to come together and prevent another tragedy,” said Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC, Executive Director of Els for Autism. “Time is of the essence to provide accessible life-saving programs to keep our children safe.”
In 2023, the foundation launched a capital campaign to construct a specialized autism-friendly recreation complex, which will feature a gymnasium, an aquatic center, and a splash pad. With the support of Florida legislators, Els for Autism has secured two $1 million state appropriations for the project. Additionally, Stanley Black & Decker has committed $5 million to support the campaign. The foundation is halfway to its fundraising goal and continues to engage individual donors, sponsors, and grantors to achieve its objective.
While fundraising continues for the recreation complex, scheduled to break ground in 2025, the foundation is expanding the Ernie Els GameON Autism® Sports program to include aquatics. This program will serve as the curriculum for specialized swim lessons and water safety training at the aquatic center pool.
Once completed, the Ernie Els GameON Autism® Aquatics program will be available globally, allowing individuals, organizations, or businesses to become Official Program Providers and offer this lifesaving program in their communities.
