Bounce! Trampoline Sports announced last month its Autism Awareness Initiative in partnership with the Nassau Suffolk Chapter of the Autism Society of America (NSASA). The goal of the partnership is to raise money to promote further awareness and understanding of autism, enhance the overall experience of people with autism and other special needs while at Bounce! and act as a role model for other businesses in the community.
“Since opening our first location in 2011, we have worked closely with organizations who serve individuals with special needs because we strongly believe that the healthy recreation, fitness and fun that Bounce! provides should be widely accessible to everyone,” said Nick Caplan, general manager of Bounce!. “While we’ve always welcomed patrons with special needs, with guidance from NSASA, we’ve put a number of new initiatives in place that further enrich their experience and better serve our patrons. Autism spoke and we listened.”
In fact, Bounce! didn’t just listen—they acted. On June 27, as validation of the partnership, Caplan presented NSASA executive director Suzanne Reek and Gotham Government Relations and Communications Partner Diane Cahill with a $9,000 check. The donation was meant to help fund social activities and other programs that support individuals with autism and their families.
“We look forward to continuing this important work in a positive atmosphere of understanding and caring, with well trained staff and special programs,” Caplan added.
“We appreciate the willingness of Bounce! management and staff to support the mission of the ASA with expanded programs, training and financial support,” said Suzanne Reek, president of the NSASA. “The behaviors and sensory issues involved with autism can make taking our kids out into the community extremely difficult and challenging. The mission of ASA is to help individuals with autism and their families become fully participating members of the community. Bounce! can become the model of what a private enlightened business can do for those with autism and other special needs.”
Research has shown that children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome can benefit from regular exercise and that trampolining in particular can provide additional physical and social benefits. Sitting or bouncing on a trampoline can help to increase coordination by improving bilateral motor skills and is a very gentle and safe form of exercise, as the trampoline pad absorbs a significant proportion of the impact.
For more details and a schedule of upcoming events at Bounce!, visit www.bounceonit.com or like Bounce! on Facebook and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bouncesport.
—With Reporting by Daniel Choe
